Locations that Do/DoNot allow Segways for Disabled - Page 2

Okeechobee Wind · 10-27-2003, 01:01 PM

Hi everyone,
I am at WDW as I post.
I have been the Pioneer private owner to utilize WDW Transportation with a HT. The first half dozen or so times where uneventful with easy access to the Van Hool leaning busses and quick entry through the disability elevator on the older busses.
The entire time I had been holding my HT in front of me while sitting on the bench type seats. Finally a driver said I must have my Seggy strapped in, no way. He said, way, or no way can you ride. This allowed me to ask for the management who came from every direction. I was attempting to transfer from Main Street to the Boardwalk. Everyone was only concerned with the safety of everyone involved. That means all the passengers, driver and me. They treated me wonderfully and showed a genuine concern with proper handling of Segway’s in the future. I remind everyone mine has a Disability permit taped to the front post. This does make a difference and directs all actions to the ADA.
Segway's are allowed on the busses and an appropriate set of rules as to how they will be contained while traveling is in the works.
I have had no problem traveling throughout the hotel, RV park and public property. This does NOT include the theme parks however. A little at a time is for me the best policy. The Segway is accepted with open arms and giant smiles all over the areas I have visited. This is by cast members and guests alike.
Staying low profile and traveling at no more than a walking speed helps also. I always yield to any situation and stay as unobtrusive as possible. Many times the people around me do not realize there is a Segway in operation near until they realize I am a little taller than usual.

While in Las Vegas a few weeks earlier I had a conversation with a fellow who was gliding through the casino in the RIO Hotel. It is all up to the actions of the operator and proper identification.

More to come.

Jimmy

jrmiller · 10-29-2003, 12:32 AM

Hey Ochee, I am pleased that you had such good results at WDW (I assume Orlando FL). There are those of us who were anxiously awaiting a brave sole to venture into the Mouse House. I am courious as to how things will go when you try to go into the Majic Kingdom.....yours or there's.Thank you for your post and anxiouy awaiting your nest post. :&gt

SRG -RIGHT SEG -ON JR

Okeechobee Wind · 12-10-2003, 06:19 AM

There are good days and bad days when using your HT for mobility in WDW.
I have traversed almost all the areas of Disney not including the theme parks without a problem. Without warning however security comes out of the woodwork and with a smile hassles me with every location change. This change mirrors the hours of shift change and increases as the sun sets.
I have been refused admittance to EPCOT with my HT. The persons in charge said through the security personnel that I would be allowed to leave my Segway at the gate and they would issue me a electric mobility scooter at no charge. I have heard every excuse to not let me glide and also received smiles and a go for it from cast members.
The daytime management of EPCOT has sent a memo to me personally with contact numbers and a message that They are available to personally explain policy to me and answer any questions I may have as to Segway operation in the theme parks.
I have been to busy traveling from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale to follow up on his offer.
I believe Disney means well and will eventually allow Segways in a disability mobility mode in the parks. Disney World management is unique to the business world and does not allow for rational and complete answers to issues that may or may not support their customers needs.
I have heard from supervisors in various areas that the Segway is not an authorized disability device and so on and on. This is true and of concern to the level of handicap that depends on safety from mechanical methods of mobility. It seems that Disney does not understand that many of us are not paraplegic and do not fall under the rules of the mechanical methods used for mobility. The ADA is for the person not the equipment. If for any reason I am embarrassed by a cast member again as I was by a bus driver supervisor it will be time to push back a little harder. It am but one person and a pioneer traversing the WDW property. I have been told by persons in a management position that when more individuals on Segways show up they will have to be dealt with in a more lenient fashion.
I am looking forward to the time when gliding is considered the norm at Walt Disney World as it is in most all other areas where people gather with a mobility disability.
There are times when any confrontation causes the pixie dust to not do its magic while at Disney. I stay there for months on end and for now will use my chair scooter for travel in specific areas. Next year and in the future however because of this years response I am going to keep my dollars to myself and spend a thenth of what I have in the past years at WDW.
JR you have mentioned that Universal allows you gliding mobility. Is this true? I am going to places that are there for me the consumer.

BruceWright · 12-10-2003, 02:27 PM

I don't think it's so much a question of pushing the issue harder as it is a question of education.

We need to educate the folks at the theme parks that LOTS of people who had no relief with other devices DO get relief from a Segway.

We need a good meeting with these people, and lots of photographs and testimonials.

It'll happen. It's going to have to. Self-balancing machines are here to stay, and they're an obvious step forward for human mobility. Forcing someone into a wheelchair when they don't need one, merely to traverse private property has the effect of forcing someone into a wheelchair for the rest of their life. This IS a mobility rights issue.

Education is the key.

