Well He Shouldn't have been standing there.

[Driver_dylan]

As a CM I was wondering if anyone was like me and have been hurt by ECVs. This has really become a serious problem. Story to follow:

[Driver_dylan]

This is what happened. While loading Guests onto the Elevator at Lights Motors Action at the Studios, I was run over. No, I don't mean that I had my foot run over, cause I wear steel toed shoes and get my foot run over all the time. I mean that this old bag, ran into me at full speed, pinning my leg between her ECV and the elevator door. Then, did she even say she was sorry. No! Her exact words her daughter were, "Well he shouldn't have been standing there. Serves him right." I was so in shock that all i could do was let the door close in silence. I just couldn't beleave that I heard that. I ended upo with a strained tendend and a damaged ligiment on my left knee.
May this woman rot in the bowls of hell.

[Yeti Chaser]

This is what happened. ...... ran into me at full speed, pinning my leg between her ECV and the elevator door. Then, did she even say she was sorry. No! Her exact words her daughter were, "Well he shouldn't have been standing there. Serves him right."

:bugeyes: OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!! Folks who are rented the ECV's should be given a driving lesson first and lock out the faster speeds on the control.. I too have been run into, but not as bad as you.

One AP ECV story I was witness to......... Several years ago while at HISTA a mature female guest :old: ran into one of the line ropes inside the HISTA lobby. If not for the quick action of myself, another CM and a Manager, the ECV and guest would have flipped over, you know how heavy those Disney ECV's are. :eek: :eek: :eek: Her speed control was set to the fastest setting. :auto:

[IRSmart1]

Stupid people should not be allowed to use ECV's. But that would lose a lot business. :D:

[Ctsplaysinrain]

I was in the parks the 1st week of August. My sons and I were leaving one of the Pavillions at EPCOT. My son is Autistic and had his hearing protectors on.. He was busy looking at something and was also "stimming" at the time. There was an older lady on an ECV that you could tell wanted him out of her way. She could have gone around him BTW... I could see that he didnt notice her and I could tell that she was about to run into him on purpose... I was able to get his attention and push him out of the way before she did but I did say to her " He's autistic- give him a break" She cussed at me and rolled away..

[mechurchlady]

I only use the scooters and can tell you lots of problems.

I was in the Golden Horseshoe Saloon when it opened for a show and walked to the middle main aisle that runs across the floor between the tables. I turned right and headed to the bar to get my snacks. I almost was getting into the forming line when an old man came barreling up the bar side of the room in an ECV and never stopped on the turn. He hit me in the legs and I went down. Left a nice dent and bruise for a while. I was 300 pounds and short and round, lol. It was my fault that I did not move for him.

Attitude problems occur with ECV users. They are handicapped so everyone get out of their way and let them through NOW!!. Some people understand that scooters like wheelchairs are not an excuse to cut in line or mow people down. Exception is Brazilians, I did drive at them.

How does this work? I was desperate so I finally had to use a scooter in the grocery store. I am used to park and Wal-Mart scooters. I stopped and then it would roll backward or I would have it in reverse and it would start to roll forwards. Scooters is like driving a bobtail truck or even a car. You can do donuts and whip the scooter around on a dime but try parking one or not hitting things. Yes that was me who ripped out some of the moulding from Casey's Coke Corner in MK in September 1998. One squeeze of the handle and zoom you are flying. Try parellel parking a scooter, lol.

If you are legally blind or had your driver's license yanked then maybe driving is not a good ideas. People who use scooters need to have good reflexes and be able to judge distance so they do not nearly drive into bay lake, that was me, or run over stuff.

I may have done some heel nipping, lol. My worst ECV incident was late at night at Sea World when I fell asleep while riding an ECV. Woke up in a grassy area hitting a tree.

Brilliant Idea: ECV users should have spotter running in front of them with a bullhorn yelling "Warning ECV coming through, out of the way and put on your shin guards!".

