Question about outdoor seating

[cynzilla]

Hi, Last time I was at Epcot, I was at the new Cantina Resturant outside in Mexico.
I went to go wheel my scooter to the ONE handicapped table that was avaiable outside, however it was in the direct sun ( I have a sun canopy on my scooter) and I knew I could not sit there (due to my medications). I moved to a shadier spot and I sat in a chair instead of sitting in my scooter. A man who worked there proceeded to come over and tell me I was NOT allowed to have my scooter next to me and told me I was going to have to move my scooter to outside of the resturant (even though there were a MILLION STROLLERS parked and empty as children sat on parents laps or ran around trying to feed the birds). I told the man I couldnt move it, I needed my meds out of the bag that was attached to it and my husband was in line, I needed his assistance to walk to go park it or park it. He got very very angry and told me it was in the way of people walking and it was a fire hazard! I asked him if there were any seats available inside and he told me I couldnt sit inside. Finally my husband came back and he moved it outside the resturant.
I have to ask protocol, I have never ever been asked to remove my ECV out of a resturant before...... sometimes I sit in it, sometimes I can sit in the chair available. Is this normal?

 

[POOHsie]

It is normal for me and my scooter. I sometimes sit on my scooter, but there are tight seating places that wouldn't allow that and I have had my scooter moved because it would be blocking an aisle. I can think specifically of California Grill, Kona Cafe, Hollywood & Vine. If I am with someone, that person will move it to an acceptable place. I have also had a wait-person move it for me. I don't read any message into it except that aisles must be clear for fire and general safety reasons. I'm all for safety. Plus, there really is no reason to need your scooter with you if someone is willing to move it and return it to you. You can have your pills ready in a small pouch that you can remove from your scooter. Other valuables, such as a camera, can also be removed from the scooter before parking it.

Many times at our local mall food court I have had a hard time navigating to a table with my scooter because of all the strollers parked in the aisles. If it was really necessary, I would ask for a stroller to be moved while I went by, and it was never a problem. In case of emergency, a stroller can be moved as easily as a chair. A scooter cannot be moved easily, and would block an aisle if people needed a path out of an emergency situation. So, in my opinion, the safety concern is genuine.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Unfortunately most of the people who work at San Angel and Hacienda are Mexican and not very aware of the ADA. However, the managers are American.

You probably had a misinformed CM and if anything as that happens again immediately ask the person to bring over their manager.

 

[SueM in MN]

Unfortunately, when they renovated/built the Cantina, they installed tables and bench chairs which can’t be moved. In some ways, this is good because the tables and chairs don’t get moved out of place. In other ways, this makes it hard because it’s not possible to just move a chair out of place to make room for a wheelchair or ECV. So, the only accessible spots are the ones that have been made accessible by the restaurant not having a seat in the spot.

That also means that if an ECV or wheelchair is in the aisle, it will be blocking the aisle and it’s even more difficult than usual to move it out of the way to keep a clear aisle for emergencies. So, I agree with POOHsie that is why they made you move it - it’s more difficult to move out of the way than a stroller.
But, there is stroller parking outside and those with strollers should have been told they need to move their strollers out to that area. It sounds like the CM did not handle things well - if the ECV could not stay where it was because it was blocking an aisle, he should have been reasonable about helping you to find a spot where it would be out of the way or been understandable about your need to wait for your husband to move it.

One of the things we noticed when we ate at that restaurant is that the roofed seating area doesn’t prevent sun from hitting people in all situations. During much of the day, sun is coming at an angle under the roof and will hit many seats. So, I would consider that restaurant to have very little sun protection.
The restaurant area inside is not part of the seating area for the counter service outside restaurant; it is a different restaurant and is full service. So, they will not allow someone eating at the counter service restaurant to sit inside.

My suggestion for that restaurant would be to find a spot before ordering. That way, you can see whether the accessible seat is even available (it might not be) and whether it is out of the sun.

 

[cynzilla]

Thank you all for your input.

 

[Talking Hands]

You know I really hate it when they refurbish an area and actually make it less accessible for those with disabilities.

 

[cove61]

sorry if i am hijacking i am a bit confused ok so it doesnt take much

i am new to all of this and this will be my first every trip to Florida and my first time using an ecv. When i got to eat will i have to leave the ecv outside? are there places to leave it and when eating outside will i have to still sit on it or can i park it and sit on a chair. sorry if it all silly questions, but i have been trying to read up all i can to make our holiday go a bit easier and now i bit worried dont want to make mistakes and get shouted at. any tips most welcome

 

[Cheshire Figment]

An ECV is an Electric Convenience Vehicle. Normally most people who use one do not require a wheelchair for full-time use.

When I go to a restaurant at WDW I will usually just park it outside or in the restaurant lobby and walk to a table. When I go to a large counter service location, depending on how I feel and how it is set up I will either take it through the line and find a table, either transferring to a regular chair or swiveling the seat, or I will park it and walk.

For all attractions I will take my ECV through the line (except where it is not allowed and I have to transfer to a wheelchair).

 

[Talking Hands]

I have to disagree with the name Electric Convenience Vehicle. It is not convenient to use and the name produces an attitude towards user that is less than kind in castmembers and guests. I have noticed this as I progressed from an ECV to a PWC.
An ECV is an electric conveyence vehicle. Fortunately PWCs don't foster the same nasty attitude from castmembers and guests.