The magic for us is gone

[dclfun]

I'm sorry you were yelled at. I understand what Sue said about the GAC not being able to be used on the transportation system but if someone asks for a courtesy due to a disability, it seems unjust that one is questioned and harrassed. I had a problem IN the parks once before when I was still ambulatory and didn't know I needed a GAC. I also asked for a seat in one of the shows where I didn't have to walk up stairs and was refused, with the CM saying the could not "take somebody's word". I guess if they do that, then they might have problems with the everyone else. It was so cold yesterday- I'm surprised you couldn't find a place out of the sun, but at least it wasn't hot ( I had on a sweatshirt!). What was the trouble in the parks? Was it the crowds? I don't know if I'd go to the parks on a holiday weekend and try to brave the masses. ---Kathy

 

[Michigan]

FYI when we were there in Feb the guy working at the MK monorail station said that they are tearing up the station and making it higher with a wrap around ramp for walking people and putting in an elevator for wheelchairs. I don't remember if he said it would be done in July or they were starting it in July all I know is it will be done by the next time we go in Feb.

 

[SueM in MN]

FYI when we were there in Feb the guy working at the MK monorail station said that they are tearing up the station and making it higher with a wrap around ramp for walking people and putting in an elevator for wheelchairs. I don't remember if he said it would be done in July or they were starting it in July all I know is it will be done by the next time we go in Feb.

That will be wonderful.
I'm pretty sure that the existing ramps at the MK station and also at the TTC stations are too steep to be a 'legal' ramp.
Epcot has an elevator and also has ramps that go up, level off and then go up again. That makes them a bit longer walk, but no where near as steep.

 

[SueM in MN]

I'm sorry you were yelled at. I understand what Sue said about the GAC not being able to be used on the transportation system but if someone asks for a courtesy due to a disability, it seems unjust that one is questioned and harrassed.

And, I did state that I thought the CM was way out of line, whether or not there was a GAC.
The reason I mentioned the GAC not being used outside the parks was that someone posted a sort of similar experience with trying to use a GAC on the bus. I checked with a knowledgable bus driver then and was told GACs are only for the theme parks. Even if the CM didn't know what the GAC was, the people should not have been yelled at.
Even if the child did not have any disability, if someone came up the ramp and was just not feeling well for some reason and asked to sit, they should have been treated with courtesy.

 

[cymomtx]

When we were there in 2005 we had no problem using our GAC for our two ASD children on the Monorail. I think once again, this is the luck of the draw as far as CM's go.

 

[Talking Hands]

That CM was out of line in the way he talked to your family.

I'm still not sure from your explanation why you got in that car though??

I'm sure it made sense to you at the time, but just for future reference and for other posters, the theme park GACs are only used in the parks. They are not used for buses, monorails or anything outside of the 4 theme parks. So, it's possible that the CM had not actually seen one before. That doesn't excuse his behavior, but even if he had not turned argumentative, showing a bus or monorail CM a GAC is likely to lead to a puzzled CM who doesn't know you want or what to do about it. He should have asked what you needed rather than yelling at you though.


There is a reason for that.
Double strollers will not fit thru the doors in the regular monorail cars without folding. If there are no wheelchairs, the normal procedure is to let them use the wheelchair car because the door is much wider.

Which is a policy that needs to STOP because once a CM puts a doublestroller in there it is unavailable to guests with wheelchairs as almost allofthe CM will refuseto request them to move and if they do ask the guest will refuse and the CM will let it go.
There is an experiment going on with one monorail that may be a solution. Can't say more at the moment.
I am glad to see that a few CM are being strict about saving the wheelchair cars for guests needing them. That is no reason to be rude. He could have just asked you to step down to the next non-wheelchair accessible car.

 

[smilechaser]

Which is a policy that needs to STOP because once a CM puts a doublestroller in there it is unavailable to guests with wheelchairs as almost allofthe CM will refuseto request them to move and if they do ask the guest will refuse and the CM will let it go.
There is an experiment going on with one monorail that may be a solution. Can't say more at the moment.
I am glad to see that a few CM are being strict about saving the wheelchair cars for guests needing them. That is no reason to be rude. He could have just asked you to step down to the next non-wheelchair accessible car.

