Don't expect to have a magical time using a Electric car

[alilance]

It seems to me that it doesn't matter if you're walking, in a wheelchair, on an ECV or pushing a stroller, people are rude. Rude people really don't care who they cut in front of.

The sheer volume of wheelchairs, strollers, and ECVs really does make it difficult to get around the park. When I used to go back in the 70's it was VERY rare to see someone in a wheelchair. Now people seem to find any excuse to use them ie putting their overweight kids in a wheelchair because they can't walk around the park. I see kids in strollers who are way too old to be in one.

I totally agree with you!

 

[elabron]

very intelligent post. and im not sure if my wifes weight had anything to do with her thyroid, it may have, but im just not sure. and no way would i like to see anymore ecvs in the park that arent needed, its hard enough to get around without people in ecvs blowing their horn to get through the crowd. just dont think we need to start debating what is and isnt a disease.
im tired at the end of the week, for sure, but i wouldnt ever want to sit in a chair all day to avoid walking, i agree, thats just lazy. i would even support a medical person, either at disney or your family doctor writing a permission slip for an ecv rental. that would definitely cut down on the abuse.

The thyroid gland does regulate weight gain/weight loss and metabolism. Hypothyroidism would cause weight gain......sometimes very rapid gains, whereas Hyperthyroidism can cause weight loss or the inability to gain weight.

Checking thyroid hormone levels (TSH testing) is the way to tell.

My weight problem is related to a gland as well.........my SALIVARY glands are overactive. :lol:

 

[sweetpee_1993]

First of all, I'm not sure what to make of the OP ((other than they have difficulty with complete sentences and proper punctuation which, I suppose, could be attributed to how upset he/she was when they posted the rant)).

I agree whole-heartedly with the person who stated that the problem with attitudes towards ECV/wheelchair people is the individuals who rent them for convenience rather than necessity. It's always a sad situation when a few bad apples ruin it for the entire bushel. You know?

A few years ago at park closing my family stood in a rather long line for a bus back to POP for quite an extended amount of time. Everyone in the line was tired and just wanted to get back to the hotel. Well, up rolls this man and woman in ECVs both slightly overweight but not horribly so. As normal proceedure goes, they are allowed to board the next bus without the long, tiresome wait the rest of us had endured on tired, aching feet. As the man is sccoting up the little ramp onto the bus his battery died. He then plants one foot on the ramp to each side of the ECV and with a good bit of exertion starts manually scooching the thing up the ramp sort of like a toddler does on a ride-on toy. The guy had his entire body working with the motions of scooching upward. The entire crowd observing this scene went dead-silent. When he made it to the top several people started laughing. I don't know what his medical status is but he seemed pretty dang able to me. THAT is one of the bad apples that sours the attitudes towards the bushel.

On the flip side, I used to work with a lady who was obese and desperately tried to correct it. She was forever dieting and doing all that she could. I recall a day when she was reduced to tears describing how trapped she felt by her body. ((And you'd have to understand, this lady was one of my superiors, she was not the type to show emotion or weakness easily. For her to actually cry she had to have been truly heartbroken and beat-down by her situation.)) She was obese because she had a very dibilitating type of arthritis which prevented her from strenuous activity or even having a full range of motion with her joints. She had also spent a lot of time trying to get her insurance company to pay for a gastric bypass surgery because the weight issues were making the arthritis much worse. It was a vicious cycle for her. The insurance company refused. ((We had really crappy coverage..it was shameful.)) She could not afford to pay out of pocket for the surgery because she was also a single mom with 3 kids. Here's a lady that if you saw her in an ECV would appear to be an obese person who doesn't want to huff it thru a park for a day. I assure you, if she physically could have done so, she would. Unfortunately, she didn't have that luxury. I try to think of her when I'm in the parks and I see someone who I even *think* might be in that ECV because they are obese and lazy. A lot of times the obesity truly is a symptom of other health issues.

