Where has the Magic Gone??? Just back

[Markstudy]

Most people that complain about ECV's and the mob of people jumping the line....are usually talking about the BUS LINE

Diseny's last big loop-hole, gets you...after you've waited 20 minutes for a bus, only to have a EVC with 8 people stroll up and fill the bus at the last minute, while you get to wait for another bus.

 

[Disney Doll]

I don't get the Yak & Yeti thing either. You got a bill but it didn't have a total??? Did it have the pricing on it for each individual item you ordered??? If so, I would have added the items up myself and tipped, or not, based on that.

Frankly, if my server in any restaurant anywhere told me they "didn't do" bills, I'd be telling him that since I had no idea what to base my tip on, that I "didn't do" tips.

I bet he'd have found a calculator.

 

[Mo-Yo]

I'm talking about honest-to-goodness, genuine, distinctly unpatriotic lunkheads

....

Just questioning your characterization of poorly mannered people here.

It's worth mentioning that I have certainly met my share of non-American non-patriots with fabulous attitudes toward their fellow earthings and as many patriotic people with rude and terrible manners.

Bad behavior waves no specific flag...neither does exceptional behavior.

Just something to think about.

 

[joenan88]

I would have politely told the server..."since you don't do bills, I don't do tips"
__________________

I love it!!

With regard to the wheelchair/scooter issue it never ends in a positive way...I was also under the assumption that people on the scooters didn't have to wait on line but after reading many posts I know better...It is a really touchy subject that many people take offense to and have every right. There is no reason to stare or make remarks at people who need assistance while they are passing you..live a day in their shoes and then judge. I am lucky to have my health, my hubbies health and 3 healthy vibrant kids...even if they were able to pass the lines (which they do not) be happy you are not in their position...I am sure they would switch with you!

 

[meway]

Just have to weigh in on the wheelchair/waiting in line topic: Last September I went on a girls trip with some family members. My sister-in-law got mowed down by someone in an ECV, who didn't even stop to see if she was okay. She wasn't okay; the ECV clipped the back of her foot, taking out a chunk of her heel! Needless to say, she bled all over the sidewalk in Tomorrowland, and we had to get help from the Disney medics. They bandaged her up and after giving all of her information for an accident report, we were given a (regular) wheelchair to use for the remainder of the day since she couldn't walk on her foot. After pushing my s-i-l a half day in the park, it gave me a new perspective on folks in wheelchairs and the family members who accompany them. I WOULD NOT EVER TRADE PLACES WITH THESE PEOPLE. They have got it rough! On a couple of shows/rides, yes, we were jumped ahead of the line a bit for special seating, or to go in through a wheelchair accessible entry, but this was just not worth the difficulty.

I know the OP is talking about the electric scooter type vehicles, but obviously these individuals must need them, and it also can't be easy for the people who accompany them. I know the pace that I like to keep at WDW, and you just can't do that when you're with someone with a physical handicap. Not trying to be preachy, just giving you my experience (as someone who used to cast an evil eye at those ECV people and wonder if they REALLY need them or if they're just being lazy.) During my visit at Mardi Gras, I found myself much more symphathetic and grateful that everyone in my party was healthy enough to move on their own steam.

 

[meandtheguys2]

We just got back a couple of weeks ago. It was our first trip in 5 years with my mom walking instead of riding. OMGosh it was so easy! Gettting on and off rides, buses, etc.! We never saved a minute anywhere when she was in the ECV. We literally saw twice as much in half the time this trip. I didn't notice the crowds of them noticed by others, either. I guess it is just what you focus on.

Allowing small stuff to ruin the magic is sad. Hopefully you get past that.

 

[cabanafrau]

....

Just questioning your characterization of poorly mannered people here.

It's worth mentioning that I have certainly met my share of non-American non-patriots with fabulous attitudes toward their fellow earthings and as many patriotic people with rude and terrible manners.

Bad behavior waves no specific flag...neither does exceptional behavior.

Just something to think about.

Distinctly unpatriotic really didn't mean any specific patriotism, merely a tip of the hat to Sam Eagle, found in Muppets 3-D (with all due respect to Sam ) If you haven't visited, go & enjoy -- you'll question my characterization no longer. If you've already seen the show, I would think it's obvious the reference is to those lunkheads who approach the parks as if they're the only ones who've paid admission to be there.

 

[Mo-Yo]

Distinctly unpatriotic really didn't mean any specific patriotism, merely a tip of the hat to Sam Eagle, found in Muppets 3-D (with all due respect to Sam )

Ahhhh. I have seen it, but I am more than a bit slow, apparently. Makes perfect sense now...just looking out for my peeps across the pond (and elsewhere).

 

[valandemmy]

To Clarify a few things...

