Disney introduces Electric Standing Vehicles for guests with disabilities

[WWWD]

I believe that renting a scooter does not need to have ANY disability connection. If you want one, you can get one even if you have a briefcase full of documentation that you are in perfect health. It's a mode of transportation, it was meant for those that had trouble getting around and enjoying the parks. If that is because they are fat, believe me they have more then paid for that affliction in many, many ways.

Bottom line...if you want to use a scooter, you can. You don't need a reason other then you want one. When it becomes a problem is when it is used to take advantage of lines or whatever. If I were to rent a scooter, ride to the ride and then get off and stand in line, it totally puzzles me why anyone would think that this was a problem. Can anyone explain how, exactly that would or will affect your visit in any way? Or does everyone just have in insatiable need to feel superior?

I play golf and use a golf cart most of the time. Do I need it? No, I can and do walk it, but, you know what? I find it a lot more fun to drive a cart around. Sometimes people do things just to have fun and enjoy themselves. They pay for it so what's the problem? Many people drive around in a BMW when a Ford Focus will get them there as well. What's the difference?

Waiting ...... As they get to cut ride lines and bus lines. If you need it fine, no problem with that at all. However, if you are using it as a way to get added perks, then no way. A golf cart speeds up play, scooters clog up the parks. Disney does not promote scooter rentals as a way for guests "to have fun and enjoy themselves."

 

[Violet]

Now I admit after that encounter and a few others, when I see an obese person in a scooter, I wonder if they are obese because of their disability or disabled because they are obese. I never seem to question the use of a scooter from an elderly or average size person. Just my own personal experiences in the parks have led to this train of thought.

Hmm, at first this was sort of like "what" but now that I am being honest with myself, I probably think this too. I guess though, why are you disabled doesn't matter really. If you can't walk around the parks, you can't walk around the parks. Interesting thought though, thanks for making me examine my own thoughts on this issue.

 

[Goofyernmost]

Waiting ...... As they get to cut ride lines and bus lines. If you need it fine, no problem with that at all. However, if you are using it as a way to get added perks, then no way. A golf cart speeds up play, scooters clog up the parks. Disney does not promote scooter rentals as a way for guests "to have fun and enjoy themselves."

I am aware of that...but I'm saying that there is no reason to be judgmental about whether or not anyone needs it. If they want it they can have it. Simple! Perhaps not the best of situations but, it is a reality! And I believe I said...if they don't use it for front of line or any other reason then just save walking, what is the problem for everyone else. Crowded parks? If Disney cared about that they wouldn't have them available, plus there won't be anymore there then what they supply. They're not going to affect bus lines because they are in park items, they don't leave the parks.

No one is going to want one of those anyway, but, it is a way to keep the Segway's out for those that "need" them.

 

[Prock3]

For people who think that just because you have a wheelchair/ecv/esv you can cut the line that isn't true, All but a few standby lines for attractions are capable of having a wheelchair/ecv/esv. Basically any ride thats had a major refurbishment in the last 20 or so years, I'm not sure how long it is. The times when you see someone using an alternate entrance its because they have the appropriate GAC card for it, most attractions when it is just a wheelchair GAC they are directed to the standby entrance. Despite what most people think having a GAC does not mean you have an automatic fastpass, there are only two types that are guaranteed to use the fastpass or alternate entrance, every other GAC depends on the attraction.

 

[Tom Morrow]

Sorry to drag the GAC argument into another thread, but...

Despite what most people think having a GAC does not mean you have an automatic fastpass, there are only two types that are guaranteed to use the fastpass or alternate entrance, every other GAC depends on the attraction.

regarding those two cards that guarantee use of the Fastpass line, one of them, the "alternate entrance" pass, is what the vast majority (probably 80-90%) of GAC users have.

In an honest world, everyone would only ask for the GAC they need, but instead, everyone asks for and receives the "alternate entrance" card because of the undeniable perks that come with it.

 

[Tigger1988]

I doubt anyone who doesn't need one of these is going to: A. want one and B. shell out $50 for one. Standing in one spot is much worse than walking to me.

 

[Virtual Toad]

I play golf and use a golf cart most of the time. Do I need it? No, I can and do walk it, but, you know what? I find it a lot more fun to drive a cart around. Sometimes people do things just to have fun and enjoy themselves. They pay for it so what's the problem? Many people drive around in a BMW when a Ford Focus will get them there as well. What's the difference?