Also, this past December my aunt who is disabled joined us at WDW for the 1st time. She's a huuuge fan like us and we really looked forward to being there with someone else as insane for Disney as us. The reason my aunt is disabled is because of a bad car accident where she was not at fault many, many years ago. For whatever reason, her badly broken bones never healed correctly. She can walk short distances but always with an obvious hobble. There is no way she would ever be able to walk the distances in the parks. When she travels to WDW she has an outside company deliver her ECV to her resort so that she will have it around the resort and to/from entrances/exits from the parks. You would have to know my aunt to understand that this is a painfully independant soul. She doesn't like to be babied or doted on. She wants to do for herself. She's a high-energy person like some of her other siblings. Being stuck in an ECV with any sort of special treatment is soooo not her first choice in life. It's just a necessity now that I think, overall, she deals with pretty graciously ((remembering how she yelled and cursed at all of us for trying to help her out right after her accident.. LOL)). Again, here's a lady in an ECV who is not obese and you wouldn't know had mobility issues by appearance. Yes, she can transfer and she always lets CMs know this. Sometimes if lines aren't long in distance or wait she will park the ECV and walk with us because physically she can. In stores or restaurants she will park the ECV near the entrance and walk thru so as not to create issues for other guests. She doesn't want to run people over or anything yet it's surprising how many will see her coming and dart across in front without warning causing her to stop short or run into them.

Having been in the parks and all around WDW with an ECV guest in our group I can honestly say that we didn't share the experience of the OP. My aunt would let CMs know what her capabilities are and they acted accordingly. I don't even think we experienced guests who were rude to her. No..wait..I take that back. The night we got out of the Pooh ride my husband ran ahead to grab the cart from where my aunt had parked it a good distance away to bring it over to us and keep her from having to hobble that distance. An older gentleman totally chewed him out after watching him dash over to the cart, get on, and zoom it over thru an open area pretending he was a kid on a motorcycle. When he got to us this fellow lit into him some kinda bad. It was funny. We all explained the situation and had a good chuckle with the guy. He shook my hubby's hand and all was good. So there's yet another situation where you might see an obviously able-bodied person who looks like they have an ECV just for fun when the situation is actually quite different! :lol:

 

[JustPlainBill]

I see kids in strollers who are way too old to be in one.

I know what you mean.
By the time our kids were 4, we had grown accustomed to bringing the "mule" stroller everywhere we went. It served us not only as a useful conveyance for our children we could also load it up with supplies and purchases to avoid having to carry them. It was odd that first time we went someplace and didn't bring the mule along. The kids rebelled and whined because they had to walk and we had to carry what we needed or purchased. The break was necessary though to get those weak, skinny little legs of theirs into shape and build up their stamina for future WDW visits. It was actually quite liberating giving the mule up. Having to negotiate that contraption really was always pain. There was a tinge of sadness when we donated it to the Salvation Army. It was almost like giving up a member of the family.

To the OP...I remember in a previous thread some months ago, you had wanted to ban all children from public places, especially places where you happen to be, because you found them to be irritating to your handicap. Instead of expecting the people around to be accommodating to your fancy, I would suggest that you consider others first yourself, before assuming the role of victim. You may find it could brighten your attitude towards others.

 

[violet_yoshi]

i looked hyperacusis up....Hyperacusis is a health condition characterized by an over-sensitivity to certain frequency ranges of sound (a collapsed tolerance to normal environmental sound). A person with severe hyperacusis has difficulty tolerating everyday sounds, some of which may seem unpleasantly loud to that person but not to others.
no mention of needing a evc for that?
so your not disabled but you feel like you need to be treated like one? im no doctor but sound more like ....Munchausen syndrome is a psychiatric disorder in which those affected fake disease, illness, or psychological trauma in order to draw attention or sympathy to themselves. It is in a class of disorders known as factitious disorders which involve "illnesses" whose symptoms are either self-induced or falsified by the patient. It is also sometimes known as hospital addiction syndrome,to me.
yes i believe you should be truly disabled to have an evc, or if we all had one none of us would get the 'special treatment' you think you should....

Wow, aren't you full of hate. I know what Munchausen Syndrome is, smart aleck. Nobody seems to want to notice that I said I empathize WITH disabled people who need to use the EVC. Not that I was throwing a temper tantrum cause I was concerned about, me me me.

I was upset at the idea that people who might need the EVC would be treated that way. I was thinking of OTHER PEOPLE. Congrats to your amazing searching of search engines, and Wikipedia knowledge though.

 

[violet_yoshi]

I'm a little bit confused so I just wanted some clarification. You are not disabled, am I correct. You are physically able to withstand a day's worth of walking but chose not to. (and please don't get angry I'm not judging I just wanted to clarify before I made a decision, which is what you're asking people to do).

I don't even know anymore. So many people are trying to kick my butt on here for using an EVC to get around the park instead of walking, I really don't care about it anymore. Nobody is paying attention to where I say I'm concerned for people who do need an EVC having to go through all that trouble.

