Scooters and Buses and Waiting, Oh My!

[yankspy]

Hello,

I'll gladly help clean up some of the mess here and also provide some feedback of my own. First, I'll tell you I'm blind. This will put things in perspective for the next few parts.

First, Disney's Guest Assistance pass is a "on-paper" version of their policy in action. Thus, your maximum party size is 6 people. 6, not 10, not a dozen, not even 7. This would cover the average family and two grandparents for sure. But, parties greater than 10 could split up for sure. However, for each guest with a need, the party may include 6 guests. So, 12 people with two using a chair goes just fine. The cards are not required for transportation, but clearly indicate Disney's wishes.

Next, there is another good reason for the accessibility lane at the bus stops. This one will probably boil some blood too, but its got to happen this way unfortunately. I have to walk down the lanes trying to follow the curb, and ask at each bus stop what bus is that? Yep, and if nobody is at a stop, and no bus is there, I have to simply skip it and hope that wasn't mine.

There is something that makes this situation worse. At both the Epcot and Animal Kingdom, the bus stops actually don't have curbs. I encourage you to notice this the next time you visit. Now, what do you think that means for me? Several times I literally ended up in the line of bus traffic, no tactile bump strip is provided, but the ADA requires it for these specific situations. They provide the only means of knowing the boundary. Animal kingdom is the shameful one, as these rules were in place before the park opened. I'm hoping they resolve this before someone actually gets injured or killed over it. I've had my opportunity to express my concern to the right people, but if I'm the only one concerned, it becomes one of those things they'll get done when they need to referb the structures or roads.

The ideal setup would involve a single speaker at the bus menu signs that just repeats over and over again the bus number and associated stop. Then, post speakers at the bus stops that say the bus number out loud every 30 seconds or so in a staggered manner around the bus stop. This would create a method by which a visually impaired guest could find their stop. It also would reinforce the normal guest's ability to find their bus, as not all people with vision are visual learners. This goes especially for those who wearily walk out of the parks with their kids screaming bloody murder because it is past their bed time. You may be overwhelmed by trying to keep your family together while looking for your stop, and the sound of a sign stating its number when you're not finding it visually may really come in handy.

The busses should state their destination repeatedly every 30 seconds while their doors are open. This could be accomplished by a speaker near the front door, and one at the rear of the bus that is louder to overcome the engine noise. The lack of this is surprising considering the upgrade almost all buses received in their AV packages in the past year.

Well, I hope this not only clears things up a bit, but provides another need for the lanes. maybe you wait for the bus for 20 minutes or more, but I spend that time equally just trying to find the thing!

Ryan

Would braille signs work?

 

[rdour@techminds]

Well, the issue with braille signage is where do you put it? Since bus stops of this design are not common, where would I feel around for such a sign? Braille works when it would be easily encountered. But Disney is particularly bad about their braille. Look around the next time you encounter a Disney park bathroom. Very few have the ADA required braille signage. In fact, I was in shock having to ask people on my way into bathrooms at places like the Land and Coral Reef restaurant which bathroom is the men's? I haven't asked that question in almost two decades.

But, braille signage would only help the visually imapred for the busses. It could be a reinforcement for those who learn in a non-visual way, or maybe even those who understand spoken English, but not written English. So, I think there is much work to be done in the world of spoken signage.

Oh, and to make it environmentally friendly, there are units on the market that can be solar powered. Thus, they would likely have enough charge to make it through those extra magic hours.

 

[HeySuburbia]

...

 

[dixiegirl]

On my last trip, I saw several FOREIGN visitors (those from Brazil) in groups riding in wheelchairs from Disney. I was shocked to see all of those riding get up and walk perfectly fine to a ride or resturant.

GEE wonder if those were part of the group I recently seen After Spectromagic walking on that high wall (I believe right across the liberty bell)instead of walking on the ground like normal freakin people, these , these Idiots, proceed to walk on the wall and look at me to move my leaning back , so I guess you could say I raised my voice .....ok I yelled (my husband was laughing his a-- off) At the woman who was trying to get by , telling her" it was a wall not a side walk your supposed to walk on the ground , do you not seen how high it is ? You could fall and you know go splat !!!" Ok I guess its funny now and yes I as she's saying god knows what in her language and smiling, So I said the hell with it and just moved....If she fell she fell....but if she did falll......You be she she knew English very well and the word Lawsuit!!!! Uhhh sorry I'm still on my first cup of Coffee....

 

[GrannyJill2]

I would of gladly paid a small fee if Disney offered something like an "Access-a-ride". I'm not sure if anyone else has them but here in NY it's a private bus that will pick people with special needs and bring them to where they want to go. Maybe Disney should have a designated bus and for maybe a small fee, will pick you and and drop you off to where you want to go.

It's an idea that's certainly worth exploring. There seem to be enough people with special needs to warrant special buses being dispatched during peak hours. They wouldn't need them during the slower times of the day, but morning and evening would help a lot.

