Something that annoys me about WDW....

[C.Ann]

I'm sure I'll get flamed for this, so I'll get my suit - but does anyone else have a problem with people getting ECV's and wheelchairs AND going to the front of the line because they are overweight...and for no other reason? That's just wrong IMHO. In most cases, you choose to be overweight. Sorry.

PamNC

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No flames here, but I did want to point out that most people who are overweight do have health problems - that are brought on by the excess weight.. With some people it may be do to their choices and with others it can be from medications, other health issues, etc.. People who are on prednisone balloon up to unbelievable weights, so you can't assume that the person in the wheelchair is there do to poor choices (although I'm sure that some of them are)..

 

[SueM in MN]

I'm sure I'll get flamed for this, so I'll get my suit - but does anyone else have a problem with people getting ECV's and wheelchairs AND going to the front of the line because they are overweight...and for no other reason? That's just wrong IMHO. In most cases, you choose to be overweight. Sorry.

I see our point - I wish more handicapped, TRULY handicapped people knew about this.

PamNC

Because most of the lines are wheelchair accessible, having a wheelchair or ecv does NOT give front of the line access. So, someone getting a wheelchair or ecv because they expect to get front of the line access will be disappointed. Basically having a wheelchair or ecv just gives a place to sit while you wait.
Many people who are overweight are either overweight because of their other health problems or have other health problems along with being overweight.

 

[BATBkindagirl]

Why shouldn't a handicapped person wait in line with everyone else? People are given equal access under ADA, not superior access. Fastpass is available to all who want to use it as well. Perhaps the man in line didn't feel that he needed special treatment. If he was at WDW by himself, he sounds able-bodied enough to be able to take care of himself. He might have felt that he was just like everyone else, and was happy about it.

At WDW, if you have difficulty walking, they suggest you rent a wheelchair or an ECV.

Why SHOULDN't THEY?Why don't you get some empathy for people? It's not as easy for them to be in MOBS as it is for US..

So your saying someone who never knew anything at all about obtaining any type of pass who has great difficultly walking and is limping should have to wait in regular lines??

My Lord..

 

[taximomfor4]

Not necessarily suffer in lines, but if someone has such problems with leg pain or motility problems, they should get an ECV or WC if they feel that line-standing will be a problem.

What is being overlooked a little bit here is the fact that GAC's (UNLESS for a child in the make a wish program) is not for front-of-line access. It can, and really sometimes does, add to the wait time. To mention it as a tool to jump lines is incorrect information, and could inadvertently contribute to GAC abuse.

 

[SueM in MN]

Not necessarily suffer in lines, but if someone has such problems with leg pain or motility problems, they should get an ECV or WC if they feel that line-standing will be a problem.

What is being overlooked a little bit here is the fact that GAC's (UNLESS for a child in the make a wish program) is not for front-of-line access. It can, and really sometimes does, add to the wait time. To mention it as a tool to jump lines is incorrect information, and could inadvertently contribute to GAC abuse.

An ECV or a wheelchair is always an option that someone can choose to use if they feel the wait in line is too much for them.
If waiting in the line is causing them pain, then the walking around involved in a park visit is also going to be a problem for them. Even if they can walk well, but have a problem standing still, there are many situations where they will have to stand and wait where having a Guest Assistance Card will not be of any benefit (like waiting in line for the bathroom or to get food, waiting for the bus, etc). That's why WDW's official Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities says

Some Guests may be concerned that they do not have the stamina to wait in our queues. We strongly suggest these Guests consider using a wheelchair, personal scooter or Electric Convenience Vehicle (ECV), as the distance between our attractions is much greater than the length of our queues.

Someone who walks with a limp would fall under the "stamina or endurance" situation and wouold need to choose whether or not to use a wheelchair or ecv.
My FIL chose not to until this year and now knows what he was missing by not using one before (the chance to tour without pain). My SIL, who walks with a limp chose not to use one the last trip she went on, she just went slower. She would have been horrified and very embarrased if offered special access just because of her limp. She doesn't even use a handicapped parking permit because she doesn't feel she is "disabled enough."

 

[faeflora]

Hey all as an individual with a disability I have absolutely no problem with waiting in lines like eveyone else or with using the Fast Pass system, which I absolutely love. I do however have to get a GAC when touring because I need to be able to access sign language areas and seating areas that are equipped to handle reflective captioning. I also need to be out of the sun as much as possible, there by waiting in a shaded area if not already provided by the design of the ride que. I have to say WDW has been very accomodating in dealing with my additional disabilties. It does concern me that there does seem to be some misuse of the GAC system and that some individuals are not clearly informed of the correct useage of the system. That said from what I have read here on the boards WDW seems to be dealing with the situation of abuse in a fair and thoughtful manner.

Now if I could just get my mom to use a ECV or wheelchair to visit the parts I would be all set. (It's never gonna happen but a girl can dream can't she )

 

[BATBkindagirl]

Okay all I'm trying to do is look out for people

 

[debsway]

I was recently bit by a spider and spent quite a few days in the hospital. The doctor had to cut open my upper inner thigh to remove the severe infection. After getting out of the hospital I wanted to go to MGM. My husband pushed me in a wheelchair all day. We did not want or expect front of the line treatment. I just couldn't stand on my leg. I have to say the CM's were more than helpful as i hobbled on the rides. Sometimes I noticed that the people waiting in line either stared or gave you dirty looks. I defintley have a new outlook on how difficult it can be to manuever around in Disney through crowds.