 

[Disney_Belle]

Also, this past December my aunt who is disabled joined us at WDW for the 1st time. She's a huuuge fan like us and we really looked forward to being there with someone else as insane for Disney as us. The reason my aunt is disabled is because of a bad car accident where she was not at fault many, many years ago. For whatever reason, her badly broken bones never healed correctly. She can walk short distances but always with an obvious hobble. There is no way she would ever be able to walk the distances in the parks. When she travels to WDW she has an outside company deliver her ECV to her resort so that she will have it around the resort and to/from entrances/exits from the parks. You would have to know my aunt to understand that this is a painfully independant soul. She doesn't like to be babied or doted on. She wants to do for herself. She's a high-energy person like some of her other siblings. Being stuck in an ECV with any sort of special treatment is soooo not her first choice in life. It's just a necessity now that I think, overall, she deals with pretty graciously ((remembering how she yelled and cursed at all of us for trying to help her out right after her accident.. LOL)). Again, here's a lady in an ECV who is not obese and you wouldn't know had mobility issues by appearance. Yes, she can transfer and she always lets CMs know this. Sometimes if lines aren't long in distance or wait she will park the ECV and walk with us because physically she can. In stores or restaurants she will park the ECV near the entrance and walk thru so as not to create issues for other guests. She doesn't want to run people over or anything yet it's surprising how many will see her coming and dart across in front without warning causing her to stop short or run into them.

I have an aunt just like that as well... and she is in WDW as we speak.

She was a bartender most of her life at a local restaurant, she is in her late 50's now, but by her mobility, she seems much older.

One night she was at work, and a man came in and had some drinks, and started getting loud and rowdy. She decided to cut him off from having any more to drink for the sake of others around. Well when she left work about an hour later, she was walking to her car, and the man she told couldn't have anymore was so mad because she cut his drinking off, he ran her over with his car and dragged her down the street for approximately a half of a mile. He did major damage to her, breaking both legs, her hips and severely hurting her back. She has had many surgeries and unfortunately the pain is a struggle everyday. She has a bright spirit and a smile that is contagious. And she loves WDW. She can do short distances as well... but not long distances. They just cause too much pain. She is also a person who, judging by the way she walks to and from the bathrooms and whatnot, you would think has no real disabilities aside from the limp she walks with. She doesn't want sympathy or special treatment, she just wants to enjoy life and her family. She hates using an ECV or wheelchair, but knows that if she doesn't, the vacation won't be enjoyable because she will be in too much pain to do so.

I believe that sometimes people are way too quick to judge, and I am not going to lie and say that I haven't looked at someone before and thought "why are they using that ECV, they look fine!". But who are we to know that these people don't have a true disability. I think this is where the subject of having a doctor's note comes in. Because some people are SHALLOW enough to rent an ECV out of pure laziness, and these are the people who make others so quick to judge upon those with true disabilities. I have a friend who has struggles with a thyroid problem all of her life... and I can't even imagine the struggle. I am not an obese person, I was overweight, and lost what I had to lose, and even then it was a struggle and sometimes so aggrivating because I wanted the results so much sooner. And then I look at my friend, who is struggling because of a thyroid problem, and my heart goes out to her because no matter what she can't lose the weight. She has tried everything and I remember the aggrivation I had, nevermind what that girl has to go through. She wouldn't necessarily need to rent an ECV due to her weight, but it would be a long and tiresome day walking the parks.

We just never know what a person's story is, and I think some people take advantage of that, and rent one because they are lazy. And as I said before, these are the people who give the disabled a bad reputation in the park when they rent an ecv, because we just assume they are all ok, because physically we see nothing wrong, and actually we have no idea what really is wrong.

So I guess all I have to say on this topic is, I agree a doctors note should be provided when renting and ECV. I don't agree with renting out just to get around the parks, there are benches everywhere to sit an rest if need be. But I also don't agree with the way that some people are too quick to judge what a person's disability is and assume there is nothing wrong with them.

And now lets just hope I haven't offended anyone lol...

 

[violet_yoshi]

i guess i have a hard time understanding why someone who smokes all their life and needs oxygen to breath is allowed to rent an ecv and is clearly labled as disabled but someone who either eats incorrectly or has thyroid problems and is to the point that their weight impacts walking or joint function isnt allowed to be disabled. please tell me whats the difference.

Here's the difference. We live in a country that is Sizeist, that means prejudiced against people of size. Most things such as finding fashionable clothing, access easily through turnstiles and stuff, are what is called thin privelage. As in, you can get these benifits if you are thin and acceptable to society.

Also many people belive, that the best thing for a fat person is to walk to loose the pounds. Where as science, and I mean true science, not the science on TV that keeps perpetuating the body-machine model of thinking. Has proven that people's bodies naturally fall into a set-point weight. That is if you're let's say 200 something pounds, if you try to diet your body will force itself back to the 200 pounds range. This is why diets don't work.

