just back...too many scooters!

[Amy&Dan]

I'd like to suggest that people who've never used an ECV try one out for a couple of hours -- just to experience what it's like to be on one. It'd probably provide a new appreciation of what those who use them live with.

Too true! I have had to drive my fil's at Disneyland a time or two. Once he felt ill suddenly and had to dash to the men's room so I parked it for him. It was not easy to drive and you are so right, people think you are invisible! I know I have seen him almost hit people a couple of times and he might not have apologized because he was just so embarrassed. Not right, just the sad truth.

I cannot believe I have been on this thread so much, I think I need a life! Forgive me all for my soapbox ritual, but I really do feel strongly on this subject. I have posted on like threads many times, I doubt its done a bit of good but oh well.

 

[Tigger_Magic]

Too true! I have had to drive my fil's at Disneyland a time or two. Once he felt ill suddenly and had to dash to the men's room so I parked it for him. It was not easy to drive and you are so right, people think you are invisible! I know I have seen him almost hit people a couple of times and he might not have apologized because he was just so embarrassed. Not right, just the sad truth.

I cannot believe I have been on this thread so much, I think I need a life! Forgive me all for my soapbox ritual, but I really do feel strongly on this subject. I have posted on like threads many times, I doubt its done a bit of good but oh well.

My DW has had her share of near misses at WDW. As much as I try to help, neither of us is psychic and thus cannot predict that someone will stop short or turn on a dime to walk right in our path. So far, knock on wood, she's never "run over" anyone... although for the life of me, I can't figure out how that could be done on an ECV. But I suppose anything's possible.

I know there are strong feelings on both sides and threads like this probably don't change anyone's mind. Maybe, however, it can raise some awareness and if nothing else avoid some negative confrontations at "the Happiest Place on Earth."

 

[ckoncurat]

Just a word of support for the anti-scooter poster- My mom. age 65, was run over by a scooter during the MVMCP last year. She was wearing sandals, and her foot was completely black and blue with cracked toenails the rest of our trip-putting a big damper on our our vacation. She and I were trying to contain my 1, 2 and three years olds as a huge crowd poured out of a show in tommorowland, and the scooter user just plowed right through. Thank God he missed my daughter, who was holding Grandma's hand. These things are DANGEROUS, especially in large crowds.

BTW, my mom still chose to WALK the rest of our vaction, although she was limping quite a bit and had to take breaks often. She's just not the scooter type.

 

[TammyJ]

I would like to say that this thread has done some good. I will be (or try to be) much more aware of the scooters when I'm at WDW. I am far more aware now that my simply stopping to look at my map could lead to an accident. I will try to keep my 5 year old an appropriate distance from the scooters and warn her not to step in front of them.

So while few people may have changed their minds, there has been soem education here.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Just a word of support for the anti-scooter poster- My mom. age 65, was run over by a scooter during the MVMCP last year. She was wearing sandals, and her foot was completely black and blue with cracked toenails the rest of our trip-putting a big damper on our our vacation. She and I were trying to contain my 1, 2 and three years olds as a huge crowd poured out of a show in tommorowland, and the scooter user just plowed right through. Thank God he missed my daughter, who was holding Grandma's hand. These things are DANGEROUS, especially in large crowds.

BTW, my mom still chose to WALK the rest of our vaction, although she was limping quite a bit and had to take breaks often. She's just not the scooter type.

So when you are trying to contain three small children is there even the slightest possiblity you might not have been completely aware of what you were doing? I am willing to give in that the scooter driver may have just been totally inconsiderate but you say it was a huge crowd and you had three tiny kids so maybe there was some distraction on both sides. Also, there is no "type" for scooters. Kudos to your mom for toughing it out. But if you look back through this thread you will see that many of the people who use them have something far more serious than some cracked toenails. I once had my toenail completely ripped off by a toddler pushing his siblings stroller and I didn't rent a scooter either.

OMG Amy get myself off this thread!!!

