just back...too many scooters!

[smjj]

We just got back a couple of day ago and when we were taking the bus from Downtown Disney back to OKW(we were the only ones onboard). I ask the driver how many buses Disney had and he said it was 280+. He then told me Disney had been test driving a new type of bus on its cast members routes and decided to purchase 40 to replace and add to their fleet. It was then discovered these new buses were configured so that two wheelchairs or scooters could be loaded but to offload the first, the second one needed to be taken back off. it stuck out too far. Disney is now trying to figure out what to do about this. The driver just laughed and thought they should have tested it on guest as well as cast members before buying 40+ buses...smjj

 

[MareSINY]

First of all, if you do not think that these scooters get you in line faster you are flat wrong! I have seen it many, many times from Small World to buses.

Second, lets not forget that when people who do not need them use them just to keep from walking as much, get to the head of the line, or to have a basket to put stuff in, they take them from someone who really does need them. Several times last week I saw signs stating that all the ECV's were rented. I am glad I didn't really need one.

No one wants to make anyone feel bad about needing one or try to disuade you from renting one. The issue is that they are not on of the "rides" at Disney. They are not toys to be used for "fun." They are a motor vehicle that is capable of hurting someone if not used appropriately...and unfortunately that is what happens all too often.

In all the times we've used the scooter for my dad at the parks never have we gotten onto a ride faster. When we were in AK at the Kilamanjaro Safari they told my dad to ride his scooter through the line (he would usually park it before getting on line) and when we reached a certain point they opened the rope and had us all go into another holding area. We were joking about how the scooter may have finally paid off, thinking we were getting on the ride quicker, but in fact we had a LONGER WAIT. They had only certain trucks that were wheelchair accessible, and even though he parked his scooter right before getting on the truck, we still had to wait until a wheelchair accessible vehicle came. We NEVER got any type of special treatment when he used the scooter.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

I would think that a HP sticker or a doctor's note would be a prerequisite for renting a scooter. All of the above posters who had legitimate reasons for needing one (even for a temporary condition) would easily be able to get such a note. I'm sure there would still be those that could circumvent the requirements, but even so, these rules might:
a) make more ECVs available for those who really need them
b) reduce the number of people in the parks renting them for fun, thus
c) improving the perceptions of the public towards those who use ECVs.

My sympathies go out towards those who have real physical challenges...it's not fair that those who would abuse the system would put such a stigma on getting a little help to get around.

 

[Forevryoung]

First of all, if you do not think that these scooters get you in line faster you are flat wrong! I have seen it many, many times from Small World to buses.

I went to Disney with a 10 year old who has cerebral palsy. She used her own personal scooter for the first day at Epcot. Even using her own scooter (which she uses every day) was so draining on her and by mid afternoon we went back to the car and got her stroller. We were constantly yelling at her to keep up with us. She went super slowly because she was so worried about running into other people. She refused to use her scooter the rest of the week and instead relied upon us to push her.

The whole week we didn't get in anything faster. Actually on Spaceship Earth we waited over 20 min instead of the usual walk on because there was a line at the back entrance (main line is not accessible). For Small World we waited extra as well because we needed the one wheelchair accessible boat and there were two people ahead of us for it. It was that way the whole time. We didn't care, we were just happy to be there

 

[minnie61650]

I would think that a HP sticker or a doctor's note would be a prerequisite for renting a scooter. All of the above posters who had legitimate reasons for needing one (even for a temporary condition) would easily be able to get such a note. I'm sure there would still be those that could circumvent the requirements, but even so, these rules might:
a) make more ECVs available for those who really need them
b) reduce the number of people in the parks renting them for fun, thus
c) improving the perceptions of the public towards those who use ECVs.

My sympathies go out towards those who have real physical challenges...it's not fair that those who would abuse the system would put such a stigma on getting a little help to get around.

I don't think Disney is allowed to ask for a Doctor's note or HP sticker because of the disabilites act.
When we wentto Disney this last Oct. I did however print out a copy of my Handicapped permit on magnetic paper punched holes in it and tied it my EVC basket with lime ribbons and some lime Mickey heads. This time when people looked at me on my scooter I just thought they were fellow DIS members and I did meet and speak to a couple of you in the parks.
My DH thought I was silly putting those Mickey heads on my EVC and bet me that I would not meet any other DIS members. Boy did I prove him wrong!