The difference is density. There's plenty of room on a golf course for golf carts. It might be "fun" for folks to zip around the MK or Epcot in an ECV, but unless they have a genuine medical disability, their "fun" comes at the expense of other guests who simply would like to enjoy their time in the parks without the risk of being run over. WDW's parks were designed as pedestrian spaces. Irresponsible ECV usage and seven year olds in triple wide strollers have turned those spaces into stressful, crowded, dangerous places to walk.

And isn't that exactly what the parks are supposed to help us escape from?

Instead we have yet *another* ECV choice announced as the dangerously narrow and pedestrian Fort Langhorn Escape Tunnel is shuttered forever. Well thank God for that. Someone might skin their knee or something.

What in the world have we become?

 

[luv]

I, too, have been guilty of seeing people in ECVs and wondering if they need the ECV because they are fat or if they got fat because they can't get around.

When I think that, I am immediately ashamed of myself and try to remember that it doesn't matter. Chicken, egg, whatever. They need the thing. And I'm sure they're doing the best they can. They certainly aren't hurting me.

People who abuse the GAC, though...I won't even get started there.

 

[lazyboy97o]

If that's the vehicle? I'm really trying to figure out who would want it... someone disabled would HAVE to stand, and any WALL-E Characters would probably find it WAY too much work . I'm trying to figure out WHO this is for?

People who have difficulty walking but also have problems with prolonged sitting. The very people who want to bring their Segways into the parks.

 

[luv]

The only thing about those standing scooters is that the bars seem kind of low for tall people. And any tall person who pushed a stroller back in the days when the bars were low will know what I'm talking about!!

I hope this means that they'll bring back the Segway tours. I loved mine and hope everyone who wants to gets to take one.

 

[Gabe1]

This video is short and shows how people who cannot walk or stand can go verticle with the support of this type of chair. It was introduced into the conversation when Segways were banned from the Disney Parks for people with Disabilies including amputee vets that were given donated Segways because it was still to painful to walk.
I still believe someday Segways will make it into the Disney Parks as most themed parks and zoos allow the disabled and disabled vets entrance with them, but another story. When the final suit ended last year, Disney thought these would be a good solution for those who had to check their Segways when entering the park.
I'm not sure that this is all that necessary for a Segway using amputee vet, seems like a very cumbersome switch off when entering the park.

http://www.thestandingcompany.com/

and Vets with Segways

 

[backinaction]

The difference is density. There's plenty of room on a golf course for golf carts. It might be "fun" for folks to zip around the MK or Epcot in an ECV, but unless they have a genuine medical disability, their "fun" comes at the expense of other guests who simply would like to enjoy their time in the parks without the risk of being run over. WDW's parks were designed as pedestrian spaces. Irresponsible ECV usage and seven year olds in triple wide strollers have turned those spaces into stressful, crowded, dangerous places to walk.

And isn't that exactly what the parks are supposed to help us escape from?

Instead we have yet *another* ECV choice announced as the dangerously narrow and pedestrian Fort Langhorn Escape Tunnel is shuttered forever. Well thank God for that. Someone might skin their knee or something.

What in the world have we become?

I'm surprised he compared driving a golf cart on an open golf course to driving around an evc in narrow walkways with thousands of small children in Disney. Clearly, he's never been hit or run over by one of these things. I remember after illuminations i got hit full speed and literally went for a ride in the basket of an evc . Instead of hitting the brakes when the lady driving rammed me full speed, she actually somehow sped up and after it was all over didn't even apologize. just sped toward the exit. ever since then i have despised evcs. I am a grown man and that thing almost took me out. I just wonder what they could do to a 4 year old. Do we really need more evc's in the park. Does Disney really need another way to suck another 50 bucks out of the guests? I guess so.

 

[englanddg]

I'm surprised he compared driving a golf cart on an open golf course to driving around an evc in narrow walkways with thousands of small children in Disney. Clearly, he's never been hit or run over by one of these things. I remember after illuminations i got hit full speed and literally went for a ride in the basket of an evc . Instead of hitting the brakes when the lady driving rammed me full speed, she actually somehow sped up and after it was all over didn't even apologize. just sped toward the exit. ever since then i have despised evcs. I am a grown man and that thing almost took me out. I just wonder what they could do to a 4 year old. Do we really need more evc's in the park. Does Disney really need another way to suck another 50 bucks out of the guests? I guess so.

Even then, most golf courses have rules about where you can and cannot drive the cart. For example, you shouldn't drive it near the green, and you are supposed to use right angles off the cart path to get to your ball if you drive it on the course itself.

