just back...too many scooters!

[Laugh O. Grams]

I can never get over the cynical reactions to these kind of threads. Noone knows anyone else's medical condition just from a quick look as they roll by you driving a scooter. I've got a great idea. Next time some of you scooter haters are at the parks, go to guest services and complain about all of the people on scooters and how much they bother you! Make sure you tell them that they should resrict how many scooters they allow in the park, which would, in turn, restrict how many disabled people could come in as well, because it would really ruin your "one in a lifetime" trip to WDW to see so many of them. I'm sure they would go over real well with the Disney folks!! As a matter of fact, while you're at it, there are a bunch of unused HC spaces at the front of the park...wouldn't your trip be so much better if you could park there instead of someone with HC plates who you swear you saw actually park and walk out of her car? I mean, some of these so-called disabled people who say they disabled then have the nerve to actually stand up!! Shame on them!!

 

[88Keys]

All I know is that I can not stand the OP!!!!

Not because of the thread or thoughts about EVCs but because the Op is a Dallas Cowboys fan.


Booooo!!


GO REDSKINS

 

[DVCLiz]

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.

Does that mean you feel that only people fit enough to walk through the park and with enough stamina to maintain their energy levels throughout the day should be allowed into the Disney parks???

 

[jarestel]

I really don't see how it's Disney's fault for not designing a "logical traffic flow." I've never had a problem figuring out where to walk while there to get to my destination.

Knowing where you want to go and getting there are 2 different things. Nobody would think a highway where any kind of traffic could travel in any direction at any time is a good idea. So it kind of is Disney's fault for not having the foresight to anticipate that vehicles might one day be competing with foot traffic for travel space. With no designated vehicle paths, the "incidents" between pedestrians and scooters will only get worse over time. I don't blame the scooter users or the walkers for this. We just have to deal with a less than perfect traffic design and hope for the best.

 

[snowbunny]

I've got a great idea. Next time some of you scooter haters are at the parks [etc. etc. etc.]

I don't see why expecting everyone to display the same common courtesy, whether walking or riding, i.e., not plowing into people, makes one a "scooter hater."

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

I don't see why expecting everyone to display the same common courtesy, whether walking or riding, i.e., not plowing into people, makes one a "scooter hater."

Honestly, I think that you probably show an incredible amount of common courtesy, but you've never accidentally walked into someone?

The truth of the matter is there are only a couple people here who have actually been hit by a disabled person on a scooter. The large majority of the complainer straight up don't like them because they think that the people don't actually need the scooter, or they're fat, or they're lazy, etc. IMO, there is a complete lack of empathy among these people for which I have no explanation.

 

[jolary03]

I was just in Disney from 11/27-12/4. We have been many times as a family and this year we had to get a scooter for my mom. She had advanced stage colon cancer last year and had some bad reactions to all the drugs and chemo they had to pump into her. Looking at her you would never know that she needed assistance and that her mobility has become somewhat limited. She can walk but it is very slow and somewhat painful for her at times. She has issues with her balance as well. That being said there were times that she also began to feel pain just sitting down for so long and would get up to walk a bit and not let her legs tighten up so much. At those times my dad (who did not rent a scooter but has his share of major back and leg problems) would drive the scooter to our next ride or until my mom would need to get back in.

There were so many times that we were pushed past by people that felt she was slowing them down or just maybe someone they could easily get past. Then there was the issue with her in MGM. She could not get her scooter on a bus so she would take the boat to Epcot then scooter her way over to the monorail change monorails at the TTA and that would take her to our resort.(we were at the Poly) Does that sound like someone that was getting over or looking for an easy way out? I think not! Not to mention them running out of handicapped seating at the stunt show in MGM and they had to turn her away because she cannot climb stairs at all. Or the problems she encountered at Fantasmic because of her scooter.

We had no choice but to rent a scooter for my mom to get her through the parks, but it was by no means an easier trip for us or her. Waiting after every ride, show or attraction for the crowd to move on so we could somewhat safely move about. What is better or easier about that? Our family is just thankful that she is here with us and that she beat her cancer.

There was even the one CM that actually asked her if she was able to write down her name like she did not speak english and did not even wait for her answer and just handed the paper to my dad to write it for her. He handed the paper to my mother and walked away so she could handle that situation herself and prove to the CM that her only issues were with her legs not her mind.

Just my two cents.