[darph nader]

This is what happened. While loading Guests onto the Elevator at Lights Motors Action at the Studios, I was run over. No, I don't mean that I had my foot run over, cause I wear steel toed shoes and get my foot run over all the time. I mean that this old bag, ran into me at full speed, pinning my leg between her ECV and the elevator door. Then, did she even say she was sorry. No! Her exact words her daughter were, "Well he shouldn't have been standing there. Serves him right." I was so in shock that all i could do was let the door close in silence. I just couldn't beleave that I heard that. I ended upo with a strained tendend and a damaged ligiment on my left knee.
May this woman rot in the bowls of hell.

Heaven forbid you meet this bitch on the freeway. :eek:
Peoples attitudes just SUCK nowadays. :mad:

[Driver_dylan]

I agree. Yet today I witnessed the reverse. A woman being so causious in her ECV that several people in the line began to screem and curse at her for causing a backup. As I hobbled up near to this woman, I spotted the problem. She had found a small child (two or three at the most) that had gotten seperated from his parents and was useing her Disney rented ECV, to block people from trampeling this kid. No sooner had I gotten there, than the parents of the child were located fighting through the mob. THey thanked the woman as did I and did what I could to make sure that she had a good seat for the show. I only wish there were more people like her who rented ECV's. :D:

[Cheshire Figment]

When I am standing (such as at a turnstile) for a long period of time I do not have too much pain and can do it. However, my orthopedist has suggested hip replacement surgery to me. I use an ECV when I am in the parks as a guest, either by myself or with friends or relatives.

The Disney ECVs are limited to two MPH, but are very difficult to maneuver. The off-site rentals can do about 4.25 MPH and are much easier to manuever as they have three wheels instead of two. My personal ECV can do about 4.5 MPH but at least I know what I am doing.

I am proud to say that I have never accidentally run into anyone with my ECV. I have sometimes nudged and threatened to smash into some guests who have intentionaly cut in front of me. However, as I own my ECV and use it regularly I know what I am doing.

Even more important, when I am driving it I am payaing attention not only to my driving, but being aware of what nearby guests are doing and the directions they are moving in. The "normal" guest is not only not used to driving an ECV, but is gawking like a tourist (which they are) and not paying attention to their driving.

[Taryn]

Yesterday, I was pan and brooming at Epcot, and saw a kid no more than 8 years old driving an ECV! I of course ran up to his parents and informed them that you have to be over 18 to drive one, which shocked them. Bah, some people are batty. If you're not old enough to drive a car down a deserted road, then you're certainly not old enough to drive an ECV through throngs of tourists.

The age restriction is 18 right? Or is it 16?? It's hard to keep everything straight!

[Polar33]

The age restriction is 18 right? Or is it 16?? It's hard to keep everything straight!It's 18 here on the left coast, so I would imagine WDW is the same. In fact the rules also prohibit minors to ride on it at all (on laps, or hanging off the back of the ECV).

[mechurchlady]

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/common/Plain?id=PlainMobilityDPage#wheelchairs
Polar you are correct that it is 18+ at WDW also.

[Taryn]

Thanks for the confirmations, guys. I'm brand new, and all of the rules I supposedly need to know are making my head reel...I've basically just kept an eye out for things that don't seem safe (*cue corny music* Because Safe D begins with me! :p: ) and asking the guest to please refrain, regardless of whether I know for *sure* that it's a rule or not. Just common sense type of things, like "Hey Buddy, if you keep climbing that fence you might fall into the water!" or "Princess, could you pop you wheels back into your shoes, we don't want an accident!"

And of course "I'm sorry, but I think your son is a little young to be allowed to drive that incredibly heavy, potentially dangerous piece of equipment we like to call the ECV"

[mechurchlady]

REMEMBER that the 18+ rules and no carrying people in the ECV only applies to ECVs rented from Disney at their parks. Guest may bring their own ECV, let their 4 year old drive it, load it up with 500 pounds of supplies, and have 10 people riding on it. Staff of course can intervene it there is a safety issue.

Stupid guests do not understand the concepts of danger or the ramifications of their actions. I got a good nudge in my disintergrating disc yesterday because someone would not wait for me to move. Christopher Reeves got hurt from falling off of a horse. Most people do not realize that falling off of a parapet wall, bicycle, or fence can cause severed brain damage or even paralysis if you land the wrong way and that there is not right way.

