Scooter rentals now TARGETING the lazy!! (LONG)

[mickman1962]

How can you tell someone is non-disabled?

There are may hidden disabilities but just because someone has a hidden disability does not mean they are not truly disabled.

Do all people who use the handicapped stalls in the restroom really need that stall? Many times when I enter the rest room there are many able stalls empty but the Handicapped
one (which is the only one I can use) is being used by a mom and 1 or 2 children. I could say she is abusing the use of the HA stall or I could think perhaps she has an invisible disability or a special needs child. I always chose the benefit of the doubt.
Because it is a HA stall and it is for people with special needs correct?

So with the line of thinking of a lot of people who have posted I guess guests using the HA stall when they don't need it must be abusing the system just like those using a scooter who do not truly need them are abusing the system,

Sorry, but when I see 5 teenagers running around taking turns with a wheelchair, it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out they are not disabled.

FYI handicapped stalls are not handicap "only", they are handicap "accessible" . They are not for the exclusive use of the handicapped. The 2 people I know who are truly handicapped neither expect nor want preferential treatment, they just want accessibility.

 

[minnie61650]

Sorry, but when I see 5 teenagers running around taking turns with a wheelchair, it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out they are not disabled.

FYI handicapped stalls are not handicap "only", they are handicap "accessible" . They are not for the exclusive use of the handicapped. The 2 people I know who are truly handicapped neither expect nor want preferential treatment, they just want accessibility.

I never said the stalls are for the exclusive use of the handicapped. I was just trying to make a point about how people can and do have different ideas about who is abusing different things. It saddens me when people do not understand how much those of us with hidden disabilities are hurt by some of remarks posted on these boards. If it were not for the scooters I would not be able enjoy the parks at WDW.

Sorry, mimickman1962, I really do highly respect your opinions and I do see why you would become upset when you see 5 teenagers running around taking turns with a wheelchair. I am sure that would upset me also.
I will agree that some people do abuse WC/ECV's.

Peace

 

[pampam]

You have to have a special card or plate to park in a handicapped parking place. You should have to have a card to use a wheelchair or ECV that is provided for you. Those people who own a wheelchair or EVC need them. Not many folks shell out the big bucks for "convenience". Department stores, grocery stores, and WDW should ask for a card. Those with temporary injuries should be issued temporary cards, just like temporary tags are issued for handicapped parking.

Now, unfortunately, unscrupulous people are photocopying these things, and cheating that way. Unless officials check the back for dates, the cheats can get away with parking in handicap spots. Also, i know of people who use other peoples parking permit to park in these spots. If people want to cheat, they will find a way.

 

[sherreis]

I can see you staring at me when I load my ECV onto the bus and yes I am very aware that loading does take a little time. When I am loading I am so aware of your stares. I apologize for making you wait a few extra minutes.
But what you may not understand is without the EVC and Disney's wonderful bus Drivers and buses I would never have been able to see my grandson meet Mickey.

It was truly one of the highlights in my life.

I have tears in my eyes now.

In closing I would just like to remind my fellow DIS members that some of things you said in said in these posts hurt me deeply and I fear you have hurt many others with your unkind remarks.

Linda -

I have tears in my eyes now too. Thanks for writing what you did. Obviously, the OP was to enlighten people that there are those that abuse the system because they are too lazy to walk around the parks. Obviously, those are the ones who are taking the available EVCs from those, like you, who need them. Luckily, you know better, and rent one from an outside agency. Unfortunately, the thread took off and started in a bad direction at times. I'm glad you were able to share Disney with your grandchild - what a moment to look forward to! I hope that you're able to do it again.

As for the people who rent the EVCs who really don't need them....what goes around, comes around.