 

[rngrblu9]

i definitely think the scooters r out of control. last time we went to wdw i was 5 months pregnant...believe me...as the day progressed & my feet & back were killing me & i was getting really cranky...i looked longingly at the wheelchairs/scooters (i'm sure my husband did too)...i just rested as often as i needed to cause i did not want to add to it...i understand the whole hidden disabilities thing...seemingly healthy people that really need help physically but....hopefully not sounding too harsh....americans are not the fattest nation in the world by accident...i honestly think people abuse it...sorry if this offended anyone but it's just my opinion...

 

[CheshireVal]

Does that mean you feel that only people fit enough to walk through the park and with enough stamina to maintain their energy levels throughout the day should be allowed into the Disney parks???

That's not what I was saying at all. Everyone gets tired at Disney. I'm young and fit and *I* get tired at Disney and sometimes have to rest in the middle of the day. But I'm not going to go out and rent a scooter just because my feet hurt. I'll go back to the hotel, take a break, or sit on a bench.

 

[DVCLiz]

That's not what I was saying at all. Everyone gets tired at Disney. I'm young and fit and *I* get tired at Disney and sometimes have to rest in the middle of the day. But I'm not going to go out and rent a scooter just because my feet hurt. I'll go back to the hotel, take a break, or sit on a bench.

Oh, sorry, didn't mean to imply that. I was just wondering how you, or anybody else, felt about obese people using scooters because they otherwise couldn't walk at Disney. I mean, there are a lot of seriously overweight people who could never get around at Disney - should they have access to scooters because they do have a condition that has been identified as a medical condition (or at least a serious medical concern) or should they just not be able to go????

 

[ClarabelleCow]

I don't think anyone wants someone that truly needs the scooters to go without them. I think the point of the discussion is the fact that there are some, hopefully the minority, that abuse them. I have seen it, as others have. When you hear people talking about it, laughing about it, it is irritating! Just like before scooters, the people that would put the ace on their legs and use the wheelchairs and then go to the front of the line (sounds like that doesn't happen anymore!), but we have all seen this happen over the years, I have been going to WDW since the late 70's, and honestly the trip I mentioned at VWL really irritated me! I had to balance and teter on the edge of the pool to not fall in! Not one in the party needed the scooter, (I know this because they said so!) it was for convenience, then letting the kids buzz around really irritated me! But this was also the same group encouraging their kids to start at the quiet pool hot tub, run and jump into the quiet pool!!!! I don't want anyone denied enjoying the parks, but there should be some sort of checks and balances when having the motorized scooters in the park.

 

[DisneyPhD]

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.

People needing assistance must enter the bus 1st. The bus driver has to get off the bus and help them, lower the ramp or tip the bus and strap the seat in and be sure everything is secure. They would not be able to do this as well with people sitting on the bus (they have to when they are taking the person needing asstince off the bus again, but often it is less crowded by that time. If you will noticed the bus driver will ask what stop is theirs also.

I have no problem at all being pateint and waiting for people in need. However the time the couple with a big expensive double stroller they sweared whouldn't fold down with 2 perfectly heathy babies (and even if they werent they were small enough to hold on your lap, the mother did). Anyway this mother actually made the bus driver "tip the bus" to load it, take up 6 seats to strap it in. I was amazed. I have mades 100's of trips on WDW busses and I had never seen anything like it before in my life. (and I have a double stroller with me myself, one I bought just for WDW since it folded small for the buses.)

 

[Amy&Dan]

Well, knowing in all liklihood this thread will be closed down pretty soon due to the fact that it has NOTHING to do with planning a Disney trip, I just again hope that anybody who needs a scooter to enjoy WDW will get one. I wish there was some way to explain to people what it feels like to have a hidden disablity and be made to feel like a second class citizen for renting a scooter. My fil looks great, walks around, is overweight because he can't exercise, has all kinds of weird drugs he takes and hey, he does overeat sometimes because what the heck he's gonna die soon so eat the pie! If anybody has questions about this issue, please post them on the disabilities thread. Most of the folks over there have learned the hard way not to judge a book by its cover. I am planning on preparing my aunt and cousin (first time WDW visitors) for being continually run over by crazed, "fat", "lazy" scooter drivers and to look the other way when they see the gruesome highway fatalities those scooters apparently cause in the walkways (I can't believe I have missed all of this excitement of run over, squashed scooter victims). I am hoping my fil can take out at least a few skinny, fit people who can then post on disboards: "TOO MANY SCOOTERS AT WDW".

P.S. How does one tell if somebody is lazy? If we are all on vacation at WDW how is it possible to assume somebody is lazy?

 

[GrumpyC.Hook]

I may get flamed for this but whatever..

