The problem with bus transportation

[AvonleaCF]

I have no problems with people using scooters, for any reason, and needing them to be loaded onto the bus. That doesn't bother me. But what does bother me, like others have said, is that the entire family gets to board first with the scooter. Limit it to the scooter rider and no more than 2 extra people. The rest can wait in line with everyone else. If they get separated, so be it. I really don't see anything wrong with that.

As for people who need them vs. not: not my concern.

[JerseyDad]

Yeah the 100s of people in line get kinda uppity when they are loading my golf cart onto the bus with flags and rims and fridge off the back.

No but really, this seems like more of procedure issue for Disney rather than a people issue at least over the course of 365 days the park is open. Yes, some clowns take advantage, but far more utilize scooters etc. properly. Just like the schmohawks who drive in the HOV lane by themselves.

ADA laws really have Disney handcuffed so theres nothing thats going to be dramatically done as far as the abusers.

....I'm sure Disney lawyers have studied long and hard how to not get a ADA rights lawsuit filed against them ...

....I deal with the ADA laws all the time (I'm in engineering and construction field)...and I can tell you that years ago, in the beginning of their application to building access, transportation, dining facility, restroom design ....etc, etc ....there were TONS of ADA Advocacy Group pushing for the laws to be made even more 'all encompassing' (sort of the 'get what you can while the getting is good' attitude)

......many years later ...I can tell you that there are almost an equal number of Laws / Rights Groups that endeavor to uphold the rights of those that are not handicapped ..and have to implement all these design features and transportation system access regulations (property owners).

...the true ...honest ....CORRECT ...purpose of the ADA regulations ...was to level the playing field ....and to make EVERYONE EQUAL. It was NOT to slant the field in the favor of those who are handicapped.

.....example: If everyone that's waiting for a bus is standing on a line (as we know they do) ...then the concept of "first come - first served" is in play. Everyone is technically "equal" because they ALL are waiting ....yes, some longer than others , but they are all doing what everyone else is doing ...hence ...equality.

.....to be truly equal ...someone on a scooter , or wheelchair needs to comply with the same waiting in line purgatory that everyone else must endure. To show up at the last moment ...get on the bus first ...get what amounts to 'priority seating' ...has slanted the playing field in an unfair direction.

....of course there will be those that will argue in favor of those that need mobility devices, and play with one's sense of guilt to say, "Wouldn't you WANT to give up your space / seat ....or lengthen your wait on line for someone that is physically challenged" ?

.....and no one wants to be seen as a complete heel and say no to that question, but I think if a legal argument had to be made, you could probably win by taking the stand of "everyone that wants to use the bus, must wait on a line like everyone else".


....that's' why people get so incensed at someone just showing up on a scooter and getting the red carpet treatment (particularly the ones with the fridge on the back)

[russ57]

I have charcot foot, where the leg bone is slowly forcing its way out the arch. I have a wheelchair to use for prolonged shopping trips, and in 2012 took along to Hawaii, with a 3 day stop to Disneyland. At Disneyland had rented a scooter. I can walk, somewhat slower, and not for a long time. Disney was fully accomodating to me, One of the cast members suggested where to park the scooter, to get the best view of the fireworks show. I will ge going to Disneyworld in 2016 and using the wheelchair through airports, and will have to rent a scooter. I am pooh sized, and it is interesting the looks you get when in the scooter. I will be using the bus system with the scooter, It is just my wife and I. I really don't mind waiting in lines.

[Cinderelley]

I agree that scooters that just showed up shouldn't necessarily get on the first bus. If there is a line, there should be some way to hold their place while still allowing the bus drivers to load them first when the bus for their place in line shows up. There is no reason why these people shouldn't be allowed to board the same bus as their families. How would you feel if you showed up to your ADR just to have them tell you that your family is being seated in two different areas at different times?
BUT people don't HAVE to stay in the parks until their kids are so tired that they need to be carried, are cranky and crying, etc. You know what it is like on the buses. Be the proactive adult and take them back to the room before they get to that point. It will be better for everyone. Complaining about it based on the fact that you are tired and sore really doesn't carry much weight with me. You are in control of that, while people who need scooters (and I really don't see much difference between a scooter and a wheelchair in this case) really don't have control over that necessity.
As for the person who saw someone using a scooter and then saw that same person in the pool. Pool therapy is great for people with disabilities. It is less stressful on the body to be in water.
I took my children to Disneyland many times when they were young, and I was able bodied. I always viewed it as my responsibility to gauge when we needed to head back before there was an issue. Did I miss out on a lot of things I wanted to do? You betcha, but it was worth it.

