Power wheelchair not allow on hotel sidewalk?

[Justin Jett]

I did not mean for my posts here to sound like a complaint, defense, nor did I intend to start a debate. I am confused, and yes, a little hurt by what happened. I posted my experience here to see if anyone had knowledge of a policy change.

It is very difficult for me to be confrontational with cast members, and it was for the best in the end. I am wondering why I was asked to move, and also wondering the other wheelchair was not asked to move. My wheelchair was specifically designed for use at Disney. If there is a problem with my wheelchair, I want to find out, so we can make changes to my chair. If there is a new policy, I would like to know more, so I have an understanding going forward.

The Walt Disney World Resort is a large part of my life. 2013 brought many changes in a very short period of time. The situation on the sidewalk happened at a time when I am trying to adjust to the changes, and wondering what the future holds for me. This was not a bad experience, and it DID NOT ruin my visit at all. Posting my experience here was part of trying to understand and adjust to the fast changes that are happening.

 

[BroganMc]

I did not mean for my posts here to sound like a complaint, defense, nor did I intend to start a debate. I am confused, and yes, a little hurt by what happened. I posted my experience here to see if anyone had knowledge of a policy change.

It is very difficult for me to be confrontational with cast members, and it was for the best in the end. I am wondering why I was asked to move, and also wondering the other wheelchair was not asked to move. My wheelchair was specifically designed for use at Disney. If there is a problem with my wheelchair, I want to find out, so we can make changes to my chair. If there is a new policy, I would like to know more, so I have an understanding going forward.

The Walt Disney World Resort is a large part of my life. 2013 brought many changes in a very short period of time. The situation on the sidewalk happened at a time when I am trying to adjust to the changes, and wondering what the future holds for me. This was not a bad experience, and it DID NOT ruin my visit at all. Posting my experience here was part of trying to understand and adjust to the fast changes that are happening.

I think I understand better now Skip. FWIW I use a power wheelchair in Disney too and was there smack dab in the middle of the GAC-to-DAS changeover. That caused a lot of stress for me during my October trip. (I whined about it a lot for a couple weeks.) My second trip over NYE was a LOT better because I understood how to work with the changes.

This thread got busy because I think a lot of us heard your story and wanted to talk to the CM for you. I know I wish I had been there that night instead of being inside Magic Kingdom to watch the fireworks.

Bottomline is there is no policy change. The CM was in error. At the moment you made the best decision possible for you. If you have any regrets now they are being properly addressed with this thread. Hopefully you can feel better about it for next time.

You shouldn't feel bad that you acquiesced even if it seems like we want to go back in time and challenge that CM for you. We've all made similar in-the-moment decisions just to keep the peace. No one wants to be that guest who makes a scene and forces a call to Security. (Well most of us don't.)

 

[Justin Jett]

I just now got an Email from Walt Disney World Guest Services, regarding my December 30, 2013 experience on the Polynesian beach.

Dear Skip,

Thank you for contacting us regarding the Walt Disney World® Resort.

I am very sorry for your disappointing experience during your recent
visit to Disney's Polynesian Resort. Your feedback is very important to
us and we truly appreciate that you took the time to send us your
comments. It is through feedback, like yours, that we learn what we must
do to ensure the Disney magic is preserved for everyone.

I would like the opportunity to discuss your comments. Unfortunately, I
do not have your telephone number. I am available Monday through Friday
between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EST at 407-560-4098. You may also
provide me with your telephone number and the best time to call as a
reply to this message. I am happy to contact you.

Once again, Skip, thank you for your honest and constructive feedback. I
look forward to speaking with you at your earliest convenience.

Kind Regards,

Guest Experience Services

 

[BroganMc]

I just now got an Email from Walt Disney World Guest Services, regarding my December 30, 2013 experience on the Polynesian beach.

Did you give them your phone number? This is a basic form letter, but if you follow up they will call you. I've had that happen when I had a HA room issue. Turned out to be a good call. I learned a few things and gave them a few tips. Months later they switched to an online booking system where I could reserve a HA room myself and didn't have to rely on the CM doing it for me. (My issue was that the CM on the phone booked the wrong type of HA room for me.)

 

[Schmeck]

Perhaps they shouldn't let anyone stop on the sidewalk if they are concerned about traffic flow?? It's a sidewalk, or a walkway, not a standway.

 

[Justin Jett]

Did you give them your phone number? This is a basic form letter, but if you follow up they will call you. I've had that happen when I had a HA room issue. Turned out to be a good call. I learned a few things and gave them a few tips. Months later they switched to an online booking system where I could reserve a HA room myself and didn't have to rely on the CM doing it for me. (My issue was that the CM on the phone booked the wrong type of HA room for me.)

Not at first, but I did reply to the email with my number.

 

[Justin Jett]

The Polynesian Resort just now called me, in regard to the December 30, 2013 incident. He told me that there have been no policy changes, and all wheelchairs and strollers are allowed to park on the sidewalk around the beach for the fireworks. He said the cased member wrongly perceived a power wheelchair on the beach as a problem. He invited me back to the beach to watch the fireworks, and hopes I have positive interactions with cast members in the future.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Did you give them your phone number? This is a basic form letter, but if you follow up they will call you. I've had that happen when I had a HA room issue. Turned out to be a good call. I learned a few things and gave them a few tips. Months later they switched to an online booking system where I could reserve a HA room myself and didn't have to rely on the CM doing it for me. (My issue was that the CM on the phone booked the wrong type of HA room for me.)

The change in being able to book a HC room online happened because of a change in the laws. Disney had to do that in order to comply with the law.

 

[SueM in MN]

The Polynesian Resort just now called me, in regard to the December 30, 2013 incident. He told me that there have been no policy changes, and all wheelchairs and strollers are allowed to park on the sidewalk around the beach for the fireworks. He said the cased member wrongly perceived a power wheelchair on the beach as a problem. He invited me back to the beach to watch the fireworks, and hopes I have positive interactions with cast members in the future.

Thanks for the update.