Smoking & stroller wagons banned May 1!

[theluckyrabbit]

Hopefully we can all continue to enjoy the parks without anyone feeling they need to hide at home.

I think the bottom line is that,whether it’s strollers or ECVs, it’s impossible for a bystander to genuinely know what the passenger’s level of need is, and as a society we’re probably best served by assuming positive intent...

Amen to this, whether it is for those with strollers or those without, those with kids or those without, young or old, those walking or riding, disabled or not, etc. This thread shouldn't be about judging others; it is about discussing the new rules and changes and how we can find ways of dealing and working with these changes. No one group is better than another group (nor should they feel that they are!) -- this is about DLR, and we're all in this together!

 

[longboard55]

Back when ours were young, we always used the $39 candy cane stroller when going to the parks. Easier to get in and out of cars and trams, and we did not have to worry about it getting stolen. Not sure why the big SUVs strollers are so popular these days.

 

[DLgal]

I do not think that is true. My understanding is that the majority of DLR visitors are day trippers from SoCal. Like 70%. Most of them do not have the option to go back for a nap. Not saying I support the wagons or ginormous strollers. I do not. Just saying that the majority of visitors do not have that option.

Lots of people go back to their cars for naps. Kids and adults alike. The parking structure makes this very convenient. It's dark, cool, and mostly quiet midday.

I see people napping in their cars almost everytime I leave the parks (I usually leave between 1 and 3pm).

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Back when ours were young, we always used the $39 candy cane stroller when going to the parks. Easier to get in and out of cars and trams, and we did not have to worry about it getting stolen. Not sure why the big SUVs strollers are so popular these days.

We are out of the stroller phase and never used the wagons being discussed, but I can tell you because those umbrella strollers are hard on the back. Pushing them is a pain. They don’t turn well, they don’t recline and on most, there is no storage.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

The way this thread is going, next time I check in, there's going to be a post saying, "Back in my day, we pushed our tiny umbrella stroller uphill, both ways, in the snow!"

Let's be real: some kids will nap in strollers; some won't. Some will nap in a hotel room; some won't. Some kids need naps to function; some can last all day without a nap. Some families don't go to DL until their kids are 5; some take their infants weekly. Some families can afford to stay on Harbor; some are staying with family in Costa Mesa and it's not practical to head there for a mid-day break (this was the case for my friends visiting last week). Apparently some people nap in the parking structure? That seems noisy and fume-y and kind of unpleasant to me, but hey! Whatever floats your boat and suits your family and is within the rules.

I think Disney must get a lot of complaints about "giant strollers" and the Keenz wagons in particular - because they're distinctive and eye-catching, I'm sure they get called out in a fair amount of guest feedback; they became a symbol of excess. So banning them is a marketing win, a "hey look, Disney is doing something to address the giant strollers!" Whether it actually changes the in-park experience, meh? Who knows.

There are considerate and inconsiderate people in all walks of life and all situations. I have no room in my life to hate on people trying to make their parks experience a little easier, whether that's using a particular stroller or an ECV or whatever.

 

[tarheelalum]

I don't think all of this is about ECV or the strollers, (maybe some of it is about the massive strollers) but whether a person is pushing a stroller or riding an ECV it doesn't really matter to most people. It seems to me the biggest problem is a lack of common courtesy and good manners on the part of some of them and many other able bodied people whose parents failed to raise a person with good manners. And unfortunately Disneyland really can't do anything about that.

 

[LaurieRL]

I don't think all of this is about ECV or the strollers, (maybe some of it is about the massive strollers) but whether a person is pushing a stroller or riding an ECV it doesn't really matter to most people. It seems to me the biggest problem is a lack of common courtesy and good manners on the part of some of them and many other able bodied people whose parents failed to raise a person with good manners. And unfortunately Disneyland really can't do anything about that.

Fact. A lot of people care only about themselves and not about the people they are sharing the space with. Disney is going to be a crowded space. Lots of people, excitement and rushing around to get on all the rides or eat all the food or see all the things. Watching where you are walking, driving, rolling isn't a difficult thing to do.

 

[futuremrsrowell]

Back when ours were young, we always used the $39 candy cane stroller when going to the parks. Easier to get in and out of cars and trams, and we did not have to worry about it getting stolen. Not sure why the big SUVs strollers are so popular these days.

We haven't used a stroller since my daughter was 4, but when we did, we used a CityMini. Umbrella strollers have three problems:
(1) They are torture on our backs- I am 5'9 and my husband is 6'5. It feels like we have to hunch over an umbrella stroller.
(2) The sunshade is usually terrible. I prefer to keep direct sun off as much as possible.
(3) They are not as easy to fold up with one hand. Obviously this matters much less at DLR than it does at WDW, but we bought one stroller for trips to both sets of parks, so we had to consider folding the stroller for a bus or boat.

My daughter was never one to nap in her stroller, although she did twice (over seven trips). But the enormous sunshade was very important to me.