So that's pretty much it. Alot of people like to stereotype fat people as being lazy, and what's a better example of that then them riding a EVC vs walking.

 

[violet_yoshi]

and the ignorance compunds in this thread. starve the fat people and make them walk everywhere, thats the ticket. dont worry if they have thyroid cancer like my wife did, or a bone disease, or mutliple sclerosis (sp) like my great uncles have, they're overweight, let em' walk it off.

I hear ya. Have you heard of the Fat Acceptance movment? You should search it up. You'll find alot of like minded people there, who agree with you that the discrimination against people of size has gone too far.

 

[violet_yoshi]

No one said these things, so you aren't being fair to those with whom you are in a discussion.

If you want to talk about an issue we certainly can, but impugning others for perceived ignorance while, yourself, ignoring grammar and spelling rules doesn't make for constructive rhetoric.

And Lee, I agree with you that medical documentation should be required for an ECV rental. If you choose to bring your own, that is one thing; but those who rent from Disney should have to provide valid reason, and those new to ECVs should be offered an introduction to their use (if this is not already done). I think that would prevent a good amount of abuse.

It's pretty sad when the only thing a person has to attack someone with, is their spelling and grammar issues.

 

[yankspy]

It is very difficult to visually determine if one needs an ECV/wheelchair in some cases. Let me start out by saying that I am originally from NY so as far as knowing how to operate in crowds I would have to say that I have a little more experience than others might have.(If you think disney is bad try a subway during rush hour). Anyway, While I was on my honeymoon five years ago I was bitten by some fire ants by the pool. My foot swelled up considerably and I went to the medical center in celelbration. My first question to the doctor was, "should I walk on this foot through the parks all day". He said no and that I should get a wheelchair. I said thanks and I stubbornly tried to hobble around the next day in Epcot because I am visibly a very able person and I just figured that I could manage the pain. A CM, who was a medical student, saw me in line struggling and when I told her the story she said that I should not be walking around either. I finally consented and got one. I did get some stares from people, but for the most part everyone understood, especially when they saw that my foot resembled a freshly baked loaf of bread. I did get a lot of stares at the end of the day when I returned the chair and limped away. I do think that it has a lot to do with the attitude of the person who is in the chair/ECV. We did have people who cut us off, but ehh, what are you going to do.

 

[violet_yoshi]

I know what you mean.
By the time our kids were 4, we had grown accustomed to bringing the "mule" stroller everywhere we went. It served us not only as a useful conveyance for our children we could also load it up with supplies and purchases to avoid having to carry them. It was odd that first time we went someplace and didn't bring the mule along. The kids rebelled and whined because they had to walk and we had to carry what we needed or purchased. The break was necessary though to get those weak, skinny little legs of theirs into shape and build up their stamina for future WDW visits. It was actually quite liberating giving the mule up. Having to negotiate that contraption really was always pain. There was a tinge of sadness when we donated it to the Salvation Army. It was almost like giving up a member of the family.

To the OP...I remember in a previous thread some months ago, you had wanted to ban all children from public places, especially places where you happen to be, because you found them to be irritating to your handicap. Instead of expecting the people around to be accommodating to your fancy, I would suggest that you consider others first yourself, before assuming the role of victim. You may find it could brighten your attitude towards others.

Nice job, at bringing up old postings. :animwink:

 

[violet_yoshi]

I have an aunt just like that as well... and she is in WDW as we speak.

She was a bartender most of her life at a local restaurant, she is in her late 50's now, but by her mobility, she seems much older.

One night she was at work, and a man came in and had some drinks, and started getting loud and rowdy. She decided to cut him off from having any more to drink for the sake of others around. Well when she left work about an hour later, she was walking to her car, and the man she told couldn't have anymore was so mad because she cut his drinking off, he ran her over with his car and dragged her down the street for approximately a half of a mile. He did major damage to her, breaking both legs, her hips and severely hurting her back. She has had many surgeries and unfortunately the pain is a struggle everyday. She has a bright spirit and a smile that is contagious. And she loves WDW. She can do short distances as well... but not long distances. They just cause too much pain. She is also a person who, judging by the way she walks to and from the bathrooms and whatnot, you would think has no real disabilities aside from the limp she walks with. She doesn't want sympathy or special treatment, she just wants to enjoy life and her family. She hates using an ECV or wheelchair, but knows that if she doesn't, the vacation won't be enjoyable because she will be in too much pain to do so.

