RANT re ECV's and comments form other "civilised" people

[Escape2Disney]

It's unbelievable to me how ignorant people can be in the 21st century!

I just spent 8 days at Disneyland and found it interesting how disabled people are treated VERY well by cast members and treated like an OBJECT to talk about by some guests. I just posted in another thread on this very topic.

I'd give ANYTHING to be able to skip around the park with my kids like other parents. I'd LOVE to see some of the queue lines that are completely unaccessible to me. I'd love to blend in with the rest of the theme park population!

The nasty attitude of some of the posters does translate to some of the attitudes of people in the parks. It's sad, and frankly ignorant. There's no joy in driving an ECV among a bunch of self-absorbed idiots who think it's their right to jump in front of me while I'm trying despirately not to hit them. I'd MUCH RATHER be walking and looking at what's going on around the park instead of looking at everyone's feet for fear of hurting someone.

That being said, I'm absolutely grateful to Disney for being one of the few places I can take my kids and still be a part of what they do. THANK YOU for making so many rides accessible so my kids have memories of riding WITH mom instead of waving to her on the sidelines. I'm also grateful to the guests who ARE understanding and treat disabled people with respect.

<okay, off my soap box now>

 

[uconn2005]

I normally do not comment but after reading what superagentoso said I need to.

I have Cerebral Palsy and I use a ECV when I go to Disney each year, and it is people like you have really make me think about what resort I stay at each time..I normally stay at a monorail resort just due to the fact that people like yourself make it so uncomfortable riding a Disney bus..I have gone as far as to ride on my scooter from Hollywood Studios back to Epcot to get the monorail to one of those resorts just so I would not have to inconvence anyone on the bus while I was being hooked up.

As for the fact about having my family split up so other people don't have to wait for another bus, I would love love love to see your reaction if you were told that half your family could take the first bus but the other half must wait 15-20 minutes for the next bus.

I would trade you any day for the opportunity to "walk" with your family and have you ride the ECV all day and see how you feel after. You really need to think before you post anything on here..Your first post just made you look like an uneducated fool.

 

[DisneyKevin]

I normally do not comment but after reading what superagentoso said I need to.

I have Cerebral Palsy and I use a ECV when I go to Disney each year, and it is people like you have really make me think about what resort I stay at each time..I normally stay at a monorail resort just due to the fact that people like yourself make it so uncomfortable riding a Disney bus..I have gone as far as to ride on my scooter from Hollywood Studios back to Epcot to get the monorail to one of those resorts just so I would not have to inconvence anyone on the bus while I was being hooked up.

As for the fact about having my family split up so other people don't have to wait for another bus, I would love love love to see your reaction if you were told that half your family could take the first bus but the other half must wait 15-20 minutes for the next bus.

I would trade you any day for the opportunity to "walk" with your family and have you ride the ECV all day and see how you feel after. You really need to think before you post anything on here..Your first post just made you look like an uneducated fool.

I speak as the person behind the wheelchair. You speak as the person using the ECV.

It's time we both stop apologizing for this. It's time to shine a light on the ignorance.

It hurts my head to think that anyone is so intolerant as to be annoyed while someone needing assistance and their party board a bus.

I wish each and every person that's annoyed by this could spend a day in a WDW theme park riding in a wheelchair or an ECV and then come back and tell me how they felt.

The story would be much different.

 

[uconn2005]

Kevin,

If I touched a nerve I really did not mean to and I appoligize....it just gets to me when people like this woman feels that they do not have to wait

I speak as the person behind the wheelchair. You speak as the person using the ECV.

It's time we both stop apologizing for this. It's time to shine a light on the ignorance.

It hurts my head to think that anyone is so intolerant as to be annoyed while someone needing assistance and their party board a bus.

I wish each and every person that's annoyed by this could spend a day in a WDW theme park riding in a wheelchair or an ECV and then come back and tell me how they felt.

The story would be much different.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I normally do not comment but after reading what superagentoso said I need to.

I have Cerebral Palsy and I use a ECV when I go to Disney each year, and it is people like you have really make me think about what resort I stay at each time..I normally stay at a monorail resort just due to the fact that people like yourself make it so uncomfortable riding a Disney bus..I have gone as far as to ride on my scooter from Hollywood Studios back to Epcot to get the monorail to one of those resorts just so I would not have to inconvence anyone on the bus while I was being hooked up.

As for the fact about having my family split up so other people don't have to wait for another bus, I would love love love to see your reaction if you were told that half your family could take the first bus but the other half must wait 15-20 minutes for the next bus.

I would trade you any day for the opportunity to "walk" with your family and have you ride the ECV all day and see how you feel after. You really need to think before you post anything on here..Your first post just made you look like an uneducated fool.

I'm so sorry that people's attitudes have affected you to the point where you have to choose your resort based on other people. That sucks.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Kevin,

If I touched a nerve I really did not mean to and I appoligize....it just gets to me when people like this woman feels that they do not have to wait

Please dont feel the need to apologize to me.

I am 1000% percent on your side and I'm sorry that people make you feel uncomfortable or that you have to go out of your way so as not to "inconvenience" these fools.

