OneLittleSpark
A Michaelmusophobia Sufferer (please don't hate me
- Joined
- Dec 13, 2006
I am not trying to start an argument here but this is quite offensive. Not one person on this thread said that they can tell who is faking it or who isn't. The point that was brought up was that yes, some people do rent evc's because they are lazy and not because they really need one. That doesn't mean that every person who rents one is faking it etc. It just means that SOME people are. It's the same thing as the people who pretend to need a GAC pass. Yes, those people are out there. We all know this. It is no different.
Mouse House Mama, I'm afraid I haven't read this thread all the way through (it's pretty long!), but I have read a lot of similar threads on these boards in the past. Those of us with disabilities are not in any way trying to attack anyone else here. The problem is, a lot of us have invisible disabilities, and have had to put up with a lot of people judging us (not saying anyone here is doing that, just saying what we often come up against in the wider world). This means that, whenever the subject of 'who deserves what' comes up, we can get a little defensive (I know, I've done it a fair few times myself). I hope nobody's feelings have been hurt during this thread, and that we can all have an informative and friendly discussion !
I have the utmost respect for those of you who manage the physical challenges and then deal with the responses here and at WDW. Like Aubriee's mother, I have decided that I will not go to WDW when I am no longer as mobile as I am today. The threads here over the years, combined with what I have witnessed in person, have led me to that decision.
Once my time comes (and I am quite literally racing in fear from the time that other parts of my body fail as some have already done) I will visit DLRP and EuropaPark for my theme park fixes. While they may not be as accessible as WDW, the general population there does not appear to have the same attitude towards those requiring assistance.
Huge hugs, Bavaria . Please, please don't give up on WDW because of disability. I know that you can feel like everyone is judging your needs, especially when you see people complaining about 'fakers' getting so many good 'perks' (not having a go at anyone here, just making general sweeping statements), but don't give in to that nasty little voice.
My Fibromyalgia has been ramping up for years, and on all of my WDW visits for the last 10 or so years, I've had to use a wheelchair for at least some of it. Even when I was a teenager, using a WDW rental chair (apparently this group of people is often singled out as one of the most likely 'fakers'), I hardly noticed any nasty comments. Now that the Fibro is in full swing, I have my own chair, and still find Disney to be the most accepting and friendly place in the world. I think I experience much more judgment, nastiness and ignorance in the 'real world', than in WDW. But still, for every one idiot I meet, I find at least 10 kind and helpful people who go out of their way to help me; when you go to Disney, the kindness seems to increase tenfold !
Disney is wonderful therapy for all of us, disabled or not, and I really hope you don't deprive yourself of this wonderful medicine, just because of a few heartless jerks (again, not having a go at anyone here).
You aren't missing anything (although, there is room for a maximum of 2, so a 3rd to arrive would be out of luck).
Other than that small correction, you are not missing anything.
Just as Sue said. I tend to go in September time, because it's a lot quieter and cooler then than in August. The bus lines, even at closing time, were pretty much non-existent on our last trip 2 years back. Most of the time, the bus only had a few families on it at a time, and even when it was budy, everyone seemed to get on the first bus that arrived. That is, except me and my mother. A lot of the time, we got buses who's lifts or ramps were broken, or who didn't have working restraints. Once or twice, the bus driver didn't come and load me on, and then said we couldn't get on as the bus was too full (thankfully, we only met a few of these pixie-dust-deficient drivers).
This isn't me whinging, complaining or trying to claim that I 'deserve' something others don't, I just want to put things in perspective for those who haven't travelled Disney with a wheelchair / ECV.
Just a couple of summing up points, then (not talking down to anyone, it's just that I think best in bullet-points):
There are only two wheelchair spaces on each bus
Not every bus has a working ramp or lift on it (Disney are very good about repairs, but with a fleet that big, they're bound to get problems)
Drivers need to load wheelchair users on first, to give us the space to maneuvre, and to make sure none of the other Guests get hurt
It is likely that you will encounter more wheelchair users in Disney, than in the 'real world' as it is so big, that many partially mobile people need the extra help to get around. Also, because Disney is so accessible to people with so many different disabilities, they do tend to attract those of us with additional needs. Most of us aren't faking, and if anyone is, they'll be the ones missing out, as being in a wheelchair isn't that fun (other than when you go down a slope quickly; that is fun ).
Oh, and if anybody wishes to glare at a wheelchair user, I'll be going this September, and will be completely oblivious to any ill-will aimed in my direction, as I just want to have a good time
OK, I'll stop rambling now