License to drive an ECV

[Teddykeiko86]

I had a lady coming into rentals wanting to rent one for her 17 year old daughter who turns 18 in May. I politely explained to her that for liability reasons, she (the daughter) must be 18 and have a valid Drivers License, not school ID, to prove her age. "Well, she can drive a car, she can drive this little thing" was what the mother said.

Then the mother went on to say to her husband that she will rent the chair and the daughter will use it. Of course, I overheard standing 2 feet away.

" I am sorry Ma'am , but the renter ( aka signee) is responsible for following policy stated on the contract about operators being 18 yrs + and that failure to follow policy may result in the ECV being revoked and the deposit not being returned."

"WELL MY DAUGHTER IS HANDICAPPED, (SPRAINED ANKLE) HOW IS SHE GONNA GET AROUND?"

"Children can use the standard wheelchairs we have, they are actually easier to maneuver"

"WELL I AM NOT PUSHING THAT AROUND ALL DAY" (daughter is like 100 lbs., 5'0'' and the chair can be self propelled)
Guest gets mad that I won't rent out ECV to them, and storms off, no chair.
Have a nice day!

[myky]

I totally agree with everyone on this thread. But, I have seen the other side. Not a senior citizen, but I had a severe foot injury last year and used a evc a few times from wdw. They virtually show you: on, off, forward, and back. (The orientation takes long enough to pay for it.) No real brakes on it, it just stops kinda like a golf cart. Mine was really slow, I don't know where you get a fast one. I could not keep up with sis walking. A wheelchair would definately of been easier, but sis has bad knees and didn't want to put more pressure on her. I rented it once in studios, and attempted to get down the street to tower of terror, but it was very crowded, and could not. I gave up. I never took it in anywhere. Stores, or lines etc.. . I parked it outside and walked the short distances with my "boot". I never even considered magic kingdom, knew that would of been terribly crowded. But, epcot worked pretty fair. Except the the kid in "the seas, with nemo" line. He tormmented me the entire line. "Lady run over my foot please". He kept pulling on parts of it., and the he kept trying to get hit. Parents did not say a word to me or him. I guess, I kept him occupied. I didn't plan to take it in line, but the cm said to because of the long line. I never did again. Any how, I was glared at for no reason. Never ever hit anyone, did not even try. ;) I had countless "I hate those carts" yelled at me. I had one lady while on crutches in a store in studio's say to me "at least you don't have one of those electric carts, their terrible, I hate those people". I told her I left it on the side of the building. and walked away. I was surprised at the buggy people, they seemed especially snarly with the evc's. I thought they would of been nicer, knowing how hard it is to push there strollers around. I had people question me "why" I was using the cart. even with the crutches and my large heavy, hot, uncomfortable boot down my right leg to my toes.

So either way you cut it > It sucked. We where there 2 weeks, I used it 2 days, and tried magic kingdom on foot for 1 day. Never lasted more than 3 hours total in park time. Gave up and stayed at the resort.

I understand your point thou. No excuses to run over a baby. Maybe she was just shocked or speechless, that it happened. Didn't know what she could say. But, after my few attempts at it, I can believe she probably just lost control of it, or didn't understand your directions. I know a lot of elderly people, that pretend they hear you, and don't have a clue what your saying. Really, don't want to think there are people in a themepark, who would do that kinda thing on purpose.

My long point is: Please, try to forgive some of the "cart crowd". Not all are out to get anyone on foot. We have all been heeled by strollers, or walked on in a crowd. I'm short, and have countless head butts by elbows. Watch out for them, and they will do a better job watching out for you.

[lady ulrike]

Then you have the people who carry children in it and snap and yell at you when you tell them that children can ride with the adults. Damn they get nasty! Look buddy I don't make the rules and I don't care if you pay for it, it's park regulations take it up with the people who make the rules. However if we fail to protect them it's all "Disney's fault". You are damn if you do, and damn if you don't. There seems no way of making them happy and quite honestly I'm sick of hearing how Disney is to blame for everything because we didn't do this or that. How about you take some responsibility too?!

This, I really hate. I actually saw the exact reason why this is not allowed, and I've told people that when I ask them to take the child off. We had a GAC line and I was going down the line talking to each group. I got to a lady with a baby in her lap on the ECV, as I opened my mouth to tell her to take the baby off her lap, the baby reached out, pushed the controls and pushed the ECV straight into the woman in front of her. Had to call the nurse for the poor lady and everything.

[lady ulrike]

If someone rammed me or my family with an ECV, they'd find themselves tipped over. My patience runs very thin when someone harms me or my family, especially when they just keep on going. A simple apology goes along way with me.

This is very true, I've seen it first hand. :)


And, now I'm one of the those people who have multiple posts in a row. That's what I get for not visiting for a few days.