 

[Hugpug]

I am completely shocked at this article and at how many people are willing to admit how lazy they are. Our nation is lazy enough and already suffering the effects of sedentary lifestyles. I am trying like heck to get fit and healthy and using a scooter doesn't fit into that plan. We just took a trip to WDW in May with my 68 year old mom and she walked her way through the world even though she doesn't exercise that much. She just took breaks when she needed them and rested in the afternoon. She even went to Illuminations by herself b/c we were stuck in the room with our 6 month old son. If she can do it, then a "reasonably healthy 37 year old can too" I also think this type of behavior will just give those people who really need assistance a bad name. I've seen countless threads on these boards of people who have legitimate disabilities that are not obvious to everyone but very real to them. They're just going to have to defend themselves even more against the lazy people who will end up hitting people in the legs with scooters or taking space in handicapped areas just because they feel like it. What a sad situation! I hope that Disney will set some guidelines in place to make sure that scooters are available to those who truly need to use them.

I could not have said it better

 

[missymouse]

I think if someone really needs an ECV for either a noticable or unseen disability they should definitely have one. But I have to admit I did start cringing when I would be waiting for a bus and have an ecv rider come up at the last moment and get loaded first (especially when they had a group of 6 + people with them). The first night we were there this happened where a lady and her entourage of about 20 people arrived at the bus stop right as the bus pulled up. There were probably about 50 people already standing in line and I bet some of them were there for 20 min. since we were at the end of the line and we waiting about 10 minutes for the bus. Anyway they loaded the woman on and it took 30 minutes to load her and her ECV because she did stay sitting on it ( I timed it). Then her entourage of 20 people boarded the bus before the others waiting in line. That is the part that irritated me because the rest of her entourage was obviously very able bodied and could have been the last ones to board or just 1-2 of them could have boarded with her.

I don't have anything against people in ECV's but the woman with her large group maybe would have been a good candidate to have to call for a special bus if they were concerned about not all arriving at the resort at the same time.

 

[bayoutinksmom]

I do not have a scooter, but lots of my fat friends do. For many of them, it is either purchase a scooter or stay at home.



QUOTE]
You forgot a third option lose weight so that they can become healthy and be able to walk. They should be more concerned with their health when it is that difficult for them to walk around.

 

[SueM in MN]

Anyway they loaded the woman on and it took 30 minutes to load her and her ECV because she did stay sitting on it ( I timed it). Then her entourage of 20 people boarded the bus before the others waiting in line. That is the part that irritated me because the rest of her entourage was obviously very able bodied and could have been the last ones to board or just 1-2 of them could have boarded with her.

I don't have anything against people in ECV's but the woman with her large group maybe would have been a good candidate to have to call for a special bus if they were concerned about not all arriving at the resort at the same time.

It's already been covered why they load ECVs first, so I'm not going to mention that.
That is a very unusually long amount of time for loading. We've been traveling with a person using a wheelchair for about 17 years and it has never taken more than 5 or 6 minutes tops to load the wheelchair. Occasionally, the CM has a problem with the equipment, but that is unusual.
ECVs are not meant/made to be tied down, so the CM may have had trou ble finding spots to attach the tiedown straps to the ECV. Most ECV users transport their ECVs in their car trunk, in several pieces, so the user may not have any idea how to help the CM.

To park an ECV/wheelchair in the tiedown spot in the bus requires it to be basically parallel parked in that spot. A lot of people have trouble doing that with a car, so an ECV would be just as much trouble.
Ideally, people should practice with the ECV before trying to get on a bus so they can do it, but most of the off-site rental places just drop off the ECV at the resorts before the person arrives, so the user doesn't get any instruction using it. The park ECVs are not allowed out of the parks. If someone has their own ECV, even if they are experienced, they may not have ever had to manouver it into that sort of space before.
If someone is having trouble, it becomes a vicious cycle. They are nervous and can't do it; they know people are watching and waiting, which makes them more nervous and less able to do it.

For WDW, most of the time a party with someone using an ECV or wheelchair is considered 5 or less. We usually only have one or 2 people get in the back of the bus with DD and her wheelchair. The rest of us go in the line. If the ones in line get seats, then the people who got in with DD stay sitting (unless it was my MIL or FIL who were elderly and would have problems standing). If the rest of our party has to stand, DH and I get up (usually waiting until we see someone who looks like they need a seat).
We have never actually been on the bus with the wheelchair when the rest of our party has not also been able to get on - and they usually are close enough to the front of the line that they got seats.
Despite doing all that, we occassionally hear people muttering that DD's wheelchair is taking up seats that other people could have sat in.

