Elevator priority

I don't take my scooter on holiday I use crutches and it is difficult to stand and wait if others are pushing past. But, although they might be rude, they are not responsible for my disability or for me being able to get where I'm heading. I feel like I stand out enough as it is without demanding any priority. All I want is to be a passenger, not a disabled passenger, and not have the joy taken out of life by worrying that others are getting on before me when I am older and less able. Life is too precious and too short to worry about who gets where first.

I was talking with a disabled passenger who uses a wheelchair. He is of the opinion that a huge percentage of people who are in a wheelchair are in one simply because they are obese. They can’t walk up or down stairs because of their weight. I personally have seen “disabled “ women get out of the wheelchair and walk through the casino cause the chair wouldn’t fit through the aisles.

 

Has anyone experienced anything like this?

2 thoughts on this --

I am a "woman of size" (yes, my own "fault"), & as such, my knees do bother me, and distances are difficult, so I don't do stairs -- it hurts too much & I will take the elevator. I will also be with my DD (epilepsy, Cerebral Palsy, Post scoliosis surgery) who is in a wheelchair, so someone has to be with her anyway.

My DD can walk, & in fact is fine at home, in familiar surroundings, & can climb stairs --BUT, it takes her a while, and she cannot walk alone, because she can be knocked over fairly easily -- she doesn't weigh much, & her balance is poor, plus she had scoliosis surgery several years ago, soif she falls, she will go straight down -- her back does not bend.

She will get up & move to a chair in the MDR or Windjammer, she can take a shower standing up (although on the ship, for safety purposes, we use a shower stool), she can even climb stairs if she has someone to hold onto -- but the wheelchair makes it much easier.

The point is, while someone may be able to do certain things, it may not be easy for them, and as long as they're polite about it, it shouldn't matter if they're using a wheelchair/scooter or not

It's not just elevators....and it's not just disabled......it's anything that holds up others....have you ever been on the interstate when a lane is closed? How many folks stay in the "closed lane" until the last second to attempt to get into the flowing traffic....they create the bottleneck they are trying to avoid.....I think it's simply inconsideration.

That's actually the CORRECT way to merge. Most if not all DOT agencies will tell you this.

https://www.azdot.gov/media/blog/posts/2017/04/20/zipper-merge-in-the-right-situations-two-lanes-can-be-better-than-one

I use a mobility scooter everywhere I go but I do not need to be 1st on the elevator after all I am sitting down and I am comfortable so I can wait> Especially after a long day ashore people are tired and need to get in and sit down me I am already sitting After awhile it is my turn people have never been anything but polite. Kindness can go a whole long way in this world and we need to all show more of it to each other. And since I am old and dont have alot of friends around me I find it is a good opportunity to talk to others even kids. Yup kids can be interesting too.

I use a mobility scooter everywhere I go but I do not need to be 1st on the elevator after all I am sitting down and I am comfortable so I can wait> Especially after a long day ashore people are tired and need to get in and sit down me I am already sitting After awhile it is my turn people have never been anything but polite. Kindness can go a whole long way in this world and we need to all show more of it to each other. And since I am old and dont have alot of friends around me I find it is a good opportunity to talk to others even kids. Yup kids can be interesting too.

What a refreshing post to read. You make some valid points. What a great attitude you have.

Hi everyone,

I haven't been on a Cruise since 2005, so my information may be out of date when it comes what goes on on ships today.

My wife is Mobility Impaired and walks with a cane 99.99% of the time. When we first got together 18 years ago, her disabilities were more hidden. My point is someone may be disabled and not look like it. I know most of you know this but don't assume that just because someone doesn't look they need the elevator they may.

Walter

2 thoughts on this --

I am a "woman of size" (yes, my own "fault"), & as such, my knees do bother me, and distances are difficult, so I don't do stairs -- it hurts too much & I will take the elevator. I will also be with my DD (epilepsy, Cerebral Palsy, Post scoliosis surgery) who is in a wheelchair, so someone has to be with her anyway.

My DD can walk, & in fact is fine at home, in familiar surroundings, & can climb stairs --BUT, it takes her a while, and she cannot walk alone, because she can be knocked over fairly easily -- she doesn't weigh much, & her balance is poor, plus she had scoliosis surgery several years ago, soif she falls, she will go straight down -- her back does not bend.

She will get up & move to a chair in the MDR or Windjammer, she can take a shower standing up (although on the ship, for safety purposes, we use a shower stool), she can even climb stairs if she has someone to hold onto -- but the wheelchair makes it much easier.

The point is, while someone may be able to do certain things, it may not be easy for them, and as long as they're polite about it, it shouldn't matter if they're using a wheelchair/scooter or not

Hi everyone,

 

I haven't been on a Cruise since 2005, so my information may be out of date when it comes what goes on on ships today.

 

My wife is Mobility Impaired and walks with a cane 99.99% of the time. When we first got together 18 years ago, her disabilities were more hidden. My point is someone may be disabled and not look like it. I know most of you know this but don't assume that just because someone doesn't look they need the elevator they may.

