Scooter proliferation

[icouldlivethere]

Has anybody else noticed a real proliferation in the number of scooters in the parks? We just got back about a week ago. I've been using a scooter in the parks for over 10 years now and I couldn't believe how many more scooters than usual there were my last trip. Usually I spend my time trying to avoid hitting kids and adults darting in front of my scooter this last trip I felt like I had to try and avoid hitting scooters coming at me from every direction and whizzing past me like I was standing still. My sister who does not need or use a scooter had been to the parks the week before me and had commented to me that she couldn't believe how many more scooters there were than previous trips and I thought she was exaggerating until I saw it for myself.

I'm happy that people who otherwise wouldn't be able to enjoy DW can now enjoy it with the help of a scooter but I'm wondering how DW is going to handle the increase in numbers. I know for myself before my DH and DS's convinced me to give scooters a try I used to stay in my hotel room by myself and read books and watch tv while my family went to the parks and had fun. So, I know first hand what a Godsend a scooter can be. We usually go to DW twice a year. Once in March and once in November. The parks are so much more crowded in March. I'm wondering if there will be an even bigger increase in scooters then.

 

[BillSears]

Yes I have noticed it. I have sent WDW a letter in the past about it asking them to please increase accessible spaces in shows/etc... The aging population of the USA is going to need more and more accessible accommodations as time goes on. It's sad but true and I don't know what the solution is.

 

[dclfun]

Yes. There has been a HUGE increase in the use of scooters over the past few years and a resultant impact in the parks and on transportation. Often w/c seating is full in shows and there can be a very long wait for the few attractions I can enjoy. Several times I've tried to visit the Tiki room but it was full for w/c's and scooters, and often waits for buses are a real nightmare. I'm glad to read that they are increasing spaces for us on the buses but I dread using them and making my family wait, and wait, and wait. After a day in the parks where we've already waited longer than able-bodied guests for everything or struggled to find accessible seating, it's not a pleasant end to the day or a start for that matter.----Kathy

 

[Bete]

and all I can say is Disney has more spaces to offer for shows than they do. I liked Dollywood, but in one instance we where a half early for a show and all the wheelchair spots were already taken and we couldn't get in.

Hopefully, in the future Disney will adjust to the increased population of scooters, wheelchairs, etc.

 

[cm8]

Yes. There has been a HUGE increase in the use of scooters over the past few years and a resultant impact in the parks and on transportation. Often w/c seating is full in shows and there can be a very long wait for the few attractions I can enjoy. Several times I've tried to visit the Tiki room but it was full for w/c's and scooters, and often waits for buses are a real nightmare. I'm glad to read that they are increasing spaces for us on the buses but I dread using them and making my family wait, and wait, and wait. After a day in the parks where we've already waited longer than able-bodied guests for everything or struggled to find accessible seating, it's not a pleasant end to the day or a start for that matter.----Kathy

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree that a big part of the increase is probably due to the aging population. Also, I think more people are thinking of things like scooters ahead of time where many of them may have not considered it until they got to a park and had problems.

 

[BillSears]

.... Also, I think more people are thinking of things like scooters ahead of time where many of them may have not considered it until they got to a park and had problems.

I was thinking this also. I think one way Disney could solve the bus problem is to reduce the cost of ECV rentals at the park. I'm sure there are some people who rent off-site because of the cost. If it cost less to rent an ECV in the parks then they'd do that instead and free up space on the buses.

On the other hand with less cost in the parks more people overall might rent ECVs and the spaces in the shows would be filled up faster.