Run Over by a Rascal

[Geoff_M]

I'm not going to speak "pro" or "con" on this one, but I was amazed at the explosion of the use of these carts in the parks on our recent visit. They are to the point where Disney is going to need to adapt some of their infrastructure further to handle the fact that we're becoming more and more of an "immobile" society. For example, most buses can handle two carts. This used to be plenty, but we rode on several buses last time that were carrying two passengers with carts/chairs and we also saw a couple of people in chairs/carts being left at the bus stop because there was no room for their vehicles as the spots were already taken. It looks like they could use buses that could handle four or five chairs/carts now.

 

[Schmeck]

Some people posting on this thread have very little knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and what it means. One very important fact - no one can be asked to prove a disability, no doctor's note required, etc.

Also, there are no laws stating that only disabled people are allowed to use scooters, wheelchairs, crutches, etc. About the only thing regulated is the handicap-hangtags and plates.

Anyone can contact Disney with a complaint. They see hundreds (maybe thousands?) of complaints a day. There's nothing they can legally do to limit ECVs.

 

[klofan]

I feel for you. I know some people need to use them for medical reasons, but I admit some people are pure lazy. Sometimes I feel like my feet are gonna fall off and/or I'm gonna pass out, but I move on. I feel that if less people have them the park wouldn't be as crowded because those things are huge and they can really hurt someone.

I hope no one takes offend to this, we all have our own opinions about them.

 

[LittleLebowski]

I never said limit or ban them. Only watch out for them and if you do not know how to operate them, learn or use alternate means.

 

[Katnmouse]

What I want to know is why do the scooters have to be so big? Why are they not more like electic wheelchairs? It's that "Ford Fairlane" front on these things that are so ridiculous. Why do they have shopping baskets on the front? You aren't in the grocery store. And yes, I know you can do a lot of shopping at Disney, but walkers aren't giving shopping carts for all their potential purchases. I'm not denying anyone necessary transportation but why are they renting out station wagons instead of motorized chairs?

 

[DaParkers]

I know I'm going to start a major riot on this one but I have no problem with folks who are either temporarily or permanently disabled and need a chair. Good for them, I'm glad they step out and share in the same experiences as the rest of us. I also have no problem whatsoever with grandma in her ECV who can walk a bit but runs out of puff after an hour of walking. None of us are as spry and have the stamina we used to have as we move on in years.

What I do have a problem with is the new phenomenon of lazy people (not always over-weight people either) who rent an ECV to use it as a) a shopping cart, b) a baby stroller, c) a toy to give their kids a ride on or d) a way to make it to the front of the line in the busy times under the guise of being disabled. JMHO but, if you don't have a doctor's note or aren't obviously in need of the ECV, then you don't get one to use for any or all of the above purposes. I've known of seniors being denied chairs in the middle of the day "because they're all out" and seen able-bodied folks clowning around in chairs and sometimes letting the kids take turns to drive them.

I agree.

 

[minnie61650]

What I want to know is why do the scooters have to be so big? Why are they not more like electic wheelchairs? It's that "Ford Fairlane" front on these things that are so ridiculous. Why do they have shopping baskets on the front? You aren't in the grocery store. And yes, I know you can do a lot of shopping at Disney, but walkers aren't giving shopping carts for all their potential purchases. I'm not denying anyone necessary transportation but why are they renting out station wagons instead of motorized chairs?

Walkers can carry a bag or two in their hands. An EVC driver needs to use both hands to steer the EVC.

It would be very dangerous to hang a bag from the handle bars and try to steer the EVC. Thus the small basket on the front for a few small items.

I carry my water bottle and a small case with my meds in my basket.

 

[Junkyard Willy]

This thread is getting way out of hand IMO. Toes are getting smashed and feelings are getting hurt.

 

[seashoreCM]

(copied from another post)
The first order of business in case of mishaps as described here is: Stop The Miscreant!

It doesn't matter whether the miscreant needs a scooter or is in a regular wheelchair or is just toting a large backpack.

In the case of a motorized vehicle, one way of stopping the miscreant is taking the ignition key.

Then facts can be ferreted out and responsibility can be assigned. The owner of the vehicle is not off the hook.

If "you got the bigger dog, you should be more careful".

Disney hints: http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[LittleLebowski]

This thread is getting way out of hand IMO. Toes are getting smashed and feelings are getting hurt.

Seacrest Out!

 

[SueM in MN]

We also saw a CM have to chase down and grab onto the handle bars of one wild rider. She had a kid who looked about 6 or 7 yrs. old sitting in the little basket at the front while she slalomed and did donuts down Main St. The CM repeatedly yelled at her to stop, but she kept going, so he was forced to make a leap and grab the controls.

If it was a rented scooter (either from the parks or from one of the off-site rental places), she would have signed a rental agreement that said only one person would ride the scooter at a time. The agreements also say that the person operating the scooter must be over 18 yrs old.
WDW CMs can (and do) confiscate park rental scooters if they see behavior like that.