And thanks to Ryan for bringing up the problems encountered by the visually impaired. I knew we could get some good ideas flowing on this thread. I do plan to write a letter to Disney and put forth these suggestions, so keep thinking of ways to make everyone's visit a pleasant experience. :sohappy:

 

[wvdisneyfamily]

I get just as frustrated as anyone whenever I am dead tired on my feet and I know that I will have to wait for a second bus. However, here's the thing I try to remember. At least I can stand and wait for the bus. I'm sure those in scooters/wheelchairs would gladly trade places with those of us who have to stand and wait. It's not fair that some of the people abuse the wheelchair situation and make us wait longer. However, it's not fair that people have to be in wheelchairs for the situation to even occur.

 

[Figment632]

The thing that bothers me most is not the handicaped person boarding ahead of everyone else, its when they bring along 10 people, brothers-sisters-parents-children-friends-friends of friends all get to come on board with them.

That is my whole problem I don't mind the person in the scooter getting on first but there party should be split up. They should be allowed one person to go with them. It's not fair that if they have 10 people with them that they who don't need speacial assistence should get special treatment as well.

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Consider safety and protocol. Busses have to lower the ramp and once on, the scooters/wheelchairs have to be secured in the designated area. Think how much fun that would be if you already had the others on the bus.

Like others have said, I am just thankful I don't need to utilize that, and while I may be a little inconvenienced waiting for that process, I'll live with it thanks.

As far as I know, the only time a bus can pass on loading a scooter/wheelchair first is if the spaces are already occupied. And I've witnessed more than a few wonderful exchanges where a third scooter, (not behind 50 others) has to be asked to wait for the next bus.

One of those situations where you will never make everyone happy...so just be consistent.

 

[bgraham34]

That is my whole problem I don't mind the person in the scooter getting on first but there party should be split up. They should be allowed one person to go with them. It's not fair that if they have 10 people with them that they who don't need speacial assistence should get special treatment as well.

I could agree with that.

 

[tigsmom]

I am fine with a DISABLED or a person who needs a scooter or wheelchair getting access to the front. You never know someones ailment. My problem though is with people who RENT wheelchairs and they do not need it. On my last trip, I saw several FOREIGN visitors (those from Brazil) in groups riding in wheelchairs from Disney. I was shocked to see all of those riding get up and walk perfectly fine to a ride or resturant.

I don't see how those 2 sentences can co exist in your post.

You are right when you say that you never know somebody's. Disability comes in all forms and in all degrees. Some people may not be able to walk long distances over an extended period of time so a wheelchair or scooter is an option for them. That does not mean that they cannot get up and walk into a building or thru a line.

What is the old Indian saying...never judge a man until you've walked a mile in his moccasins....


There are no laws governing the usage/rental of wheelchairs and scooters so until there is we will all have to deal with it. I've had my share of being run over (more than my share to be honest), but I just take the attitude of there but for the grace of God ....

 

[happymom52003]

There are no laws governing the usage/rental of wheelchairs and scooters so until there is we will all have to deal with it. I've had my share of being run over (more than my share to be honest), but I just take the attitude of there but for the grace of God ....

Exactly.

I've actually been on both sides of this issue (I've taken a trip with someone who needed a scooter)...and you know what? I'd MUCH rather wait occasionally for a scooter to load than to be the one on the scooter or in the party of someone who needs a scooter. Trust me....it is a pain in the you know what to deal with those things. So what if I have to wait for another bus? I will eventually get back to my hotel, even if it is half an hour or more than I wanted. People on scooters or in wheelchairs lose alot more time than that just in dealing with getting around the parks and transportation sytstems.

The thing that bugs me about these types of threads is not the fact that some people think there could be a better way to handle these situations. There could very well be a better solution out there. It is the posters who have the attitude that bugs me...the ones that just do not like to be inconvenienced, for whatever reason.

Here is a solution....if occasionally waiting for a scooter to load a bus really infuriates you that much, rent a car and drive yourself to the parks. If you feel that strongly about it, you'll find a way to fit it into your budget.

 

[Figment632]

I think when it comes down to it there is no way to fix it that will make everybody happy. I really think that it's not that bad until the end of the day. We are all tiered and cranky from a marathon day at the parks and are less tolarable of things. I have to catch myself sometimes from getting anoid by it because I belive the majority of people who have them do need them. There will always be people who abuse it but I really think there is something to us being less tolarable when we are tiered at the end of the day.

 

[pcarathers]

ok, I can go on about this as well. My father, who is a 67 year old retired firefighter has bad hips (from years of falling thru roofs and being blown off of a couple of them..anyhoo....he has trouble walking great distances. We have our own wheelchair that we take anywhere we go where he will have to do a great deal of walking, but when it comes time to board the buses, even though there are just 4 of us, only one of us board with him and the wheelchair, and that is just to help him once he gets on the bus.


