Was this just a coincidence or is Disney really THAT good? (Re: using an ECV)

[tomato]

I tell this story often, but I thought I'd check with the experts here to find out if it was just a coincidence or my imagination or something else ...

On our last trip I had to rent an ECV to get around the park. On one day my back was so bad I was just in agony, but hey, it's Disneyland, so even agony is do-able.

When we went to the Haunted Mansion, we were told that I would have to park the ECV and walk up steps, but if I couldn't do that, they could make other arrangements. I didn't want special treatment or anything, so we parked, and I walked. But dang, it was painful. And I was slooooow.

When we got out of the elevator and headed to the moving walkway, I was the last one of our group to get there. Even with leaning on my husband, I was in pain, but doing my best. As it happened, the walkway slowed and stopped at the moment I arrived, and I was able to get on my buggy so much more easily than trying to keep up with the walkway.

I rode the ride but actually cried the whole time from the pain ... poor hubby! He didn't know what to do with me.

When the ride ended, lo and behold, the whole thing stopped again when it was my time to get out of the buggy. In my mind I was thinking, "Thank goodness!" I wasn't sure how I was going to get out without a lot more pain, and possibly falling, LOL!

I had a similar experience at Buzz Lightyear. At the time we both thought, "What a lucky coincidence!" But ... was it? I mean, no CM talked to me or asked me if I needed it slowed or stopped or whatever. And I walked on in both cases.

In retrospect we wondered if they were watching for me and keeping track of me to help me get on and off without saying anything to me. What do you think? I like to think they did because it's so lovely ... I didn't want to have to get extra help and I was being stubborn about not asking for it, but in the end they provided it for me. And I felt kinda loved and cared for!

Anyone know if what we suspect was true?

 

[sherilaine]

I don't think this was a coincidence at all. I actually think they are likely very aware of how those moving walkways can trip people up. I notice these rides often stop sometimes - Ariel, Haunted Mansion and Buzz and that is what I tell my kids, that the walk ways used to get you on and off the ride often cause a problem for some people and they likely stop them so as to avoid people falling. I can't imagine CMs seeing someone clearly struggling to move fast enough and just hoping for the best - I would imagine they are required to either slow down the walk way or stop it entirely.

 

[RemainSeatedPlease]

No coincidence! The CM that waves you into the buggies has control over the walkway, or at least communicates with someone who does, so if they see someone struggling or any situation in which stopping it would be safer, they do so. I've also seen them slow it down/stop it because groups can't decide who will sit in each buggy.

 

[msr709]

How nice to hear. I will be needing an ECV this coming summer since I had both knees replaced. Thanks for the info.

 

[Liat]

Totally not a coincidence. My mom has had to use an ECV for the past couple years at the park and all the moving sidewalk/car rides slow right down or stop for her (which is awesome because the one time she told them no she almost tripped and face planted). I always give her my smallest child so that it's easier for her to get on too, works great!

 

[my*gracie*girl]

They are THAT good! I remember taking my Grandmother on that ride in 1997, when we got married at the Disneyland Hotel and they did the same for her on and off. And thank you for unintentionally reminding me today of a great memory I have of my Grandmother buzzing around Disneyland with us!

 

[lovebug33]

They are that good. They really slow it down so that we can get our two children with mobility disabilities in. Sometimes they stop it entirely so we can get in.

 

[5forMickey]

No coincidence , they really ARE that good. We have traveled for years with my Parents. For a few years now they have needed to use ECV's but this last trip it was very noticeable that my Father just was not navigating well. He is slow and confused most of the time and almost like a walking zombie trying to just get where he needs to be. Sitting here now typing this it almost makes me cry at the several times cast members went out of their way to do kind little gestures for him like you mention, especially at Buzz Light Year. I'm not even sure he realized that they directed him to a different line so that he didn't have to walk up the stairs to exit. Also at HM, we didn't even have to ask, they just saw him and took care of it. At a lot of places this would irritate workers, but at Disney, it is almost like it make them joyful to go out of their way to help you.......and that, I suppose, is why we keeping leaving all of our money with them, but it is sure wonderful while you are there.