Thanks Tissa for the lovely advice about getting out of the way. It is hard, most of these scooters are equipped with stronger faster motors than the Indy speed cars at MK so you jump out of the way of a moving car. I got a nasty flesh wound and serious bruise. I can't sleep at night because of the nightmares! Similar to Lightning mcQueen being chased by the combine in cars.

I am not trying to start a huge debate or soil someones Cheerios here abotu someone who medically or physically needs the chair. I am simply saying something that happened to me. I tried to put a cute humorous face on it but some people do not get other peoples humor.

If the comment about "Indy speed cars" and "nightmares" and "Lightning McQueen" were meant to be jokes, I don't think many people took them that way.
Some sugestions since you are new:
It's really hard to understand whether people are being serious or joking when just reading the words. Most people use the smilies that are off to the side of the 'reply' window to add a little feeling to their words - like or for agreeing. Or one of the little laughing smiles to show they are joking

I've not been hit by a scooter before, but I almost hit a man in Las Vegas this weekend. He literally steped sideways into my path at the very last second. I was able to avoid him, but just barely. He didn't even notice.

Walkers and scooter users both need to pay more attention and be more considerate. Once a man hurdled to front of my scooter because he was trying to cross a path and go the opposite direction. He couldn't be bothered to wait the 3 seconds it would have taken me to pass so he jumped over the front of me. Not cool.

I'm sorry - but I totally disagree with you. My father HAD to use one of those to get around the last 3 years of his life & that wasn't by his choice!! He had 3x bypass surgery, kidney dialysis and had to have partial amputation of his feet, but none of that held him down. He still managed to serve on several Florida county posts and lead a full life. Just because his legs didn't work right didn't mean he had to be held down to a wheelchair and couldn't live a full and productive life. And YES - he did take one of those scooters/chairs (rascal specifically) to WDW so that he could see his granddaughter perform with her dance troop from Illinois. But I will tell you that he was one of the safest scooter/chair drivers I've seen. Also, I've had more damage incurred by wheelchairs and strollers than I ever have by a motorized scooter/chair. Face it - Disney is packed & sometimes you have to be the cautious one just like you have to be on a highway. Be proactive - get out of the way when necessary....... OK-off my soapbox..............................

What I do have a problem with is the new phenomenon of lazy people (not always over-weight people either) who rent an ECV to use it as a) a shopping cart,

I don't get how someone would use a scooter as a shopping cart??

b) a baby stroller, c) a toy to give their kids a ride on or

If they have rented the ECV from Disney or an off-site place, the rental agreement that they signed says they will not let anyone ride with them and that no one under 18 will be allowed to drive it.

d) a way to make it to the front of the line in the busy times under the guise of being disabled.

AK and the Studio were built with Mainstream Lines, which means that the lines are wheelchair and ECV accessible and people using them wait in line with everyone else.
MK and Epcot were built longer ago, so they are not totally accessible. Most of the newer or renovated attractions were built with Mainstream Lines unless there was something about the queue that could not be renovated to make them mainstream.

Just be careful when you operate one of these and if you never have before, take it out to the parking lot where it is wide open and familiarize yourself with the controls before you get into a high traffic area of walkers.

Walkers pay more attention too!

That is good advice for everyone.

Thank you for sharing.

I have no idea where this fantasy of front of the line access got started, it doesn't exist. The vast majority of the attractions at WDW are all main queue accessible.

ever tried safari in AK if you had you would'nt post comments like this

we have waited 40 minutes for the Safari because we had someone with a wheelchair. The sign at the entrance to the line said a 5 minute wait and that was true - if you were able to walk in. They were actually sending trams out only partially filled because people were not walking up fast enough to fill them. Those of us waiting for the accessible tram had to watch that for 40 minutes.

What I want to know is why do the scooters have to be so big? Why are they not more like electic wheelchairs? It's that "Ford Fairlane" front on these things that are so ridiculous. Why do they have shopping baskets on the front? You aren't in the grocery store. And yes, I know you can do a lot of shopping at Disney, but walkers aren't giving shopping carts for all their potential purchases. I'm not denying anyone necessary transportation but why are they renting out station wagons instead of motorized chairs?

There are 2 reasons they don't rent out power wheelchairs.
One is that power wheelchairs cost a lot more to buy than ECVs.
The other reason is that ECVs are a lot easier to drive. Power wheelchairs drive with a joystick that controls the speed and the direction at the same time. Younger people who are used to using video games might do OK with those, but most older people find it much easier to steer using a handlebar arrangement like ECVs have (they are actually a lot like steering a bike).
The park rental ECVs are heavy duty ones. They actually go a lot slower than the ones that can be rented from off-site, so if people are complaining about speed, those are not the speedy ones.
Actual shopping cart ones that are in stores have a much bigger cart on the front. Someone using an ECV can't easily hang onto a purse or any bags, so that's why the rental ECVs have a basket.

 

[Katnmouse]

Thanks for the answers.

 

[Coopsmum77]

Well, perhaps there isn't anyone in the guest's group that's strong enough to push a wheelchair all day long? What if it's an elderly couple, with one of them needing a wheelchair? I doubt if most 75-year-olds could push a wheelchair for a few miles a day. Preventing them from using an ECV would effectively ban them from the parks, unless they managed to get a younger, stronger relative or friend to go along.