1st. I was in NO WAY complaining about those who are wheelchair or ecv bound, or their wait or lack there of on rides....my complaint was allowing so many ppl on at one time with them. and just the general observation that on this trip, there were a lot more ecv's than seen on my previous trips...

2nd - as far as the Yak and Yeti thing....we were on the dining plan, when the bill came everything was zero'd out on the total side of the bill as it usually is, but there was not a bill that showed the actual total to base a tip from, since this year no tip is included on the DDP.


AGAIN....no problems with the ppl in the wc or ECV's....and No I would not want to trade places with them...

 

[BroganMc]

Diseny's last big loop-hole, gets you...after you've waited 20 minutes for a bus, only to have a ECV with 8 people stroll up and fill the bus at the last minute, while you get to wait for another bus.

The rules regarding how many can accompany guests board a ride with a wheelchair/ECV user apply to busses as well as attractions. Often times, my party has been directed to the bus line while I boarded in my chair.

There's really one major benefit to using an ECV or power wheelchair in a park. You are guaranteed a seat for all parades and fireworks. Of course, that seat might be behind a giant 6 foot person, in which case you get to answer the age-old question "boxers or briefs" by studying the evidence up close.

To the OP, it sounds as if you are in burn-out mode. It happens. I had a trip one May which began with everyone in the group getting a stomach virus. I came down with it the night I tried the luau for the first time. I was miserable and hated everything. Another time, I didn't feel the magic until halfway into my trip... pretty much when I abandoned my plans and expectations to just go with the moment.

Next time, go visit Universal and Seaworld. Seaworld is actually a very nice park. We try to visit every trip. Universal is a contrast for me. I wasn't so impressed with the workers or the park (it had a lot of trash scattered about). But both places help rejuvenate your perspective.

 

[PrincessKara22]

My mom and I did an ECV rental in the parks in august. my mom has super bad arthritis and can only walk/stand for so long before she gets really bad pain in pretty much her entire body. It made sense for her to have the scooter. But there were times when she DID feel like walking and we had this THING with us that we couldn't just leave around the park so I would drive it until she felt she needed it again. Anyway, it didn't matter which ones of us was driving other guests were SO rude and mean to us. Also, we had to wait in line just like everyone else.

Before my dad passed away we went with him in a regular push wheelchair (he couldn't operate the scooter) and it was really, really difficult getting him around the parks so when a cast member DID go out of their way to help us it was a welcome relief. My daddy LOVED Disney and it was really disheartening when other guests were rude to us even though he was obviously disabled. Like, we would board a ride from separate entrance after having WAITED there and people getting on from the normal ride would groan or roll their eyes or be huffy. It was awful! It made me feel so embarressed like we had done something wrong somehow!

It might appear that people with ECVs and Wheelchairs and their parties are just rolling right onto the ride but they aren't. They've waited too.

 

[fall08CP]

2nd - as far as the Yak and Yeti thing....we were on the dining plan, when the bill came everything was zero'd out on the total side of the bill as it usually is, but there was not a bill that showed the actual total to base a tip from, since this year no tip is included on the DDP.

This seems odd to me as when we went in February we used DDP and had a very different experience. We were given the bill and although the total was $0, the bottom had a line that said $ xx.xx= 18%, and $xx.xx = 20%. Maybe this particular restaurant does not do that (?) but we got tip suggestions on all of our bills. How did you know to even tip if they didn't give you that bill? Did he tell you that it wasn't included and ask you to leave him one or something? I just find it so odd! I'm not bashing you or saying you're wrong, but I can't understand the logic of the employees..

 

[valandemmy]

in every other place we ate the 18% or 20% was included at the bottom of the bill that showed the totals.

 

[disneydreamin247]

In response to the fact of the ECVs and the handicapped in general, it reminded me of a conversation I had with one of my sons when he was a little upset about having the handicapped being able to ride the rides and getting on the buses first.

I simply asked him if he would like to trade places with him: you take his body and mind, and get on the buses and rides first. Meanwhile, he takes your body and mind, patiently wait to get on buses and rides, and walk away from it with a healthy body and mind for the rest of his childhood.

Needless to say, he never complained about it again.

That was very well put. I wish more parents would teach their kids the same instead of the "me first" attitude that is so common with today's youth.

 

[disneydreamin247]

My mom and I did an ECV rental in the parks in august. my mom has super bad arthritis and can only walk/stand for so long before she gets really bad pain in pretty much her entire body. It made sense for her to have the scooter. But there were times when she DID feel like walking and we had this THING with us that we couldn't just leave around the park so I would drive it until she felt she needed it again. Anyway, it didn't matter which ones of us was driving other guests were SO rude and mean to us. Also, we had to wait in line just like everyone else.

I have to agree there. My mom has to rent an ECV when we go because she has fibromyalgia. People are SO rude. They will walk right in front of the chair, walk in front of us before we get in line for something, and make comments about my mom using it because she is "pooh sized". My mother always says she would rather be able to walk because it would be so much more convenient.