 

[dieumeye]

I don't think all of this is about ECV or the strollers, (maybe some of it is about the massive strollers) but whether a person is pushing a stroller or riding an ECV it doesn't really matter to most people. It seems to me the biggest problem is a lack of common courtesy and good manners on the part of some of them and many other able bodied people whose parents failed to raise a person with good manners. And unfortunately Disneyland really can't do anything about that.

This is the truth. Rude and inconsiderate behavior has nothing to do with whether a person has an ECV or stroller or not.

 

[Newcastle]

Hopefully we can all continue to enjoy the parks without anyone feeling they need to hide at home.

I think the bottom line is that,whether it’s strollers or ECVs, it’s impossible for a bystander to genuinely know what the passenger’s level of need is, and as a society we’re probably best served by assuming positive intent. Does the person in the ECV have a mobility challenge or are they lazy? Should that kid who looks like he’s 8 be up and walking or is he actually a really big toddler or has a disability? It’s not really an outsider’s call, the people involved have the most information and are hopefully making the best decisions for themselves and their family.

And at the same time, those operating strollers or ECVs need to treat fellow guests with respect. I have been nearly run over by several ECVs and strollers, mostly due to carelessness in difficult, crowded conditions. I don’t think most people are being malicious about it, though many could be more careful and show concern or remorse if they do get too close. (And in full honesty, on our last WDW trip I did clip the edge of a lady’s flip flop with my stroller wheel. The crowd was pushing together and she got funneled into my path, I don’t think she intentionally stepped there but I also couldn’t stop in time. I apologized profusely, checked to make sure I had not injured her—I just caught the shoe, fortunately! She was pretty salty about it, but hopefully her day improved from there. Mine did!)

This is one of the most empathetic, insightful and refreshing comments I have read in a very long time. Thank you for this WaterLinds .

 

[IAmDis]

Happy with both decisions as well.

Although, I wish I could smoke a cigar again at the Grand Californian Napa Rose patio. Pretty sure they got rid of this already on the patio, but there's nothing like smoking a fine cigar in front of a fire, with a fine drink in your hand on a fine California night at Napa Rose.

 

[LilyJC]

This thread has been interesting to follow.... I’m definitely relieved about the smoking ban, but sad for families that are negatively affected by the stroller restrictions.

Disney used to make it easy ages ago. Our first couple years of APs my in-laws bought us included a stroller pass. We only had our oldest at the time, but we’d just grab her and easily hop on the tram. We’d scan our pass at the stroller station to grab our stroller for the day and then be on our way. They took that add-on option away pretty quickly though.

 

[DLgal]

Apparently some people nap in the parking structure? That seems noisy and fume-y and kind of unpleasant to me, but hey! Whatever floats your boat and suits your family and is within the rules.

Noisy and fume-y, in the middle of the day? Not at all. It's just a bunch of empty parked cars. It's very quiet. Every once in awhile, a car leaves, so yeah, a car might drive behind yours on the way out. The structure is open alr, and even when cars are actively parking, there are no fumes. If you are sitting in your car with the doors closed, you can't hear a thing. It's a great place to take a nap. A friend recently got sick while in the parks with his wife and kids, and rather than making everyone leave (they live an hour away), he went to the car and took a 3 hour nap, then rejoined them later.

People also eat full on picnic meals in their cars at the structure. I've seen entire families out with the hatch open, a small card table and chairs set up, eating out of a cooler.

The only thing that messes up this plan is getting a spot up top, on the Minnie level, since it's uncovered and gets hot.

 

[Disney Duchess]

As a smoker, I'm bummed about the ban, but that's what the patches are for. It was a long time coming anyways. Besides, the DSAs were in the worst spots possible. I always felt bad for the people that had to walk thru the smoke. I'm glad that I'm not going to be a nuisance to the nonsmokers anymore. I'm curious to know how they are going to enforce this ban though.

 

[agamble]

I think the thing to remember about the wagon ban is that wagons have always been banned. People created a loophole by making them pushable. Disney closed the loophole by saying all wagons even pushable wagons are banned. Old rule being enforced.

 

[T0rrent]

ECVs do cause a lot of congestion issues, but I have never witnessed what you describe. Not sure what can be done about that. And in my experience strollers are a bigger congestion headache.

I had four kids and we never, not once, took a stroller to DLR.

I sadly saw it once, and it made all the other ECV users including myself look like crud. Was some older lady going full speed hitting the horn and yelling at people to get out of her way while claiming she can't go any slower. Nearly rammed me because I had the audacity to actually slow down because of people ahead of me and damned if i'm going to be that guy that whacks people's ankles with an ECV. I think a CM eventually intervened cause she was suddenly gone after seeing her constantly over the course of the day.