I know my gram uses one because of her awful arthritis. My grandfather could use one because he has a problem with his feet, but he is too proud. I know it would be too much if they were off on their own for pap to push gram around all day long. He's done it before, but he was 63 then. He's 10 years older now.

Also, LittleLebowski, I think Disney would probably be in violation of some federal laws if they banned handicapped people from using them.

 

[LittleLebowski]

Sue,
You have a unique way at getting your point across, and using select terms from original quotes.

Also, LittleLebowski, I think Disney would probably be in violation of some federal laws if they banned handicapped people from using them.

Never said ban them! Just said watch out for them

 

[Daydreamer]

I have read about a million threads such as this and have always tried to steer clear, no pun intended. However, I think I am going to throw in my two cents and say that pretty much everyone is in the wrong.

If you don't need an ECV, wheelchair, stroller, etc but are using one you are way wrong. I certainly can tell by looking at you there is nothing physically preventing you from walking around the parks and I most certainly can tell your child is too old or too big to be riding in a stroller. So, get off your lazy butt and walk with the rest of us.

If you do need an ECV, wheelchair, stroller, etc and are using one you are in the wrong. Didn't you know that when the Magic Kingdom, MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom were designed Disney intentionally built the streets and walkways extra small just to keep these out of the way of those walking. They mistakenly left enough room at Epcot to accomodate these wheeled carriers of pain and death and have regretted it every day since.

If you are not using an ECV, wheelchair, stroller, etc you are in the wrong because you take inconsiderate approach to those that are. I mean, it seems that everyone just stops to look at whatever they want and nobody peaks around a corner to make sure the coast is clear anymore.

It has gotten so bad that Disney has actually placed closed circuit cameras down MainStreet and have offices where staff members can sit and watch the mutilations as they occur. It is a new perk of working for Disney.

Okay, now I will apologize. This just seems an issue that is touchy for most people and almost all of them will say they are in the right. Not everyone that is driving this type of vehicle needs one, not everyone that needs one is able to drive properly, not all pedestrians are considerate to those around them. In the end it is still Disney and I will still have a great time. If someone bumps me I will most likely be upset at the moment, will give them an evil look and will forget about it in a couple of minutes. If I accidentally bump someone I will apologize and hope they can move on with a magical day.

 

[Junkyard Willy]

I think most people are missing the point. If Lebowski had a real problem he would not have aired it out here. It was meant as a I think. People read things and form their own opinions and the next thing ya know everyone gets (That is mad by the way) So I guess ya better not say anything about the food being bad or the parking being a pain cuz ya may make someone upset. That is a joke by the way, what I just said. (Don't want to offend anybody) I guess i am just airing my

 

[LittleLebowski]

It was meant as a funny story because that is what I do know that I think about it. I would hate to think that CM's are enjoying watching these things on main street cc cameras. I am quite sure they aren't. Disney would have quite a scandal if they were! Good night and we can flame up in the morning!

 

[lunapnp]

If you do need an ECV, wheelchair, stroller, etc and are using one you are in the wrong. Didn't you know that when the Magic Kingdom, MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom were designed Disney intentionally built the streets and walkways extra small just to keep these out of the way of those walking. They mistakenly left enough room at Epcot to accomodate these wheeled carriers of pain and death and have regretted it every day since.

Okay...I know you apologized...but I'm going to overlook this statement. Like you, I usually try to avoid getting involved in these type debates. However, I'm going to add my two cents, too. As far as "just pushing a wheelchair" instead of an ECV...it's not as easy as it sounds. If you think it is, I will be glad to let you take my daughter to the parks for a day and push her around. I can't imagine having to push a full grown adult! My DD is only 11 YO and 70lbs, plus add 70 lbs for her wheelchair...that makes for a heavy haul all day long. Also, I am not saying all wheelchair users, ECV users are innocent. However, have you ever thought that at times the driver is not the offender?? I can't count the number of times we have had "able bodied" people cut my daughter off, walk out in front of her forcing us to make sudden stops, and basically run all over her. Also, just because someone in an ECV may not have an obvious handicap doesn't mean they do not have a true medical condition. I am not naive to think that people abuse the system all day long. One day, those people will have to answer for their behavior!

 

[PrincessBelle39]

Why does it always have to be someones fault? Sometimes accidents just happen.

 

[WDW4ever]

If you don't need an ECV, wheelchair, stroller, etc but are using one you are way wrong. I certainly can tell by looking at you there is nothing physically preventing you from walking around the parks and I most certainly can tell your child is too old or too big to be riding in a stroller. So, get off your lazy butt and walk with the rest of us..

I wasn't going to post in this, but you can NOT tell by looking at someone who is physically fine. Never judge someone on looks alone. If you had seen my friend you would have wondered why a young, pretty, fit-looking blonde was using wheelchairs, handicap accesses, etc. but you wouldn't be able to see her insides and her bad heart. She didn't live to get that heart transplant, but she did live to go to WDW.