 

[keishashadow]

Not to digress, but we've had more problems with inconsiderate stoller/cow-catching folks, especially @ rope drops & on Main St.

My advice, consider both strollers & WC slow-moving vehicles and watch out for sudden stops, etc.

We will be "forced" to bring a transport chair for my DS this trip (he looks just fine, except for the dead bone in his foot/hidden orthotic). I'm sure we'll be getting the "hairy eyeball" from a few folks. IMO, a good life-lesson for my DS.

Question #1: where is the handicapped viewing area for the parade?

Question #2: do we just roll up to the attraction lines, he can walk a short distance?
not planning on getting a GAC unless I have to, DS is quite sensitive about all "the fuss", wanted to cancel trip.

 

[Tigger_Magic]

Question #1: where is the handicapped viewing area for the parade?

Question #2: do we just roll up to the attraction lines, he can walk a short distance?

I believe the park maps indicate if there are special areas for handicapped viewing. I know there are sections at Epcot for Illuminations, but for most parades, we've just staked out a spot by parade route. (I won't go into the "discussions" we've had with people who then decide to "park" in front of us. )

For attractions, some have designated handicapped entrances, but most just roll up in the lines. The CMs can help you will parking the ECV.

When you arrive, check with Guest Relations and ask for their "Guide for Guests with Disabilities." This will be a great help in explaining how to easily navigate Disney using an ECV.

 

[TinkerbellMama]

We are just back from WDW and although we did see a lot of scooters/wheelchairs, I just figured it was because WDW is so accessible to folks with special needs and therefore you'd naturally see more of them there than at other vacation destinations.
We didn't see anyone who looked to be abusing scooter use (teens racing, etc.), but we did see something sorta sad. An elderly woman who was obviously renting a scooter had such a horrible time getting on the bus from Pop to MK. She needed about 5 attempts to get up that ramp, with a whole queue of people watching and probably getting a little bit impatient with her. I felt bad for her. You are right in front of all those people and they are staring...yikes! Dh asked me (quietly) if maybe a wheelchair would be easier for her, but I told him she might not have the strength to wheel herself around in it all day, which he had not thought of. We really did feel terrible for her, because she had no control over that thing. Strangely enough, we were also on her bus coming home from MK that night!! And she wasn't any better with the scooter, but this bus driver let her drive in forwards. The driver in the morning insisted that she back in, even though she clearly couldn't do it and required help from her two granddaughters and the bus driver to make it in. Anyone know why?

 

[TrvlLin]

Aren't there some liability issues here? I will tell you that if one of these things runs over MY foot, there WILL be a problem! I am careful to observe activity around me so as not to intrude on anyone's route, I go to an isolated spot if I need to use my cellphone (how on earth can anyone hear anything on them in a busy situation at WDW anyway?), and I expect others to respect my space as I respect theirs. Since I AM careful, I've never had any problems on any of my (many) trips.

That said, I see nothing wrong in WDW requiring a short orientation briefing and a safety checkout course before these ECV drivers are given the keys. The vehicles are heavy, the people in them are often heavy, and they could concievably do a lot of damage. If they can't pass the test, do they need to be operating these things? I think this would also cut down on the frivilous use by those who don't need them. Lin

 

[minnie61650]

Not to digress, but we've had more problems with inconsiderate stoller/cow-catching folks, especially @ rope drops & on Main St.

My advice, consider both strollers & WC slow-moving vehicles and watch out for sudden stops, etc.

We will be "forced" to bring a transport chair for my DS this trip (he looks just fine, except for the dead bone in his foot/hidden orthotic). I'm sure we'll be getting the "hairy eyeball" from a few folks. IMO, a good life-lesson for my DS.

Question #1: where is the handicapped viewing area for the parade?

Question #2: do we just roll up to the attraction lines, he can walk a short distance?
not planning on getting a GAC unless I have to, DS is quite sensitive about all "the fuss", wanted to cancel trip.