IMHO... I do not agree. It is just as important for someone traveling with young twins (or children) to be accomidated as it is for w/c. IF you are one parent with 2 babies in a double stroller it is impossible to take it all apart and hold two infants to get through the regular doors.

Please dont flame me for this part but ....I think it is important to accomidate people with diabilities but I also find it aggravating when they assume that they should have no wait and be granted full and immediate access to everything because of their disablity. (which I am NOT saying is the case here but I have seen it at DW) There are times when you will have to be patient even though you are in a w/c etc. None of us like to wait or not get exactly what we want it is just a fact of life.

 

[Forevryoung]

I don't think it was ever said that they shouldn't have to wait but if you are waiting in line a few people behind a double stroller and you are in a wheelchair you have to wait for the next monorail while the double stroller goes right into the only spot you could have fit through- the double stroller people could have taken any other doors... they chose to take a double stroller knowing the potential consequences, a person using a wheelchair has no choice

Nobody is suggesting that full and immediate access should be given- we all wait for the monorail in that big, long, line together as equals

I'm sorry but there are two different situations besides two young kids in a double stroller vs a wheelchair user, I actually think that if it's that important to the stroller family to not fold the double stroller, the stroller family should wait until there are no wheelchair/ecv users to board and then wheel on... that larger entrance with ramp was NOT meant for strollers

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Which is a policy that needs to STOP because once a CM puts a doublestroller in there it is unavailable to guests with wheelchairs as almost allofthe CM will refuseto request them to move and if they do ask the guest will refuse and the CM will let it go.
There is an experiment going on with one monorail that may be a solution. Can't say more at the moment.
I am glad to see that a few CM are being strict about saving the wheelchair cars for guests needing them. That is no reason to be rude. He could have just asked you to step down to the next non-wheelchair accessible car.

Great post.

By the way, can double strollers not be folded?

 

[Michigan]

Great post.

By the way, can double strollers not be folded?

That's what I was thinking.

This is probably the dumbest thing I have ever heard while at Disney. We were waiting in line for the companion restroom at AK behind a woman with a baby that was probably 4 months old. She was complaining because the people in the restroom were taking to long and that the baby was getting impatient because he was went and wanted to be changed. I told her that the restroom around the corner would have a changing table and that the companion one wouldn't. She said she didn’t care she was changing him in his stroller. Then she blew a gasket and said that she was just a handicapped as someone in a wheelchair because she was needed a stroller for her child and until she didn't she would take advantage of all the advantages that a handicap person would. I was speechless and all I could say was well I'm glad to know that your disability should be cured in about 10 months.

Now I could understand if she needed to use the restroom not being able to get the stroller in the stall with her but she didn't she just used it to change the baby. I know this because we listened for the toilet to flush and it didn't before we went in.

They have to fold strollers to get on the tram and they should have to fold them to get on the monorail.

We were waiting while the guy put the ramp down on the wheelchair car before us onetime this last trip and people were trying to get on in front of my kids that were waiting patiently with a stroller because they don't need the ramp so I told my kids assume the position and they know that means block someone from cutting in front because it happens all the time and the man with a stroller got really mad until the CM yelled at him and said back off or you will wait for the next one.

 

[dclfun]

Wow...Michigan....that IS the dumbest thing I ever heard. One thing about the monorail cars with the ramp. There is a sign inside that says it's an accessible car with the wheelchair sign. There is no stroller sign. That says something. I don't mind if someone with young children in a double stroller come in behind me but they can use other cars and tilt back the stroller to get in. They don't "have" to have the ramp like I do. If it's their turn in front of me, then certainly go first, but if there are other cars available, then don't take the ONLY wheelchair car. As to the original OP, I feel I am assuming way too much. You didn't mention if your daughter has mobility problems, etc. ( and it's not my place to ask what you needed) but if she did indeed have mobility problems, I have to wonder why you walked through the park, went back to the parking lot, and then back to the park again. That's alot of walking. How then could she enjoy the parks when you came back the second time if she was already worn out? I agree with the person who mentioned getting her a w/c if she's unable to tolerate that much standing/walking. ---Kathy

 

[mouseketeer_mom]

I have read numerous threads on the DIS that sparked an emotional response from me. I always choose to just let it go, knowing that most times, no good can come from responding. But this one has touched a nerve....