 

[cabanafrau]

Ahhhh. I have seen it, but I am more than a bit slow, apparently. Makes perfect sense now...just looking out for my peeps across the pond (and elsewhere).

I hope you've had the same Disney experience I've had w/ the peeps across the pond (and elsewhere) -- some of those conversations are some of my most treasured memories of our Disney visits.

 

[willis37862]

I would have politely told the server..."since you don't do bills, I don't do tips"

That's great I will have to remember that if it happens to us.

Next time, go visit Universal and Seaworld. Seaworld is actually a very nice park. We try to visit every trip. Universal is a contrast for me. I wasn't so impressed with the workers or the park (it had a lot of trash scattered about). But both places help rejuvenate your perspective.

We have been to Universal and IOA several times over the years and have never had a problem with the employees there or the parks being dirty. They have off days there just like Disney has it's off days.



To the OP ....I'm sorry you had a less than magical experience at WDW this time. Try Universal next time it is a fun place and taking a break from WDW can be a good thing sometimes.

 

[6gr8kidz]

I sure hope the OP is not talking about my family. We had a spur of the moment trip this weekend too. We are a party of 2 adults and 6 children. One of my children has severe Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and is on a lot of different meds including a chemotherapy drug. So it is very hard for her to get out and about a lot of times. She is still small enough to fit inside our double stroller (even though she is 8) the disease and drugs she takes slows her growth. Anyway, we are a party of 8 that sits at the wheelchair entrance,however...there are certain times that we actually wait longer than other people. We have never really been able to walk right up and get on a ride with no wait.
I would never in a MILLION years ever think that Disney has set a rule that would not allow immediate family to ride an attraction together. I understand we are a large party but I wouldn't see the point of going to Disney IF we had to be seperated on the rides. I can understand a limit to adults. It should be limited to immediate family (whatever that # is) and not your brothers cousin etc...IMHO

I will tell you, I would MUCH rather my daughter be able to be healthy and be able to walk as much as the average person. But the truth is...she can't. She will NEVER know a life without pain and if I can give her Disney World and all it's magic without causing her any pain... that I will do.

I will step off my soap box now... but I did want to say to the OP think about if it were YOUR child...would you want to be seperated from them just so everyone else who had to stand in line doesn't have to wait an extra minute or two. Try not to sweat the small stuff...

 

[Nicole721]

Just have to say as someone who travels with someone in a wheelchair:

There are very few rides where we get to "skip the line." We (four of us) are usually taken to a different entrance and are loaded onto rides (HM, SSE, Nemo, for example) in a separate area where we can take our time getting her into the ride (grandma is in her late 80s and has had two back surgeries and it takes awhile for her to transfer). Yes, we have a shorter wait sometimes. But I'd give it ALL back to have grandma be able-bodied.

In most cases, though? Waiting for the handicap-accessible cars/boats/seats/etc (IASM, LWTL, Philharmagic etc)? Takes longer than it would if we did standby or Fastpass as regular riders. There's only one or two handicap boats for LWTL, a few for IASM, and a handful of handicap seats at Mickey's Philharmagic. But it's what we have to do.

No one wants to be handicapped, or have to deal with all the issues that surround it, even for the occasional shorter wait in line.

 

[WDSearcher]

I think my biggest curiosity with the OP's post is that it was a spur-of-the -moment WEEK-LONG trip. They had some issues with the numbers of people being allowed to accompany ECV folks, and they had one waiter who was rude. In a week-long trip, there were, it seems, only two negatives -- one waiter and some folks on ECVs. And yet, the thread title is "Where has the Magic gone?", which implies to me that a whole lot more was un-magical. Because however these couple of things impacted your week, it seems a little over-stating to give a few folks on ECVs and one waiter the power to cause your entire vacation to go bad.

Do you think maybe it was the "spur of the moment" part of it that was a catalyst? Most people here find the planning and anticipation to be one of the best things about a Disney vacation. They spend time planning and scheduling and whatnot -- talking about going, thinking about what they'll do, looking forward to getting there. Do you think that maybe part of the disappointment was that there wasn't any of that this time around? You did minimal planning and just went. Maybe part of what you like best about going to Disney is thinking about going to Disney. And so when you got there and had the ECV / waiter things go a bit sour, it just added to the "not quite right" feeling you had. It's just a thought.

But I'd have to agree with the PP who said that even the ECV folks with their large numbers of followers apparently didn't affect your wait times at all since you walked right on to everything. And if that's the case, who cares how many people they take with them? If you were walking right onto every ride, why does it matter that the ECV guy ahead of you has a dozen people with him. You still walked on, right?

I think maybe the expectations were different because of the sudden nature of the trip and it put everything just a bit "off."