 

[DisneyPhD]

I don't think Disney is allowed to ask for a Doctor's note or HP sticker because of the disabilites act.
When we wentto Disney this last Oct. I did however print out a copy of my Handicapped permit on magnetic paper punched holes in it and tied it my EVC basket with lime ribbons and some lime Mickey heads. This time when people looked at me on my scooter I just thought they were fellow DIS members and I did meet and speak to a couple of you in the parks.
My DH thought I was silly putting those Mickey heads on my EVC and bet me that I would not meet any other DIS members. Boy did I prove him wrong!

I am trying to think of the ADA, I guess I could look it up line to know more. I had a few classes on it, but most were from the view point of deafness as the disability. However I don't know how that would be. I don't think Disney offering the ECV is part of the law (like having HC accesable rooms, TTY's in rooms or closed captioning on T.V.'s) as much as it is good bussiness. I could see how they could reserve them for guests in need (with Dr. notes or HC) so they don't run out. I guess though some people who don't start off on a trip needing one, but later turn out too (very pregnant women who are having a hard time, people who injur themselves on the trip etc.....) it would cut them off. No one wants that. Sigh....... I guess it sounded like a good idea. I guess we just have to trust peoples own judgment, and we all know how great that can be.

I like your idea of the lime ribbons. You have to identify it some way anyhow right? (so someone doesn't "walk" off with it!) I know that peolpe who need the EVC and other things like them don't like the abuse any more then people who have never needed the services (yet.)

 

[Amy&Dan]

I am trying to think of the ADA, I guess I could look it up line to know more. I had a few classes on it, but most were from the view point of deafness as the disability. However I don't know how that would be. I don't think Disney offering the ECV is part of the law (like having HC accesable rooms, TTY's in rooms or closed captioning on T.V.'s) as much as it is good bussiness. I could see how they could reserve them for guests in need (with Dr. notes or HC) so they don't run out. I guess though some people who don't start off on a trip needing one, but later turn out too (very pregnant women who are having a hard time, people who injur themselves on the trip etc.....) it would cut them off. No one wants that. Sigh....... I guess it sounded like a good idea. I guess we just have to trust peoples own judgment, and we all know how great that can be.

I like your idea of the lime ribbons. You have to identify it some way anyhow right? (so someone doesn't "walk" off with it!) I know that peolpe who need the EVC and other things like them don't like the abuse any more then people who have never needed the services (yet.)

Yeah, I realized after I posted my idea of Disney asking for proof in order to offer a discount, that probably would never work in reality. Oh well. I just feel bad that people who need them get such a bad rap due to the people who don't, but rent anyway, and the people who judge others by what they think they know. And I know firsthand it doesn't get you a thing in the way of shorter lines. This unfortunately is one of those situations where there isn't ever going to be a way to end the problem and the controversy surrounding it. If someone is reading this thread and thinking they shouldn't rent an ECCV even though they need one, don't feel that way! In spite of a few negative comments we have received at Disneyland from a few arrogant, uninformed folks, we have found the ECCV to be a valuable tool for my fil that has made some really fun family times possible. I know he will definitely need one at AK and Epcot next month and all of this certainly hasn't changed my way of thinking. As for the people who rent them and don't need them, let them waste their money and make fools out of themselves. They'll find out the hard way someday.

 

[bytheblood]

You know, I always stay out of this debate, but I am going to speak up this time........

Yes, there are people who have handicaps that are not visible to the on-lookers.
Yes, there are a lot of lazy people who use scooters, ECVs, Wheelchairs, etc, that have no business in them.
Yes, there are people who abuse the system.
Yes, there are people who should be in them that will not use them because of judgemental statements.

Fact-of-the-matter is folks, no matter how much we complain, point fingers, call names, create labels, etc..... it is not going to change the fact that there are still handicapped...lazy...needful...abusers out there.

Just a note -
One of the managers I work with took her son this past March. She pushed his adorable 14-year-old 6'1" butt around in a wheelchair and you could not tell a thing was wrong with him. Ten days before heading to Florida, her son had to have an emergency appendectomy. He then got an infection where they operated. Her doctor specifically told her that her son could not do too much walking and could not get any any coaster-type rides. She still took him and pushed him around in a wheelchair. You could not tell a thing was wrong, but had he have tried walking around DW for 5 days, he would have been right back in the hospital.

Have compassion on people before you pass judgement.

