Run Over BY ECV

[Mike©]

forevr - thanks for the explanation of the parknig spaces!

and i wish disney would make all the stores ADA.... it wouldnt be that difficult!

Why wish? It's required by law!

 

[KPeveler]

this is true, but i think some of it got "grandfathered" in.

ah well, disney is still one of the best places for the disabled to go. disney is going to be the one place i can go and not worry about the real world!

 

[kaytieeldr]

The DMV can ask for proof of disability (and a doctor's signature) because those spots do not level the field but instead offer "preferential" (for lack of a better word) parking for those who can not walk from the back of the lot or require extra space to get out of their vehicle (van spots...). The ADA seeks equal "access" to public spaces.

Actually, handicap parking spaces are not intended to be preferential, or even to necessarily provide the eligible person with simple, immediate access to any business, building, or location. The entire point of handicapped parking spaces is to get the person out of the flow of traffic as quickly and safely as possible. For example, at my credit union, the two designated spaces are as far from the door as possible, but that’s where the curb cut is, and those customers can enter the building without encountering any motor vehicles.

 

[NJ2Boardwalk]

Can't we all just get a long?? I think the "problem" here is that we each don't know what it's like to be in each other's "shoes" or ECV's or wheelchairs, or pushing strollers, etc... I am very capable of walking and do throughout the parks, I have been run over by ECV's many times - some have apologized - some have not. I also have walked in front of ECV's many times and I do apologize just like I would if I cut someone off while walking. Point being, both sides think they are "right", but if we just all agree to watch out for each other maybe it would make it a little nicer for everyone. There are just as many people that feel "entitled" in an ECV as there are that are walking, as there are if you get to a parade spot first, as there are if you wait on line.....etc....you get the point!

 

[Johnacon]

And you can count on seeming more and more scooters as the rest of the poplulation ages, especially all those that spent years RUNNING to stay in shape.

WOW.

So I guess people should stop running? Because being overweight is so much healthier?

Its nice that in a discussion about ECV's you were able to get in a shot at people who do something you obviously know nothing about.

 

[kaytieeldr]

And you can count on seeming more and more scooters as the rest of the poplulation ages, especially all those that spent years RUNNING to stay in shape.

So I guess people should stop running? Because being overweight is so much healthier?

Two words: Jim Fixx. But anyway, no, not at all. I believe the point was, a number of those people running to stay shape have damaged their knees and/or other leg joints to the point that, as they age especially, they will likely need some type of mobility assistance device to enjoy the Disney parks for more than a hundred feet or so.

 

[Johnacon]

Quick history lesson. Jim Fixx died of a heart attack while on a run, so I can't figure out how he would play into a discussion about runners needing ecv's later in life. Also, before he started started running, the man was overweight and smoked two packs a day. That might have somewhat contributed to his heart attack. Also, his family had a history of heart disease as evidenced by his father dying in his forties from a heart attack.

If the point is that some people who run wind up in ecv's, then why is this the only point that is brought up? I can think of countless reasons that would be more likely to land someone in an ECV. Number one being obesity, which running easily prevents.

No one ought to be taking a shot at running or runners in a society like ours that has such obesity problems.

 

[darlak]

Just bumping to give Robo the opportunity to not post again.

 

[NYDisGuy]

I think some of the rudeness in this thread is uncalled for. Even though the OP shouldn't have suggested banishment of wheelchairs from stores, they do have a point with the ECV. In any mode of transportation, pedestrians do have the right of way. There have been many instances where I see ECV's flying through the parks, knocking over young people, one hit my mom and knocked her over two years ago. Not saying that anyone in this thread is doing that, but not everyone in this thread make up the population of ECV users in Disney. There are many people overseas who use them and are not custom to the rules of operating one. Strollers havent been mentioned alot, but it is the same case with them. They are not meant to be plows or a personal tote bag, they are meant for small children. I seriously injured my ankle when a stroller knocked me off the monorail onto the platform at the Magic Kingdom. There is a big problem with this and it should be addressed.

On the flip side, people do need to be more aware of their surroundings when it comes to a handicapped person. I've also witnessed many rude guests who will cut in front of wheelchairs and push them out of the way. I also hear many things which I cannot repeat that are offensive towards people in wheelchairs, especially while waiting for a resort bus.

Both sides do need help, and arguing over who needs it more is very childish. We could seriously progress here if we had an intelligent conversation on how to fix the problem for both sides, and not just quibble on who is really wrong.

 

[Brer_roadrunner]

I did the segway tour a few years back with my wife and we had to take a class for an hour to learn how to properly operate one in an empty World Showcase... What if Disney had an area for first time ecv users to go through the paces of operating a ecv? It can't be easy in a crowded area no matter how good you are, but wouldn't most people want a chance to learn the ropes before they're tossed into the masses?

 

[northie]

No one ought to be taking a shot at running or runners in a society like ours that has such obesity problems.