Each park has a guide book for guests with Disabilities. You can get them at guest services or you can call guest relations and request that they mail them to you as I did. They give info about Parade routes and show areas and ride access. Most of the lines at Disney are mainstreamed and you will enter the regular line for the attraction. Sometimes you will be pulled part way down the line so you can enter the attraction in an assecessible area in case they need to slow the ride down or stop the ride as you board. Most the time your wait will be just as long or longer then those who are waiting in the stayby line. My suggestion is to arrive at the parks early and grab a fast pass whenever possible.
Also be sure to check out the disAbilites board. Sue M. and the others who fequent the boards always have great advice and good tips.
Any questions please feel free to PM me and I will try to answer them.
Have fun at Disney!

 

[DisneyPhD]

That said, I see nothing wrong in WDW requiring a short orientation briefing and a safety checkout course before these ECV drivers are given the keys. The vehicles are heavy, the people in them are often heavy, and they could concievably do a lot of damage. If they can't pass the test, do they need to be operating these things? I think this would also cut down on the frivilous use by those who don't need them. Lin

Don't they do the same for renting water mice and other equipment like that? It would make sense, take more time and CM to do so. However it is a good idea and benifit everyone (people using them, and those who are not.)

I don't doubt they are difficult to drive. Or that some walkers don't pay attention (I know it happens when I am pushing a stroller or just walking). I don't doubt some people driving ECV either have a difficult time handeling them or just don't care. Or that being hit or run over by one hurts a lot more then when someone walks into you or even hits you with a stroller. Everyone has a point. The thing about debating such issues here is most of the real offenders, aren't here.

 

[jann1033]

As with many of us, we've all seen this for years. I think the thing is, that people don't have a problem with people who use scooters. Heck, I've been grazed before by one with a cute little old lady driving it. I think what makes us skeptical is the people you see blatantly abusing it.

For example, on many a' trip, I have seen famlies where a scooter was rented for the older family member (my guess was a grandparent). Multiple occasions I have witnessed a teenager-aged person in the family ask the "scooter user" to get up and the teenager then takes the scooter for a ride because it's fun.

The problem is not that the "scooter user" is walking for a bit, the problem is, that the scooter should not be used for a ride for the teenager. There are plenty of those throughout the parks.

There's no way for someone to tell whether a person riding in one truly needs it or not, but the above example is common, and pretty hard to defend. I think people see this type of behavior and have little patience as these items are not toys and should be soley for people who use them.

My two cents.

my 2 cents

i think the reason behind this might be otherwise they would have to push the scooter with them. ie i have mutliple disabilites one of which causes blood clots, i wear a device on my leg to minimize that problem but i must walk around every 2 hrs to get my blood flowing better but my other 2 disabling illnesses cause extreme fatigue( and other things) so it could be impossible to walk for long. if i rented a scooter someone other than me who have to ride it sometimes when i was walking. if things don't improve i'll have to rent one next trip and will join the ranks of the "lazy unfit rotten ecv drivers" as much as i have resisted it for yrs due to the general lack of compassion toward "less than "perfect" " people that is a lot more common than you might think. ie think about how many people grip about handicapped parking spaces .we don't know what any single indivdual situation is so it's hard to assume.

i am sure some people don't absolutely need a scooter just like some don't absolutely need the steamroller strollers but i think the one poster said it best ..be glad you don't and get over it

it would be nice if there were designated lanes for ecv, strollers but there aren' t( and from living in amishland where no one uses the buggy lanes but instead drive in front of trucks going 60mph but they probably wouldn't use them anyway)

i'm just glad so many get to enjoy trips they never would have otherwise( me included) what ever the reason. ( sorry couldn't resist)

 

[jann1033]

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.

so what's new about that? that's every thread about ecvs and funny how quicky that perception has a tendency to change when the shoe's on the other foot

 

[jann1033]

you mean fat lazy stupid an all the other rotten things "scooter types" are called??? neither am I by choice i but too bad for me, i don't have any choice

sorry for the multiple posts but i can't figure out how to quote in an already posted post either so i guess the stupid does apply to me

 

[Mymatisse]

After reading some of the comments I just wanted to remind people that alot of times people use scooters because they get injured at WDW. There are alot of out of shape people (myself included) all of a sudden trying to walk MILES and MILES each day, someone is bound to turn an ankle, pull a muscle, or rip something. My last trip was like the walking wounded! My good friend did rent a scooter; not because she is permantly disabled but it was just the consequence of trying to make it through a Disney trip.