For those who make the comments that if you can't drive them don't use them. they aren't the easies things to stop. or turn fast enough to avoid someone or something in the walkway. Its not like its a car its much more difficult to steer. Now about people using wheelchairs that would be great except after a long day the person who is pushing would get exhausted is that fair to them.

My mom has had spinal fusion, knee replacement, and will have to have her other knee replaced with in 3 years she is only 50. I am 23 and would love to see her not be in pain anymore and not need to use scooters or wheelchairs but it won't happen. I can't push her i phsycially can not do it. I have very little stregnth. My knees are following her health pattern by the time I reach 40 they will be shot. So there are sometimes where "having someone push them in a wheelchair" won't work. Scooters make it easier on those of us who don't have the ability to use wheelchairs.

I understand that there are misuses of scooters and I really wish there were ways to stop it but you can't always tell that there is a disability and the reason they need it might not be obvious. Someone might be able to lift heavy things (ie scooters) but not be able to walk for very long. Who are you to say they don't need one.

When you drive do you do the speed limit, use all your mirrors, signal before turns, and obey all traffic laws?? things happen and not everyone follows common sense and laws.

You seem to want to be the moral police, and judge people. Let it go.

Signed.

Multiple Trip Mug User, Pool Hopper, and Proud User of a Scooter.

 

[In a hurry]

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.

You know what, sometimes sharing works. I was pregnant and having some difficulty when there last, mom was just thru with chemo. Both of us could walk, but to spend a day seeing all that we wanted would have been impossible. So, mom was in it mostly, but if I would use it while she was resting with a cup of tea.

Luckily neither of us is overweight, or we probably would have been attacked right here! You don't have a clue about others. You take the actions of a few fools and spread an attitude because of it. It would be like me leaving the dis saying that it is filled with bigots, and selfish self -centered rude people because a few are.

 

[kath1210]

I'll admit it. My husband and I usually share a scooter at WDW. We would not be able to spend time in the parks without one, and we have two kids who should not have to suffer from our disabilities. Yes, we are both overweight, and have struggled with it for years. I have arthritis in my knees (my thin sister has arthritis too) and my DH was born with a club foot and has had several foot surgeries. We do have a handicapped sticker for our car because of these medical conditions, and walking for a few hours is the most either of us can do.

Believe me, we would not get a scooter unless we needed it. It's $35 per day, which is NOT cheap. I am also very embarassed to use the scooter, and many of you have confirmed that for me. I don't like to be handicapped, thought of as fat and lazy. I am not lazy. I work full time, take care of a house and two kids, and am a Girl Scout leader. Anyway, we never take WDW transportation, unless it's the monorail. We don't want to get ahead in line anywhere - we are willing to wait our turn like anyone else.

That being said, we try to drive very carefully, but accidents can happen. Once my necklace got caught on the reverse acceleration device and I almost hit some poor woman. I was mortified, but she was very nice about it. Needless to say, I keep my necklace inside my shirt now! We have also noticed that lots of people cut in front of the scooters and then slow down, and those things are not always easy to stop! Kids are the worst because they are unaware. In fact, we've had several jump right in front of us and grin, like "go ahead an hit me." I don't think they realize the scooters are not toys.

Anyway, just wanted to add my thoughts to this thread.

 

[jarestel]

For those who make the comments that if you can't drive them don't use them. they aren't the easies things to stop. or turn fast enough to avoid someone or something in the walkway.

Walking through the large crowds is difficult enough, I can't imagine what it must be like steering one of those contraptions through the masses of people. Good point!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Believe me, we would not get a scooter unless we needed it. It's $35 per day, which is NOT cheap. I am also very embarassed to use the scooter, and many of you have confirmed that for me. I don't like to be handicapped, thought of as fat and lazy. I am not lazy. I work full time, take care of a house and two kids, and am a Girl Scout leader. Anyway, we never take WDW transportation, unless it's the monorail. We don't want to get ahead in line anywhere - we are willing to wait our turn like anyone else.

Anyway, just wanted to add my thoughts to this thread.

You see, that is what makes me sad about this thread and the very real, live discrimination some people harbor towards others! And how hurtful that is to many people, who have done NOTHING to deserve this outright rudeness which is really just plain old ignorance. Just remember the vast majority of people who visit WDW are having way too much fun to judge you. Do what you have to do, you can't please everybody!

 

[In a hurry]

Kath, if you rent off-site, it is much more reasonable. Chin up, and ignore the ignorant.

 

[go cowboys]

When you drive do you do the speed limit, use all your mirrors, signal before turns, and obey all traffic laws?? .

I sure would if I were driving on the sidewalk through hundreds of pedestrians the majority of which are small children.