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Don't expect to have a magical time using a Electric car
- Thread starter violet_yoshi
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urbanvegan
New Member
If you need to use an electric car in Disneyworld, don't expect to have an easy time of it. First of all I told people for example, I could transfer from my electric car. They acted like I didn't need to use the car, so it was reasonable for them to harass me and give me dirty looks. I am talking about the Cast Members.
Not to mention things like, asking you to try and navigate the lines with your electric car, which I found difficult and I've been playing video games since I was 6 years old. All they have to do is appoint a cast member to take the cars from the front of the ride to the exit. Or here's an idea, how about letting them use the handicapped door! Or is that only for "real" handicapped people who use wheelchairs?
I never realized until today all the trouble people who are disabled have to put up with from others. It really is like you do not exsist. So I'm planning to volunteer to help disabled people from now on. I do not know how someone could stand to use an electric car in the parks withoutfrom the stress from other people. I mean, you would think if a let's say 50 pound vehicle was coming your way, you'd move right. Nope, it doesn't happen.
I also forgot to mention these people laughed at me when I hit the bar for the line to Mission Space with my car, and the cast members just stood there and did nothing. Is being able to laugh at the disabled considered Disney Magic too? I mean, I could decide not to use the electric car, I guess people who can't just learn to put up with people being cruel towards them.
I mean fine, ok I'm going on a thrill ride and therfore must not be disabled and not entitled to use the car. Ok I can understand someone being a jerk about that. You know, there are people who simply can not walk through the parks, for whatever reason, and yes being obese might be a reason. And no, walking through the parks isn't going to magically make them thin and therfore acceptable to society and entitled by thin privelage to use a electric car. But that is another rant for another time.
They have you pay to use the cars, that alone should be reason enough for them to not make it a miserable experience to use one. I don't know if it's Disneyworld just doesn't want to bother making time to teach people how to handle people using electric vehicles, or even common courtesy. Or that they hire people who are from countries, which do not require by law that people treat those with disabilities like human people instead of trash. You would think of all people, Disneyworld would abide by the disabilities act.
They don't.
Using an electric vehicle instead of a wheelchair, doesn't mean your less disabled, or that you need to look disabled in order to be treated with respect. Unless I'm mistaken, I don't see someone making a person in a wheelchair navigate the main line. You have to be an idiot to think someone without previous experience in an electric car, or even someone with that experience, can make hairpin turns. That takes eye-hand cordination, which I don't see someone older having.
I'm done ranting. I just really, I feel like I have no right to complain compared to what disabled people go through. I also forgot to mention the elevators at The Living Seas did not work. And people do joke about handicapped people getting to go first in line ect. It's the least they can do, for all the trouble they put up with daily.
This post was rather difficult to understand in terms of syntax, so I think that maybe be adding to the general "irritation" with it. But I still will throw myself in the mix, because I am feeling dangerous.
First of all, I am sorry to hear that your visit was not up to your expectations - that is always disappointing for anyone since Walt Disney World holds such an esteemed place in many hearts.
I have visited the parts on many occasions with friends and family who use both wheelchairs and ECVs in their daily lives due to advanced diseases (which are physically and visually evident) and have found that nearly without fail the Cast Members at WDW are some of the most sensitive and well-trained people one could encounter. It is too bad that your experiences were not so positive.
However, if I am reading your story right, you rented an ECV out of convenience and not necessity. (My opinion: I have gleaned from your post that you perhaps rented one due to obesity, which I do not consider to be a disability.) This was apparently something new to you as you had difficulty maneuvering it. Since you have no true "mobility problems" in the basic sense, you could have quite simply left your ECV outside of attractions like a stroller and taken to the lines with every other playing guest. I think this may have greatly helped alleviate your described problems.
Renting an ECV, no matter what you paid, doesn't entitle you to anything. Perhaps you went with the wrong attitude.
And while I think it is wonderful that you have pledged to work with the disabled in the future, as one who has myself personally and professionally, I find it offensive that you now consider that you "saw (how) they were treated". You shouldn't assume that your experiences are those of the truly disabled, and are certainly contrary to the experiences I have encountered.
Help all you want to - by all means - but using an ECV at Walt Disney World for $75 because you chose not to walk does not make you a martyr for the cause.
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.
ChrisQ
Member
I don't necessarily think there's a difference.
celebrat
New Member
My 81 year old father, who isn't disabled, rented an ECV because he really couldn't walk through the park all day. He was treated like a king :king: all day long. Sometimes I think what really counts is the attitude of the person using the vehicle.
I don't think that people should be able to use those vehicles just for the sake of laziness though. I once saw an ENTIRE family, grandparents, parents and all their children (as young as 10) riding through Epcot on 6 ECVs. It was really difficult to maneuver around them and it was ridiculous that they didn't walk like everyone else.