You have nothing to apologize for.

 

[billwald]

Please dont feel the need to apologize to me.

I am 1000% percent on your side and I'm sorry that people make you feel uncomfortable or that you have to go out of your way so as not to "inconvenience" these fools.

You have nothing to apologize for.

 

[lugnut33]

I am currently listening to an episode of "A Window To The Magic" podcast (episode 250) and the host is interviewing Ryan Dour out of Chicago who is almost totally blind, but is assisting in helping to develop an assistive descriptive techonology used in the parks for people with sight disabilities. Really really a good show and I am impressed by the lengths that Disney goes to to help make the parks accessible to all.

All of you should listen to that episode because Ryan really gives a good description of what it's like to have a disability in the parks. The parks are so accesible for him that he can travel alone, which is really impressive.

 

[Justin Jett]

once the word gets out that Disney is the friendliest place on earth for people with disabilities.

The word is not out yet?????

I guess I need to write another blog!

Kevin and Pete.....I guess I need to do a better job for you.

Just in case I have never said it before, Disney is the friendliest place on earth for people with disabilities.

 

[Justin Jett]

I tried to keep away from this but i can't i simply cant ignore these kind of comments....



You are sooo right!!!!
Yes it's very nice to have a disability and have special privileges.
That's the reason that we are disabled; only because we can get special privileges!!

Don't you think it's unfair towards healthy people and don't you think that it's discriminating towards healthy people that disabled people can get their special seating area for shows and attractions or special areas where they can watch a parade while you have to look for a spot where you and your family can watch the parade so long before a parade starts?

Don't you think it's unfair towards healthy people and don't you think that it's discriminating towards healthy people that disabled people in a wheelchair or ECV or stroller get to be able to sit down all day, how lazy are they, where did they find the nerve to do this while you have to stand in line and have to walk the whole day.

How dare they being disabled.....

It is also unfair that disabled people, who cannot drive, save so much money on gasoline.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

It is also unfair that disabled people, who cannot drive, save so much money on gasoline.

I know a lot of disabled people who drive.

 

[Justin Jett]

I know a lot of disabled people who drive.

I do too, but unfortunately, there are many (myself included) who cannot.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I do too, but unfortunately, there are many (myself included) who cannot.

Yeah, I can't, either.

 

[JimmyV]

By now it should be well known that if you take the free WDW buses, there is a very good chance that you will be delayed 10-15 extra minutes waiting for ECVs to load. It should also be well known that at peak times, and especially upon Park closings, that there is a very good chance that you will not get a seat. Frankly, if you are over the age of 14 and able-bodied, you probably should never get a seat. I cannot remember the last time that I did not give up my seat to a child, tired mother holding a child, expectant mother, senior, etc. in the odd circumstance that I originally did get a seat. So if you are relying on the buses, plan ahead. Leave earlier and plan to stand. If that does not work for you, choose your resorts and Park visits carefully so that you can take monorails and/or boats to the Parks, or better yet, rent a car. Car rental rates are about as cheap as they come in Florida. If you cannot stomach waiting an aggregate of 140 minutes for buses, then for about $1 per minute waited, you can rent a car for your stay. Parking is free with a resort ID so there is no added cost. And when it is time to go home after the fireworks or Iluminations and the crowds at the bus depots are unbearable, you can hop in your car and be in bed in 10 minutes.

I have been on both sides of the equation, waiting while ECVs board first, and then being the one to board first while helping my mom in her final visit to WDW confined to an ECV. Both are difficult. But if you are able-bodied, at least you have a way to escape the problem, even if it does cost you $150 to rent a car for a week.

 

[wishspirit]

We were just there. most of the buses we boarded had at least 1 ecv. some had 2 and some had 1 or 2 getting off the bus. on average I would say, that this added an extra 10 minutes to each bus ride. we took approximately 14 bus rides. math= 140 minutes. my husband was very annoyed about this and a lot of people on line were also. the volume seems to be the real issue, I know about ADA and work with people with disabilities, but in addition to the time, we often stepped aside to wait for the next bus, because by the time it was our time to board, the bus was standing room only and with 2 small kids and a folded stroller it was an unpleasant ride. It's one thing to have people with disabilities board first, but it's another to have all of their friends and family fill up the bus first. Disney really needs to do something about this, because the situation is only going to get worse, once the word gets out that Disney is the friendliest place on earth for people with disabilities. In my opinion, it's more discriminating to have ecv passengers board in full view first over the general population, where they appear to be getting special priveleges.

After spending my whole day working with children with special needs, this post makes me want to cry!

I had a whole long rant written out, but I deleted it. I will spend my time and energy showing love to people who need it, rather than hate.

It has taught me something though, if someone says anything around me at WDW about how 'unfair' it is, they will be getting the meddling of a lifetime!! How dare anyone judge anyone else for something they couldn't even start to understand!!!

The word is not out yet?????

I guess I need to write another blog!

Kevin and Pete.....I guess I need to do a better job for you.

Just in case I have never said it before, Disney is the friendliest place on earth for people with disabilities.

You keep going Skip! I love your posts and your blogs!