[hhsrat]

Because Safe D begins with me!

really, I could have sworn that it began with "s", but I guess I'm just behind the times ;)

[CBeilby]

Most people do not realize that falling off of a parapet wall, bicycle, or fence can cause severed brain damage...

It's impossible to get brain damage if you don't have a brain to begin with, which is the category that so many guests fall into... :rolleyes:

[Taryn]

really, I could have sworn that it began with "s", but I guess I'm just behind the times ;)

Oh shut up :p:

But honestly, is it just me, or is that honestly the most stupid thing you have ever had to watch in my entire life?

[felinefan]

I remember as a kid my older brother told me that one time a couple of kids were playing around while riding in the Skycars(?), the door came open, and one of the kids fell out and landed on the spiked fence that they had around the park and places in Disneyland back then. Needless to say, he didn't survive. I believe that this was the first fatality at DL, which goes to show SG go back aways, this supposedly occerred in the 60s. Whether it's true or not, I don't know. As for the ride, it's the little cable cars that went one in one direction, one in the other direction, they may have passed through the top of the Matterhorn at the midpoint, at the time I think they were the second most popular ride after the Monorail. I doubt if my brother would have kidded about that. And when I say 60s, I mean Walt was still alive. If anyone can confirm or deny this, let me know. I doubt if my brother remembers telling me that now.

[Zazu]

I remember as a kid my older brother told me that one time a couple of kids were playing around while riding in the Skycars(?), the door came open, and one of the kids fell out and landed on the spiked fence that they had around the park and places in Disneyland back then. Needless to say, he didn't survive. I believe that this was the first fatality at DL, which goes to show SG go back aways, this supposedly occerred in the 60s. Whether it's true or not, I don't know.I do. It's pure...
:bsflag:

No one ever died falling from Disneyland's Skyway, and only one person ever died falling from Magic Kingdom's Skyway, and he was a CM (and friend).

[mechurchlady]

I have heard many myths at DLR and I never ever heard this story. Nothing came up on Google either.

The last time a cast member was killed on the job at Walt Disney World was in 1999, when a 65-year-old custodial cast member was swept from the Fantasyland loading platform of the Skyway attraction by a moving gondola and fell about 40 feet to his death. That accident resulted in a $4,500 OSHA fine for a “serious” violation of safety standards. The attraction permanently closed a few months later. [Editor's note: The article originally stated that the cast member killed on the Skyway was an attraction operator.

[ThunderCat]

"Princess, could you pop you wheels back into your shoes, we don't want an accident!"
More often, I'm saying "Could you please remove the wheels from your shoes during your visit to The Magic Kingdom? I'm afraid we don't allow roller skating anywhere in the park." Can't tell you how many parents have actually thanked me for that.... (far more than have cursed at me for it).

[Kwahati]

Can't tell you how many parents have actually thanked me for that.... (far more than have cursed at me for it).

I'm truly curious: who buys their kid something and then thanks a stranger for saying don't use it? I'm not doubting you a bit, TC, I'm just wondering if this is a case of parents trying to be their kids' friend and getting them the skates because 'all the other kids have them' and then they don't know how to tell their kid 'No! It's not appropriate now' or what. When my parents got me a toy that turned out to be dangerous or annoying, they'd find a tactful way of taking it away and maybe replacing it with something else...or at least they could say 'not now' when I was being a little shit, with or without a toy. (On a related note, a friend of mine accidentally clothes-lined a kid on those skates in the grocery store today! I'm glad it was accidental, but that kid went flyin' and it sure was hard to not laugh at the dad: getting mad, but feeling impotent while my friend is telling him 'you should teach your kid the appropriate time and place to use those...he coulda got really hurt!' Good thing kids are durable!) :twisted:

[Alyssa3467]

I haven't had anyone thank me for it, although I have had a few pull the "everyone else has 'em" card, and one or two say something along the lines of "See, I told you they'd make you take 'em off!" :confused:

[ThunderCat]

I'm truly curious: who buys their kid something and then thanks a stranger for saying don't use it? I'm not doubting you a bit, TC, I'm just wondering if this is a case of parents trying to be their kids' friend and getting them the skates because 'all the other kids have them' and then they don't know how to tell their kid 'No! It's not appropriate now' or what.
Bingo.