I believe that sometimes people are way too quick to judge, and I am not going to lie and say that I haven't looked at someone before and thought "why are they using that ECV, they look fine!". But who are we to know that these people don't have a true disability. I think this is where the subject of having a doctor's note comes in. Because some people are SHALLOW enough to rent an ECV out of pure laziness, and these are the people who make others so quick to judge upon those with true disabilities. I have a friend who has struggles with a thyroid problem all of her life... and I can't even imagine the struggle. I am not an obese person, I was overweight, and lost what I had to lose, and even then it was a struggle and sometimes so aggrivating because I wanted the results so much sooner. And then I look at my friend, who is struggling because of a thyroid problem, and my heart goes out to her because no matter what she can't lose the weight. She has tried everything and I remember the aggrivation I had, nevermind what that girl has to go through. She wouldn't necessarily need to rent an ECV due to her weight, but it would be a long and tiresome day walking the parks.

We just never know what a person's story is, and I think some people take advantage of that, and rent one because they are lazy. And as I said before, these are the people who give the disabled a bad reputation in the park when they rent an ecv, because we just assume they are all ok, because physically we see nothing wrong, and actually we have no idea what really is wrong.

So I guess all I have to say on this topic is, I agree a doctors note should be provided when renting and ECV. I don't agree with renting out just to get around the parks, there are benches everywhere to sit an rest if need be. But I also don't agree with the way that some people are too quick to judge what a person's disability is and assume there is nothing wrong with them.

And now lets just hope I haven't offended anyone lol...

Wow, I feel so sorry for your Aunt.

 

[urbanvegan]

I don't even know anymore. So many people are trying to kick my butt on here for using an EVC to get around the park instead of walking, I really don't care about it anymore. Nobody is paying attention to where I say I'm concerned for people who do need an EVC having to go through all that trouble.

Well, like I said, it is a shame that your trip was marred by your bad experiences; but I think you can see that your concern for others is mostly ill-placed. As stated by myself and others, poor treatment by cast members and other guests due to legitimate ECV usage is by far the exception, rather than the rule.

 

[Fun2BFree]

Here's the difference. We live in a country that is Sizeist, that means prejudiced against people of size. Most things such as finding fashionable clothing, access easily through turnstiles and stuff, are what is called thin privelage. As in, you can get these benifits if you are thin and acceptable to society.

Also many people belive, that the best thing for a fat person is to walk to loose the pounds. Where as science, and I mean true science, not the science on TV that keeps perpetuating the body-machine model of thinking. Has proven that people's bodies naturally fall into a set-point weight. That is if you're let's say 200 something pounds, if you try to diet your body will force itself back to the 200 pounds range. This is why diets don't work.

So that's pretty much it. Alot of people like to stereotype fat people as being lazy, and what's a better example of that then them riding a EVC vs walking.

Obesity is a medical condition. Apparently in your case, your obesity seems to stem from your lifestyle, rather than a side-effect of another disease. Many people have lost a great deal of weight through exercise and watching what they eat. You can't do it if you don't have your heart, mind and soul in it.

 

[JustPlainBill]

Nice job, at bringing up old postings. :animwink:

Just noticed the pattern, not meaning to offend.:animwink:

 

[urbanvegan]

It's pretty sad when the only thing a person has to attack someone with, is their spelling and grammar issues.

There were far greater issues than the sentence construction, which you must have missed. (insert silly face here.)

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Very well stated, xodisneybelleox. I'm sorry to hear what happened to your aunt. Sometimes if just doesn't make sense when people trying to do what's right get the short end of the stick. And just as you described, I've struggled with my weight and felt that frustration but did have success over time. My heart does, however, go out to those who have other problems that prevent them from reaching their goals as I have.

Love and hugs to you and to your aunt and friend. Sounds like our brains (and hearts) are moving in the same direction on this one. I'm really glad I had the opportunity to read thru this thread. Hopefully I'll have that much better of a mindset next month when we are there.

 

[Lee]

Nobody is paying attention to where I say I'm concerned for people who do need an EVC having to go through all that trouble.

Ummm...and as numerous posters have said, people who do need ECVs don't as a rule go through any sort of trouble. And when they do encounter some sort of resentment, it is largely due to the abuse of the system by those who do not need the ECVs using them.:brick:

 

[Monty]

ECV's should be banned completely. End of story.

Hardly a rational solution.

I have a disability such that if I were to break a leg, sprain an ankle or knee or otherwise not be able to walk any distances unassisted, my only option would be an ECV. I cannot use a cane or crutches and cannot operate a manual wheelchair. There are no black-and-white solutions to disability issues.