 

Walter

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I also am a big guy but was very active until I broke both legs and developed a growth on my spine that creates severe pain when I walk. Yes, I can stand and walk short distances, but my electric wheelchair gives me the mobility to go out to events, to cruise, to do many activities that seem normal to most people but are impossible for some of us. I can sit at home, or I can get out of the house with my wheelchair. You can look at me and think the reason I'm using a wheelchair is because I'm fat but you would not be knowing the truth.

Same here, i am a "curvy" gal using a scooter and people probably assume i'm using it because i'm fat and lazy. I was so afraid of what people would think when i started using one (almost wrapped an ace bandage around my knee for a kind of "proof"), but hey, now i realize it's THEIR problem, not mine!

You would think in this day and age, especially with all the talk about wheelchair and scooter using, that people would realize that not all disabilities are evident.

I use a mobility scooter everywhere I go but I do not need to be 1st on the elevator after all I am sitting down and I am comfortable so I can wait> Especially after a long day ashore people are tired and need to get in and sit down me I am already sitting After awhile it is my turn people have never been anything but polite. Kindness can go a whole long way in this world and we need to all show more of it to each other. And since I am old and don't have a lot of friends around me I find it is a good opportunity to talk to others even kids. Yup kids can be interesting too.

Cross off the 'old' bit and my wife would 100% agree with you.

I was talking with a disabled passenger who uses a wheelchair. He is of the opinion that a huge percentage of people who are in a wheelchair are in one simply because they are obese. They can’t walk up or down stairs because of their weight. I personally have seen “disabled “ women get out of the wheelchair and walk through the casino cause the chair wouldn’t fit through the aisles.

 

Has anyone experienced anything like this?

Believe it or not, many people in a wheelchair can actually walk.

I know that is a difficult thing for many to believe.

Here’s my story.

I have more spine problems than I can count. Including spurs, fractures, DDD, scoliosis and arthritis, to name just some. Then I’ve got knee and foot problems.

Yep I can walk, in fact I’d rather walk for 10 minutes than stand still for the same time.

At times I use a wheelchair (got a great power one) or a walking frame, or walking sticks, sometimes I can get by with nothing, and funny enough I use the minimum I can get away with at any time.

Nothing, and I do mean no5hing gets on my nerves more than someone saying “Oh but yesterday you needed a wheelchair now your using nothing”.

And I always use a wheelchair to board, for two reasons

1. There’s a lot of standing in line

2. How else do I get it on the ship.

I also use the accessible toilet whenever I can, just having the hand rail to stand up again makes a massive difference.

Believe it or not, many people in a wheelchair can actually walk.

 

I know that is a difficult thing for many to believe.

I remember my own surprise when I first saw someone get out of their wheelchair and walk a few steps :o In my defence, I was only a kid and quickly learned better.

I now have back problems that make standing and sitting very difficult. Walking is a little better but only for very short distances.

So, I use a wheelchair on the ship, otherwise I would be exhausted after the first day and likely have to spend the rest of the cruise in bed.

Every 15 minutes or so I have to get out of the chair and walk for a while (with sticks), then back into the chair.

I am sure some people look askance at this, but that is their problem, not mine!

Believe it or not, many people in a wheelchair can actually walk.

 

I know that is a difficult thing for many to believe.

I am not sure if this is meant to be snarky or not?

My wife has good days and bad days. On a good day you might not even notice that she has a problem; on a bad day, she can hardly get out of bed. And all levels in between.

Just because her problem is not visible and there all the time, it does not mean that she is somehow 'faking' it.

The only way to take a wheelchair with you in case it's needed is to ride in it.

I am on the fence with this one...I too have a family member who is in a wheelchair and have addressed may of the stated issues. I now have bad "everything" and find it easier to use the elevator, rather than push myself to the limit on the stairs. Yes, I agree, EVERYONE has the, what's the right word here, I hate to use the word "right" to use any elevator, but, sometimes those scooters are so large, they take up so much space on the elevator, that there is not much room for anyone else, less another mobility device, which does back up people trying to use it. My biggest pet peeve was last time we were at Disney. The loooooong lines waiting for the bus' when the had a separate line for scooters, wheelchairs etc. The bus pulls up, opens the back doors with the ramp and gets as many devices on as they could, THEN open the front doors for able bodied, now the line for everyone else has gotten so long it was ridiculous. When I was able to board a bus, I counted and the devices took up at least 12 spaces...that's per bus that could have been used to get the lines shorter. In that specific case, they should have bus' just for mobility devices.

