Transportation nightmare.... all week, every bus.. Touchy subject matter

[suemom2kay]

OP I think your post was well written and coming from a place where you don't want to limit accessibility to WDW but want to limit the frustration factor that goes along with it. As for the grandkids, kids say the darndest things... I think a single line is fair. I also think that moving a special needs child to make room for a scooter is unacceptable. The scooter owner should have waited for the next bus.

I commend Disney for being so accessible and I hope that never changes. I do think though that the current system could stand for improvement. I am sure though it takes a lot of money and problem solving to improve things.

As for the family staying together, unfortunately for those guests waiting, I don't think that we should be splitting families apart. However, I do know that sometimes there seems to be a grand gathering accompanying the individual needing accessible seating. This is frustrating but again, I don't believe that splitting up families is the answer.

Now for me, I am very type A and it is the entire bus system, waiting, waiting, humans, that bothers me. So we rent a car, but that is me. I know the buses make me grumpy and I don't want to be grumpy on vacation.

Hope you had a great vacation despite your travel woes.

 

[thewigs007]

Wow Patty..............Please change your font and color of your font. It's way too hard on the eyes.

Thanks

I sure agree to most all the issues you stated.

Both grandparents using a scooter seems a bit over the top just for getting in rides and transportation. They could have done all that with only one grandparent using a scooter. Some times grand kids do not have an idea how hard it might be for the grandparents to get around at Disney the whole day. ( Even I who looks very healthy as if nothing is wrong medically, have neuropathy in my feet and I also do dialysis at home)

There are only 2 or 3 sports for electric wheel chairs on the busses. I do think as you that the mother and child should not have been asked to move. They did not have a wheel chair to transport (maybe they rented from disney at the park) but as is was a visable disability moving them was very rude and out of line.

Let me also say that we have waited bus after bus to get transportation after park hours. My husband is in a wheel chair. We are 4 traveling together so of course we needed to ride same bus. As the girls got older I would let them take a different bus back to resort. you know what more then not they beat us back. I think it just happened that both busses were able to take wheelchairs. When we went as i stated previous it was maybe every other bus was wheelchair accessible.

One more thing if the grandparents were just renting carts for better "service" they probably waited longer to get on rides. You do not auto go first on rides you have to wait for right seatting on the ride, which is maybe 50 seats apart and there is ususally only one per attraction. To get both on the ride would take double the time. My husband and I would wait for right boarding for attraction and the girls, as they got older, would wait in reg line. You miss half the attraction if you by pass the que areas.

Hope this gives a view what we have experienced while traveling with electric wheelchair.

Patty

 

[M5ward]

Right or wrong, when we leave a park, my husband positions his ECV where the rear door of the bus will be. I will wait with him, but if any of our children and their families are with us, they get in the regular line. If we get separated, so be it. We always have a designated place to meet up and with cell phones it isn't hard to communicate. We aren't in such a hurry that we mind waiting. The times my husband has gotten into the mainstream line, the driver has pulled him out to load first...this is why we now just position ourselves for the ramp.
Believe me, we wish we could have the carefree days of no ECV back. It absolutely isn't fun or restful.

 

[eeyorethegreat]

If you're going by the words of the grandkids as the whole truth, then you ran into a family with jerks in it.


The mom who left her family behind, having them get into the line, probably just didn't want to be with the family, honestly. She probably wanted some alone time with her one child. Because to split apart a family like that is just odd, to me. I mean, WHY would you want to have a family split apart, unless you, for some reason, want to be split up from the family?

Well, I can assure you that my time with my family is a top priority to me. We are very close. However, we have split up when using Disney Transportation and travelling with a member of our family requiring the use of an ECV. It isn't because one of us has decided we want time away from the rest of the family. We split up because of all the moaning and complaining that people in the line do when we don't split up. It has nothing to do with whether or not we want to be together. In fact, we don't enjoy splitting up but we do it to keep the others who would complain and judge why my Mom is using an ECV somewhat appeased.