No one should be taking a shot at ANYONE. We're all here because we love Disney, but you sure wouldn't know it when the word ECV is mentioned. Any ECV thread always ends up with somebody playing the fat card.

Running does not easily prevent obesity. Some are prone to it, some have medical problems that keep them from running, and so many other reasons.

Just be grateful YOU do not need an ECV and leave it at that, and don't take shots at ANYONE for any reason. Can you say judgmental, boys and girls? Around here you sure can.

I am unsubscribing before I slap somebody.

 

[KPeveler]

ok, lets leave the obesity comments behind... that is an entirely separate thread, and it cant possibly lead anywhere good! we were doing so well up to that point...

if we stay nice, we can keep debating.

 

[kydisneyfans]

We've made it to page 7 without a shutdown for those that placed bets.

 

[mr.alec]

Problem is, The majority of folks who use ecv's DONT need them. IMHO, Obesity is NO excuse. It CAN be controlled. Alot of other folks are just plain taking advantage of things. NOW, The folks that TRULY need them; I have all the respect in the world. The problem is, The folks that really need them are a major minority compared to the folks who use them due to lazyness or some ridiculous excuse. Its just a shame that they are abused. Handicapped parking spaces.....Dont get me going on them. There IS a proven way to control your weight..Less intake and MORE exercise..It works EVERY time!

 

[Chuck65]

My new bet is, this gets moved to community board before 12:00 PM EST today. Any takers?

 

[KPeveler]

actually, I believe that the opposite is true mr. alec. I think you have it completely backwards (and that is my opinion, not trying to be mean!).

As someone with a degenerative invisible condition, I whole heartedly agree with you - laziness is NO excuse to use a scooter. it means that people like me are less likely to be believed. people assume because i am so young I cannot possibly be sick, so therefore i am faking.

however, i think that more people need them than the opposite, but unfortunately there is no real way to tell.

all i ask of people is that even if you think the person is faking - give them the benefit of the doubt. i will use a chair in disney, but i will walk at the water parks (although i will use the lazy river to get around) cause chairs cant be used in water (obviously )... just cause you see me walking a few feet does not mean that i can walk a mile. just something to consider!

 

[mr.alec]

actually, I believe that the opposite is true mr. alec. I think you have it completely backwards (and that is my opinion, not trying to be mean!).

As someone with a degenerative invisible condition, I whole heartedly agree with you - laziness is NO excuse to use a scooter. it means that people like me are less likely to be believed. people assume because i am so young I cannot possibly be sick, so therefore i am faking.

however, i think that more people need them than the opposite, but unfortunately there is no real way to tell.

all i ask of people is that even if you think the person is faking - give them the benefit of the doubt. i will use a chair in disney, but i will walk at the water parks (although i will use the lazy river to get around) cause chairs cant be used in water (obviously )... just cause you see me walking a few feet does not mean that i can walk a mile. just something to consider!

You are just what i mean though...You truely DO need one if you want to use one. Im talking about the abusers..I think you know what i mean. I certainly did not mean folks with your or like your condition.

 

[Fitswimmer]

WOW! What a thread! And not one mention of the fact that most stores at WDW are not ADA complient. Narrow isles are the norm. ( like they need to jamb as much merchandise as possible in the hundreds of shops on property ).

Oh!, and AK is a real joke on a ECV!

To me, that's the real issue-not the ECV's or the Strollers-it's the fact that they cram so much stuff in those stores that that you can hardly even WALK side by side.

 

[KPeveler]

You are just what i mean though...You truely DO need one if you want to use one. Im talking about the abusers..I think you know what i mean. I certainly did not mean folks with your or like your condition.

I understand what you were saying. I was just saying that I think there are more people who need them than there are abusers. I understood you to say you thought that there were more abusers than people who need them. If I did not understand correctly, please let me know! I have been known to be wrong before.

Trust me, as someone who needs some help getting around, i hate the abusers even more, because it detracts from my need!

 

[northie]

You are just what i mean though...You truely DO need one if you want to use one. Im talking about the abusers..I think you know what i mean. I certainly did not mean folks with your or like your condition.

Some obese people DO need them and unfortunately unless you see one skipping around the parks it is going to be very hard to tell who the abusers are. Sad but that's how it is, so better to give the benefit of the doubt.

Most of the time, you really cannot tell who is lazy or who cannot walk a long distance or stand just by looking. When my knee has been really bad I have used one for a couple days. It is no picnic. And to have people assume I am too freaking lazy to walk simply because I am fat...well, that's just annoying. If I use one, I assure you I need it. They are simply not that much fun to drive, looking at people's butts all day, having them step in front of you, (but of course it was YOUR fault, so what, they never looked...you should be a mind reader) turning around and whacking you in the face with their purses and so on...it's no picnic, bub, and I thank God due to physical therapy my knee has let me have the last two trips without having to resort to a scooter, because I have seen both sides of the coin and I know which one I prefer! But if it gets so bad I feel I need one to enjoy my time at Disney, I'll get one.