Lots more scooters riding the buses now

[jo-jo]

I had a guy almost fall over me, all the while me yelling, "look up, look up, look up." His friends were rolling with laughter. It was crowded enough that I couldn't get out of the way. So I just stopped.

Once I was pushing my husband in his wheelchair. Person was walking while looking on her phone. I stopped and she walked right into us. Almost stumbled over us.

 

[Talking Hands]

You are 100% correct, so to be fair to all and treat everyone equally, do away with the priority board first process, and everyone gets in line first come/first serve. That way everyone is being treated equally. But IMHO that doesn't make much sense, though it would be equal treatment.

I'm not trying to kick the hornets nest, that's already been done in previous threads. But, I think what the OP was trying to say, and makes some sense is that those needing accommodations can pre-board with one other person, the rest of the party waits in line with the rest of the crowd. If they get on the bus that's wonderful, if not then they would need to wait. The person needing the accommodation would be assisted, no discrimination in my eyes.

What you are asking is discrimination. My husband uses a scooter and I use an electric wheelchair. My daughter assists us. Please tell me what wevshould do with the two grandkids ages 3 and 6? Have them go through the line alone. Not happening. Remember, while scooters and wheelchairs are loaded first we unload last and wait for everyone to get off. It is done that way for safety.

 

[Talking Hands]

I'm not disagreeing with any of that. But what is the difference between these two situations (stops made up)...
1) Empty bus stops at CR and people get on. It's filled 1/2 way. Bus then proceeds to Poly where there's an ECV that needs boarding.
2) Empty bus stops at MK. ECV is behind a number of people in line, when the ECV gets to the bus, the bus is filled 1/2 way.

Either way, the bus is 1/2 full when an ECV needs to be put on. Yes, I get it's easier to do on an empty bus. But it's not that it's impossible to do on a 1/2 full bus.

At MK where you are forced to us the regular line when you get to the pull off area, you then wait for the next bus. You do not get on that bus unless you are already in the pull off area. Not really equal because they continue to allow others not in a in mobility device to board. This has happened to me several times

 

[Talking Hands]

what about having only 2 adults and a preschool child. my guess Disney will want someone with scooter if at all possible. so who is going with the preschooler? cant do a preschooler and the crowd unless you have child riding on scooter which is not safe. I think the 6 limit is a good number and should be stuck with by Disney. one other thing to think about with the increased numbers of scooters and splitting up groups where are all those scooter going to be waiting for rest of their party? you cant complain about having to get around them getting to where you are going which will be next

And remember that six includes the person using the mobility device. I know that people have tried to join my family to get on quicker. I will specify who is with me so people can't do that.

 

[pskorf]

Do you realize you're suggesting WDW discriminate against individuals with mobility or stamina issues and their parties? Are you, as an apparently able-bodied person, willing to split your party into the same groups of two? How do you suggest they handle a party with one ECV, two total adults, and three toddlers?

Why in the world would you think it is acceptable to split up parties with disabled members, but not split up all groups?

They don't need to split up the parties - those in the scooters and the rest of their party need to wait in line the SAME AS EVERYONE ELSE. Equal treatment. I have never understood why they get to cut the lines all the time.

 

[Sarahraegraham]

They don't need to split up the parties - those in the scooters and the rest of their party need to wait in line the SAME AS EVERYONE ELSE. Equal treatment. I have never understood why they get to cut the lines all the time.

They don’t cut the lines. They have a separate line. That is a very different kettle of fish. What is fair and equal for people of ability is not the same as what is fair and equal for those without ability. With the line of reasoning you are asserting here, it would be fair and equal to force those in wheelchairs to sit in the middle of the crowd during the fireworks and parades instead of allowing them their own section that those who can stand on their own cannot use so they have equal ACCESS to the enjoyment that they paid for. I cannot equally access the bus with a wheelchair or scooter by standing in the same line as everyone else because I can’t drive over your feet when you and your family are already there. The belief you are asserting with that statement is discrimination whether or not you want admit it, and this is exactly the reason there are laws against such things.