On our last trip we were on our way to DTD after dinner at the Contemporary. A bunch of us had been waiting for awhile for the bus and right when one pulled up, up pulls up two ECVS. They are let on first and then the rest of the people get on. About 10 of us were stopped from getting on the bus because it was too full. That was one taxi ride.
Same thing happened to us on a boat from BC to HS. A bunch of people waiting, ECVs pull up and load in and then we have to wait for the next one because the boat is too full.

It seems that when the ECVs are loaded first, they get to the front of the line and the rest of us have to wait....

Well I can surely sympathize with having to wait to get on Disney transportaion because of an ECV. On every trip we have travelled with an ECV we have experienced at least one ore more one hour wait to get on a bus while those who were in the regular line and got there after us were loaded. One time there was a two hour wait. And No, I do not exaggerate when I say two hour wait. And then there is the waiting in the special areas to get on attractions. I know we have never been given special treatment or front of the line access. So really it goes both ways. Sometimes, more than you think, it is the ECV party that has to wait. Something can definitely be said for renting or driving a car to WDW.

 

[lylone]

Something can definitely be said for renting or driving a car to WDW.

I shouldn't have to rent a car because I am a walking guest. I am not looking for special treatment, but it still seems that ECVs seem to get the right of way more times then not.

 

[KGK]

I shouldn't have to rent a car because I am a walking guest. I am not looking for special treatment, but it still seems that ECVs seem to get the right of way more times then not.

Rent one on your next trip.... your opinion might change. The ECVs are nothing more than machines, they do not get the right of way more times then not. However, there are rude people who drive ECVs who take advantage of a system that can never be "fair". My experiences are that most people in ECVs are not riding them for pleasure but because they must. And most ECV users do not mind waiting their turn, but in order for them to follow WDW rules, they will get loaded on the buses first. It's frustrating, it's sometimes embarassing and it's always nerve-racking to have multiple people staring at you as you try to maneuver an ECV quickly without hitting someone. No pity is needed, just a little understanding.

Walk a mile in their shoes -- or perhaps ride a mile as they may not be able to walk (even if their legs look perfect)

KGK
Life Member, Disabled American Veterans

 

[goofy4tink]

I shouldn't have to rent a car because I am a walking guest. I am not looking for special treatment, but it still seems that ECVs seem to get the right of way more times then not.

No, they don't get special treatment. Everyone at WDW is entitled to use the transportation system. The law (state/federal, not Disney) states that wheelchairs and ECVs must be loaded first...period. And Disney has put up signage asking guests that are loading via ECVs to please limit those who board with them to no more than 6 guests. All other family members should board via the regular line.
Truly, there just aren't that many ECVs getting on buses. I suppose that when you've been standing around, waiting for a bus for about 15 mins (although it feels like 45), and an ECV pulls up just as the bus gets there and is able to quickly board, it does seem to take forever as you stand there waiting. But, in all reality, it takes an addtl 5 mins (maybe) to load an ECV. And the vast majority of ECV users don't have a ton of people traveling with them. Besides, those people on ECVs have to wait until everyone else is off the bus before they, and their group, can continue on with their fun. You, meanwhile, are heading to the park entrance by the time they are off the bus.
In all my trips to WDW (and it's about 30+ at this point), I don't think I have had more than 2 or 3 instances where there was more than one ECV or wheelchair waiting to get on the bus. It just isn't an issue for me.


Now, having said all this.....those of you who feel that those using ECVs are getting special treatment.....I would recommend finding someone who is using an ECV, and then spend a few hours with them. You will have an entirely different perspective. I spent an evening with a friend who uses an ECV pretty much all the time, if she is to be on her feet for very long. She is an expert about loading the darn thing, she never bangs into people...she is an incredibly considerate 'driver'. But, I have to tell you....some of the things I saw, from her perspective, were hair raising. People just running in front of you, or kids stopping to look around, right in front of the ECV. Or those who are in such a rush to get someplace that they completely cut off the ECV that is off to the side, not in anyone's way..just toodling along. Or the nasty comments you overhear about 'I have to wonder if that woman really needs that or if she's just trying to get in front of us in line.', or 'Yeah, right...working the system so you can get front of the line.' Or the always fun..'get off that thing and maybe you would get some exercise and not have to use it!!!' Oh yeah, it's pretty amazing. Really hurtful things are said.