 

[Amy&Dan]

maybe it's because people with no handicap would take advantage of it. Just recently I was shocked when a lady I work with said that when she goes, the first thing they do is go to Guest Relations and tell them that her husband has an ankle or back injury so they will get a pass and won't have to wait in line. An outright lie - she suggested I do this...which I would NEVER NEVER do. I think that is absolutely horrible and disrespectful of folks who have real handicaps. How people live with themselves when they do these things I don't know - and this woman claims to be a "Christian" and voted for Bush because he was the "moral choice." PLEEEEEEEEZ!!!

I'm sure I'll get flamed for this, so I'll get my suit - but does anyone else have a problem with people getting ECV's and wheelchairs AND going to the front of the line because they are overweight...and for no other reason? That's just wrong IMHO. In most cases, you choose to be overweight. Sorry.

I see our point - I wish more handicapped, TRULY handicapped people knew about this.

PamNC

What your co worker did was wrong beyond belief. I am sure her voting record, whichever way it may go has nothing to do with her ability to lie and deceive. Plenty of rotten scoundrels on both sides. As for overweight people who rent ECV's they pay for them, $30 a day. Believe me if renting an ECV allows them to enjoy their day at Disney what do you care? All the hateful looks, jeers, and the pain of wondering if they will fit into the ride is punishment enough. Also knowing that people like yourself think its "wrong" to rent an ECV probably weighs heavier on them than their scale reading. Also, bear in mind that they may be overweight because of an illness that does not allow them to exercise. Maybe they are on medications like steroids. Maybe they are like me and just eat too much but really what the heck difference does it make. I am continually floored at the attitude people on these boards take regarding ECV's and the people who rent them and the reasons they do. And for the record, I will admit to being overweight but I don't use an ECV. I do have a sister who has MS and is a bit overweight (due to her disease I might add) and told me she would never go to WDW because people would assume she needed the ECV due to her weight not the disease that has robbed her of her life. I always assure her that wouldn't be the case but in truth, sad to say, I guess it is.

 

[Schmeck]

ACK!, I wasn't saying that the guy shouldn't have known about the GAC! What I was pointing out was that perhaps he didn't want to use one, not everyone sees themselves as disabled.

The OP said that she wanted to let him know about the pass, but couldn't find him after the ride. I was pointing out that he might not have wanted the pass. My mom is having problems with her knees, and she knows about the GAC, and doesn't want to use one. In her case, a wheelchair or ECV would make her problem with her knees worse, actually. So, I'm finding out how to stagger attractions containing steps throughout the day.

I've been working with disabled kids for years now. I get furious when they can't access places the able-bodied can. My town just vetoed a huge renovation to our library which was going to make it 100% accessible, and I'm furious about that too. I spoke out passionately and publicly to a lot of people who were against the renovation, I felt it was so important.

So don't say I don't have empathy.

 

[Donnask8pro]

So, tell me, I have a severely handicpped son. He is also mentally retarded. Am I supposed to sit him in a line for 30 minutes and expect him not to grab others and scream and cry because he doesnt understand why he is just sitting there? Oh, maybe he should not go? Because he can not handle the lines? OMG, people piss me off. What the hell happened to empathy in this world? Anyone who wants to be in my place is welcome to it. God forbid he should get in front of someone else.

 

[Amy&Dan]

So, tell me, I have a severely handicpped son. He is also mentally retarded. Am I supposed to sit him in a line for 30 minutes and expect him not to grab others and scream and cry because he doesnt understand why he is just sitting there? Oh, maybe he should not go? Because he can not handle the lines? OMG, people piss me off. What the hell happened to empathy in this world? Anyone who wants to be in my place is welcome to it. God forbid he should get in front of someone else.

You see that's the problem with these threads! People get hurt and angry because of the lack of thought and empathy others put in their responses! I am confused, is there some type of pass someone like Donnask8pro can get for her son? Or have all the fat greedy, ECV renters ruined the system for those in need? To Donnask8pro, you should absolutely take your son and for the people who are worried he might get a little special treatment, ask them to trade places!

 

[HappyLawyer]

some people had been abusing it and they are making it more strict, the cm's or someone else hopefully informed this man of how to avoid te long lines, i remember when i went, i was in a wheelcair, i got up out of it, yes i could walk just fine, went to throw something away and got back in my wheelchair, now people were making noises and comments -what they did not know was i had about thriteen holes in my body that were packed with gauze, my morphine had finally kicked in along with my other meds, which allowed me to become mobile, i could only walk or even stand about 10 minutes every six hours and when you are not able to walk it is amazing how little things like throwing away paper or walking up the stairs can be. So the cm was about to make me go to then end of the line i tried to explain my situation and he would not listen, so i pulled up my shirt half way so he could see all the holes packed, i then turned to all the people who had a problem and showed them, i can understand why they are bing more strict. If anyone is interested i am all better now, not 100% and never will be again but 85% andi can walk on my own-doing disney every other year--yeah

 

[faeflora]

I am so sorry if my post offended you. It was not my intent. I think you should expect a reasonable accomodation for your son so that he too can enjoy WDW.
I know that on the disAbilties board topics regarding the GAC are discussed often in regards to a myriad of disabilities and needs. I also know that on Deb Willis site there are some great tips for taking children with disabilities to the parks. Really wonderful and insightful information, that I personally have learned a lot from.
Again if I offened you or your family I am truly sorry.