It's amazing to me how many parents are more than willing to put their kids in jeopardy or danger in the name of "having a good time" (usually in regards to trying to browbeat me into letting their small kids have a go on Big Thunder). Today, I had an epiphany: it's not that they want to risk their kids... it's that they don't know any better.

True story time.

Today, I had a guest try to bring his 38" tall child on the ride (the limit is 40"). When I told them no, the father said, "What if I hold him?"

Me: (Laughing) "Oh, you wouldn't be able to do that, sir."

SG: "Yes, I can! I'll can hold him!"

Me: "No, you can't. Simple physics. If the train collides with a stationary object, at a rate of 35 MPH, your child will exert enough force as to be instantly ripped out of your arms."

SG: ".....oh."

[Taryn]

More often, I'm saying "Could you please remove the wheels from your shoes during your visit to The Magic Kingdom? I'm afraid we don't allow roller skating anywhere in the park." Can't tell you how many parents have actually thanked me for that.... (far more than have cursed at me for it).

Is it even possible to take the wheels out without a special tool?? I was under the impression that they were a permanent part of the shoe.

[ThunderCat]

Is it even possible to take the wheels out without a special tool?? I was under the impression that they were a permanent part of the shoe.
Well... there are different makes and models. The most popular are called "Heelies" and the wheels can be removed by simply exerting pressure on one side of the wheel. Once removed, a rubber plug is then inserted into the wheel cavity. A special tool is needed to remove the rubber plug; however, as Heelies are not permitted on WDW property, this shouldn't be an issue.

There are other shoes where the wheels retract into the shoe with a pushbutton, but I haven't seen many of those (I usually tell the guest that they must keep the wheels retracted for the duration of their visit).

[bpgstudios]

I usually try to tell guests especially in the small world or pan queue that there is no roller skating in WDW. I wish more CMs would back up this rule. I usually only say something in the morning because thats when it has the most effect. Otherwise I always get the "Well noone else told us to stop so your just lying" line.

Thanks to anyone that will back me up though! I'll always back up another CM on this I've seen one too many kids almost slide down the small world queue face first because of those things.

[ThunderCat]

"Well noone else told us to stop so your just lying"
I usually just laugh and say, "We don't allow running... much less roller skating! But if you like, I'll be more than happy to call for a Guest Service Coordinator or Manager to come out and confirm this policy for you."

That usually shuts them down (NOTE: Do not attempt this if your area managers or coordinators are the type to look at the guest blankly and say "Um, I don't think it's specifically against the rules per se to skate here. I don't know what he's talking about").

[saidthekat]

A fellow Cast Member who was on limited duty due to another work-related injury was mowed down repeatedly by a woman in an ECV. If it weren't for the quick thinking of a nearby lead who pulled out the "key", I don't know what would have happened.

The CM saw the ECV coming towards her, and attempted to move out of the way. The guest driving the ECV, turned in to the CM. Eventually, the CM got her injured arm and leg pinned between the ECV and a fence. The guest driving the ECV just kept saying "sorry" and turning the ECV in a manner that didn't allow the CM to free herself from between the ECV and the wall... So the CM just kept getting hit by the ECV...

The CM walked away with nothing worse than a GIANT bruise on her arm and legs...

[Yeti Chaser]

:confused: I said it before in this thread and I'll say it again; Folks :old: should be given a driving test BEFORE they are unleashed on unsuspecting guests and CM's :bugeyes: :auto:

[Main_Street_Merch]

In my experience... people who actually need the ECV are usually very courtious drivers because they ure practiced in driving through large groups. Its the ones that get the ECV in an attempt to skip lines or because they are too lazy to walk that are the issue.

[MansionMike]

There was one time when I was at Disneyland as a guest and a person in an ECV kept running into people in a huge crowd of people after fireworks in the hub heading towards Adventureland. She was hitting people on purpose just to try and get through the heavy crowd, not trying to go at the speed people are moving but trying to crash her way through. I was next to her and after watching her hit a third person. I grabbed the key out and just tossed it somewhere into the crowd. That felt great...