Someone with a party of 20 should have been told to have the other people get into the line and wait.

 

[dvcgirl]

I do not have a scooter, but lots of my fat friends do. For many of them, it is either purchase a scooter or stay at home.



QUOTE]
You forgot a third option lose weight so that they can become healthy and be able to walk. They should be more concerned with their health when it is that difficult for them to walk around.

Well, this is very true. Unfortunately though, the third option doesn't seem to be one that people are taking. Think back even 20-25 years ago when many of us 30-somethings were in school. Back then, you had one, maybe two really heavy kids in your class. Look at those same school classrooms now....1/2 of the class is overweight, and more than a handful are obese.

Think back to when you visited WDW as a kid....I was there in 1974 for the first time. I don't remember nearly as many heavy people. Do you know why? They weren't there then. Check out this obesity map on CNN's health page. It shows how obese we've gotten as a nation from 1981 to 2004....it's shocking.

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2006/fit.nation/obesity.map/

 

[CheshireVal]

The first night we were there this happened where a lady and her entourage of about 20 people arrived at the bus stop right as the bus pulled up. There were probably about 50 people already standing in line and I bet some of them were there for 20 min. since we were at the end of the line and we waiting about 10 minutes for the bus. Anyway they loaded the woman on and it took 30 minutes to load her and her ECV because she did stay sitting on it ( I timed it). Then her entourage of 20 people boarded the bus before the others waiting in line.

This happened to us once, too, except it was a scooter and entourage of 17. They rolled right up and got on first ahead of everyone else in line. And the 17 extended family members took up almost all of the seats so the rest of us (who had been waiting a LOT longer) ended up standing. I was furious.

Last year we traveled with my aunt who rented a scooter since she was undergoing chemo for breast cancer. We were a group of 13 all up, and while my cousins would board the bus with her, MY family waited in line like everyone else, though it was tempting to hop on the bus first so that we'd be sure to get a seat.

 

[BlueJeansGirl]

As a family deeply emeshed in the disability community (mother & DH both people with disabilities and hugely active disability rights activists) we see that some attitudes & thoughts are changing and evolving. As awareness increases, the hope is that people who use WC & ECV's unnecessariliy will stop & think who they may be preventing from enjoying their vacation. My mother is a polio survivor, and a paraplegic, and has never let it stop her. She has been to WDW many times, (and travels all over the country). She began visiting WDW when there was little more for a person with a mobility impairment to do than to watch others have fun. While she laughs it off, it never ceases to amaze me at how inconsiderate people can be. BTW, my mother has her own power WC that are her "legs" 24/7. STILL, people will walk by her, shake their heads, and annouce loudly that if she would just get up and walk around the block, she would not have to resort to using mobility devices. I always have the urge to scream at the top of my lungs - HELLO, she has not walked since she was 4 years old!!! While some disabilities are hidden, it only hurts those people with true disabilities when people with no medical need whatsoever take advantage of equipment only meant to help POD get on equal "footing" with all of us able-bodies. Often, these are the same people that will stand directly in front of my mother, who is always sitting, when she has sat in a particular spot for an hour waiting for a parade or has found a great vantage point for Illuminations or Wishes.

Stepping off soap box now.

 

[cabanafrau]

Totally have to agree that all of the people who have to push their school-age children in strollers are raising the future generation of needless scooter users. Bottom line is, all of the needless strollers & scooters do nothing but take up space & manuverability that is sorely needed by all.

My heart goes out to those who truly need these things to get around -- there, but for the grace of God, go I. To those who use them strictly for selfish reasons of convenience/laziness, I'd like to know how they feel when they are inconvenienced, delayed, etc., by other selfish ****s doing the same? No way would I tempt fate or karma by using something like that when I don't need to. Can't even imagine the regret someone would feel if that were their only option for getting around after they'd wasted their independently mobile years for what so many others find a very unhappy confinement.

 

[Sinderelli]

Unfortunately, this problem will only get worse. We have 7 yr olds riding around in strollers now.

