[tinkerbell]

I saw this link on the DC front page / menu and it surprised me.
I dont know how I feel about it. DH said he wouldnt want to use a Segway instead of his wheelchair and he personally perfers his w/c over the EVC's
I have seen CM's on Segways over in WSC.

http://www.mdjonline.com/articles/20...0/10133343.txt

anyway what do the rest of you think of this?

[Suzanne]

I was suprised to find Disney does not allow Segways even for disabled patrons. To me that seems like discrimination. I think that if a person who needs some type of mobilization feels most comfortable with a Segway then they should have every right to use one. I have a feeling that this is not the last time we hear about this. While I don't personally know anyone who uses a Segway, I hope that those who do do not take this sitting down (no pun intended) and fight for their right to use their Segway at Disney. It's rediculous!

Also, this is a little off topic, but I feel that the use of Segways might be a little better than the use of wheelchairs. Often times in very crowded areas, like Disney, people in wheelchairs are often not seen when trying to get through a crowd since they are not at eye level. Having volunteered for many charities for sick and disabled children I have seen this many a times. These people are then struggling to be seen or heard so that others will get out of their way!

Suzanne

[crystalrp]

It is sort of interesting isn't it? I also just read something where Disney is offering tours of World Showcase...before they officially open during the day...on SEGWAYS!! Kind of makes you go "hmmmm" doesn't it?

[mmouse67l]

I think this is mostly just a way to avoid lawsuits if people run over each other with them. Does anybody remember seeing the president fall over while trying to ride one?

I have to say I am on Disney's side about this.

[noahsark45331]

I have to say, I have seen how fast they move and it does concern me. With crowds being what they are, even in the off season, I would think they would be somewhat of a threat to other visitors, especially children. Wheelchairs and EVCs move a little faster than most people walk, but not 12 mph as stated in the above mentioned article. For right now, I am on Disney's side with this one.

[sandanv1]

I side with Disney also. DH tried one of these and they do scoot at a good speed. DH had a hard time balancing at first. His biggest problem was manuvering around obsticules (sp).

Sometimes W/C and EVC's have a hard time manuvering the crowds at WDW, I can't imagine something with more speed.

[jmouse]

I can understand Disney's side. They have to make the parks safe for everybody. The Segways go much faster than even the off-site ECVs. Could be dangerous in a crowded park. Even in a not so crowded park, there are times when people stop suddenly or change course without warning. Doing that in front of a person riding a Segway could be very dangerous, not only for the non-Segway user, but the disabled person as well.

As long as Disney provided accomodations for one's disability, they are not in violation of the law. It doesn't matter whether or not the disabled person likes the accomodations; it matters whether or not they are there for use. I don't see where not letting someone ride whatever vehicle they want in the park is discrimination.

[crystalrp]

I just posted this, but I think I must have put it in the wrong place. Someone took the Epcot Segway tour and they review it here:
http://allearsnet.com/btp/tour_seg1.htm

It does mention the wheelchair vs. segway issue.

[Dana]

I have to go with Disney too. They have to avoid accidents with other guests. We all know that it is very easy to bump into someone with a stroller or a W/C, can you imagine the impact of something a bit faster. Someone could get hurt. I feel bad for the people who feel more comfortable using these. I can imagine people using these who don't need them...kinda like the way they use the W/C and don't need them too. They wil be the ones clowning around on them etc. and the most threat on them.

I did notice a few CM's on these at Epcot. I remember becasue my 10yr old DD said "wow they are cool. can we get one?" She just thoght it was a cool scooter. That's my point. How many Mommy and Daddy's will get it for JR who has no care about other guests who are walking. If they allow them for some, they have to allow them for all don't they? Can you imagine a packed WDW with guests on these racing to get to Space Mountain...OMG that would be a crash waiting to happen. Even a few people abusing this (don't roll your eyes, you know they will abuse this just like they abuse the W/C system) will be a threat. I shudder to think of 3 teens running wild on these things....I sound old, but do not want to have to worry bout my kid getting run over by someone who doesnt use these properly. If WDW could have them in place for people who NEED them only, then maybe I could see it. It's a shame to punish the ones who do. Blame it on a twisted society who have no morals. I blame it on the family who rents a wheel chair and each family memeber takes a turn on it so they can get in the front of the lines that I wait in. JMHO

[quakercub]

It is not just Segways. Disney does not allow any one or two-wheeled modes of transportation. Even a scooter has to have at least 3 wheels. Their reasons are mainly safety ones. Two-wheeled vehicles are less stable than 3 or 4 wheels.

Yes, some castmembers use them to get around, especially at EPCOT, but these are people who have spent a fair amount of time training on how to use them. I think Disney is absolutely right to ban them in the parks

[jk8]

I agree. How do we know someone would not just say the are disabled to be able to use one.

[rlcarmichael]

Originally Posted by quakercub

It is not just Segways. Disney does not allow any one or two-wheeled modes of transportation. Even a scooter has to have at least 3 wheels. Their reasons are mainly safety ones. Two-wheeled vehicles are less stable than 3 or 4 wheels.

Yes, some castmembers use them to get around, especially at EPCOT, but these are people who have spent a fair amount of time training on how to use them. I think Disney is absolutely right to ban them in the parks

Disney bans them? Heck, they offer TOURS on them...

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw...dEpcotTourPage

It's the strollers (or more correctly the stroller DRIVER) that take out your ankles and knees that scare me.

[jk8]

I hate it when I don't notice that someone pulled up an old post.

[Jess]

In Epcot I've seen CM's advertising Segway rental for about $2,000.