[felinefan]

Thanks, Zazu, for clearing that up. I see the smilies are working/moving again--they weren't doing that for quite some time.

[PirateJohn]

There was one time when I was at Disneyland as a guest and a person in an ECV kept running into people in a huge crowd of people after fireworks in the hub heading towards Adventureland. She was hitting people on purpose just to try and get through the heavy crowd, not trying to go at the speed people are moving but trying to crash her way through. I was next to her and after watching her hit a third person. I grabbed the key out and just tossed it somewhere into the crowd. That felt great...Oh, now THAT has to be the coolest thing I've heard! :D:

[masontrep]

Gahh, I hate to say this but I get to be one of those dang ECV drivers next week. Dang broken leg and all.

I promise only to run over SGs and kids on heelies :)

<----- edit wow this was my first post here, been lurking since 2005, lol

[Zazu]

wow this was my first post here, been lurking since 2005, lolThat's perfectly okay. It's stupid that upsets us. Slow is just fine. :D:

[mechurchlady]

I promise only to run over SGs and kids on heelies
Do not forget Brazilian teenagers, people who mistreat their kids, and cheerleaders. With practice maybe you could run over Disani water bottles and some empty improperly parked strollers.

I have seen online talk about some architecture that needs to be taken out and I personally ripped out a chunk of the molding at Casey's Corner. Woot we could have a new thread on all the things CMs want people in ECVs to run over.

[Zazu]

Woot we could have a new thread on all the things CMs want people in ECVs to run over.PM me for a photo of my former supervisor....

[PirateJohn]

Do not forget Brazilian teenagers, people who mistreat their kids, and cheerleaders.What about Brazilians who mistreat their teenaged cheerleaders?

[mechurchlady]

Please add to the list smokers and people who do not respect your space in line. Not even my doctor touches me in them places. Anyone who cuts in line.

Can we add Brazilian Teenaged cheerleaders wearing wheelies while mistreating little kids?

[darph nader]

There was one time when I was at Disneyland as a guest and a person in an ECV kept running into people in a huge crowd of people after fireworks in the hub heading towards Adventureland. She was hitting people on purpose just to try and get through the heavy crowd, not trying to go at the speed people are moving but trying to crash her way through. I was next to her and after watching her hit a third person. I grabbed the key out and just tossed it somewhere into the crowd. That felt great...

Like the little kid said at the end of the Incredibles " That was totaly WICKED". :twisted:

[Main Streeter]

What about Brazilians who mistreat their teenaged cheerleaders? :D: :D: This would be totally cool & PC under the circumstances. You're wit has sharpened since you left. ;)

[Marilou]

Please add to the list smokers and people who do not respect your space in line.
?

:bawl: awww don't run me over. I don't want to irritate anyone or start any fights but my mom & are both smokers. I swear we only smoke in the designated smoking areas & never even leave butts on the ground. We actually get very aggravated with the inconsiderate smokers that don't obey the rules and smoke anywhere they damn well please....it gives all of us a bad name.

ok gonna duck now so as not to get hit by flying bricks

[darph nader]

HEY, I'm a considerate smoker. I don't mind hanging out at the lepur colony to hammer a nail. :cool:

[mechurchlady]

As long as you aint smoking them funny looking cigarettes, I not throw bricks. Yes I have smelled the funny stuff in Disneyland. They are so stupid that they light up and do not realize or care that CMs can smell the smoke especially the funny smelling smoke.

Add to the list people who hog seats as they deserve being chased by a herd of ECVs. Late night crowded train stations and people are crammed in to the cars but there is a party of 5 taking up the whole row. In the forward facing car they sit on the edge and there are all of them seats, yes, fat ladies can climb seats when necessary. Run them seat hogs down please.

[Main Streeter]

I swear we only smoke in the designated smoking areas & never even leave butts on the ground.>
ok gonna duck now so as not to get hit by flying bricksNo reason to duck flying bricks when you & mom smoke in designated areas & are considerate to all others. You are following park rules - something many others have no concept of ever doing. CMs truly appreciate guests who can read & will follow directions. :hi5:

[TalkingHands]

Yesterday, I was pan and brooming at Epcot, and saw a kid no more than 8 years old driving an ECV! I of course ran up to his parents and informed them that you have to be over 18 to drive one, which shocked them. Bah, some people are batty. If you're not old enough to drive a car down a deserted road, then you're certainly not old enough to drive an ECV through throngs of tourists.