So, before you get all antsy about having to wait a bit, try to remember that those on ECVs are human beings, with all the same rights as you. They (for the most part) don't want to be on the ECV. They would give practically anything to be able to stand in line, behind you and your family.

 

[maxiesmom]

I shouldn't have to rent a car because I am a walking guest. I am not looking for special treatment, but it still seems that ECVs seem to get the right of way more times then not.

As far as that goes, things are definately not what they seem. Spend a day with someone in a scooter or wheelchair. Your opinion will change, no question.

 

[lylone]

I get mad when they pull up just as a bus arrives and they get on the bus, and the bus fills up so I can't get on and I have to wait for the next bus. And I have seen this more times then not especially at BC and DTD.
For those of you that think that I am being selfish... My grandmother used an ECV for many years, but she never jumped in front of walking patrons who had been waiting to get on a bus. She never bumped in to folks or cut in front of them with her ECV. She was not at all embarrassed of the fact she was 92 and just start using one at 90.

You assumed I complained about having to wait for them to load and that is NOT true.

I am not happy with the fact that I have to wait for the next bus when they jump in front of the rest of us to get on. Or run in to me without even an "I'm sorry". Read the Post folks.....don't assume I am being selfish and disrespectful.

 

[Inkmahm]

I get mad when they pull up just as a bus arrives and they get on the bus, and the bus fills up so I can't get on and I have to wait for the next bus. And I have seen this more times then not especially at BC and DTD.
For those of you that think that I am being selfish... My grandmother used an ECV for many years, but she never jumped in front of walking patrons who had been waiting to get on a bus. She never bumped in to folks or cut in front of them with her ECV. She was not at all embarrassed of the fact she was 92 and just start using one at 90.

You assumed I complained about having to wait for them to load and that is NOT true.

I am not happy with the fact that I have to wait for the next bus when they jump in front of the rest of us to get on. Or run in to me without even an "I'm sorry". Read the Post folks.....don't assume I am being selfish and disrespectful.

If somone using an ECV ran into you, my guess is that you jumped in front of the ECV and the person was unable to avoid you. I've used the park ECV's and they do NOT stop on a dime. There are no brakes, you stop by letting go of the "go" lever! I'm a careful driver and stop whenever someone walks in front of me, if I can. I have not ever seen an ECV driver hit someone on purpose. Driving one is not relaxing because every moment that you are moving, you are watching for people to get in your way.

Many times, people apologize to me for being in my way when they have nothing at all to apologize for. That was my biggest surprise using an ECV at first, all the apologies I received. Most people are very polite and do try to give you room. I have also run into the people with the nasty comments about why I am using an ECV. Goofy4tink is correct, I would do anything I can to NOT have to use an ECV and I do. I spend thousands of dollars on shots for my knees (poor insurance due to the knees) to try to be able to walk as much as I can. Renting the ECV is much cheaper than the shots for my arthritis but I'd rather walk, even if it is at a snail's pace. Even with the shots, Epcot is almost impossible for me to walk. An ECV makes it possible to go to the park at all.

 

[maxiesmom]

I get mad when they pull up just as a bus arrives and they get on the bus, and the bus fills up so I can't get on and I have to wait for the next bus. And I have seen this more times then not especially at BC and DTD.
For those of you that think that I am being selfish... My grandmother used an ECV for many years, but she never jumped in front of walking patrons who had been waiting to get on a bus. She never bumped in to folks or cut in front of them with her ECV. She was not at all embarrassed of the fact she was 92 and just start using one at 90.

You assumed I complained about having to wait for them to load and that is NOT true.

I am not happy with the fact that I have to wait for the next bus when they jump in front of the rest of us to get on. Or run in to me without even an "I'm sorry". Read the Post folks.....don't assume I am being selfish and disrespectful.

This has already been explained, but as you have seemed to missed it, I will post it again. It is in part for the safety of all of the guests that Disney has scooters load first. Less people to potentially run into than if the bus was full, and they then tried to load the scooters.

I also think most people who have to use the scooters would give up being able to jump the line somewhat for the ability to walk on to the bus, and to walk in the parks all day. Try it some time, and I'll bet you have a different viewpoint on having to for the next bus when someone with a scooter gets on before you.