I don't think that people should be able to use those vehicles just for the sake of laziness though. I once saw an ENTIRE family, grandparents, parents and all their children (as young as 10) riding through Epcot on 6 ECVs. It was really difficult to maneuver around them and it was ridiculous that they didn't walk like everyone else.
urbanvegan
New Member
As I said it is simply my opinion - but I feel that obesity in and of itself is not a disease. Yes, factors like lifestyle (above all else), genetics and certain diseases create a situation in which there is a predisposition to creating and keeping adipose tissue in the body - but I am just saying that I personally do not consider obesity to be a disease - just a symptom of something else.
lac628
New Member
Well, I hope I don't get bashed. I rented an ECV when I was 7 months pregnant. I had some Blood Pressure problems and I swelled quite a bit if I was on my feet too long. I could have never walked the parks all day. I have to say I was treated awesome by the CM's. I was able to transfer and I waited in line with everyone else. Some rides I did go through the handicapped entrance, but that's bc the CM's guided me there. On the other hand, guests do seem to act like you're not there. Same with when I am pushing my son in his stroller. People will walk in front of you like you're not even there. When I was on the ECV in EPCOT, I was going to return it. By the end of the day I was SO tired of people jumping in front of me (I had to stop short). A group of young guys walked in front of me and I had to stop for them, well I started to go again and 2 more guys that we tailing behind tried jumping in front of me, I didn't stop. I was just so tired of the rudeness, and I ran into one of their legs. He turned and aologized for jumping in front of me. It's very difficult to navigate those things (esp. in store) and to have rude people jumping in front of you so they don't have to be stuck waiting for you, makes it much more difficult. Like I said, it's the same with strollers. I am pushing it and someone will cut across inches in front of the stroller. You wouldn't do that if it was an actual body, so why would you do that to a stroller or wheelchir?
ok thank you for explaining what you meant, as i now understand it many things that we face today, such as lung cancer (symptom of smoking), aids (usually a symptom of promiscuity), and cirosis of the liver (symptom of drinking) really arent diseases. people just shouldnt be judged, no matter how healthy (or unhealthy) they look.
elabron
New Member
Amen! The reason I'm 280 lbs, is because I eat way too much crap that I shouldn't, not because of some virus or disease that has attacked my body.
I think a big problem with the ECV's, and the overall attitude towards them, is the abuse of them by some. There are many people who are fully capable of navigating WDW on foot, but rent an ECV because they are simply lazy.
As a "big boy" myself, I can't tell you how many times I've seen someone park their ECV and then walk/run to the Crystal Palace buffet or into an attraction. The whole time I'm thinking "maybe if you'd walk more........".
Just sayin'. Flame me if you want. :shrug:
urbanvegan
New Member
That is taking what I said completely out of context. You're making jumps in my logic that are certainly not true.
There was no judgment on my part of the obese, so don't imply it.
CaptainJackNO
Well-Known Member
Exactly. And as someone who is overweight, but not really obese, Don't you think the walking might do these bese folks some good. I lost 10 pounds last year in WDW. Maybe if they actually forced themselves to be mobile instead of being sessile, they may lose weight. Just a thought.
Lee
Adventurer
Well, of course! Why wouldn't there be?
If you can walk the parks, you should have to. ECV's are not for convenience, just like wheelchairs. They are for the transportation of those who can not otherwise travel around the parks.
Actually, I assumed that was the case. It makes perfect sense. Rental of an ECV should require a doctor's note (like what you need to get a handicapped parking sticker) or else have the park's first aid screen the applicants and approve ECV rental.
Not at all. Nor would you be entitled to respect if you decided to rent a wheelchair for fun.
In all my years of visiting WDW, never have I seen a person with a disability treated with anything but complete respect and compassion by CM's. If you just rent an ECV just because you want one...you deserve any and all hassle that it is humanly possible to provide.
NOTE: This post was made under the impression that the OP rented an ECV without actually being handicapped, as that seems to be the general consensus. Actual handicapped individuals should of course have access to any and all means of conveyance and access that will allow them to enjoy tha parks at the same level as non-handicapped persons.
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.
urbanvegan
New Member
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.
elabron
New Member
No sir. That;s not the case at all.
Someone with MS or a legitimate disease should use an ECV. The problem is people with no legit health problems abuse these rentals.
Your wife for instance.........her weight would be attributed to thyroid problems. TOTALLY understood. However, I weigh 280 lbs........my weight problem isn't caused by a thyroid disease. My weight problem is caused by my love for Twinkies and bagels. I CAN DO something about my condition (and am currently trying :brick
.For me to say that I need to rent an ECV because walking the MK all day will make my legs sore, or may cause me to sweat is absolutely ridiculous.
I have NO PROBLEM with someone who has a legit health problem cruising the parks on an ECV. I DO have an issue with those who take no responsibility for their health and well-being whatsoever acting as if they are "owed" something.
If a person is able to walk WDW without causing serious harm to their body or physical well being, then they should. Fear of being "tired" or "exhausted" at the end of a week at WDW doesn't justify rental of an ECV.
:wave:
palmage
Member
I understand there are a lot of conditions that can cause obesity.
My wife is fighting a thyroid condition and is mostly winning.
But I also believe that the overwhelming number one cause is "you want to supersize that"
Which is what I suffer from.
So those who have real conditions get lumped into those who "supersize", it's unfortunate.
celebrat
New Member
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.
No sir. That;s not the case at all.
Someone with MS or a legitimate disease should use an ECV. The problem is people with no legit health problems abuse these rentals.
Your wife for instance.........her weight would be attributed to thyroid problems. TOTALLY understood. However, I weigh 280 lbs........my weight problem isn't caused by a thyroid disease. My weight problem is caused by my love for Twinkies and bagels. I CAN DO something about my condition (and am currently trying :brick
For me to say that I need to rent an ECV because walking the MK all day will make my legs sore, or may cause me to sweat is absolutely ridiculous.
I have NO PROBLEM with someone who has a legit health problem cruising the parks on an ECV. I DO have an issue with those who take no responsibility for their health and well-being whatsoever acting as if they are "owed" something.
If a person is able to walk WDW without causing serious harm to their body or physical well being, then they should. Fear of being "tired" or "exhausted" at the end of a week at WDW doesn't justify rental of an ECV.
:wave:
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.
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