With that reasoning, let’s also eliminate the children’s menus at the restaurants. Why do they get to pay less because their stomachs consume less? It’s not “equal treatment” for me to pay more as an adult than them. Why do I pay more in taxes for not having a child than those who do? It’s not equal treatment. Make every adult pay the same and their choice to have a child isn’t my problem to subsidize!

I didn’t choose to have a disability. I shouldn’t have to put my needs on hold for you. Sorry, not sorry.

 

[momandmousefan]

I just wish Disney would get enough transportation so people didn’t have to do such a scramble to be able to fit on a bus, or to find a seat irregardless.
I’ve got autoimmune issues, so some days I can run a 10k but other days the body just gives out and I’m in physical & emotional pain and I don’t always know when it’s going to hit. Invisible disabilities abound too, and one has to wonder how many more people in line are silently trying to figure out how they’re going to make it to the resort without collapsing.

 

[starousse]

Several years ago, my family was traveling with close family friends in which her father needed a scooter. Both her father and mother insisted that he be the only one loaded into the bus first and all of the rest of us would be in line with everyone else. If we made it on to the bus with him, great, if not, we would be there very soon after. The bus driver even told him to have his family board with him, but he said no and that it wasn't right. Unless, it's a child or someone with very special needs who needs to be accompanied, I think this is right and courteous way to go.

 

[Keetchino]

Just an observation, so please don't flame me lol.... I went to Tokyo Disneyland a couple years ago and one thing that stood out to me was the complete lack of ECV in the parks. I saw ONE person riding one the entire time I was there, and she was American (very obvious southern accent). I think I saw one or two of the many elderly individuals using canes, but that was it. I totally get that there are people who need the scooters or other aids to get around, and I'm not bashing them, but I'm genuinely curious about the difference.... is Japan as a society just so much healthier that they don't have much need for mobility devices? Do they just not leave the house if they aren't very mobile, or is it a pride thing where they don't want to be seen as needing help? Not trying to be offensive with those statements, just trying to understand why there's such a huge difference..... Same with strollers, there were VERY few strollers, and the ones I did see were small umbrella style strollers, and they were only being used for the really little ones. Stroller "parking lots" were practically non-existant. The difference was shocking to say the least.

 

[maxiesmom]

Several years ago, my family was traveling with close family friends in which her father needed a scooter. Both her father and mother insisted that he be the only one loaded into the bus first and all of the rest of us would be in line with everyone else. If we made it on to the bus with him, great, if not, we would be there very soon after. The bus driver even told him to have his family board with him, but he said no and that it wasn't right. Unless, it's a child or someone with very special needs who needs to be accompanied, I think this is right and courteous way to go.

I think it is a generous thing to do, but totally unnecessary. Disney has a rule in place, and as long as you and your family are within the limit Disney has set, please board together. I can't imagine taking a trip to WDW and spending so many trips to and from the park separated from my family. The idea makes me sad.

 

[piccolopat]

Perhaps Disney should allow each ECV or wheelchair guest to only board with 1 adult plus any of their minor or disabled adult children. Any other able bodied members of their group would get in the regular line and board in order with everyone else.

 

[maxiesmom]

They don't need to split up the parties - those in the scooters and the rest of their party need to wait in line the SAME AS EVERYONE ELSE. Equal treatment. I have never understood why they get to cut the lines all the time.

I don't think you would appreciate equal treatment. If Disney lined everyone up, and suddenly there were 3 scooters but only 2 could get on the bus, then loading would have to stop. That would be equal treatment.

I suggest you rent a wheelchair for a day in the parks, and you would quickly see that being able to load first on a bus in no way shape or form makes up for having to use a wheelchair or scooter.