[Cheshire Figment]

1. I am happy to say that I have never accidentally run my ECV into anyone.

2. I have accidentally run over people's toes with my rear wheels, but they have to be very close for that to happen.

3. When I am in costume I will always stop a Guest who has a child in the ECV and tell them it is prohibited and why.

3A. When a person has refused to have the child get off, and drives away, I have gotten Security after them.

4. Sometimes when I am not in costume I will also warn people why it is unsafe, and, if asked, I will mention that I am a CM and just happen to be not working now.

[mapo]

1. I am happy to say that I have never accidentally run my ECV into anyone.

Never ever say never. That is like saying the Q word...no cursing yourself!

Just an FYI, we can only address those guests that have rented ECVs from Disney about extra riders. Disney legal states that we have no right to prohibit them from doing it on their personal or outsourced ECV. However, when the injury/accident occurs well...they are responsible. :twisted:

Also, remember you are not a cast member if off clock. We are having numerous incidents where CMs not on the clock are managing to get injured backstage, 'following' guests who did not listen to their direction, and even wearing their company name tag and/or id on stage. :mad:

Disney loves when CMs chose to spend their time off the clock at the park as a guest. However, this means no access to backstage, no CM related duties, and no violating Disney look policy please.

So, relax and enjoy your free time as our guest. :hottub:

Of course, if there is a safety issue, You as a concerned guest should inform the closest CM! Hopefully, your chosen CM will have a radio or house phone nearby.

And as always, if an emergency, dial 911 on your personal cell and ask to be transferred to Reedy Creek. :alphaunt:

Trust me, it works. That is how I found out about a fire by the Roundhouse couple of nights ago. Off duty CMs and several guests told the security host working fireworks, while another CM on way into work called from his cell. Beats finding out when the fire made it to the actual building!

MAPO
(having way too much fun with the smilies tonight, sorry!)

[Tinker Bell]

Never ever say never. That is like saying the Q word...no cursing yourself!

Just an FYI, we can only address those guests that have rented ECVs from Disney about extra riders. Disney legal states that we have no right to prohibit them from doing it on their personal or outsourced ECV. However, when the injury/accident occurs well...they are responsible. :twisted:

Thanks Mapo for answering one of my questions. I only ask the people that rent from Disney but I was unsure about the ones that rent from outside.

As when I'm as a guest in the parks... I hate to admit this since I know it's not very nice of me. But I never lift a finger to help guests while I'm in the park. If they have problems there is always a cast member that can help them. My personal idea is to enjoy myself with my family and not getting yelled, once again. Heck, I have become so selfish on enjoying the parks with my family that when my BIL called to see if I could get them into the parks I told them I couldn't because I had no tickets left. Big fat lie but their kids are very unruly and wont' listen to anyone. When I visit the parks as a guest I want to be able to shop, ride the rides, and lick my ice cream with no worries. I had a hard time keeping them from getting hurt or hurting someone else. I'm terrified that they do something wrong and I get fired because of their stupidity, and the parents lack of control.

[mapo]

Thanks Mapo for answering one of my questions. I only ask the people that rent from Disney but I was unsure about the ones that rent from outside.

As when I'm as a guest in the parks... I hate to admit this since I know it's not very nice of me. But I never lift a finger to help guests while I'm in the park. If they have problems there is always a cast member that can help them. My personal idea is to enjoy myself with my family and not getting yelled, once again. Heck, I have become so selfish on enjoying the parks with my family that when my BIL called to see if I could get them into the parks I told them I couldn't because I had no tickets left. Big fat lie but their kids are very unruly and wont' listen to anyone. When I visit the parks as a guest I want to be able to shop, ride the rides, and lick my ice cream with no worries. I had a hard time keeping them from getting hurt or hurting someone else. I'm terrified that they do something wrong and I get fired because of their stupidity, and the parents lack of control.

Yup, I know of and have seen too many CMs that get fired for badging people into the park or getting them a room. See, you are putting your job on the line when you do these things. I really enjoyed when CMs said the room was for them personally but never stayed in the room.

So, let's see..an addtional 10% off room is worth your job? Yeah, well...being that stupid or greedy or both, Disney is better off without them.

You are not being selfish by just being a guest when in the park. Matter of fact, you are being the perfect CM. You understand that while your paycheck comes from Disney (therefore a CM), you cannot put Disney on the hook for your actions when you are off the clock.

You are held to a higher standard of conduct on and off the clock when working here. Don't like it? Well, Universal is hiring!

For the record, I do not get anyone into the park or a room. Period. It is just easier to turn everyone down, for me.

MAPO

[ktulu]

This is very true, I've seen it first hand. :)

I even admitted that my daughter was past the rope a bit, sharing in the blame :) Still, who steps on someone and keeps going?

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

I even admitted that my daughter was past the rope a bit, sharing in the blame :) Still, who steps on someone and keeps going?

an sg?