I have been to Disney World when I needed a wheelchair. I was young and looked fine. No one would know that I get injections up and down my neck and back every 3 months in order to function due to a major car accident, just by looking at me. I received many dirty looks and at times really wished I could go through regular entrances to see what people here on Intercot talked about. I would have loved to go on Rockin' Rollercoaster or the "real" Mission Space.

After years of work, I was finally able to do most of WDW with just a GAC card. My recent bout with cancer has set me back quite a bit, so I don't know what I will need when we go next year. I really don't want to use a wheelchair, but I don't plan on letting my physical disability interfere with my family's enjoyment. We are celebrating my oldest son's safe return home and getting out of the Navy along with me being cancer free now. If that means I need a wheelchair in order to get through the parks, then I will get one and just endure the dirty looks.

[Mrs Bus Driver]

I agree that scooters that just showed up shouldn't necessarily get on the first bus. If there is a line, there should be some way to hold their place while still allowing the bus drivers to load them first when the bus for their place in line shows up. There is no reason why these people shouldn't be allowed to board the same bus as their families. How would you feel if you showed up to your ADR just to have them tell you that your family is being seated in two different areas at different times?
BUT people don't HAVE to stay in the parks until their kids are so tired that they need to be carried, are cranky and crying, etc. You know what it is like on the buses. Be the proactive adult and take them back to the room before they get to that point. It will be better for everyone. Complaining about it based on the fact that you are tired and sore really doesn't carry much weight with me. You are in control of that, while people who need scooters (and I really don't see much difference between a scooter and a wheelchair in this case) really don't have control over that necessity.
As for the person who saw someone using a scooter and then saw that same person in the pool. Pool therapy is great for people with disabilities. It is less stressful on the body to be in water.
I took my children to Disneyland many times when they were young, and I was able bodied. I always viewed it as my responsibility to gauge when we needed to head back before there was an issue. Did I miss out on a lot of things I wanted to do? You betcha, but it was worth it.

I have been to Disney World when I needed a wheelchair. I was young and looked fine. No one would know that I get injections up and down my neck and back every 3 months in order to function due to a major car accident, just by looking at me. I received many dirty looks and at times really wished I could go through regular entrances to see what people here on Intercot talked about. I would have loved to go on Rockin' Rollercoaster or the "real" Mission Space.

After years of work, I was finally able to do most of WDW with just a GAC card. My recent bout with cancer has set me back quite a bit, so I don't know what I will need when we go next year. I really don't want to use a wheelchair, but I don't plan on letting my physical disability interfere with my family's enjoyment. We are celebrating my oldest son's safe return home and getting out of the Navy along with me being cancer free now. If that means I need a wheelchair in order to get through the parks, then I will get one and just endure the dirty looks.

Thank you I couldn't have said it better myself

[ANG]

We visited with my sister in law two years ago and my niece is in a wheel chair. They refused to take advantage of any special treatment because of the disability. They would wait their turn like everyone else, whether a bus or a attraction or a restroom. They appreciate the fact that Disney goes to great lengths to accommodate their daughter as best they can. So while I have experienced the same aggravating people taking advantage of the system, not all those who are challenged are so ignorant. There are a lot of people minimally challenged who really push the envelope when it comes to taking advantage of other visitors patience. No way those scooters should go to the front of the line.

I agree! A few years back, I was pregnant and limited to a wheelchair for a significant part of our trip. I realize this is different than a disability. But I was given many opportunities to take advantage of the situation. I politely declined line jumping or waiting our turn for the next bus. It really is the ethics of the person in the scooter.

[merciantinkerbell]

To those who said scooters/wheelchairs should wait in line then the driver can count off and decide if to load the scooter/wheelchair is a great idea! We did just that last year. We just arrived at the bus stop when a bus for our destination arrived. The driver said we were first and we politely declined as all these people were ahead of us and we just got there. We got some surprised looks but the bus filled up. If we had gone on, the last few people would have to wait, and in our view that didn't seem fair. In short, we're happy to wait our turn and me to stand and not take a seat

[MississippiDisneyFreak]

I think most people who legitamately need the scooter don't mind waiting in line. I know my mom doesn't. The last trip we took was my mom, son and me and my son would board with her as she had some troubles parking the scooter at times and I would wait in line with everyone else. If my son saw an elderly person or someone holding a small child board and have to stand up, he always gave them his seat. I'm sorry people but saying people in wheelchairs are legit and people in scooters aren't is bull, you can rent a wheelchair the same place you rent the scooter. It is easier for my mom to get around in the scooter, so that's what we rent for her at DW. She has a wheelchair whe use when necessary at home and she has a handicapped placard for our car but the amount of walking required at Disney is not practical to use the wheelchair.