 

[sam_gordon]

They don't need to split up the parties - those in the scooters and the rest of their party need to wait in line the SAME AS EVERYONE ELSE. Equal treatment. I have never understood why they get to cut the lines all the time.

It is safer to board the ECVs with fewer people on the bus. You can't argue with that. I do understand the frustration though. What would make things "fair" is if Disney hired bus loading monitors. They track how many people are in line and how many people the bus can accept. If an ECV rider shows up and there's already 30 people in line, but the bus will only hold 20, the ECV rider needs to wait until the next bus. But, if the bus will hold 40, the ECV rider and their party get on the bus first. Sound good? How many people will need to be hired to accomplish this... multiple bus lines at the parks and resorts, basically running for 18 hours/day = lets raise ticket prices again.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I just wish Disney would get enough transportation so people didn’t have to do such a scramble to be able to fit on a bus, or to find a seat irregardless.

Not cost-effective. There are a variety of free and paid transportation options. Disney has never left anybody permanently stranded. Riders may not get on the bus they want, but everybody will get where they're going.

The bus driver even told him to have his family board with him, but he said no and that it wasn't right.

That's his (considerate) opinion, not the practice.

Unless, it's a child or someone with very special needs who needs to be accompanied, I think this is right and courteous way to go.

You can't discriminate based on ability.

Perhaps Disney should allow each ECV or wheelchair guest to only board with 1 adult plus any of their minor or disabled adult children.

Are you willing to access everything accompanied by only one adult plus any of of your minor or disabled adult children?

 

[maxiesmom]

And if you want to count spots and have an ecv pass up an open spot to wait their turn, what happens if the next bus doesn't have an open spot? Or the lift or kneeling action is broken? Do you make the bus leave without picking up anyone so it stays fair?????

 

[piccolopat]

Not cost-effective. There are a variety of free and paid transportation options. Disney has never left anybody permanently stranded. Riders may not get on the bus they want, but everybody will get where they're going.
That's his (considerate) opinion, not the practice. You can't discriminate based on ability.

Are you willing to access everything accompanied by only one adult plus any of of your minor or disabled adult children?

Yes. I don't think it is right that a large party of able bodied people can bypass a long line of people to get on a bus first and take the seats just because they have someone disabled in their group. I do understand the need to load the ECVs and wheelchairs first. We didn't think the current practice was fair and opted to take a cab or drive rather than cut the line when MIL used a wheelchair.

 

[joelkfla]

Yes. I don't think it is right that a large party of able bodied people can bypass a long line of people to get on a bus first and take the seats just because they have someone disabled in their group.

They can't, if the current rules are being followed. The number of Guests who can board with a wheelchair is supposed to be limited to 5 or 6, depending upon how the rule is interpreted. However, enforcement is spotty.

 

[piccolopat]

They can't, if the current rules are being followed. The number of Guests who can board with a wheelchair is supposed to be limited to 5 or 6, depending upon how the rule is interpreted. However, enforcement is spotty.

Whether the rule is changed or not, I agree that enforcement is key. As long as people are allowed to ignore the rules, this will be a problem for other people. Disney needs to empower its staff, both on transportation and in the parks, to enforce their rules. When staff enforces rules and someone complains, Disney should back them up rather than caving to the guest who is doing something wrong. I think the problem with enforcement is that too many cast members would rather let someone get away with breaking the rules rather than having to answer to their management for the unfair complaints.

 

[Lothlórien]

I personally do not mind if there are a lot of scooters. What I find irritating is the number of guests who get on with that person in the scooter. You have 2 - 3 scooters with big groups and that is half the bus.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I personally do not mind if there are a lot of scooters. What I find irritating is the number of guests who get on with that person in the scooter. You have 2 - 3 scooters with big groups and that is half the bus.

Yeah, sometimes that happens. Are you saying that mobility device users should not (be allowed to) travel with large parties? Because the only way that can be equitable is it nobody can travel with large parties.