I am on the fence with this one...I too have a family member who is in a wheelchair and have addressed may of the stated issues. I now have bad "everything" and find it easier to use the elevator, rather than push myself to the limit on the stairs. Yes, I agree, EVERYONE has the, what's the right word here, I hate to use the word "right" to use any elevator, but, sometimes those scooters are so large, they take up so much space on the elevator, that there is not much room for anyone else, less another mobility device, which does back up people trying to use it. My biggest pet peeve was last time we were at Disney. The loooooong lines waiting for the bus' when the had a separate line for scooters, wheelchairs etc. The bus pulls up, opens the back doors with the ramp and gets as many devices on as they could, THEN open the front doors for able bodied, now the line for everyone else has gotten so long it was ridiculous. When I was able to board a bus, I counted and the devices took up at least 12 spaces...that's per bus that could have been used to get the lines shorter. In that specific case, they should have bus' just for mobility devices.

All I can say to you is that every one of those people with scooters would be happy to be able to stand in a long line to board and not have to use a scooter.

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I am not sure if this is meant to be snarky or not?

 

My wife has good days and bad days. On a good day you might not even notice that she has a problem; on a bad day, she can hardly get out of bed. And all levels in between.

 

Just because her problem is not visible and there all the time, it does not mean that she is somehow 'faking' it.

 

The only way to take a wheelchair with you in case it's needed is to ride in it.

It was meant to be an honest opinion, I’m in exactly the same situation as your wife and totally agree with you

All I can say to you is that every one of those people with scooters would be happy to be able to stand in a long line to board and not have to use a scooter.

 

 

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It would be nice if there was a happy medium

You miss the point. You are lamenting that you are completely able bodied and had to wait? You really do not get it

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I have not read all posts on this thread but do agree that dedicated disabled lifts are not really the best way forward, I also agree that some scooter users need to think again about taking up all the centre space in the lift, thus denying other wheelchair users any chance of access. I find the majority of AB passengers to be sympathetic and helpful to disabled lift users, and only a minority are intolerant and unhelpful.

Busy times are when queuing for lifts seem to bring out the worst in all of us, but on our first RCI cruise last year I did feel that they helped wheelchair users considerably after muster drill by dismissing them first and holding back AB users until we had a chance to get the lifts first.

Now if someone could find some way to ease lift congestion after theatre and entertainment lounge shows finish, that would go a long way to resolving most of our concerns.

I am a disabled 80 year old senior and since my stroke I'm now wheelchair dependent but...... I am also very considerate of my fellow disabled and able bodied passengers which makes for pleasant and memorable cruises for all.

Now if someone could find some way to ease lift congestion after theatre and entertainment lounge shows finish, that would go a long way to resolving most of our concerns.

Either wait it out at the elevators close to the theater or scooter to a bank of elevators further away from the theater.

Having a husband who uses a scooter has attributed to my drinking more than I should. We go to meals early and stop at a bar for a pre meal drink and after a show we go get a drink so the crowd gets where they want to go before we head for the elevators.

Seriously, we like to stay on deck 6 (if there is a handicap balcony cabin) because we have found that elevators going up are fairly empty. Going down from upper decks, we use humor to gain our turn on an elevator. We have several plastic toes and hubby puts them into the basket and says "Look out, I collect toes" as he points to his basket. Many times we have been met with smiles and "It's the toe guy".

We'll get on no matter what direction its going if it's empty or there's room. Eventually we'll get to where we want to go :)

I am on the fence with this one...I too have a family member who is in a wheelchair and have addressed may of the stated issues. I now have bad "everything" and find it easier to use the elevator, rather than push myself to the limit on the stairs. Yes, I agree, EVERYONE has the, what's the right word here, I hate to use the word "right" to use any elevator, but, sometimes those scooters are so large, they take up so much space on the elevator, that there is not much room for anyone else, less another mobility device, which does back up people trying to use it. My biggest pet peeve was last time we were at Disney. The loooooong lines waiting for the bus' when the had a separate line for scooters, wheelchairs etc. The bus pulls up, opens the back doors with the ramp and gets as many devices on as they could, THEN open the front doors for able bodied, now the line for everyone else has gotten so long it was ridiculous. When I was able to board a bus, I counted and the devices took up at least 12 spaces...that's per bus that could have been used to get the lines shorter. In that specific case, they should have bus' just for mobility devices.

A few points for you

#1 It would be completely impossible to load a mobility device on a full bus.

#2 Did you notice that those people may have been first on, but they were last off?

#3 Did you also notice that each bus takes at most two devices on at a time? Some can only accommodate one. So, if a single mom is behind a married couple both on ECV's, she and her children have to wait for the next bus no matter how long they have been waiting. And if that next bus arrives and has the max of mobility devices as can happen with shared resort buses, they wait again.

#4 How could they possibly have a mobility device only bus? For every stop and every resort? Don't you think people would get more irritated at a bus that drove up, took on one wheelchair and then drove away? And where does the rest of their party ride?

#5 As has been mentioned, I will guarantee you that every single one of those people using a mobility device would love it if they had the ability to walk around Disney on their own.

Perplexed by your statement highlighted above as ADA does not apply to the manner is which people with disabilities are to board elevators. .

Common sense and proper etiquette should dictate that abled bodied people not rush the elevators and take the stairs. It's similar to a gentleman offering a seat to a lady.

Semper fi,

Jim