The age restriction is 18 right? Or is it 16?? It's hard to keep everything straight!
Yes the age restriction is 18 for the rental ECVs. I have seen a few 8 year olds with PWC and ECVs and they are actually very good drivers but they have their own and are not using rentals. These kids use them everyday. WE have a few at both of the schools I sub at. Youngest I have seen using a PWC is age 3. I doubt her parents would bring it to Disney though. Special needs stroller would be easier.

[gaz1970]

i am another considerate smoker. i really gets my goat up seeing people not sticking to the rules. esp when they walk past disney security and they ignore them!

[Kwahati]

Funny that this smoking thing is getting brought up again...there's a debate over on MousePlanet right now where some non-smokers appear to be pissed that smoking is allowed anywhere at WDW...thank goodness some people still give credit to the considerate ones among us. :rolleyes:

[Yeti Chaser]

As long as guests smoke in the designated areas, I could care less. It's their lungs and health, not mine to worry about. Remember what Walt died from.

However, smoke in a non-smoking area and I will in my most polite CM manner :twisted: ask the SG to put out the smoke and move to the appropiate area which I an more than glad to point out. :D:

[Driver_dylan]

As long as guests smoke in the designated areas, I could care less. It's their lungs and health, not mine to worry about. Remember what Walt died from.

However, smoke in a non-smoking area and I will in my most polite CM manner :twisted: ask the SG to put out the smoke and move to the appropiate area which I an more than glad to point out. :D:

I refer you over to anouther post called "Thank you captain health nut" about this very topic. have fun and love

[head mouse]

My fav is the time we were standing just outside The EMPORIUM. It wasn't busy in the park. Not jamed packed like closing time in middle of summer.

Anyways. Just a few feet down from us was this younger guy and girl. They were stanind close to the wall of the store talking, just enjoying the day. The man was facing toward the castle and the woman facing toward us. I saw this lady with her stroler come up. she hade the WHOLE sidewalk, street, park, to go around thease 2 people, but she come right up and hit the girl from behind. Without thinking twice, the girl lifted her leg and kicked back hitting the stroler and shoving the woman backwards about 4 feet, causing her to run herself over.

The couple then just walked ascross the street. I walked over to them and told them that was the best thing I had see all day. We talked a bit and the girl said that was the 5th time she had been hit with a stroler that day and she told her BF that if it happened again, she was going to kick the stroller. I just laughed.

The woman was yelling across the street but never came across.

[hobie16]

...but she come right up and hit the girl from behind. Without thinking twice, the girl lifted her leg and kicked back hitting the stroler and shoving the woman backwards about 4 feet, causing her to run herself over.Kinda like standing in line at a grocery store check out counter and having the moron behind you nail your ankles with their cart. I give them a free one and if it happens a second time, push backwards just enough to force the cart into their stomach. They usually maintain a two foot buffer after that.

[TalkingHands]

Yesterday, I was pan and brooming at Epcot, and saw a kid no more than 8 years old driving an ECV! I of course ran up to his parents and informed them that you have to be over 18 to drive one, which shocked them. Bah, some people are batty. If you're not old enough to drive a car down a deserted road, then you're certainly not old enough to drive an ECV through throngs of tourists.

The age restriction is 18 right? Or is it 16?? It's hard to keep everything straight!
It is 18 for a rental ECV. There is no age restriction on a private ECV. I have had elementary students with them or PWC. Of course they have been taught how to use it.

[darph nader]

The couple then just walked ascross the street. I walked over to them and told them that was the best thing I had see all day. We talked a bit and the girl said that was the 5th time she had been hit with a stroler that day and she told her BF that if it happened again, she was going to kick the stroller. I just laughed. It was probably the same gal at the begining of this thread. Just changed her motius operendi.

ps I would have LOVED to see that girl kick the stroller,hopfully there was no kid in it though.