 

[SirLink]

They are not a private entity as they are open to the public.

Huh? Weird, I know I'm not American but that kinda seems stupid of the American legal system to state that private land which houses a resort complex which requires you to buy a ticket to get into the private parks would be classed as public.

 

[wdwstateofmind]

Sadly, that just isn't true for everybody.

Explain to me how you could stand on a moving segway for 30 minutes, but not in line for 30 minutes...I'm dying to hear your justification for this...

 

[wdwstateofmind]

For people who think that just because you have a wheelchair/ecv/esv you can cut the line that isn't true, All but a few standby lines for attractions are capable of having a wheelchair/ecv/esv. Basically any ride thats had a major refurbishment in the last 20 or so years, I'm not sure how long it is. The times when you see someone using an alternate entrance its because they have the appropriate GAC card for it, most attractions when it is just a wheelchair GAC they are directed to the standby entrance. Despite what most people think having a GAC does not mean you have an automatic fastpass, there are only two types that are guaranteed to use the fastpass or alternate entrance, every other GAC depends on the attraction.

Umm...I saw someone handicap get in front of space mountain last year...i can name others....your statement just isn't true...

 

[WDWDad13]

I'll probably get a lot of flack for this...but I really wish Disney would find a better way to transport families that have someone in their party using ECV's. I'm not saying treat them worse by any means, if anything, make it better for them and have busses better equiped for just ECV's and their family members.

Too often I see people wait in line a long time in big lines (especially after the night shows) and then as a bus pulls up, an ECV or three along with their family makes it in line and passes up about 100+ people. They get on the bus along with their family and find a seat while people either can't get on the bus or have to stand up with kids. Keep in mind 1 ECV takes up approx. 4 seats (3 for the ECV and 1 for the ECV rider)

I don't know what the solution is. Maybe run a bus stop full of busses made for this that will go to whatever numerous resorts it needs to based on ECV family's travelers that get on.

I know this sound discriminatory and I certainly don't mean it to sound like they are an inconvenience because I've been to Disney where a family member had to use one as well so I know what I'm talking about here...but I honestly think as I've watched and experienced some be embarassed having trouble driving onto those narrow bus ramps while everyone else stares at them while waiting in line, they might be able to make a better bus design for them and help them feel more comfortable as well thus making it easier for them to board, and quicker for both them/their families and other non-ecv guests at resort stops.

I don't know... what do you all think? ...and be gentle I didn't mean to anger the masses or offend anyone

 

[DrewmanS]

According to ADA Section 35.137, subsection C - Mobility Devices
(1) Inquiry about disability. A public entity shall not ask an individual using a wheelchair or other power-driven mobility device questions about the nature and extent of the individual's disability.

Disclaimer: I'm not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV nor the Internet, but this sounds pretty clear. I would be curious of your interpretation.

This is also true for service dogs. There is no federal registration for service dogs, so many people are putting vests on there dogs and getting "licenses" from Internet companies to claim their untrained pet is a service dog. This means they can bring them on planes, in restaurants, or any other location and no one can challenge them because laws prohibit asking someone about the nature of their disability.

 

[MichWolv]

Explain to me how you could stand on a moving segway for 30 minutes, but not in line for 30 minutes...I'm dying to hear your justification for this...

Some people can only stand for a lmited time before needing to sit or rest. So after standing on the ESV, which has a lean cushion, they would be unable to stand much longer.

Others can stand, but not walk. So standing on the ESV would be possible, while walking the line not.

 

[misterID]

I can safely say that in all my time going to WDW that I've had more problems with the guests walking around on two legs than someone in a wheelchair or ECV.

These threads always spiral into complaining about convenience and resentment about people getting in line ahead of them. That's what it boils down to. I've been hit by one of these things when I was a kid... At a mall.

These horror stories are always made out to be the standard norm with the majority of people using these things, which I just don't buy. And I HIGHLY doubt there is a huge problem of ECVers swarming Space Mountain and cutting in front of people.

If anything, they should have specialized vehicles to transport people and their families to their resorts, much like the ones I see when I take my father to his dialysis doctor. Yes, he uses ECV at WDW. Let me go ahead and apologize for him cutting in line in front of you for It's A Small World. I know what a big issue that is for people. But luckily he has to leave the park before 7pm to get hooked up for his nightly treatment, so he won't be a bother to anyone after sunset.