If you look at my mom, you may not know her problems as she can walk for short distances okay, although with a slight limp. So seeing her in the pool or walking around the gift shop doesn't mean she's not disabled. She's had tendon replacement surgery in both feet, one tendon completely severed by a bone spur and she was cut clean up to her knee in that surgery. My sister and I had to take a total of two months leave to take care of her with both surgeries and she could not walk on the foot at all. She has had a double mastectomy due to breast cancer and stints in her heart. She didn't want to get the scooter last trip because she was afraid of people would think. I insisted and she was grateful after we got there because she wouldn't have been able to make it without it. Come on people be a little compassionate and I hope each one of you never have to go through what she has endured.

Are people going to abuse the system? Yes of course, just like they abuse everything else, but you can't always assume someone's faking because they don't "look" disabled.

[angua85]

I would also be careful about assuming those really are "dirty looks." Sometimes I furrow my brow when I am thinking (stuff like- "do they need help? Should I go over and offer?") and it may look like I am angry. But I am not. Could be true of other folks.

So a little latitude on all sides might be due

[PopPhan]

To those who said scooters/wheelchairs should wait in line then the driver can count off and decide if to load the scooter/wheelchair is a great idea! We did just that last year. We just arrived at the bus stop when a bus for our destination arrived. The driver said we were first and we politely declined as all these people were ahead of us and we just got there. We got some surprised looks but the bus filled up. If we had gone on, the last few people would have to wait, and in our view that didn't seem fair. In short, we're happy to wait our turn and me to stand and not take a seat

Thank you for being fair and reasonable! If more people would be like you, we wouldn't have all the griping and complaining about how ECVs are handled.

I don't mind either way....I'm on vacation and know I will get to my destination eventually. If I have to wait for another bus, or stand on a bus, it's no big deal. Of course, I don't have kids (out way past their normal bed times, or otherwise,) so I don't have to worry about them being tired, whiny, fussy, etc. at the end of the night.

[merciantinkerbell]

Thanks PopPhan. Feel all warm and fuzzy now.

[badjujue]

We had one time where there were...wait for it...12 people who got on with one scooter. We had to stand, and my daughter was 6 months pregnant and we had a 2 year old. I was carrying the stroller, and do you think one on the three abled bodied men who walked on with the scooter would give up their seat? Heck no, it was horrible and they just looked away. We would've had a seat if they would have only loaded the scooter and made their party stand in line when the scooter arrived at the bus! They really need to deal with this...and the abuse of huge groups traduing off who's riding in the wheelchair now, being used as a stroller.

I have been in the same seniero. Disney has got a little better with the scooters only 2 to a bus. I do agree that these people take advantage of the system half ,to three quarters of the walk fine. I get so mad when I have been waiting for 20 minutes the bus pulls up and bam they come out of no where. Something's need to change

[masonlovesdisney]

I feel you on this one. I cant stand when people do this BUT, on this trip coming up in October, my dear grandma will be taking a scooter, due to her knees. Now, unlike others, if we notice people who need the seats more than us, we will give the seats up. That is how I was raised and is what I will do.

[Cinderelley]

I agree! A few years back, I was pregnant and limited to a wheelchair for a significant part of our trip. I realize this is different than a disability. But I was given many opportunities to take advantage of the situation. I politely declined line jumping or waiting our turn for the next bus. It really is the ethics of the person in the scooter.

I wouldn't say it is different than a disability - it is just a temporary disability. It lasts 18 years
Your child's health comes first

[Cinderelley]

I would also be careful about assuming those really are "dirty looks." Sometimes I furrow my brow when I am thinking (stuff like- "do they need help? Should I go over and offer?") and it may look like I am angry. But I am not. Could be true of other folks.

So a little latitude on all sides might be due

Ty Angua. It is nice of you to be concerned for others. I'm sure people see it in your eyes, not your furrowed brow.