The guy who was in his 30's and said he was just lazy was probably pushed around DW in a stroller when he was 10. These habits begin early in life.

In defense of 7 year olds riding in strollers....my DS is 7 and we always rent a double stroller for my kids. My DS tends to wander...gets VERY distracted...and the stroller helps us manuever through large crowds without him getting lost. I am speaking from experience, as he separated from us in MGM at closing time and we spent a frantic 45 minutes looking for him. I do not EVER want to go through that again.

 

[minnie61650]

Linda -

I have tears in my eyes now too. Thanks for writing what you did. Obviously, the OP was to enlighten people that there are those that abuse the system because they are too lazy to walk around the parks. Obviously, those are the ones who are taking the available EVCs from those, like you, who need them. Luckily, you know better, and rent one from an outside agency. Unfortunately, the thread took off and started in a bad direction at times. I'm glad you were able to share Disney with your grandchild - what a moment to look forward to! I hope that you're able to do it again.

As for the people who rent the EVCs who really don't need them....what goes around, comes around.

Thank you for your kind words and thoughts.

 

[Shubunk]

I have noticed that too, most of the people that are on scooters at disney world are on them because they do not want to walk! Ive see those people get up and run around with their kids then go back and sit on their scooters. i usually wouldnt care because if people want to be lazy let them be lazy but when it effects other people and me then its a problem, like when these lazy people are trying to get on the busses and boats with these scooters it takes up alot of space where people can be seated and it takes up alot of time for them to get their scooters on! people should be more considerate.

 

[vatmark]

Why does everything on the Dis have to turn so ugly?

I pass no judgment on those who are overweight. I myself need to lose weight. I pass no judgment on those who ride ECV's because of need. I didn't know what the procedure was for those on ECV's or in wheel chairs as far as loading onto rides and busses. I'm sorry if anyone took offense when I said maybe this guy thought he could use an ECV to avoid lines. This in no way was any kind of knock on ECV/wheel chair users.

I have never gotten irritated when someone on an ECV was loaded onto the bus and it took some time. I would not have ill thoughts of them and certainely would not stare.

My comments were strictly about this guy who admitted he used an ECV because he is lazy. Not about those who need ECV's for medical reasons. This guy had nothing wrong with him excpet that he just didn't want to walk.

I make a comment about this guy who was thinking maybe he would not have to wait in lines if he had an ECV and it gets all blown out of proportion like somehow I was saying that people in ECV's get privledges and it isn't fair. I never said this and didn't intend for my comment to be taken this way. I didn't know how ECV riders were dealt with at lines. Thank you for enlightening me.

Annie

 

[LBelle]

Wow!! I remember getting FLAMED last month on that "other" Disney board because of this very subject!This is what I wrote then and how I STILL feel now:

I don't think that ANYBODY is bitter about ECV and w'chair rentals and/or usage. The "problem", per se, lies only with the mentality of some who believe that just because they are not standing on their feet that they "deserve" FRONT OF THE LINE PRIORITY!!

Last year, my DH and I would refer to these practices as 'FAST PASS FOR THE BUSSES', as that is EXACTLY what would happen, time after time!! I got flamed just because I wondered why these folks cannot wait in the normal lineups, just like EVERYONE ELSE!! Then, of course I got the 'argument' that I knew was coming.....that they HAVE to be in the seperate line because Disney tells them that they must be loaded on the busses FIRST for safety reasons! Perfectly understandable I say, but once again, why not WAIT IN THE NORMAL LINE and then when the bus comes, if you are close enough to the front of the line(or your travelling companions) that it is obvious that you WOULD be on that particular bus, this should be brought to the bus driver's attention, the other GUESTS in the lineup ahead of you simply move aside, you may pass them and then you may be loaded onto the bus, then the others in line would follow, IN ORDER!!!!!

WHY IS THIS SUCH A ********* PROBLEM, PEOPLE??!! You are NO MORE ENTITLED to front of line perks any more than the rest of us!! We PAID the same $ as you did!! Maybe WDW should add a $fee for ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE THE PRIVILEDGE OF BUS STOP FAST PASSES!!!

