Originally Posted By AutoPost This topic is for Discussion of the headline: <a href="http://www.LaughingPlace.com/News-HID.asp?ID=31304" target="_blank"><b>Headlines: OrSen: Disney World ban on Segways faces another challenge</b></a> In an Orlando courtroom this morning, disability-rights advocates are seeking to have a Disney-negotiated settlement blocked.
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub DIsney is going to have to create special lanes for strollers only,doublewide strollers only,wheelchairs only,battery operated wheelchairs only and finally segways only and one in honor of "UP" for the elderly with canes...Get out the masking tape!
Originally Posted By trekkeruss Not sure of my own opinion on the matter, but I'd be curious to know about the use of scooters and other mobility devices in other countries. My gut tells me it's more of an American thing, but I don't have evidence one way or the other.
Originally Posted By MPierce I thought the agreement reached enabled people to rent, for a small nominal fee (like your first born), from Disney a stand-up designed mobility device similar to a Segway?
Originally Posted By trekkeruss From the story: "opponents argue that the settlement terms violate the federal Americans With Disabilities Act and would unfairly bind other disabled people who do not believe Disney's ESVs are suitable substitutes for Segways. They also object to Disney's plans to charge guests to rent the ESVs. For the seated scooters currently in use at the parks, Disney charges $45 a day, plus a $100 security deposit for the vehicle and a $20 security deposit for the key. Black, the DRAFT spokeswoman, said ESVs can't replace Segways because users are likely to be less confident or comfortable being forced to use an unfamiliar device rather than their own vehicle."
Originally Posted By sjhym33 A while back I met a couple whose wife used a Segway to get around for medical reasons. The husband extolled to me how great it was that his wife was able to get around in a way she wouldnt otherwise be able. They used it everywhere that she had to take more than a few steps. I gather the standing didnt bother her but the stepping did. Anyway the conversation veered toward Disney. The husband got very serious and said they use to go to Disney all the time but Disney had barred her from bringing the Segway into the parks. They let their passes run out and said they would never return. He was still pretty mad about the whole thing.
Originally Posted By CarolinaDisneyDad Q; Does a segway move if you lean forward or must you turn a throttle? I always wondered how someone could stay balanced on 2 wheels in a que line.
Originally Posted By Ursula A Segway can't stand still when someone is on it. I am novicely skilled on one and you basically rock back and forth or spin. I can make it LOOK like it isn't moving, but it is moving. I can also move my toe slightly and make it spin, but that's just me bragging. I don't clearly understand why a person who can operate a Segway can't operate a motor-scooter. What am I missing here?
Originally Posted By CarolinaDisneyDad In that case I can sort of understand Disney's reluctance to have segways running free in the parks. I would think the potential for accidents or line confrontations from someone bumping someone would be pretty great. Like you Ursula, I don't understand why someone in need of help would rather stand all day on a segway than sit on and ECV. Plus an ECV will sit motionless.
Originally Posted By Ursula It is also easy to have an accident while getting on and getting off a Segway. We were taught in class that that is the most unstable time for the Segway. It is also disconcerting and I don't have a disability. How does someone with a lower-body disability handle it? If they can stand but not take steps, taking a large step UP onto a moving object must be difficult. Unless they have the three-wheeled kind that I've seen around? I don't know. I'm not trying to be mean, I am curious. True, the Segway is the cooler of the two. That goes without saying. It also brings a person up to conversation level as far as heights go, so I can see why a disabled person would prefer it over the motor scooter.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> It also brings a person up to conversation level as far as heights go, so I can see why a disabled person would prefer it over the motor scooter. << I read excerts from the original lawsuit when it was filled, and I remember that being one of the main reasons. Also I remember one of the gentlemen involved had difficulty sitting or walking, but no problem standing on his Segway. There are rapid transit systems in some cities that can accomodate Segway's now. Plus there are ordinances around the country allowing the use of them in places like the local malls. The ADA has a very strong, and vocal group behind it. Disney really needs to be careful here are they could really end up looking bad. While I'm sure there are tons of reasons Disney could give for not allowing Segways in the Parks the rule of law will prevail. Sometimes when it comes to the ADA the rule of law can be both very broad, and vague.
Originally Posted By retlawfan In a location such as a Disney Park, who is responsible when there is an accident with one of these? If a guest on a Segway ran into a crowd and injured people, is Disney held responsible for allowing it in the park? Is the rider responsible?
Originally Posted By MPierce The rider would be responsible. However, Disney will get sued. They've got the bucks. Plus the case could be made if the Segway is owned by Disney they acted irresponsibly by renting it out to an unqualified person.
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 Once walking by the outside tables at Pinochio's Haus, we heard a loud crash. A woman on an ECV had hit forward instead of reverse, and crashed into a table of people. Accidents happen.
Originally Posted By Ursula Now here's another piece of the puzzle. If Disney allows Segways into their parks, I would want to ride one, too. WOuldn't everyone then want to ride one?
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 This is a real 'iffy' ... 'touchy' area, no doubt. But I am convinced this is also one of those 'the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few ... or the one.' Disney has become dangerous enough for those of us who walk with double-wide strollers, ECVs and wheelchairs multiplying exponentially in the past two decades. At some point, enough is enough. Segways are bad enough when even used by professionals ... our local mall's security force uses them (if you saw the physical shape of most of them, you'd understand) and they are always getting into near misses with people. They have no place at WDW (even though I could believe Walt would have found them very kewl)... and I'd take them away from the fat-arsed managers who use them there too!
Originally Posted By -em >>At some point, enough is enough.<< Agreed... I think I need to start a campaign to get pogo sticks approved under the ADA. I am all for accommodation but there needs to be a line drawn, as often to be accommodated you need to meet the other party half way..
Originally Posted By MPierce It really doesn't matter if the needs of the many outweigh the few. You know that the Constitution was written to protect the rights of the few. It all comes down to how the courts, not us, interpret the needs of the disabled. I agree that Segways could become very dangerous in a crowded park. I am very sensitive to this issue since I had to use an ECV on my last trip. Believe me it isn't fun. I hated it. People will not like what I have to say, but here goes. I only had one incident while there. I was trapped having one person veering to the right in front of me while a person on the right stepped back in front of me. Folks are on vacation, and just don't pay attention to where they are going. How many times do you have folks run into you while at WDW, and they are on foot. Believe me I paid very close attention to where I was going. Several times a day I would have folks mostly kids step right in front of me, and those things don't have breaks. So it's not always the fault of the person on the ECV.
Originally Posted By barboy ///I think I need to start a campaign to get pogo sticks approved under the ADA./// Shhhhhhh, not too loud as the woman who is suing Disney over the ToT and her disability/medical condition might be near
