Handicap vs. Lazy
If someone is using a
ECV at Disney just because they are lazy I think they would find out after the first day the EVC's are very inconvenient especially at Disney.
Those of us using an EVC seem to become "invisible" since able bodied guests are crossing in front of us, stopping in front of us and never seem to see us until it is time for us to load onto a bus. When we are loading onto a bus that is when we become very visible.
It is very hard to drive an EVC in the crowds in the parks.
It is not easy backing up an EVC onto the bus lift and maneuvering the EVC into the tie down is very difficult. I highly doubt "lazy" people would submit themselves to that for long. Also EVC rental is quite expensive. My EVC cost over $200 to rent for one week. Most "lazy"people would rather spend the money on other things.
The EVC's that are loaded onto the buses are either
privately owned or are rented from an offsite company.
I doubt that "lazy" people would think ahead enough to preorder an EVC from an offsite company.
Sure there may be a few people who use EVC's because they are lazy but I am betting they learn quickly it not easy or fun to use an EVC at WDW.
I know I wish I did not need to use one but without an EVC WDW would be inaccessible to me.
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why cant they wait in line and get the special treatment when it is their turn?
WDW loads the WC and EVC at the back of the bus.
The driver needs to see that there is a WC or EVC that needs to board the bus therefore WDW asks that WC's and EVC's wait in a separate line near where the back door of the bus will be when the bus stops.
They can't wait in the stand by line for a couple of reasons.
1. The bus queues are not wide enough for a WC or EVC to make the turns
2. The bus driver needs to know a WC or EVC is waiting.
3. For the safety of others and to aide the bus driver WC and EVC guests are usually loaded first. An EVC needs room to manuver into the tie down space. Also the bus driver needs room to tie down the EVC/ WC. If the asiles are full of standing guests there will no room to get the EVC into the tie down space.
If there is a space for the WC or EVC who is waiting to board but no room for the guest
to get the WC/EVC into the space than WDW will be in violation of the ADA and could be open to a hefty lawsuit.
This was written by SueM in MN and is posted on the disABILITIES board.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=595713
How do I attract the attention of the bus driver?
You need to be where the driver can see you so that he/she knows you want to board the bus. Some bus stops have a wheelchair/handicapped symbol that you can wait by. For "unmarked" bus stops, have your group out in the open (but off the roadway) near where the back door of the bus will be when it stops. At stops with buses going to multiple destinations from the same stop (like at the resorts), let the driver know whether you want the bus or not by nodding or shaking your head.
Can my whole party board with me?
If the bus has a lift, only the person with a wheelchair and one other member of your party may go on the lift.
As for the other members of your party, please be considerate of other guests who are waiting for the bus. In general, WDW considers a party of 6 (5 plus the person with a wheelchair/ECV) to be party. If there are few people waiting for the bus when you arrive with a party of that size or smaller, the bus driver may invite you to board at the back door after the wheelchair/ECV is loaded.
If your party is larger or you can see a long line of people waiting for the bus when you pull up, it's considerate have the other members wait in line for the bus or to wait for the next bus.
It will be much easier and less stress for everyone if you can avoid taking the buses at the busiest times (like right at park closing). Taking a leisurely stroll out of the park will usually help you avoid a long line at the bus stop.
If you get to the bus stop and see a long line, here are some considerate ways my family (SueM in MN) have used to handle it:
If you have a small party; keep track of the last person in line when you arrive in the area. Wait off to the side until you can see that party would get onto the next bus (you don't have to wait until they get to the door of the bus), then go to the wheelchair boarding area with your party .
If your party is larger, have the other members of your party get into line. When you can see that they would be able to get onto the next bus, then go to the wheelchair boarding area.
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I read this on the disABILITIES and I think it explains how some of us with hidden disabilities feel.
Just my 2 cents.
Well said
