Scooter Incident at Magic Kingdom Bus Stop

[MikeandReneePlus5]

For the record, on our first couple of trips, we tried to wait. [snip] I was told that it is logistical simpler for them to get the scooters on the buses and out of the way, than to end up with a whole bunch of scooters waiting. So now, we just go with the flow.

That's the answer as to why they do it.

It inconveniences the least amount of people to do it that way since each bus can hold dozens of people but only 2 scooters. So over time if you made the scooters wait there would be more guests waiting longer average times for a bus ride.

As has been pointed out many times in the thread, the OP had a bad situation due to the lack of busses, not the WDW policy on loading scooters.

 

[dfb]

The PC world we create. You cannot and I would not want to deny anyone needing assistance that access. Yes some do abuse what is offered but that the way it goes and you cannot say anything against as you will surely be an inconsiderate sob.

ECV or not, the best option is to hang out until most are gone! Get a double goodnight kiss. Have sword/broom fight or solve the world's/Disney's problems with CMs. Sit down in front of castle with a nice pastry or ice cream. (Although I like the old bakery better).....Wait....wait a minute..... forget that!!! Get in line as fast as you can that is the best option!

 

[Hopelessly_Devoted]

On a recent trip to Disney World, my group had left Magic Kingdom towards closing time and our bus stop for the Beach Club was quite packed so we got in line and waited. A bus came about 20 minutes later and took quite a few people but we still had to wait for bus #2. Another 20 minutes passed and bus #2 came up.

As bus #2 pulled up, a scooter rushed toward the loading area and she was of course boarded first by the bus driver. The issued seemed to be with her party size which numbered possibly 6-8, I didn't exactly count them. A grown man in front of me told the bus driver that some of the party should have to wait behind the people who've already waited 40+ minutes.

And I have to admit, I can't really disagree. I understand the logic of boarding the person on the scooter. And that person may likely need some help so allowing perhaps 1 person of their party to board as well. But 6+ able bodied people boarding ahead of people who patiently waited? Doesn't seem right.

The limit is supposed to be 6 can walk on the bus with scooter and the rest are supposed to wait in line. Drivers NEVER enforce that. I have been asked to get off of a partially loaded bus for a scooter and their family and there was not enough room for me to get back on because their party of about 25 with 2 scooters and quite a few people that needed 2 seats each took up the majority of the bus. I feel bad for people who need scooters but the process is crap.

 

[Toystoryfan32]

Not sure if I can help him at all, but as a fellow CMT patient, let me say that your best option is to ignore people. I've got leg braces but haven't gotten to the point of wheelchair yet. And let me tell you, I've gotten numerous stares and comments from people when wearing long pants for things like using my handicapped placard. Not all disabilities are visible. Likewise, this year my 7 year old, also with CMT, will be in a stroller. I fully expect the stares and comments about how he's too old to be in a stroller - and they have no idea that he wouldn't be able to do Disney without assistance.

I guess my point is, ignore, ignore, ignore. Have a wonderful time. Follow the rules, and do what you need to do within those constraints. I was quietly reading and wasn't going to comment until I saw the CMT reference - you don't see it that often!

You will have a great time! And tell him that it's better to go with a scooter or wheelchair than not go at all! There are folks out there who understand.

Thanks for the tips everyone. I think we will look at renting a scooter from an offsite company instead of a wheelchair. Yes the CMT diagnosis came as a bit of a shock. He has had idiopathic neuropathy for years but we had no idea about the CMT until last Friday. He has special braces/boots for his legs right now. He is not a sitter and it's been hard to keep him off his feet! I just really want to make sure he enjoys this trip despite his medical issues.

 

[disneyseniors]

The real question is why can't people in scooters wait in line like everyone else? I don't think being in a scooter should give you the right to skip the line. Wait like everybody else.

They are also the last off! just saying...

 

[myjourney]

Because of knee replacements I have had to use a scooter several times and so far I have not encountered any hostile attitudes. Please do not let this board discourage you from a wonderful trip. Your husband will be much happier with a scooter (he will have more independence) than a wheel chair and I recommend you rent one from an outside company like Apple Scooter so he will have it at the hotel, plus it is much cheaper. They deliver and pick it up. Unfortunately you can run into rude people anywhere but they do not pay for your trip so if that happens just ignore them. You need to have him go to the correct stop to load and not get in a regular line; for safety and to keep things moving quickly. Your family is entitled to ride with you so ride with him. I always try to be considerate of others but I will not let the fear of someones irritation stop me from having a wonderful vacation. Tell your husband life is uncertain, go and enjoy it when you can, you never know what the future holds.