To the OP, I'm so very sorry for the way you were treated. It amazes me how the lack of tolerance and sensitivity of one person can create a miserable situation. How difficult would it have been for that CM to show a small amount of understanding and tolerance? And what a difference it would have made for your daughter.

In response to some of the other comments...

I'm brought back to Sociology 101 and the archaic theory of the "worthy poor". As I understand it, the issue is who should be permitted to use the wheelchair accessable doors, in what order they should be allowed to use them, and who should make the decision. Let me clearly state my opinion, ANYONE whose mobility is limited by the size and accessability of the "regular" doors should be permitted equal access to the monorail by using the wheelchair accessable doors. Who are we to sit back and analyze anyone's personal situation to determine their "worthiness"?

When I was treated for cervical cancer, I was at times, very uncomfortable and often fatigued. Had I been wearing a sign indicating my condition for all the world to see, would I have been deemed worthy enough to use the elevator rather than the stairs? My disability was "cured in 10 months". During this time I had 5 month old twins and a 2.5 year old. I always had to use a double stroller that would commonly only fit through a wheelchair accessable door. And, NO, it was not physically possible to hold two infants and the hand of my two year old while folding it up. Frankly, at times, I did not possess the strength to tip it up, while pushing, and holding my two year olds hand. Even with all my strength, that was sometimes very difficult.

So folks, how do we order the line? Those in a wheelchair since birth to the front? Followed by those confined to a wheelchair for other reasons? What about those who only have to use a chair for long distances? Should they get out of the chair, fold it up and board elsewhere? What about the parent with the triple stroller? They should only be allowed to board if both parents are available to hold babies and fold up a stroller? What about the mother with the double stroller, a toddler and cancer slowing her down just trying to enjoy what may be her only chance to bring her kids to Disney? Perhaps we should require a questionaire at the entrance where you can plead your case as to why the wider doors are neccessary for you to board.

Oh, and then we need to address who may board with the person with the need. No one may be accompanied by more than one other person. Hmmm, but that leaves my second child down the monorail alone. Okay, how about, no one may be accompanied by more than other adult? But then that leaves.... you can see where this is going.

The bottom line, as far as I'm concerned, is that the wider doors are there to allow people who must have the wider doors to use them. And I, the casual observer, can never be the one to judge. I know that as long as there is some convinience in using them, someone with take advantage. That's an unfortunate reality. As long as I am standing in the line with "regular" doors, I'll be thankful I can use them. And when I look down the line and see people in the "wheelchair" line, I'll remember that not everything is as it seems to the casual observer.

 

[labst60]

I have read numerous threads on the DIS that sparked an emotional response from me. I always choose to just let it go, knowing that most times, no good can come from responding. But this one has touched a nerve....

To the OP, I'm so very sorry for the way you were treated. It amazes me how the lack of tolerance and sensitivity of one person can create a miserable situation. How difficult would it have been for that CM to show a small amount of understanding and tolerance? And what a difference it would have made for your daughter.

In response to some of the other comments...

I'm brought back to Sociology 101 and the archaic theory of the "worthy poor". As I understand it, the issue is who should be permitted to use the wheelchair accessable doors, in what order they should be allowed to use them, and who should make the decision. Let me clearly state my opinion, ANYONE whose mobility is limited by the size and accessability of the "regular" doors should be permitted equal access to the monorail by using the wheelchair accessable doors. Who are we to sit back and analyze anyone's personal situation to determine their "worthiness"?

When I was treated for cervical cancer, I was at times, very uncomfortable and often fatigued. Had I been wearing a sign indicating my condition for all the world to see, would I have been deemed worthy enough to use the elevator rather than the stairs? My disability was "cured in 10 months". During this time I had 5 month old twins and a 2.5 year old. I always had to use a double stroller that would commonly only fit through a wheelchair accessable door. And, NO, it was not physically possible to hold two infants and the hand of my two year old while folding it up. Frankly, at times, I did not possess the strength to tip it up, while pushing, and holding my two year olds hand. Even with all my strength, that was sometimes very difficult.

