How do you handle people’s comments about ECV?

[Hippomom]

We will be taking ECV on a cruise for my daughter’s wedding and I’m so worried about people being mean.
How do you handle it?
I’ve had people say some mean things like fat shaming and look it’s a miracle when I parked it and walked into a restaurant. I can walk but not far. I am overweight but that’s not why I require mobility devices,
Do I ignore, ask them to stop, share my medical information? I just don’t know how to respond.

Honestly Ive never had anyone say anything to me on a cruise. There aren’t as many scooters on cruises so I don’t think they bother most people. I have heard people say snarky things in the parks only a few times out of years of use, usually it something along the lines of there so many scooters, or you need to be careful even though im no where near them. But I just ignore them or when people say something rude I would say something like that’s weird. Which just confuses them. The biggest thing I get is I need that or I wish I had that. I just smile and say yeah its great isn’t it. Not going to respond to the implication that I don’t need it.

 

[bluecruiser]

I've been ignoring rude comments from strangers for years. Unless they say something directly to me, I just don't hear it. One of the benefits of getting older is not caring so much what other people think, and actively filtering it out.

 

[TCRAIG]

Of course - you can always MOON ‘EM…that oughta shut ‘em up!

 

[keishashadow]

and then zoom away....

Tongue in cheek response there I’m sure; however, turtle speed is generally a good way to ‘roll’ in the park crowds

This will be on the ship though and apparently it’s an issue because the hallways and elevators are narrow.

They are. suggest renting the smallest one possible (3 wheel sort) and practicing…especially backing up/turning around. You will do fine, no worries.

IMO there is absolutely no need to engage with ignorant people who think it’s ok to make that sort of clueless comments, whether it’s directed at an ECV or any other personal detail. Consider the source, relegate it to background noise and focus on enjoying your disney day.

 

[dededuce]

If you knocked over a baby stroller with your ECV, the mildest thing you should be worried about is dirty looks. Please learn to control the 400 pound wrecking ball you're driving in a place full of babies and small children.

 

[snowwite]

Of course - you can always MOON ‘EM…that oughta shut ‘em up!

OMG…imagine?!

 

[snowwite]

If you knocked over a baby stroller with your ECV, the mildest thing you should be worried about is dirty looks. Please learn to control the 400 pound wrecking ball you're driving in a place full of babies and small children.

You appear to be confused. No one mentioned running over a baby stroller.

 

[Genie+]

You appear to be confused. No one mentioned running over a baby stroller.

It was mentioned in comment #4. As far as people and their obnoxious opinions or gestures, it says more about them than anything in the world around them. If that’s where their head is at? Let them deal with their own issues. I know it’s hard not to take it personally, but it really is more about them and how they choose to perceive a situation.

 

[Travel60]

Make sure you are proficient in driving it then ignore comments. You can't fix stupid.

 

[gottalovepluto]

... I’ve read some horror stories about how folks were treated. I’ll be mother of the bride and don’t want some jerk to ruin it.

Ignore them. You have too much at stake to risk them clapping back at any comment you might make with something even meaner that might make you cry. Your daughter doesn’t need that, you don’t need that. Ignore the comment and if you must think something, think how miserable it must be for their family to live with such anger and meanness. If they say things like that out loud to strangers, they do it at home too.

 

[snowwite]

Tongue in cheek response there I’m sure; however, turtle speed is generally a good way to ‘roll’ in the park crowds

They are. suggest renting the smallest one possible (3 wheel sort) and practicing…especially backing up/turning around. You will do fine, no worries.

IMO there is absolutely no need to engage with ignorant people who think it’s ok to make that sort of clueless comments, whether it’s directed at an ECV or any other personal detail. Consider the source, relegate it to background noise and focus on enjoying your disney day.

I couldn’t get the small one because I’m Pooh sized. But I did confirm with the ship folks and scooter co that it will be left inside the room for me on arrival and drop off is the same. It will fit. They are the ones recommended by RCL.

 

[snowwite]

Make sure you are proficient in driving it then ignore comments. You can't fix stupid.

Oh. I hope I get better. I had an accident or two last time boarding bus and boat. Both to do with my cane in a holder behind me. Won’t be doing that again! The cane holder is a metal pipe and it didn’t go so well

 

[snowwite]

If you knocked over a baby stroller with your ECV, the mildest thing you should be worried about is dirty looks. Please learn to control the 400 pound wrecking ball you're driving in a place full of babies and small children.