We are traveing to WDW over Thanksgiving. My husband was diagnosed last week with Charcot Marie Tooth disease and the doctor has told us he must use a wheelchair or scooter until his bones are healed. The trip and airfare are paid for so we can’t cancel. After reading all this I truly wish we could cancel our trip. I know he is already upset about using a wheelchair or a scooter and we havent decided which he should use yet. We do not have a problem waiting in line with everyone else. There are four of us and we don’t want to be split up. We have been to Disney 15 times or so but this is new to us. Can we just move the scooter or/wheelchair through the regular bus line with everyone else? I feel like he is already bummed about the whole thing anyway I certainly don’t want to add the pressure of people being irritated with him because he didn’t wait in line. Any suggestions?

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Once saw a scooter try to go through the line queue. Almost took her head off as inexperienced a driver she was. I have no problem waiting. At least I can still stand and walk. I'd hate to have to deal with a scooter.

 

[cakebaker]

Thanks for the tips everyone. I think we will look at renting a scooter from an offsite company instead of a wheelchair. Yes the CMT diagnosis came as a bit of a shock. He has had idiopathic neuropathy for years but we had no idea about the CMT until last Friday. He has special braces/boots for his legs right now. He is not a sitter and it's been hard to keep him off his feet! I just really want to make sure he enjoys this trip despite his medical issues.

What you read here quite often doesn't match what happens in real life. We've been to wdw many times and not once have I heard so much as a grumble about scooters being loaded first.

We have run into bus issues before, but not often and I've never felt like I was delayed due to scooters other than it takes time to load them, but not much.

Anyone who complains loudly enough to be heard by those having to use a scooter is saying a lot more about themselves than they are anyone else. Ignore them, they aren't worth your time.

 

[DisneyFive]

My opinion is that the person on the scooter should wait in the designated area. The rest of party should get in line. When the bus arrives that will hold their party in line, then they all load.

Dan

 

[wdw4rfam]

We are traveing to WDW over Thanksgiving. My husband was diagnosed last week with Charcot Marie Tooth disease and the doctor has told us he must use a wheelchair or scooter until his bones are healed. The trip and airfare are paid for so we can’t cancel. After reading all this I truly wish we could cancel our trip. I know he is already upset about using a wheelchair or a scooter and we havent decided which he should use yet. We do not have a problem waiting in line with everyone else. There are four of us and we don’t want to be split up. We have been to Disney 15 times or so but this is new to us. Can we just move the scooter or/wheelchair through the regular bus line with everyone else? I feel like he is already bummed about the whole thing anyway I certainly don’t want to add the pressure of people being irritated with him because he didn’t wait in line. Any suggestions?

I will agree with ignore people. We have never used a scooter, but my mom needed one badly after stress fracturing her foot last year a week before our 12 day trip. She wouldn't use it and hobbled around in pain because she didn't want to upset people being a scooter user. It was sad. Ihave had many people make comments over the years using a GAC/DAS for my autistic son. Nobody looks disabled so people feel free to give us their opinion on why we shouldn't be able to skip,the line( which anyone who actually uses one knows it's not the case)Now with the DAS we do wait, and yes, all 7 of us will ride together, because we are waiting too, but people think that shouldn't be allowed either. Now I guess people think people on scooters shouldn't be able to ride on a bus with their party too. You just need to enjoy your trip and not worry so much about what everyone thinks

 

[DekrRini]

Let me preface this by saying that I have a nephew who is a quadriplegic and is confined to a motorized wheelchair at all times so I understand about scooters. I also understand the safety issues that mean they must be loaded first. What I don't understand is why people already on the bus must exit the bus so a scooter that just rolled up can be loaded first. Why can't that scooter wait for the next bus? Wouldn't that be faster and safer in the long run?

 

[cakebaker]

What I don't understand is why people already on the bus must exit the bus so a scooter that just rolled up can be loaded first.

I've actually never seen that happen and although I'm sure it has, it's not standard procedure to do so.

 

[serenitynow]

There are 2 spots on every bus that are reserved for the disabled. A big blue sticker with the wheelchair on it advises riders of the bus that these seats are reserved for the handicapped and any non-disabled riders will be asked to move and make way for the handicapped if those spots are needed for the disabled. The big blue stickers can be found on the windows over these handicapped "parking spaces" on the bus. It may be possible that is the reason the guests were asked to move for the wheelchair in the post above. So just be aware that if one sits in those seats, one may be asked to move to make way for any disabled riders who need one of these two spots.

 

[maxiesmom]

My opinion is that the person on the scooter should wait in the designated area. The rest of party should get in line. When the bus arrives that will hold their party in line, then they all load.

Dan

I'm glad that Disney doesn't follow that. For one thing, there is no guarantee that the bus that shows up will have a working lift. I have seen that more than once, and it is pretty awful.

I understand how people get a little frustrated. I know most of us are tired and just want to go already when we are leaving the parks. But I also know I would much rather be tired and able to stand and wait for another bus than in a scooter boarding a bus.