-Bruce Wright

Segway: Vehicle of Dream

jrmiller · 12-11-2003, 02:28 AM

Hey Ochee-wind, thiswill be kind of short, I broke my L colar bone over T-Giving an typing is rather uncomfortable. Anyway, yes I went to Universal Studios in August for my daughters 16 surprise birthday party. I was not questioned or hasseled by anyone while there. Only the typical questions and comments by everyone, visitors and park employees alike. Nothing negative. I would recommend a trip there if your in the area, it would be interesting to see if another "Segger" would get the same treatment. I think that it was before I had placed my disability sticker on the CS so unless someone detected my tremors(sometimes {most}very evident), they thought it was "cool", "just like on TV"!! Let me know how it goes if you go and feel free to contact my by e-mail if you wish. SEG-RIGHT SEG-ON JR :&gt

va164488 · 01-21-2004, 01:36 PM

It's funny that Disney is giving you a hard time about traversing some parts of the property with their HT, when a lot of their personel use the HT's to get around. You can usually see them around Epcot and Downtown Disney, especially as the parks start to close down. Perhaps they just like to have the upper hand?

Valerie J. Patton

Betty Boom · 01-26-2004, 06:09 PM

I live in Orlando and I just called WWW and they have an absolute policy stating NO SEGWAYS in theme parks! Apparantly they do not consider the Segway a mobility device and want you to sit down and act handicapped. Sorry for the harsh words but I think standing on a Segway is empowering to a mobility challenged person. I have MS and can only walk short distances (difficult and tiring) but I CAN stand up and I have no intention of diminishing myself for the mouse!!!!!!!!!!!!I think this calls for action on the part of partially disabled Segway users. How many are out there? How many more will be soon when they get the word? If I had more numbers I would contact ADA now.

Betty Boom

jrmiller · 01-27-2004, 01:05 AM

Greetings Betty, This subject has been discussed on several occasions and it seem that the Mouse House dosen't want outside Segway in the theme parks. You can rent and use one of their "sit down" devices, but not your HT. Try this number, WWW Disabled Guest Information 407 939-7807 Good luck and let us know your response. I, like you, have mobility problems and the HT handles the situation quite nicely. I'm NOT ready for a chair. SEG-ON SEG-RIGHT JR :&gt

fredkap · 01-27-2004, 02:36 PM

Betty,

Please set up your user info so that e-mails can be sent to you via SegwayChat, your e-mail address need not be public info.

Fred

Betty Boom · 01-27-2004, 05:45 PM

ok, I set it. (for a while anyway). Of interest to all of you --Mike Schneider of the Associated Press is doing an article on WDW about not letting Segways in the Parks---the public attention may persuade Disney to reconsider. He can be reached at 407-425-4547 or mschneider@ap.org if you have any further input to give him.

Betty Boom

10-27-2003, 01:01 PM	#11
Okeechobee Wind Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: The SUNSHINE STATE, CENTRAL & EASTERN Posts: 57	Hi everyone, I am at WDW as I post. I have been the Pioneer private owner to utilize WDW Transportation with a HT. The first half dozen or so times where uneventful with easy access to the Van Hool leaning busses and quick entry through the disability elevator on the older busses. The entire time I had been holding my HT in front of me while sitting on the bench type seats. Finally a driver said I must have my Seggy strapped in, no way. He said, way, or no way can you ride. This allowed me to ask for the management who came from every direction. I was attempting to transfer from Main Street to the Boardwalk. Everyone was only concerned with the safety of everyone involved. That means all the passengers, driver and me. They treated me wonderfully and showed a genuine concern with proper handling of Segway’s in the future. I remind everyone mine has a Disability permit taped to the front post. This does make a difference and directs all actions to the ADA. Segway's are allowed on the busses and an appropriate set of rules as to how they will be contained while traveling is in the works. I have had no problem traveling throughout the hotel, RV park and public property. This does NOT include the theme parks however. A little at a time is for me the best policy. The Segway is accepted with open arms and giant smiles all over the areas I have visited. This is by cast members and guests alike. Staying low profile and traveling at no more than a walking speed helps also. I always yield to any situation and stay as unobtrusive as possible. Many times the people around me do not realize there is a Segway in operation near until they realize I am a little taller than usual. While in Las Vegas a few weeks earlier I had a conversation with a fellow who was gliding through the casino in the RIO Hotel. It is all up to the actions of the operator and proper identification. More to come. Jimmy

10-29-2003, 12:32 AM	#12
jrmiller Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: , Florida, USA. Posts: 223	Hey Ochee, I am pleased that you had such good results at WDW (I assume Orlando FL). There are those of us who were anxiously awaiting a brave sole to venture into the Mouse House. I am courious as to how things will go when you try to go into the Majic Kingdom.....yours or there's.Thank you for your post and anxiouy awaiting your nest post. :&gt SRG -RIGHT SEG -ON JR