So folks, how do we order the line? Those in a wheelchair since birth to the front? Followed by those confined to a wheelchair for other reasons? What about those who only have to use a chair for long distances? Should they get out of the chair, fold it up and board elsewhere? What about the parent with the triple stroller? They should only be allowed to board if both parents are available to hold babies and fold up a stroller? What about the mother with the double stroller, a toddler and cancer slowing her down just trying to enjoy what may be her only chance to bring her kids to Disney? Perhaps we should require a questionaire at the entrance where you can plead your case as to why the wider doors are neccessary for you to board.

Oh, and then we need to address who may board with the person with the need. No one may be accompanied by more than one other person. Hmmm, but that leaves my second child down the monorail alone. Okay, how about, no one may be accompanied by more than other adult? But then that leaves.... you can see where this is going.

The bottom line, as far as I'm concerned, is that the wider doors are there to allow people who must have the wider doors to use them. And I, the casual observer, can never be the one to judge. I know that as long as there is some convinience in using them, someone with take advantage. That's an unfortunate reality. As long as I am standing in the line with "regular" doors, I'll be thankful I can use them. And when I look down the line and see people in the "wheelchair" line, I'll remember that not everything is as it seems to the casual observer.

very well said.

 

[Michigan]

very well said.

I disagree

Where did anyone say that any wheelchair or medical stroller should be denied access to the only section on the monorail that a wheelchair can fit? The sign on the doors is a wheelchair not wheelchair and stroller. Years ago all strollers had to be folded just like on the busses but somewhere along the way someone decided not to stop people and make them fold the stroller. What's next strollers being tied down in the wheelchair spots on the busses?

Second unless I'm missing something I don't think someone would be going to WDW with 5 month old twins and a 2 year old by themselves. If they did they sure didn't do anything but walk around. Those doors on the monorail won't close as long as someone is in the doorway and I don't understand why one parent can't take one child onto the monorail while the other parent hands the next one off and then folds up the chair.

 

[smilechaser]

I disagree


Second unless I'm missing something I don't think someone would be going to WDW with 5 month old twins and a 2 year old by themselves. If they did they sure didn't do anything but walk around. Those doors on the monorail won't close as long as someone is in the doorway and I don't understand why one parent can't take one child onto the monorail while the other parent hands the next one off and then folds up the chair.

Hmmmm you 'don't think' someone would go to disney with 5 month old twins and a 2 1/2 year old so obviously it could never really happen. Amazing. BEEN THERE, DONE THAT, even though I am not the one that posted it.

You know this is what truley angers me. I totally believe in rights for disabled people. I have a daughter myself with 'issues' but what SOME people fail to see is that is IS NOT a magical key to the world that you are owed everything before everybody else. I think if there is an hour line for everybody you should also wait that hour and then be helped in anyway possible onto the ride, not shuffled off to the begining of the line and then complain because you may be inconvenienced by a stroller.

 

[Michigan]

Hmmmm you 'don't think' someone would go to disney with 5 month old twins and a 2 1/2 year old so obviously it could never really happen. Amazing. BEEN THERE, DONE THAT, even though I am not the one that posted it.

You know this is what truley angers me. I totally believe in rights for disabled people. I have a daughter myself with 'issues' but what SOME people fail to see is that is IS NOT a magical key to the world that you are owed everything before everybody else. I think if there is an hour line for everybody you should also wait that hour and then be helped in anyway possible onto the ride, not shuffled off to the begining of the line and then complain because you may be inconvenienced by a stroller.

My point is how do you do Disney with 5 month old twins & a 2 year old all by yourself with out having anyone else with you and get on any rides? I would think it would be very difficult to park the stroller hold 2 5 month olds and keep up with a 2 year old in line.

Boy I must be missing something because where is that being shuffled off to the front of the line. I wait with 2 kids in wheelchairs in the same line as everyone else and then wait even longer to get the wheelchair car. In AK we waited over an hour to ride the safari for an accessible car when the regular wait line was 15 mins.