 

[soniam]

This may have been posted. I'm lazy and didn't want to read all 4 pages. For people asking why the scooter or wheelchair should have priority. There could be underlying health issues that require the person to get where they need to go quickly, hopefully it's to the hotel room. They may need food/drink, medication, rest, the bathroom. You never know. Also, due to their mobility issues, it could take them a lot longer to do things, like getting ready and getting across the park, and that could cause unforeseen delays getting to an ADR for FP+. However, plenty of time, no matter who it is, should be allowed for such reservations. I do, however, agree that it would be frustrating, and the problem ultimately lies with a 40 minute bus wait. Most people probably wouldn't mind waiting 10-15 minutes to allow a scooter or wheelchair to go ahead.

 

[DisneyFive]

I'm glad that Disney doesn't follow that. For one thing, there is no guarantee that the bus that shows up will have a working lift. I have seen that more than once, and it is pretty awful.

I understand how people get a little frustrated. I know most of us are tired and just want to go already when we are leaving the parks. But I also know I would much rather be tired and able to stand and wait for another bus than in a scooter boarding a bus.

I disagree as it's the most fair to all. Been on 100+ bus rides at Disney and am yet to ride one that wasn't able to load a scooter when one was waiting. I will say this... Although I feel it's the most fair method, it would be hard to accomplish from a logistical standpoint.

-Dan

 

[AquaDame]

My opinion is that the person on the scooter should wait in the designated area. The rest of party should get in line. When the bus arrives that will hold their party in line, then they all load.

Dan

Eh, until people start piling on you won't be certain when those folks will get to the front. All able bodied adults here, still think the current system is the most fair even though it can be annoying, especially when I am dog tired and the able bodied in their party take up the primo seats on the bus!

 

[cranbiz]

As a former driver, I feel the need to weigh in here.

The official policy is that your party, up to 6 members are supposed to be allowed entry when a disabled guest is loaded. All others in the party are to wait in the standard queue. They may or may be split up. Unfortunately not many drivers enforce this because in the end, if the guest complains, it's the driver that gets in trouble with a manager.

Disabled guests need to be loaded first whenever possible for all guests safety. This is held to at the parks, the resorts can be different depending on if there are multiple stops within a resort.

Guests don't all need to exit the bus to load a chair. Guests will be asked to vacate the marked seats that are over the chair tie downs if a chair is loaded after a bus has guests already on board.

All buses have 2 tie downs. Several of the Nova's and the Gillig's have 3 tie downs. One Nova has 5 tie downs. This bus can be requested for parties that have multiple guests in mobility devices transported. In case of needing that bus, you call Disney transport and request it. You may need to wait as this bus is usually in regular service and it will be rerouted when it has finished the current route.

All buses (except for the very few remaining RTS's and very early Nova's that have not been converted) have ramps that can be deployed manually. A non operating lift is really a thing of the past. All ramps have a weight limit of 600 pounds.

Guests in wheelchairs and scooters DO NOT have priority over other guests. With the exception of acting in guest safety, they are supposed to be treated exactly the same. Many times I asked guests arriving in a scooter after my bus was loaded to a point where I could not safely load them to wait for the next bus. They did not always like it but I was 100% committed to guest safety when they were on my bus.

There was an experiment tried at EPCOT back in 2010 where guests were mainstreamed in one queue. What was supposed to happen is when the wheelchair or scooter reached the front of the queue, they would then be directed to a holding area to wait for the next bus where they and their party would be first to board. This would have worked pretty well except for closing times primarily, where there may have been another scooter 30 or 40 guests behind the first scooter. Now, we would have to load that scooter on a populated bus and risk injury to other guests. I'm still not sure how to make the system fair to all but know this, Disney does try very hard to make the system fair.

A Disney bus is designed for 72 total guests, sitting and standing. They lose 4 guests in capacity when 2 tie down spots are occupied.

I hope this clears up some things.

 

[revdon64]

I haven't finished reading the whole thread yet, but I wonder if anyone has considered the fact that someone in a scooter has to move painstakingly slow exiting a crowded park. Literally thousands of people are passing them heading to the bus stops. If they could walk like you, they would probably already be ahead of you in line. And by the way, complaining without offering a viable solution is just whining.

 

[maxiesmom]

I disagree as it's the most fair to all. Been on 100+ bus rides at Disney and am yet to ride one that wasn't able to load a scooter when one was waiting. I will say this... Although I feel it's the most fair method, it would be hard to accomplish from a logistical standpoint.

-Dan

I disagree that your solution is the most fair. I've been on 100+ bus rides too, but I still disagree. And yes, I have seen people on scooters left behind because of a non working lift. Now if the driver could have manipulated it to work or were just lazy that day, I have no idea. But I have seen it.

I have to add I don't think there is any way of running the buses that would be fair to everyone. I just that my lucky stars that so far I don't need special consideration. It is too bad people are so stuck on someone in a scooter beating them onto a bus that they fail to consider how much harder their day probably was over-all.