I do think people need to be careful when driving these things. My friend ran over her BF and did some serious damage!

 

[goodeats]

I'll be interested to see this in action on my trip (oh, in 3 days!) coming up. On another board somebody posted complaining about how many there are. I go to Disneyland fairly regularly, and I've never noticed *too* many of them. Sure there are some, but I've never really been bothered by them. And I've never noticed any abuse, but that's not to say that people aren't renting them as a premium item so they don't have to walk all day. But I've never noticed that you have to be disabled to rent one or a wheelchair. Just as I wouldn't think you'd need kids to rent a stroller. They just want their money.

I just think there should be some sort of limit. Not everybody in MK should be on an ECV.

 

[waltfan1957]

The bottom line is the bottom line. Disney charges $40.00 a day and are making a bunch of money off those rentals. I don't think it would be unfair to ask those who use them to prove they can drive them. The people that really need them really need to be able to control them. What is wrong with wheelchairs anyway?

obviously you have never been in a posistion as to have to push one

 

[Talking Hands]

Lets not forget that we are all taught to drive defensively. I watch out for you when I am behind the wheel, and you watch out for me when you are driving. I am sure that my five year old is not aware of the space involved in stopping or maneuvering a scooter. But frankly, she shouldn't have to know!

Shouldn't have to know. Why? There are kids in elementary school who use power wheelchairs and scooters as well as some teachers. At one school I worked at we had preschooler in a power wheelchair. You can bet his classmates were aware of the space involved in stopping and manuvering that wheelchair.

 

[cmonroe]

my 2 cents

i think the reason behind this might be otherwise they would have to push the scooter with them. ie i have mutliple disabilites one of which causes blood clots, i wear a device on my leg to minimize that problem but i must walk around every 2 hrs to get my blood flowing better but my other 2 disabling illnesses cause extreme fatigue( and other things) so it could be impossible to walk for long. if i rented a scooter someone other than me who have to ride it sometimes when i was walking. if things don't improve i'll have to rent one next trip and will join the ranks of the "lazy unfit rotten ecv drivers" as much as i have resisted it for yrs due to the general lack of compassion toward "less than "perfect" " people that is a lot more common than you might think. ie think about how many people grip about handicapped parking spaces .we don't know what any single indivdual situation is so it's hard to assume.

i am sure some people don't absolutely need a scooter just like some don't absolutely need the steamroller strollers but i think the one poster said it best ..be glad you don't and get over it

it would be nice if there were designated lanes for ecv, strollers but there aren' t( and from living in amishland where no one uses the buggy lanes but instead drive in front of trucks going 60mph but they probably wouldn't use them anyway)

i'm just glad so many get to enjoy trips they never would have otherwise( me included) what ever the reason. ( sorry couldn't resist)

jann1033,

I agree, that is a valid reason and one I hadn't thought of.

Loved the mopeds, you made me crack up!

 

[waltfan1957]

Not quite the same is it? The scooter doesn't have the ability to stop by itself, catch a child that might have been knocked over, or apologize. I suspect getting you foot caught between a wheel and the frame hurts more than having your toes stepped on. You not only get the weight of the person but add the weight of the machine too.

last new year at epcot my wife in a power chair while stopped had a woman and her son climb over her by stepping on the footplates treading on her feet was that her fault she wasn't moving people not in scooters or wheelchairs have to suffer enough without people like you passing judgement shes been hit in face by bags had ciggarettes thrown down on her think, yourserlf lucky you are not in this position