Also, I can say from FIRST HAND experience just how UGLY and RUDE some people can be. Now, while this was not directed toward my party, we got on the bus one night after the MK had closed, and yes, the line was very long...once I had gotten on board with my father, another family...2 parents, 2 grandparents and a toddler got on board right behind us. There were 2 older women standing in line who proceeded to YELLING at the bus driver, who I must say, maintained his professional attitude. I however could not! I am a very out spoken person and it ROYALLY ticked me off! What those 2 old bats didnt know, was that the little toddler only had 1 leg. He was a cancer survivor! His mom was in tears as they got on the bus. By this time, both my dad and I were fuming! I spoke to them as they sat down beside us and told the mom that some people have NO IDEA when to keep their mouths and OPINIONS to themselves. Once the old bats were on the bus, they both turned to look at the back of the bus where this family was sitting and the ENTIRE bus ride griped and complained about them getting on the bus just to get a seat and that they were having to stand. There was also a gentleman who came to the back and was standing in front of us who noticed the situation and Without hesitation, this gentleman turned to them and told them both to SHUT UP, to which everyone on the bus applauded. Once we got to the resort, he got off and told them that the baby only had one leg and that they should get over it. They got to the resort the same time everyone else did. The only thing it did to the 2 old bats was make them look even more stupid for ever opening their mouths in the first place. JUDGE NOT LEST YE BE JUDGED! If more people followed this rule, then maybe this world would be a much better place!

 

[ClemsonTigger]

ok, i can go on about this as well. My father, who is a 67 year old retired firefighter has bad hips (from years of falling thru roofs and being blown off of a couple of them..anyhoo....he has trouble walking great distances. We have our own wheelchair that we take anywhere we go where he will have to do a great deal of walking, but when it comes time to board the buses, even though there are just 4 of us, only one of us board with him and the wheelchair, and that is just to help him once he gets on the bus.


Also, i can say from first hand experience just how ugly and rude some people can be. Now, while this was not directed toward my party, we got on the bus one night after the mk had closed, and yes, the line was very long...once i had gotten on board with my father, another family...2 parents, 2 grandparents and a toddler got on board right behind us. There were 2 older women standing in line who proceeded to yelling at the bus driver, who i must say, maintained his professional attitude. I however could not! I am a very out spoken person and it royally ticked me off! What those 2 old bats didnt know, was that the little toddler only had 1 leg. He was a cancer survivor! His mom was in tears as they got on the bus. By this time, both my dad and i were fuming! I spoke to them as they sat down beside us and told the mom that some people have no idea when to keep their mouths and opinions to themselves. Once the old bats were on the bus, they both turned to look at the back of the bus where this family was sitting and the entire bus ride griped and complained about them getting on the bus just to get a seat and that they were having to stand. There was also a gentleman who came to the back and was standing in front of us who noticed the situation and without hesitation, this gentleman turned to them and told them both to shut up, to which everyone on the bus applauded. Once we got to the resort, he got off and told them that the baby only had one leg and that they should get over it. They got to the resort the same time everyone else did. The only thing it did to the 2 old bats was make them look even more stupid for ever opening their mouths in the first place. Judge not lest ye be judged! if more people followed this rule, then maybe this world would be a much better place!

amen!

 

[Timmay]

If only it were true.

I pray you are not holding your breath...

 

[PhotoDave219]

Handicapped only Busses.

 

[DisneyJoe]

Handicapped only Busses.

They currently don't exist. The existing buses can only hold 2 scooters at once, leaving the rest of the space in the bus empty.

If a bus that could hold 50 guests pulled up and only loaded 2 scooters and their families and then left without loading any non-handicapped guests, there would be an uproar, don't you think?

 

[VT GAL]

I think that the best solution to the problem would be for everyone to be a little more understanding!

My DH's first trip to WDW was in 2004. If you look at him you would see a young guy, but he has very acute arthritis and walks with a very bad limp and usually a cane. A very nice CM saw him standing and being very uncomfortable in line and suggested that we go to City Hall and talk to them about the Guest Assistance Card. It was a life saver for him in terms of keeping his energy and pain level lower, but it was so annoying to hear people accuse us of faking/lying/setting a bad example for children. It was absolutely horrible to hear!

It is hard not to keep these threads open, because there is a lot of frustation over the misuse of these services at WDW. (And I know that there is!) But until you know what is going on, you can't judge someone's circumstance.

 

[GrannyJill2]

They currently don't exist. The existing buses can only hold 2 scooters at once, leaving the rest of the space in the bus empty.

If a bus that could hold 50 guests pulled up and only loaded 2 scooters and their families and then left without loading any non-handicapped guests, there would be an uproar, don't you think?

The logical solution would be to offer those empty seats to whoever is waiting in line. At the parks there are often several buses for the same resort pulling up to the stops. The "special" bus and the regular bus can load at the same time.

This topic is not about who deserves to be riding in chairs, or what ailments they have. It's about a situation that Disney needs to address. If guests are happy, they stay longer, spend more money, and return more quickly. It's in Disney's best interest to solve the "who's on first" problem.

I do want to congratulate everyone for keeping cool about this "hot" topic

 

[DisneyJoe]

The logical solution would be to offer those empty seats to whoever is waiting in line. At the parks there are often several buses for the same resort pulling up to the stops. The "special" bus and the regular bus can load at the same time.

But isn't this what they do now? The bus pulls up, they load the scooters and their guests, then the remaining seats are filled with guests that are waiting in line.

Disney often sends more than one bus to a stop when needed, I've seen numerous All-Star buses loading at the same time at park closing.