 

[baby1disney]

I've been reading some of these posts and I can't believe some of the things people have said. Kevin has said it best by sayin that it's none of our business why they are in a wheelchair or ECV or whatever the reason is.

With that being said..I wonder if Disney has ever considered a seperate bus service for those wonderful people who may need assistance

We have a service called TARPS which stands for Toledo Area Regional Paratransit Service and people who are in wheelchairs, have any kind of disablilty..can call and arrange for rides and stuff. It's a wonderful service that my Mom used to work for and so does my Uncle. My mom met some very sweet and special people as well as I have!! There's things they have to go thru or do in order to live that I know that I COULD NEVER go thru in a million years.

I'm not trying to say that people with disabilities should be sepreated from the rest of us...but with more and more people at the parks are in these situations. I think it would be a wonderful idea for them and their families. They could ride in peace without having to worry if they pissed someone off or offened them because they had to wait an extra 10mins or 140mins total for the whole trip!! WOW..a whopping 2hrs and 20mins over the course of a week you had to wait in extra time!! Be glad you even get to afford something like that..let alone BE GLAD that you're ABLE to walk..run..skip or whatever with your children. I guarantee that alot of people would gladly trade you...even if it's only for a day.

I hope those of you who are in this situation don't take offense to me suggesting another personal transportation for you. I just know from experience with my Mom working a system like that and actually being able to ride with her sometimes and getting to know these people..you might feel more comfortable

Sorry certain butt people have to be mean...but you all have plenty of support and you definitely have support and honor coming from me. You are truly remarkable people!!!!!

 

[moepanz]

I had my own very shocking experience this time last year leaving the MK with my mom in a ECV. My mother obviously a cancer patient (to anyone with half a brain) was on her way up to get the bus and a woman said very loudly "just because she is in one of those things does not mean she should get in front of us" my mom was so upset she started to cry (mom did not even cry when Dr. told her cancer spread to brain she was tough) being there with my 3 kids I could not tell that woman where to go, but less than 24 hrs later mom my was put in the hospital and passed shortly there after. Still kills me that the last time she left the MK with her grandkids that evil witch of woman made her cry and part of me would have love to have been able to track her down and tell her what a vicious witch she was. Everyone should really stop and think before they open their mouths because you never know how hurtful word can be.

 

[disney david]

Disney already has over 230 buses that can handle 2 or 3 wheel chairs/ecv yes they could use more buses but not for certain people who dont like to stand so someonein a ecv can ride safley. Mybe the need to put another cm at certain bus stops to help keep the peace so everyone can get on the bus safely. They could also make sure certain people who can't wait an extra min to board the so someone in a wheel chaircan baord the bus with out being mistreated.

 

[baby1disney]

I had my own very shocking experience this time last year leaving the MK with my mom in a ECV. My mother obviously a cancer patient (to anyone with half a brain) was on her way up to get the bus and a woman said very loudly "just because she is in one of those things does not mean she should get in front of us" my mom was so upset she started to cry (mom did not even cry when Dr. told her cancer spread to brain she was tough) being there with my 3 kids I could not tell that woman where to go, but less than 24 hrs later mom my was put in the hospital and passed shortly there after. Still kills me that the last time she left the MK with her grandkids that evil witch of woman made her cry and part of me would have love to have been able to track her down and tell her what a vicious witch she was. Everyone should really stop and think before they open their mouths because you never know how hurtful word can be.

I'm sooo sorry you had to experience that..but maybe instead of that being your last memory of her...your last memory should be of her at MK with you and your kids!!! I'm sure that's what your kids will remember!!

I haven't read all of the thread because I didn't feel like cryin. But to UConn..Kevin was right on the money(again) with sayin that you owe no apology!! I wish I could give you a hug because your story has made me cry...more out of anger than anything. I can't believe you traveled from one park to another on your scooter so as to not annoy other people!! F other people!! You have every right to be there just as them and you better not ever do that again..k??????

 

[disney david]

I had my own very shocking experience this time last year leaving the MK with my mom in a ECV. My mother obviously a cancer patient (to anyone with half a brain) was on her way up to get the bus and a woman said very loudly "just because she is in one of those things does not mean she should get in front of us" my mom was so upset she started to cry (mom did not even cry when Dr. told her cancer spread to brain she was tough) being there with my 3 kids I could not tell that woman where to go, but less than 24 hrs later mom my was put in the hospital and passed shortly there after. Still kills me that the last time she left the MK with her grandkids that evil witch of woman made her cry and part of me would have love to have been able to track her down and tell her what a vicious witch she was. Everyone should really stop and think before they open their mouths because you never know how hurtful word can be.

I am so sorry to hear that and sorry for your loss i cant imange what would make some one else say that. It make me sick how stupid people can be when it comes to things that none of there bis. I dont know how i would of handle it i think yo took the high road and there not enough can be said how great you handle it you didnt lose your cool and do something you would regret later. Let me get this right she passed awa 24 hours after that low life made those comments i would of tracked her down a made her cry worse to the piont she beging for her life. I just so sorry that you and your family had to go through that. i think you could use a