Scooter/ECV is not a CONVENIENCE, it's a need!

[ditzy]

Is this a Disney acronym? I usually use the term scooter, but thought that ECV stood for Electronic CONVEYANCE Vehicle. Disney's term is Electronic CONVENIENCE Vehicle. It may be convenient for some but it's the only way I can get around. "Convenience" seems to imply laziness. A few insensitive CMs have told me to park the ECV and get in line. Should I use my handicap parking tag?

 

[SueM in MN]

You won't get any arguement here about the need part. It isn't only Disney that calls it an electric CONVENIENCE vehicle though. I had heard the term long before I got involved in disability info for WDW. I expect some marketer thought it was a good, non-threatening name for people who needed one, but didn't want to admit they needed one.
For many people, it is the only way that they are able to go to a place like WDW. For every person who uses one, there is probably someone who is walking around in pain, but doesn't want to admit they need one. And, did you see the Michael jackson interview? He had one to use for fun late at night in the hallways of a Las Vegas hotel. That doesn't exactly give people the right information about ecv users.
Anyway, for the CMs who told you to park the ecv and get in line, it's possible that some of those lines were not ecv accessible and the CMs were just not tactful in telling you that information. Many, but not all lines are accessible. (Although it's also possible that they were just insensitive).
Here's a link to the DIS page that lists attractions/lines where the lines are totally accessible (Mainstream Lines).

 

[Talking Hands]

Ditzy,
Please write Disney and tell them that. I have been trying for years to emphasize that the use of an scooter is not a convenience but a need and their term affects the attitude of castmembers towards those who need to use one.
If I could walk the distances I would and if I could use a manual wheelchair I would be using one.

 

[ditzy]

Oh, no----Michael Jackson has turned them into Electronic CELEBRATION vehicles. Most CMs are very sensitive to disabilities and if you bring your own scooter, they understand it's not for fun. I just had several unpleasant experiences on my last trip. Spaceship Earth---CM at entrance directed me to handicap entrance where CM showed me where to park. I was then directed to a waiting area about 50 feet away. I asked if there would be any more walking and was told "No, just up the ramp and onto the ride." "Up the ramp" was another 50 feet and then onto a moving platform. I turned to leave and they stopped the ride and let me board. If I'd known the walking distance and inconvenience to other visitors, I would not have done this one. Living with the Land---CM told me to park and get in line. When I started to leave, I was offered a manual wheelchair that would actually go on the first car of the boat. Osborne Lights---much too crowded, turned around before entering but all exits were blocked except for the virtually one-way main street. MK---did not even attempt rides.
I don't expect everything to be accessible---it's not Disney's Disability Park. I just think the term "Convenience" is a misnomer.

 

[Robin]

I hate thh EVC terminology. I am 23 years old and have MS... My scooter is a need. If I had a choice I would not have to use it, I had a CM last year tell me my DD (4 year old) could not ride with me on my personal scooter, I smiled and said "That's ok, If you wouldn't mind getting me a stroller and pushing my daughter all day" The CM backed down real quick... I was alone and determined that Caitlyn was going to have a good time like all the other children her age.

 

[Talking Hands]

While Disney can say that a person cannot carry a child on one of their scooters I don't see how they can say that on a personal scooter. It is after all your own. I have actually seen a few rigged with baby seats by their owners.