And just for the record, I am not taking a side. During my June visit, I was ran into by some crazy woman who had no business driving the ECV 75 MPH on a downward slope and another crazy woman back up over me because she was pushing people out of the way to see Lucky. I am sure they both needed them, but it still does not excuse their behavior. One said Excuse me and the other looked at me like I was in her way. I nicely told her, "Excuse You. If you be kind, I can move from where I was already standing before you run me over." I understand the frustration, but I think that just because people cannot drive the darn things, does not mean they do not need them.

 

[DisneyPhD]

bytheblood, your post makes me think of yet another group requiring doc notices would cut off. Those who were injured after being run down by people in ECV.

If my father even went back to WDW again he would need one (as I posted before) However I don't think I would trust him to drive one. He is rather grumpy sometimes and I think he might take some joy in running someone over (only if they were rude or something) but still. I guess it is just as well he doesn't want to go back.

 

[disboo]

Just a quick note -

My 83 year old father can't stand or walk too long, so we rented a wheelchair. It turned the trip from a chore to a joy. What I really noticed was how Disney employees made a point of speaking to Dad, not me. I thought at the time that the employees had obviously received training in being senstitive to those in wheelchairs, and I am sure Dad appreciated it.

Even though Disney is fairly flat, pushing a wheelchair up and down the little rises is still taxing. I could do it, but if my Dad's significant other (also in her 80's) had to do it, well, she just couldn't have. In that case he would have needed an ECV, which he never needs at home.

I never felt out of place with Dad in the wheelchair. As I said, it made the trip a joy - I will never forget.

 

[PammyPoppins]

We were at DisneyWorld in October, and my daughter has uncontrolled seizures and alot of them. We had a special assistance pass. During the afternoon parade it was very crowded and we went to the handicapped section so we could get her out quick if we need to. Every other year the cast members never gave us a problem with using the special assistance pass during the parade. This year we were refused, they said wheel-chairs and scooters only and their accompanying family members. I tried to explain that my daughter will not sit in a wheel chair and wants to walk(until a seizure hits) but is medically fragile, I was still refused. It did burn me a bit because my daughter is medically fragile. I showed them a letter from her neurologist stating her condition and requesting the highest level of assistance pass but I was still refused for her to sit in the handicapped section during the parade, wheel chairs and scooters and accompanying family members only, I was told!! Later that day she had a seizure in the Magic Kingdom and everyone was wonderful, she was unconscious laying on the ground for a few minutes. Alot of Disney employees came to aide us. They asked me if we had a special assitance pass and that we needed to get one and explained to me where to get it, I said we had one. I should of told them what happened early at the Parade and if they now thought my daughter was handicapped enough to sit in that section but they were all so nice I didn't want to complain. I do think something is wrong when a cast member is shown a pass and a letter stating a person's condition but if you are not in a wheel chair or scooter you can not sit there. It was about 10 deep for the parade along the path and that was just too crowded in for us to get with her because we never know when a seizure will hit.
PammyPoppins

 

[PammyPoppins]

Hi! I wanted to add one thing to my last post. The cast member went and askeded a supervisor when I asked if anyone could over-rule the rule about wheelchairs and scooters only and acompanying family, she went and talked to a supervisor who said "No, sorry that is our policy".
Pammy Poppins

 

[DVCLiz]

Our society is darnright lazy. I heard the exact same quote "my turn, you've had it long enough" this past week. Overweight, un-fit folks, that just didn't want to walk. I personally think that you should have to get a prescription from your Doctor to be able to rent scooters. My DM's freind suggested she get a scooter to get on the rides faster. This is the way of thinking for some and it IS getting out of control.

Do you think overweight, un-fit folks should be denied access to scooters? Even if they are not physically able to walk as much in a day as the normal touring plan would dictate??? Or would you consider them to have a medical condition??? Just curious - I've seen so many references to lazy people in this and other posts, and I wonder about people's perceptions. My assumption is that most posters on this thread would say -tough luck, fattie...walk it or stay away. That's not my personal opinion, but it seems to be a constant running through this and other threads like it.

As many others have stated, there is no longer any front of the line access with scooters or wheelchairs. Your DM's friend would have been disappointed to have to wait with everyone else. There are possibly some rides where the loading area would dictate that a wheelchair-bound person might skip ahead a little (I'm thinking of rides like Winnie the Pooh, where you would go to the exit area to load) but not many, and not often.