12-10-2003, 06:19 AM	#13
Okeechobee Wind Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: The SUNSHINE STATE, CENTRAL & EASTERN Posts: 57	There are good days and bad days when using your HT for mobility in WDW. I have traversed almost all the areas of Disney not including the theme parks without a problem. Without warning however security comes out of the woodwork and with a smile hassles me with every location change. This change mirrors the hours of shift change and increases as the sun sets. I have been refused admittance to EPCOT with my HT. The persons in charge said through the security personnel that I would be allowed to leave my Segway at the gate and they would issue me a electric mobility scooter at no charge. I have heard every excuse to not let me glide and also received smiles and a go for it from cast members. The daytime management of EPCOT has sent a memo to me personally with contact numbers and a message that They are available to personally explain policy to me and answer any questions I may have as to Segway operation in the theme parks. I have been to busy traveling from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale to follow up on his offer. I believe Disney means well and will eventually allow Segways in a disability mobility mode in the parks. Disney World management is unique to the business world and does not allow for rational and complete answers to issues that may or may not support their customers needs. I have heard from supervisors in various areas that the Segway is not an authorized disability device and so on and on. This is true and of concern to the level of handicap that depends on safety from mechanical methods of mobility. It seems that Disney does not understand that many of us are not paraplegic and do not fall under the rules of the mechanical methods used for mobility. The ADA is for the person not the equipment. If for any reason I am embarrassed by a cast member again as I was by a bus driver supervisor it will be time to push back a little harder. It am but one person and a pioneer traversing the WDW property. I have been told by persons in a management position that when more individuals on Segways show up they will have to be dealt with in a more lenient fashion. I am looking forward to the time when gliding is considered the norm at Walt Disney World as it is in most all other areas where people gather with a mobility disability. There are times when any confrontation causes the pixie dust to not do its magic while at Disney. I stay there for months on end and for now will use my chair scooter for travel in specific areas. Next year and in the future however because of this years response I am going to keep my dollars to myself and spend a thenth of what I have in the past years at WDW. JR you have mentioned that Universal allows you gliding mobility. Is this true? I am going to places that are there for me the consumer.

12-10-2003, 02:27 PM	#14
BruceWright Advanced Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Sherman Oaks (Los Angeles), California, USA. Posts: 3,296	I don't think it's so much a question of pushing the issue harder as it is a question of education. We need to educate the folks at the theme parks that LOTS of people who had no relief with other devices DO get relief from a Segway. We need a good meeting with these people, and lots of photographs and testimonials. It'll happen. It's going to have to. Self-balancing machines are here to stay, and they're an obvious step forward for human mobility. Forcing someone into a wheelchair when they don't need one, merely to traverse private property has the effect of forcing someone into a wheelchair for the rest of their life. This IS a mobility rights issue. Education is the key. -Bruce Wright Segway: Vehicle of Dream

12-11-2003, 02:28 AM	#15
jrmiller Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: , Florida, USA. Posts: 223	Hey Ochee-wind, thiswill be kind of short, I broke my L colar bone over T-Giving an typing is rather uncomfortable. Anyway, yes I went to Universal Studios in August for my daughters 16 surprise birthday party. I was not questioned or hasseled by anyone while there. Only the typical questions and comments by everyone, visitors and park employees alike. Nothing negative. I would recommend a trip there if your in the area, it would be interesting to see if another "Segger" would get the same treatment. I think that it was before I had placed my disability sticker on the CS so unless someone detected my tremors(sometimes {most}very evident), they thought it was "cool", "just like on TV"!! Let me know how it goes if you go and feel free to contact my by e-mail if you wish. SEG-RIGHT SEG-ON JR :&gt

01-21-2004, 01:36 PM	#16
va164488 New Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Kent, OH, USA. Posts: 1	It's funny that Disney is giving you a hard time about traversing some parts of the property with their HT, when a lot of their personel use the HT's to get around. You can usually see them around Epcot and Downtown Disney, especially as the parks start to close down. Perhaps they just like to have the upper hand? Valerie J. Patton

01-26-2004, 06:09 PM	#17
Betty Boom New Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: , , . Posts: 9	I live in Orlando and I just called WWW and they have an absolute policy stating NO SEGWAYS in theme parks! Apparantly they do not consider the Segway a mobility device and want you to sit down and act handicapped. Sorry for the harsh words but I think standing on a Segway is empowering to a mobility challenged person. I have MS and can only walk short distances (difficult and tiring) but I CAN stand up and I have no intention of diminishing myself for the mouse!!!!!!!!!!!!I think this calls for action on the part of partially disabled Segway users. How many are out there? How many more will be soon when they get the word? If I had more numbers I would contact ADA now. Betty Boom

01-27-2004, 01:05 AM	#18
jrmiller Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: , Florida, USA. Posts: 223	Greetings Betty, This subject has been discussed on several occasions and it seem that the Mouse House dosen't want outside Segway in the theme parks. You can rent and use one of their "sit down" devices, but not your HT. Try this number, WWW Disabled Guest Information 407 939-7807 Good luck and let us know your response. I, like you, have mobility problems and the HT handles the situation quite nicely. I'm NOT ready for a chair. SEG-ON SEG-RIGHT JR :&gt

01-27-2004, 02:36 PM	#19
fredkap Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Los Angeles - Westside, CA, USA. Posts: 1,336	Betty, Please set up your user info so that e-mails can be sent to you via SegwayChat, your e-mail address need not be public info. Fred

01-27-2004, 05:45 PM	#20
Betty Boom New Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: , , . Posts: 9	ok, I set it. (for a while anyway). Of interest to all of you --Mike Schneider of the Associated Press is doing an article on WDW about not letting Segways in the Parks---the public attention may persuade Disney to reconsider. He can be reached at 407-425-4547 or mschneider@ap.org if you have any further input to give him. Betty Boom

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