Thanks for explaining. I thought it was directed at me. I went back and saw it. I hurt my leg last time too. My inclination is to squeeze handle so stop like a bike. Which of course doesn’t stop. So I stuck my foot out and ran myself over plus bent it weirdly.

 

[R&RsMom]

I’ve only needed an ECV at the parks for a couple of years. I may be totally obtuse, but I can honestly say I have not heard any negative remarks about my scooter use. I’ve had people joke with me (in a good way) in the queues with early tight 180-degree turns. In the MK Starbucks, I had a very nice young woman anticipate that I needed help getting out because the doors were closed - she held them open for me.

 

[MPD]

When we were at Disney with my mobility challenged father no one said anything negative to any of us. I'm sure it helps that his leg very clearly is not functional and that he's on the slim side. I think the ugliness comes from people's reactions to invisible disabilities or when the ECV user is of a larger size. Which really sucks. Needs are needs and there's no cause to be nasty to anyone - as long as they are a considerate ECV user! I have been run over by oblivious drivers on many occasions (ECVs and strollers). I've never been rude, but I did ask the woman who broke my toe right before a runDisney half marathon to please be more careful in the future! (I survived the race anyway)

 

[snowwite]

When we were at Disney with my mobility challenged father no one said anything negative to any of us. I'm sure it helps that his leg very clearly is not functional and that he's on the slim side. I think the ugliness comes from people's reactions to invisible disabilities or when the ECV user is of a larger size. Which really sucks. Needs are needs and there's no cause to be nasty to anyone - as long as they are a considerate ECV user! I have been run over by oblivious drivers on many occasions (ECVs and strollers). I've never been rude, but I did ask the woman who broke my toe right before a runDisney half marathon to please be more careful in the future! (I survived the race anyway)

Ouch! That’s awful. I have been run into by strollers when walking. Last time I was alone, in a disabled bathroom, the doors are so heavy so the only way I could maneuver the ECV was to back up into the door and push it open. So I was backing up and a woman was leaning against the door trapping me inside. I thought the door was stuck so I did it really fast and got shouted at when the door flew open. I felt she was the stupid one fr leaning on a door. But I did apologize.

 

[aleria24]

I get what you are saying. Somehow, the combo of being heavier and needing an ECV seems to make people think its ok to make comments an average size scooter user just won't get. I haven't had it happen a lot at Disney, but it does happen. Typically I just give them the death glare and they shut up. If that doesn't work and they continue I have called people out on their rudeness. I will say something like "What a charming attitude. You must be an absolute joy to live with." Typically this embarrasses them enough that they move on.

 

[2010_Bride]

As hard as it is, it’s something that you will need to find a way to cope with unfortunately.
I have an invisible disability and can walk short distances (on a good day). So I’m lucky enough to be able to walk into a restaurant or shop and leave my scooter outside. I’ve gotten some “lazy” type comments and “why does she need a scooter if she can walk”. I do my best to ignore those ignorant comments, but I agree, it can be upsetting.

 

[brentm77]

I couldn’t get the small one because I’m Pooh sized. But I did confirm with the ship folks and scooter co that it will be left inside the room for me on arrival and drop off is the same. It will fit. They are the ones recommended by RCL.

Just a heads-up: I was told it would be in the room by the scooter company when I rented one for my daughter, but on DCL it was handled a little differently. It sounds like you are on RCL, so that might actually happen. Just note that if it is not in the room, don't panic. They had a central location on the ship where they left all the scooters. Just ask your room attendant where, or call guest services if he or she doesn't know.

My college-age daughter had zero problems navigating the ship with it. Just go slow and be smart. If you want one that works better in tight places, the main company that supplies cruise ships has one that looks closer to a wheelchair and can turn on a dime. We liked to rent that one before my daughter had her own chair because it is better for small spaces. It's something to consider. But either way, it will work great.

One thing I remind my daughter is that 99% of the world is focused on themselves and doesn't give her or anyone else more than a passing thought. Mean comments or stares can still hurt, but I say embrace it and show those people that you are living life to the fullest no matter what. We had a lot more acts of kindness than the other when cruising with her and had a fantastic time. Have a great cruise!