Scooter Policy Change?

[onesandzeros]

I just returned from WDW (March ’12). One thing I noticed was the “significant reduction” in the number of scooters on the transportation system and in the parks. I rode the bus multiple times a day to/from various resorts, parks, DTD and ESPN. In the 11 days only 2 scooters were loaded onto the bus and saw very few in the parks. I have to wonder if Disney has quietly made a policy change. Based on several March trips, in my opinion, the situation was getting out of hand and needed review.

 

[Stellajack]

I just returned from WDW (March ’12). One thing I noticed was the “significant reduction” in the number of scooters on the transportation system and in the parks. I rode the bus multiple times a day to/from various resorts, parks, DTD and ESPN. In the 11 days only 2 scooters were loaded onto the bus and saw very few in the parks. I have to wonder if Disney has quietly made a policy change. Based on several March trips, in my opinion, the situation was getting out of hand and needed review.

Welcome, onesandzeros! BTW are you a 1 or a 0?:animwink: (sorry, I couldn't resist--cute name).

Nope, Disney has not changed their policy; at least, I don't think they have changed it. In 3 weeks, my husband and I are traveling with my mother and my disabled brother who will be using an ECV from Walker Mobility. His disability is from 20+ years of daily wear of combat boots in the US Army, so excuse us in advance if we absolutely make no apology for his loading on the bus ahead of many others.

Isn't it wonderful how those with disabilities can enjoy DisneyWorld just as much as those of us who are fortunate enough to be able to walk for long distances at the time?:wave:

 

[Hakunamatata]

In before the lock!

 

[pintraderpayee]

I will be in WDW with my 70+ year old parents in three days. My dad has had a stroke and tires easily, Mom has degeneration of the macula, so yeah they will both be in wheelchairs pushed by my husband and me. Anyone can rent a wheelchair or scooter. If by doing so, you are more comfortable and it makes the parks more accessible to you, you should. Strollers, scooters, and wheelchairs do take up space, but that doesn't mean their passengers should avoid Disney World! If we weren't able to rent wheelchairs for my parents next week, they would be unable to visit WDW and their granddaughter who is a CP CM at AK's Flame Tree BBQ:slurp:



Proud Parent of a Spring Advantage CP CM!

 

[wilkeliza]

Just wanted to jump in and say welcome to the boards.

I don't know why there had to be all the snarky comments from other members on your post. I don't think the OP was saying anything about the situation that StellaJack or pintraderpayee are in. Your family members really need their EVCs and yes it is great that WDW can be enjoyed by them.

However I have personally known people who have no disability or illness in any fashion who admit that they rent a wheelchair or EVC just so they can line skip or not have to walk all day. I know they have no disability or illness because these are people I go to college with who I see on a daily basis who admit they abuse the system.

To answer the OP's question I don't think Disney has change their policy because ADA says they can't ask people if they are disabled or not they have to take it at face value. However I do think there have been some changes with in that are to discourage people from abusing the system. By this I meant some E-ticket rides have been changing how they deal with EVCs and Wheelchairs. Instead of getting a front of the line skip of sorts they now have a set time they must wait be it the same as what is posted or a certain number launches of the ride.

 

[Sans Souci]

The Baby Boomers started turning 65 last year. This cohort is also known as the "Silver Tsunami" due to its size, so I expect we'll be seeing more scooters in the parks.

No value judgments, just presenting info.

 

[melmood2000]

Just wanted to jump in and say welcome to the boards.

I don't know why there had to be all the snarky comments from other members on your post. I don't think the OP was saying anything about the situation that StellaJack or pintraderpayee are in. Your family members really need their EVCs and yes it is great that WDW can be enjoyed by them.

However I have personally known people who have no disability or illness in any fashion who admit that they rent a wheelchair or EVC just so they can line skip or not have to walk all day. I know they have no disability or illness because these are people I go to college with who I see on a daily basis who admit they abuse the system.

To answer the OP's question I don't think Disney has change their policy because ADA says they can't ask people if they are disabled or not they have to take it at face value. However I do think there have been some changes with in that are to discourage people from abusing the system. By this I meant some E-ticket rides have been changing how they deal with EVCs and Wheelchairs. Instead of getting a front of the line skip of sorts they now have a set time they must wait be it the same as what is posted or a certain number launches of the ride.

As it should be.

 

[fosse76]

To answer the OP's question I don't think Disney has change their policy because ADA says they can't ask people if they are disabled or not they have to take it at face value.

That's not exactly true. The ADA addresses the accessibility of the attractions. It requires businesses to make reasonable accomodations (and based on the subjectivity of reasonableness, there is no gold standard). Disney can require a doctor's note for non-visible disabilities, they don't have to take them at their word (I don't believe the exact nature of their disability has to be disclosed; merely their inability to go through the line for whatever reason).

However I do think there have been some changes with in that are to discourage people from abusing the system. By this I meant some E-ticket rides have been changing how they deal with EVCs and Wheelchairs. Instead of getting a front of the line skip of sorts they now have a set time they must wait be it the same as what is posted or a certain number launches of the ride.

What I don't get is why is it such a problem at MK but not at DLR? I spent 5 days at DLR last month and can count on one hand the number of EVCs I saw. I just don't get it.