 

[Donnask8pro]

I also am sorry if I went off. I do have thin skin when it comes to my son. I just get crazy when I think about how "we" are supposed to be in the 21st century and get still not get it right when it comes to the handicapped. We will be going no matter what and DH and I will lift every bit of his 90 lbs onto as many rides as possible. He loves the rides.

 

[BATBkindagirl]

When I was at Disney I saw a couple - the man had a cane. They were in front of us and told the cm that the man had walking trouble so could they go to the front of the line. The CM told them they could get an assistance card back near the front entrance. They said they didn't know anything about that and left that line. About an hour later, I saw the same couple asking a different CM at a different ride if they could get to the front because of the man's leg. The CM said they needed an assistance card and THE COUPLE SAID THEY KNEW NOTHING ABOUT IT! I was so mad! My friend had to hold me back because I wanted to call them out and say bologna because I saw you an hour ago and you had the same routine. I think this is sick...

Wow... maybe that had a reason for doing that..you don't know them.. you can't always assume..

 

[BATBkindagirl]

ACK!, I wasn't saying that the guy shouldn't have known about the GAC! What I was pointing out was that perhaps he didn't want to use one, not everyone sees themselves as disabled.

The OP said that she wanted to let him know about the pass, but couldn't find him after the ride. I was pointing out that he might not have wanted the pass. My mom is having problems with her knees, and she knows about the GAC, and doesn't want to use one. In her case, a wheelchair or ECV would make her problem with her knees worse, actually. So, I'm finding out how to stagger attractions containing steps throughout the day.

I've been working with disabled kids for years now. I get furious when they can't access places the able-bodied can. My town just vetoed a huge renovation to our library which was going to make it 100% accessible, and I'm furious about that too. I spoke out passionately and publicly to a lot of people who were against the renovation, I felt it was so important.

So don't say I don't have empathy.

Alright alright

 

[taximomfor4]

So, tell me, I have a severely handicpped son. He is also mentally retarded. Am I supposed to sit him in a line for 30 minutes and expect him not to grab others and scream and cry because he doesnt understand why he is just sitting there? Oh, maybe he should not go? Because he can not handle the lines? OMG, people piss me off. What the hell happened to empathy in this world? Anyone who wants to be in my place is welcome to it. God forbid he should get in front of someone else.

Awww, I don't think anyone was saying (I hope not, at least), that you should sit through the regular lines with your sons needs! I can only speak for myself here, but I was simply trying to make the point that the GACs are for issues OTHER THAN motility or stamina issues. It sounds like your son has other needs also, same with the poster who mentioned also needing reflective captioning. THose are, of course, different!

for everyone!

 

[Jennasis]

Most lines are accessible for the wheelchair/ECV bound and that's great. There are still those who cannot wait in line for legitimate medical reasons, and that's what the GAC is for...and that's great. Will there likely ALWAYS be people who abuse the system? SURE! I cannot let them ruin my vacation. I won't shrivel up and die if I have to wait an extra 5 minutes because a legitamately handicapped (or even a faker) got in front of me. I sure wish that there weren't people on this Earth who SUCK (the ones who abuse the system) and ruin it for those that are truly in need. I do understand how people can get angry and frustrated about this issue, but really it isn't worth expending this much thought and effort over. Just go about being a good person and remember you can't police the world.

 

[PamNC]

I'm the one who brought up the overweight issue and the ECVs and passes. The only reason I have a problem with folks renting the ECV's and wheelchairs is simply because of "supply." What if a handicapped person needed one and they were all taken???

I did say "most" people are overweight by choice. I know in some cases it is a medical issue or a medicine issue. I hope I didn't offend anyone...just stating my opinion. I guess I have less sympathy than some folks because my husband worked his tail off and lost 67 pounds. I work mine off to stay a "normal" weight...I'm by no means thin...just healthy. It's not easy, but the rewards are well worth it. You can enjoy your time at Disney more....there's an incentive. My Dad died at 52. he was about 100 pounds overweight, smoked and didn't eat right. I think I'm ultra-sensitive to weight. I've made it my personal goal to never let this happen to me.

I think Disney does a great job with the handicapped guests and I'm very happy about that. It's just a shame when people, like my co-worker, abuse a good thing.

And yes, these types of people can be found in both political parties. But the Bush voters do most of the bantering about "the moral choice" - especially this woman. She actually has a "republican room" in her house, Bush is on her screen-saver, and she bad mouths democrats on a daily basis @ work which is totally inappropriate. It just blew me away when her "moral self" came to me and suggested I do such a thing.

PamNC