 

[lylone]

Yes, I have had an ECV back up on me many times before they looked. I have had others run in to me when I have stopped. Like you said they don't stop on a dime, but unfortunately neither do people walking in front of me. And then whammo.. a busted toe in the middle of Epcot for me. YEP, it is ALL MY FAULT!


I guess I am just wrong for wondering what happened to the common courtesy of a "sorry" or a "are you okay" or a "here let me call for medical help". It's my fault they are in an ECV and hit me. I guess I should just stay home next time in case my 5 day vacation is ruined with a broken toe.

 

[goofy4tink]

I get mad when they pull up just as a bus arrives and they get on the bus, and the bus fills up so I can't get on and I have to wait for the next bus. And I have seen this more times then not especially at BC and DTD.
For those of you that think that I am being selfish... My grandmother used an ECV for many years, but she never jumped in front of walking patrons who had been waiting to get on a bus. She never bumped in to folks or cut in front of them with her ECV. She was not at all embarrassed of the fact she was 92 and just start using one at 90.

You assumed I complained about having to wait for them to load and that is NOT true.

I am not happy with the fact that I have to wait for the next bus when they jump in front of the rest of us to get on. Or run in to me without even an "I'm sorry". Read the Post folks.....don't assume I am being selfish and disrespectful.

Ummm, I did read the post. And again, it's the law that they are boarded first. Period. It's got nothing to do with common courtesy. The law says that ECVs/wheelchairs are boarded first. Here's a question for you.....let's say that wasn't the law. So, there is a nice long line at the bus stop...maybe 30 people (which is a lot based on my observations over my many trips). So, just before the bus arrives, an ECV pulls up. Well, they didn't wait the appropriate amount of time...so those that are waiting get to get on the bus. And they take the seats that are used to tie down the ECVs. Add those 30 waiting people to any other guests already on that bus, and now, the poor ECV person gets to wait for the next bus. And of course the people who now arrive to wait for the bus, are going to complain when the ECV guest wants to board the bus first.
An ECV needs a specific spot on the bus. If someone is seated there, they will be asked to move to allow an ECV to be tied down there. Again, it's stated that this is the case, right over those seats. And again, it's the law that ECVs board before on foot guests.

Yes, I have had an ECV back up on me many times before they looked. I have had others run in to me when I have stopped. Like you said they don't stop on a dime, but unfortunately neither do people walking in front of me. And then whammo.. a busted toe in the middle of Epcot for me. YEP, it is ALL MY FAULT!


I guess I am just wrong for wondering what happened to the common courtesy of a "sorry" or a "are you okay" or a "here let me call for medical help". It's my fault they are in an ECV and hit me. I guess I should just stay home next time in case my 5 day vacation is ruined with a broken toe.

So, now we have gone from waiting an excessive time for a bus, due to ECVs being boarded to being run over by ECVs.
Here's the thing....there are going to be ECVs in WDW. They are going to be at the resorts, in the parks. You have two choices....you either understand that there are going to be guests using ECVs that are not the best ECV drivers in the world, so you will need to be observant and try to stay away from them...or...not go to WDW.
I mean seriously.....I have a bigger issue with those double strollers. Man, they take up a ton of room on the bus, they are always banging into someone on the bus, the dad that gets to hold onto the folded up stroller refuses to move away from his family on the bus, so no one can get past him because he is taking up so much room in the aisle. Or in the parks they just don't seem to care who they try to squeeze by..hitting and banging other guests as they rush to and fro, trying to squeeze all there is to do at WDW into that one trip.

While I'm sorry you got a mangled toe due to an ECV, perhaps it's a good idea to not follow behind one, or immediatly in front of one. That is my philosophy. But to rail on and on, here on the boards, about those awful ECVs and the nasty people that ride them, ignoring everyone around them and taking away spots from other waiting guests at the buses??? Sorry. We've been there, done that..on numerous occasions here on the Transportation board.
It isn't going to change any time soon. Disney sees no reason to make any changes.

 

[lylone]

The main point is... I just wish people would at least say "I'm sorry" or "excuse me".

Everyone is such on a time crunch to get to ADRs and fast passes and such that they have forgotten about being considerate of others. In a way, Disney did create it.