I am so SICK AND TIRED of the mentality of some people!! And I'm sure I'll be FLAMED TO NO END for having the GUTS to actually say AGAIN what SO MANY OTHERS have been trying to say before me!! Stop with the rude, holier than thou, moralistic c***, re: "you can't always SEE a disability" - no kidding, we're NOT stupid - I don't care if you DO need them or you DON'T...just stop expecting all others to "feel" for you and your situation!!! I tell you I can "feel" more empathy for the family who is trying to control, say, their 3 year old, carry their baby, fold up their stroller, juggle their diaper bag and all other assorted stuff that is NEEDED for them to "enjoy" THEIR days in the parks!!! But, you know what would be said about them if they were "given" the same "perks" as the handicapped group!! "Maybe they shouldn't come to WDW until they don't NEED all that stuff! Why should WE have to wait longer just because they "want" to come to WDW before they really "should"? blah, blah, blah...... and this, my friends, would be ALSO coming out of the mouths of all those people peeved off about having to share THEIR LINE with the families who are as encumbered as they are!!!

I feel so much better being able to finally, REALLY get this off my chest!! You will notice I hope, that I have not said even one thing in regards to WHO is using ECV's, etc. or WHY they are! THAT truly IS NOT my business or anybody else's, for that matter! I am only speaking out for the fact that, like other's who posted before me, we have paid just as much $$$$ to be in WDW, and I am tired of being made to feel BAD because the LINE FAST PASS is REALLY getting to be INFURIATING!!!!!!!

 

[MagicMe]

Wow! I can't believe how many posts are on this thread in such a short amount of time.

My first thought is that I feel bad for anyone that has been denied the use of an ECV and/or wheelchair because of some "able-bodied" person taking advantage. Having said that, I, for one, would have no idea who is "able-bodied" (except maybe for those using the ECV's as ATV's or Daytona 500 cars). I've visited the parks many times and have been "bumped" by ECV's and strollers. It's not always the driver/pusher's fault. Sometimes they are swerving to avoid a pushy crowd of people (we've all encountered those types).

When I see ANYONE in a wheelchair or ECV, I always thank God that although part of the heavier set, I am fully capable of walking through life (including the parks). Like many posters before me, I know many people that have had to use wheelchairs (I'm very lucky not having known anyone that has had the need to use the ECV's) and it is not always visible as to why they are needed. I always take the opinion that someone would not want to deal with them in the park if they didn't need them (come on, we all know how difficult it can be to just push a stroller through the park let alone a wheelchair or ECV).

I can remember years ago of my grandmother that suffered over 40 years from diabetes and had never been to a mall. We all decided to take her and rent a wheelchair so that she could experience this. She had such a great time!! I only wish that I could have had a similar experience with her in WDW!

So for you fellow DISer's and Disney loving people that find you always or suddenly need the aid of a wheelchair or ECV, please note that I will be the person smiling at the joy in your family's faces!!

And for those actually abusing the situation (which only they know for sure), I've always been told that what goes around comes around and I've lived my life knowing that.

 

[starflower]

I didn't read all of the replies in this thread, so this may have been covered already but...

Just because someone looks healthy doesn't mean they are healthy. Just because someone can walk doesn't mean they don't need an ECV. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. I have permanent damage to my arches ankles and knees. While I can walk, if I walk or stand for more than a couple of minutes at a time, I'm overwhelmed with pain and can actually fracture my arches which are collapsing due to cartelage damage. However, I'm moderately young (28) and healthy looking. I actually need an ECV because I can't stand in line and can't walk across the parks, but the attitudes expressed here make me not want to get one because I'm expecting dirty looks and nasty comments. Think of all the people who need an ECV due to various illnesses, some of them not visible, who you're dissuading from using them with your attitudes.

While I know ECV abuse must happen because there are always bad eggs who try to ruin things for everyone else, I don't think it's fair to assume everyone who can walk or looks healthy doesn't need one. I wouldn't look at any of you and make snap judgements about any aspects of your physical or personal life, so why would you feel justified doing the same to others?

 

[LBelle]

Yes, I agree...What goes around comes around(sometimes) but nowadays it may not come around within your LIFETIME!!!