 

[piglet66]

Could the decreased numbers of scooters at the parks and at your resort be due to having younger people there on Spring Break?
I use the scooters, and do not have a visible disability. I have had several kidney transplants over the years and cannot make it through the parks without using a ECV. I do get lots of looks from people that think I shouldn't be on one because nothing is visible. But I also would not have been able to come to the parks annually without them. I strongly agree that just because I am on a ECV, I shouldn't be first in line. I need to wait just like everyone else, I have been glad to see Disney make more adjustments to their lines to make this happen.
Could DLR have a different demographic of people that attend versus WDW, that may affect the use of ECV"s. I know when we went to DLR two years ago, they don't have the number or ECV's for rent as WDW does. I couldn't get one the day we went to CA. Enjoyed a lot of people watching that day due to the need to sit more.

 

[wilkeliza]

That's not exactly true. The ADA addresses the accessibility of the attractions. It requires businesses to make reasonable accomodations (and based on the subjectivity of reasonableness, there is no gold standard). Disney can require a doctor's note for non-visible disabilities, they don't have to take them at their word (I don't believe the exact nature of their disability has to be disclosed; merely their inability to go through the line for whatever reason).

Hmmm. I'll have to check the law out myself. I have always just taken what I've been taught at my various jobs (barista, petco, aspca) that we weren't allowed to ask for proof. I know this was more for service dogs that we had to take their word at it (basically to protect ourselves from a lawsuit) because the federal mandate doesn't say anything about a certification or anything. I just always assumed the other disability laws were written the same way.

 

[MickeyPeace]

I just returned from WDW (March ’12). One thing I noticed was the “significant reduction” in the number of scooters on the transportation system and in the parks. I rode the bus multiple times a day to/from various resorts, parks, DTD and ESPN. In the 11 days only 2 scooters were loaded onto the bus and saw very few in the parks. I have to wonder if Disney has quietly made a policy change. Based on several March trips, in my opinion, the situation was getting out of hand and needed review.

April Fools early?

 

[ddbowdoin]

I'll probably catch some flack for this... but I'd like to see the minimize this. It's simply too hard to do this though, because how to do you determine who really needs one and who doesn't. Basically, it's a 1:1 ratio for me... an ederly/sickly person for a 34 year old 300 lb lady slamming a coke and a turkey leg.

 

[DisneyJoe]

To answer the OP's question I don't think Disney has change their policy because ADA says they can't ask people if they are disabled or not they have to take it at face value.

This may be HIPPA instead of ADA.

 

[mcompanik]

As it should be.

My wife will be using a ECV on our next trip due to back surgery 4 weeks before our trip. We have talked about having me wait in the lines with the kids, and when we get to the front of the line, she would join us. This is what we thought would be fair to everyone in line. We aren't looking for preferrential treatment just because 1 person in our party of 6 is in a ECV.

 

[acinpcola]

I am a 100% disabled Vet. Sometimes I take my own scooter with me or when family joins us for our trips I will just rent one from the world. I have never been asked to show proof of disability and doubt that I ever will. My wife now also rents an ECV when we do EPCOT as the arthritis in her feet tends to pain up badly while walking EPCOT. I will say that there are also times when my legs are feeling good and I will do a park with just my cane.

When people stare I normally ask them if there is anything I can do for them. Of course they just turn and look the other way. I can understand their stares for there are no visible outward signs of my disabilities.

Anyway that is my 2 cents on the topic. Thanks for listening.

AC

 

[jlandis44]

I love the fact that WDW is accessible for people who just might need some assistance getting around. No problem at all. I don't appreciate when it's time for everyone to disband after a parade, there is almost always someone in a scooter in the wall-to-wall crowd of people who feels the need to beep their little horn as if we are in their way. Nor, do I appreciate it when someone runs over my 7-year old son. But, I highly appreciated it when, during a parade, one of the scooter gentleman asked my son, who was standing behind him, if he wanted to come sit on the front of his scooter so he could see the parade better. Bottom line - there are good points and bad points with scooters, as there are with almost everything, and it usually has to do with the individual who operates it. Courtesy is returned with courtesy...beepy horns in crowds are returned with rude comments and stares...

 

[masht]

I am having the same issue for our trip in August, I will be OK at MK, AK and Studios but may need a scooter for EPCOT, it is so big. Again no visible disability an issue with neuropathy in my feet. I do have a disabled parking pass and you wouldn't believe the looks I get from people with just that, can't imagine with a scooter. I am debating about renting one here and brining it with me rather than renting at WDW. Any feed back on the ones you rent at WDW?

 

[BrittanyRose428]

masht - I would go with whatever option is cheaper for you. If I remember correctly, the Disney scooters are $50 a day, so if you find one cheaper I would go with that, there isn't anything special about the Disney ones to justify paying more if you don't have to.

 

[DisneyJoe]

Scooters rented from off-site, such as Walker Mobility or Buena Vista Scooters are less expensive than those from WDW at the park entrances. Off-site ones are faster and their batteries last longer too.

 

[masht]

Thanks so much Basketcase463 and DisneyJoe for your imput will look into all options.