 

[tndisneyfan]

I don't have a problem with the amount of scooters, but I do think you should have to take some kind class before you can rent one. No not a six week course but just a little 1/2 hour or hour session on how to run them. I know on our trip there was a lady in one and she could not get it on the bus. She finally had to get out and let her husband drive it on the bus.

Now that I have said that, my best friend had a bad car wreck and has mobility issues. She can walk short distances but there is no way she could walk in the parks. Unless they see her try to walk I am sure a lot of people think she is just an obese slob that is too lazy to walk. You can't always tell a handicap just by looking at someone. I am thankful that WDW and other amusement parks allow scooters so my friend and others like her can enjoy life despite their handicap.

 

[EeyoreBrat]

In this world there are considerate and un-considerate people. Whether there driving handicapped on not driving ECV or soccer moms on cell phones driving huge vehicles that they cannot control. In every facet of life you meet these people. The important thing is tolerance, no matter the circumstance. Yelling, screaming, complaining, or pitching a fit is not going to change other people, all it will do if ruin your vacation. The people who rent ECVs deservingly or not are paying to rent the ECV and therefore have a right to do so in the park. Some will be considerate others will not. The same can be said for families with stroller, people walking or other cars on the highway. Be considerate and responsible yourself, and practice tolerance and hope others do the same.

EeyoreBrat

 

[Stacerita]

We just got back and I have to agree.....too many scooters. They were everywhere. Im not going to debate who really was needing them and who didn't. But I will say that most didn't know how to operate them properly and drove them like they were entitled to all the "walk"ways. It would just be nice to not have to worry about being run down or clipped in the back of the leg by a driver who didn't know how to work it right or wasn't paying attention.

 

[Rudegrle]

On our Trip two years ago I noticed a large number of scooters in the park, and for some reason they all would come out around 11am. At first I thought it was kinda funny, "look out, here comes granny on her scooter!" , but I do realize that *some* people really need them. On our most recent trip is when I really started to get iritated by the whole scooter thing, this was after I was ran into a few times. Sometimes it seemed like my whole day was spent avoiding scooters. But all in all I was at WDW and nothing was gonna rain on my good times (except for the thunderstorms one day).

I guess the funniest part was when I started srapbooking the pictures from my trips and I really noticed how many of my pics had scooters in them I had to dedicate an entire page to my battle of the scoots!

 

[JPN4265]

We just returned from 8 days at WDW and had a wonderful time...but I think these electric scooters are out of control! I was personally hit by a lady during MVMCP and saw another person get run over after Fantasmic.
I understand that some need a little help getting around but it seems that anyone who is not wanting to walk will pay the money to rent one and some have no idea how to drive them.
They also seem to take alot of extra time on the transportation side as we all have to wait for them to load and unload first. Maybe this thread is callous but I saw a lady on a scooter who couldn't get it parked straight, stand up and lift the end around to straighten it up. Then after taking 3 seats on the bus to park her scooter, sat in a separate seat that could have been used for some other tired tourist.

I may get flamed for this but does anyone else feel the same way? Who has the right of way?

Sometimes speaking the truth will get you flamed. Don't worry about it, most people will agree with you. GO POKES!!

 

[WDW LOVR]

I think the majority of people who use scooters need them for one reason or another (visable or not). Of course there will be a small percentage of abuse, but it might not be apparent if someone needs one or not, so I always give them the benefit of the doubt. Heck, I look perfectly healthy, but because of some previous ankle surgery, at the end of a long day there are times where I can barely stand the pain. There might be a time in the future where I use a scooter, but it wouldn't be obvious why.

That being said, can someone answer the one question I've always had (and this is an honest question)? When you're waiting in line for a bus at park closing time and there are 2-3 bus loads of people waiting in line, why does a person in a scooter (and their whole troop) get to drive right past all the line and get on the first bus before the people that have been waiting in line ahead of them? We're all tired and want to get on a bus back to our resort and a person in a scooter at least has somewhere to sit while waiting for their turn on a bus. That just doesn't seem fair to me.

 

[CheshireVal]

Do you think overweight, un-fit folks should be denied access to scooters? Even if they are not physically able to walk as much in a day as the normal touring plan would dictate??? Or would you consider them to have a medical condition???

I would actually like to see a policy in place where only people with legitimate medical issues can rent scooters-- kind of like getting a handicapped parking decal. I don't think being morbidly obese and unfit is really a good enough reason to rent a scooter, *unless* the weight is caused by a legitimate medical condition.