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.

 

[Duckberg]

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.

Same issue @ handicap parking stickers in cars.

 

[I_heart_Tigger]

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

Firstly, welcome to the boards! Your story reminded me of a situation I found myself in on my last Disney trip. I was sitting on a bench and happened to be looking at a woman on an ECV nearby. She saw me and started yelling "What, you have a problem? What do you want to know?! You have a question or something?!" and I said, "Actually yes, I do...is that the Pride Mobility Jet 3 or the Jet 3 Ultra? My friend has post-polio complications and needs a new one and she's trying to decide between the two."

Well, she was quite embarrased to say the least. Don't worry about any stares you get...people get stared at for all sorts of reasons and there is no need to worry about what anyone thinks of you. Let people judge if they want...there's nothing you can do about them, so you just go on enjoying your day.

On another note I'm not sure how people feel about this but my niece and I were on a WDW bus with someone in an ECV and they didn't have anything visibly wrong with them - he was about 20-25 and in good shape. My niece asked me why he was on that "thing" and I didn't know but I saw that he overheard her talking about him so I just asked him straight out - "She hasn't seen one of those before and was wondering why you were using it" He was very nice and explained he is waiting for a heart transplant and can't walk for long distances.

I realize asking could seem offensive to some but she was 5 at the time and it was our first day at the park and I figured if she was curious we might as well ask :shrug:

 

[DisneyJoe]

Same issue @ handicap parking stickers in cars.

In NJ at least you need a doctor's signature for the initial placard/plates; after that it's your signature claiming that the condition still exists for renewals.

 

[ddbowdoin]

Same issue @ handicap parking stickers in cars.

and it really does SUCK for the people who legitimately need these services. It is shameful to have to justify yourself because a good percentage of the people are in those chairs because of very poor life decisions. And I say this as an overweight person... just don't understand how people can let themselves go.