 

[Disney Duchess]

I don't think all of this is about ECV or the strollers, (maybe some of it is about the massive strollers) but whether a person is pushing a stroller or riding an ECV it doesn't really matter to most people. It seems to me the biggest problem is a lack of common courtesy and good manners on the part of some of them and many other able bodied people whose parents failed to raise a person with good manners. And unfortunately Disneyland really can't do anything about that.

AMEN TO THAT!!
Courtesy and manners go along way. Paying attention would also help.

 

[WaterLinds]

This is one of the most empathetic, insightful and refreshing comments I have read in a very long time. Thank you for this WaterLinds .

Aww, thanks! I’ve been known to be pretty judgy myself but between having a special needs kid and having friends who’ve dealt with all kinds of stuff, I’m learning to let go and see other sides!

 

[2tinkerbell]

I have had several experiences with inconsiderate people and strollers and ECVs. I don't mind them at all and they serve a great purpose for those who need them. But, I personally feel the people using them should be more aware.

I have a neurologically compromised, visually impaired DD. We are the ones who will do the accommodating and not expect others to accommodate her. She takes responsibility for herself. However, there are some little things that she has problems with. She doesn't walk straight. When in crowds, we hold hands or I walk behind her with my hand on her shoulder. Another one, she has to get down close to items in a store to see them. Once down, she doesn't get up as fast as most people. Movements in general are labored. Like I said, we work hard to accommodate this. We don't go shopping at peak times, I will get the items off the bottom shelf and hold up for her to see, etc.

All that said, there have been problems with entitled individuals and using their strollers as a batting ram on my daughter. She has been rammed into from behind and literally knocked down to the ground and ended up in First Aid with scraps and tears. She has been shopping and looking at something and yelled at to "MOVE" when someone with a double wide turned onto the aisle where she was looking at an item. This person kept yelling for her to move and kept ramming her with the stroller because she wasn't moving fast enough. We ended up in First Aid again with a lump and ice. Both times, CMs noticed the incidences and were extremely nice to my DD. I have not been aware if anything was said to the individuals.

I have a friend who utilizes an ECV to get around - it is the only way she can go to the parks. She is one who will put it on high speed and expect people to just move out of her way. She will yell, "Coming through" and just go through. As a consequence, I don't enjoy going with her.

I have an issue with people who take the attitude that they are entitled because, after all, they have spent a lot of money for their vacation. Well, we have spent just as much $ for our vacation as they have. Personally, I don't understand why they feel more entitled than us and we should just move out of their way.

I realize that there are many reasons why people need to use an ECV or a stroller. I have no problem. I understand that they are also taking personal responsibility and are doing the best for their situation or family member. Not a problem with me. Not an issue with me. I do have a problem when your sense of entitlement spills over onto either my DD or myself. Everyone needs to just work together and be understanding so everyone can have fun.

 

[lcp9]

I have had several experiences with inconsiderate people and strollers and ECVs. I don't mind them at all and they serve a great purpose for those who need them. But, I personally feel the people using them should be more aware.

I have a neurologically compromised, visually impaired DD. We are the ones who will do the accommodating and not expect others to accommodate her. She takes responsibility for herself. However, there are some little things that she has problems with. She doesn't walk straight. When in crowds, we hold hands or I walk behind her with my hand on her shoulder. Another one, she has to get down close to items in a store to see them. Once down, she doesn't get up as fast as most people. Movements in general are labored. Like I said, we work hard to accommodate this. We don't go shopping at peak times, I will get the items off the bottom shelf and hold up for her to see, etc.

All that said, there have been problems with entitled individuals and using their strollers as a batting ram on my daughter. She has been rammed into from behind and literally knocked down to the ground and ended up in First Aid with scraps and tears. She has been shopping and looking at something and yelled at to "MOVE" when someone with a double wide turned onto the aisle where she was looking at an item. This person kept yelling for her to move and kept ramming her with the stroller because she wasn't moving fast enough. We ended up in First Aid again with a lump and ice. Both times, CMs noticed the incidences and were extremely nice to my DD. I have not been aware if anything was said to the individuals.

I have a friend who is in an ECV. She is one who will put it on high speed and expect people to just move out of her way. She will yell, "Coming through" and just go through. As a consequence, I don't enjoy going with her.

I have an issue with people who take the attitude that they are entitled because, after all, they have spent a lot of money for their vacation. Well, we have spent just as much $ for our vacation as they have. Personally, I don't understand why they feel more entitled than us and we should just move out of their way.

I realize that there are many reasons why people need to use an ECV or a stroller. I have no problem. I understand that they are also taking personal responsibility and are doing the best for their situation or family member. Not a problem with me. Not an issue with me. I do have a problem when your sense of entitlement spills over onto either my DD or myself. Everyone needs to just work together and be understanding so everyone can have fun.

It kind of makes me wonder how those people can function in day to day life. I cannot FATHOM yelling at someone to move or intentionally running into someone. I just can't. I'm so sorry that happened to your daughter. Having to explain to kids why some adults are just plain mean or without manners is sad and difficult.