Possibly source of bad rumor

[Accentuate+]

I had to rent an ECV for a couple of days of my last visit (and probably will for some portion of my net one - blown knee, long story) anyway, there were three of us on the trip.

We're now planning this year's trip. We were discussing when we want to go free dining vs crowds etc. They pipe in with "we're not worried about the crowds, we have a handicapped friend so lines aren't a problem".



WHAT? This nonsense, from my friends who know better FIRSTHAND??

I nearly came unglued and started peppering them with questions.
- When did we EVER go to the front of a line?
- Do you remember backlot tours and the safari where we had to actually wait LONGER for the handicapped vehicle.
- The only time we got on a ride faster was Splash and that was because it was walk on and the handicapped path was shorter than going up all those stairs!
- It's because I know people think like that that I went way past when I should have before relenting and using an ECV!
- Why on earth would you say a thing like that?

They gaped a me for a few minutes before explaining. They agreed that what I said was true. Turns out they didn't want to hurt my feelings or embarrass me by saying they were glad I used the ECV because we could fit so much more in and because I was a lot happier when I used it. (turns out severe pain makes me CRANKY)
They thought coming up with a more positive reason was better and "we always used to think that so...".

They have been appropriately chastised and promise to never utter those words again - and to try to let other people know if they hear them say it. Then we had a good laugh over it.

I know this doesn't completely explain the prevalence of this untrue rumor but they might not be the only ones, they are usually intelligent, reasonable people.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

I would have been miffed, too. That was a thoughtless thing to say.

 

[BillSears]

I've mentioned various trips I've made to WDW to a physical therapist, a Doctor, friends etc... You'd be amazed how many of them have said "Isn't it nice how Disney lets you go to the head of the lines." I always correct them but it amazes me that even the physical therapist and Doctors think that way and they're giving out wrong information to their patients about WDW. Anyway just pop over to the Theme Parks Attractions and Strategies sometime and you'll see alot of the general public still believes this.

 

[Accentuate+]

In all honesty, Bill, I believed it too until I actually used one.

I was more shocked than miffed, Lindsey. Their perspective (which I shared before I actually used an ECV) was it would be a cool thing for Disney to allow front of line. They were really trying to go with 'our friend is cool' and pump me up because they knew how hesitant I was to get one - and now they understnd why.

Because they never thought "darn, those ECV users" they didn't realize some people do and they never thought that this rumor could be harmful. Never dawned on them that anyone would mind, even if the rumor was true. I was lucky and didn't get any nasty looks or comments (that I noticed) and the only reason I knew some people feel that way was from reading here. They had no idea.

 

[WendyisDarling]

I've mentioned various trips I've made to WDW to a physical therapist, a Doctor, friends etc... You'd be amazed how many of them have said "Isn't it nice how Disney lets you go to the head of the lines." I always correct them but it amazes me that even the physical therapist and Doctors think that way and they're giving out wrong information to their patients about WDW. Anyway just pop over to the Theme Parks Attractions and Strategies sometime and you'll see alot of the general public still believes this.

Yep. Our first trip I had the dr. write a note for a GAC "just in case". Dr. said how nice it was that Disney lets disabled skip the lines... I already knew that wasn't the case. DS is autistic so not always necessary for him to use alternate entrance. It does make it easier when he is having a difficult time, but we still waited in line. It was just less crowded.

As far as crowds and ECV's, I noticed several times how difficult it was for some using ECV's to get through the crowds of people esp. in confined spaces. Not to mention in CS when chairs weren't pushed under tables, etc.