The woman in the stroller in front of us at the companion bathroom was only using it to change her baby in it's stroller and that could have been done with her sitting on a bench or taken the baby out and used the changing table in the regular bathroom. Again she was not taking the baby in there to change it and then use the restroom herself because the toilet didn't flush and since they are automatic that means she wasn't even next to it. Then she compared herself to someone in a wheelchair by saying as long as I have to use a wheelchair because the baby is to young to walk I am just a handicap as someone in a wheelchair.

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

Boy I must be missing something because where is that being shuffled off to the front of the line. I wait with 2 kids in wheelchairs in the same line as everyone else and then wait even longer to get the wheelchair car. In AK we waited over an hour to ride the safari for an accessible car when the regular wait line was 15 mins.

Our experience, as well, with our DS10.

It (usually) takes longer to get on. It (almost always) takes longer to get off.

You've got far less options at ANY restroom. You've usually got less options at restaurants, 'cause they've got to make room for the chair.

You sometimes get turned away from shows because all of the W/C accessible seating is taken up long before the rest of the theater/venue is half-full!

The buses only hold two tied down W/Cs ... at the end of the day, they double-park the buses to get as many people on as possible, but you can't take a W/C to the "outside" buses ... so, yes, you are waiting for the next, or the next, or the next while everyone else is just piling onto the extra buses regardless of whether they got there before your or long after you.

The *only* people who get "shuffled to the front of the line" are the Give Kids the World/Make a Wish families ... are people really begruding the wishes of these very ill, and possibly dying, children?

To the OP, don't let one boneheaded CM ruin your overall impression of Disney. For every one jerkwad CM, there's hundreds more quietly and professionally doing their best to make your stay magical.

 

[BCV23]

I think the double stroller thing has gotten out of hand as well. On our last trip, a family wheeled one on the wheelchair car and then promptly took the kids out. These were maybe three and four year olds. Certainly I would want a stroller for kids that age in the parks but common courtesy to me is to fold the thing up if you don't need it on the monorail.

Our daughter has been forced to back off down those ramps. I think that is very unsafe myself. I would like the CMs who put her in such a position to have to try it once themselves.

Michigan, that experience of your does take the cake. I did read of a poster who likes to use the companion bathroom with her husband. Neither has special needs....they just like to be together she said!

 

[winniethepoohsmom]

We have used the disney transportation many times and on the most part I think it works well for the amount of people it transports. You will always come across friendly people and occasionly rude people, weather the work for Disney or they are riding the transportation, people get overheated and tired. We make sure we rent a car on every trip so DS15 does'nt have to deal with not getting a seat or crowded buses so on the occasion when we do use the transportation it usually work out okay. We also tend to go at less crowded times.

 

[dclfun]

I'd like to clarify something about the monorail. It's not that the doors are wider, it's that special cars have been designated with the WHEELCHAIR sign as those are the ones nearest the waiting manual ramp, which a CM has to put down for a wheelchair to enter. Someone with a stroller can tilt the stroller back and bring it into a monorail car. The special cars have enough space to accomodate someone in a wheelchair and there aren't alot of them. Do people in wheelchairs wait their turn...yes, they do, just like everyone else. If everyone is waiting for the monorail a CM will have that guest come to the front of the gate for that specific car not only as a courtesy to the guest and to protect them from the rushing crowds boarding, but also to help the CM get the ramp down quickly and efficiently. If boarding is already in progress, then it's not expected to ask people to get out of a WHEELCHAIR car and those of us needing that space will wait for the next one. I'm really angered at the person who posted assuming that disabled people expect special treatment. It's hard enough to get equal treatment, let alone special. Not only do we typically wait longer for attractions but we can't ride most of them. People dart in front of us and we have to be on "full alert" driving a chair through the parks but let someone stop short and we're accused of hitting them on purpose. Try spending a day in a wheelchair and I can guarantee you would not have the same Magic as someone without. I've gone to the parks before being in a wheelchair and have gone with four young, tired children. Trust me, there's no comparison there. Meanwhile, and once again...there is no excuse for someone being rude and the OP should not have experienced that. I still wonder though about the long walks to/from and being in the crowds all day. If her daughter was at the point of exhaustion, why were they heading back into the theme park? Next time it might be best to bring or rent a manual chair. ---Kathy