[MattHolst]

As I figured would happen, a lot of people jumped on the offended train and totally missed the point of my original post. Not once did I suggest that anyone in a scooter was faking it or didn't have some real disability. What I stated was the simple fact that it's frustrating for families to stand in line for a long time with tired, cranky kids at the end of the day, only to get bumped from the bus you were waiting on when it gets filled with people who arrive just as the bus pulls up and they and their ENTIRE party gets priority over you. And before you all get too much more judgmental, my youngest son has Autism and it's very difficult for us to try to make him understand why we have to wait for another bus after we just waited 20-30 minutes, especially if he starts to have a melt down. I simply suggested there has to be a more equitable or efficient system to accommodate everyone without families being split up or bumped because of the scooters. We drive our own vehicle now everywhere because of this problem and I posted it not as a gripe but as a way for ideas to be explored as to how the problem could be fixed. It was NOT an indictment on anyone with a disability! Quit being so defensive about every little thing folks!

[Opus X]

The more I think about this situation and real all the responses..I do think that there HAS to be something done about the abuse of "scooters" and the GAC..(which kudos to Disney for doing that..according to what I read here). The whole story about the abuse of that is sad.
I will say though, All in all..I love WDW transport. Its free and one really CANT complain about it. If someone really wants to get to their resort FAST...then rent a car. I mean it is NOT WDW's responsibility to get you home fast...its OUR responsibility to either..rent a car or not. And, if we CHOOSE not to..then use WDW transport....be glad its available. It has ALWAYS been fast enough for us.
In all the times we have used WDW transport..the wait is minimal and its perfectly fine by me. Standing is not an issue...It a free ride back to my resort..I appreciate it.

[DVCJohn]

Matt, Did you go back and read your first post that started this thread? You were the one that stated and I quote; "I can see giving priority for wheelchairs, but not for rented scooters". So you assume that people on rented scooters do not have health issues but people in wheelchairs do? Again your words not mine. There were times when my mother was alive that we would have a wheelchair for her (that I pushed) and my father had a scooter. BOTH had (in my father's case still has) health issue that would not allow them to walk through the parks. Both of them hated the idea of having to use the wheelchair and scooter but it was necessary. They also did not like the dirty looks that they got for taking up the space on the bus. I am sorry that you have a child with a condition but you also need to see the other side. While I acknowledge that there is abuse Disney must assume that if a person is in a wheelchair or on a scooter, they have a disability. With this "LAWSUIT CRAZY" society we live in passing over the wrong person will cost Disney serious coin.. I don't want to be confrontational and I now know your family has a special need child. We all need to understand that there are individuals that take advantage of the system and not a lot that any of us can do about it.

[Aurora]

Here's some food for thought -- what if every single group of people who visited WDW had a person in their party who was in a wheelchair or scooter? What would happen then? Simple: Every party would have to wait in line, the scooters would get priority boarding, the rest of their party would board with them, and everyone would be happy. Because everyone would feel they were treated equally and everyone would have the same expectation.

I think that's the real issue here. It's not really about scooter vs. non, if anyone is abusing the system, etc. It's about whether I should have the expectation of boarding a bus when my turn comes in a queue of people waiting to take their turns.

It's like when a right lane merges into a left lane during road construction. Way back there, you can see the big lighted arrow that shows you need to move to the left. So everyone moves their car into a line in the left lane to wait their turn. But then there's that guy who zooms around all the other cars to go to the head of the right lane and squeezes in. Maybe he had a good reason for doing it, maybe he didn't. Either way, you still get irked.

[Caroleh]

I think before everyone starts talking a out people abusing the scooters, they need to understand that all the people in the scooters medical problems may not be visible. I had the privilege to accompany our dear Ellen(ElenitaB on here), who had to be the scooter because of her cancer. She looked healthy and normal to just about everyone, she didn't have problems getting off her scooter onto the rides and we got several dirty looks. I know Ellen would have loved to do WDW without that scooter.

One night we were leaving EPCOT, Ellen, Ben and another couple had to miss several buses because they didn't have a bus that wasn't handicap accessible or there were scooters in front of her.

I'll be there again in a few weeks with someone who is trying her best to be able to NOT use a scooter that has heart problem, but looks healthy. Please remember that a lot of these people may not want to use the scooters and it's not up to us to judge them....remember one day it could be you and how would you feel to get those dirty looks, when all you want to do is enjoy your vacation.