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Comments (4)
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Save/ShareAccording to the Orlando Sentinel, a federal judge has dismissed a potential class-action lawsuit against Walt Disney World that would have allowed disabled guests to use their own Segways at the theme parks. We first posted about the lawsuit back in November.
Disney's contention has been that the theme parks offer alternative methods of transportation for the disabled and that Segways are a danger to the safety of its visitors if they're not operated properly. Currently, only trained employees are allowed to use the device in the parks or guests on specialized tours when the parks are closed (pictured to the right).
It's important to note that U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell dismissed the case because the plaintiffs had shown no intention to actually visit the resort in the future—not necessarily because he agrees that Disney should not allow Segways.
Did he make the right call? It's tough to say. On my many trips, I've been banged around not just by wheelchairs and motorized scooters, but strollers and scampering children, too! During busy periods, navigating a theme park can be an arduous task at best. But from what I've read, Segways are faster and more difficult to control than the above items (expect maybe the children), which can make them a risky proposition.
So you tell us. Where does Disney's obligation to the safety of all of its guests end—and the rights of its disabled guests begin?
Image: Epcot guests take a spin on a Segway during morning hours before the area opens (Disney)
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I've always thought Disney does a pretty good job of assisting guests with disabilities. I guess what I would want to know is why a Segway and not just a wheel chair or motorized scooter? It just seems not only excessive but dangerous. One of my family's favorite vacation stories is already when my dad was run over by a motorized scooter in Epcot. I'll respect the rights of the disabled, but not if it impedes on my right to have a safe and enjoyable day at parks when there are other options available.
Posted By Kathleen Burnett on February 23, 2008, 6:18 AM
Disney visitors may need to worry more about Pluto than about granny on her Segway: http://youtube.com/watch?v=uvlzkdxad-A
Posted By Lee on February 24, 2008, 10:21 PM
You ask "why a Segway and not just a wheel chair or motorized scooter?"
A number of reasons for the disabled.
One is height. On a Segway I am upright at normal human height rather than being down with my face at crotch level, unable to see beyond the crowd around me.
Another is the ease of transporting a Segway as opposed to a 600 pound motorized wheelchair.
Another very LARGE reason is cost. At roughly $5000 for a Segway, it is on a par with many scooters, and much less expensive than a decent motorized wheelchair (up to $30,000) - and I just don't have the freedom on my limited fixed income to buy more than one mobility aid.
And finally, a Segway is actually better for my skeletal health, with weight-bearing on my legs as opposed to sitting, along with the much better spinal posture.
So, unless someone wants to develop an inexpensive powered wheelchair that places my face at the same height as a standing human, is as light and easy to transport from place to place as a Segway, and takes no more than the minimal 20X23 inch space of an in-use Segway, I'm afraid my choice must remain the Segway (especially since I can only walk about 200 feet at a time, tire rapidly from that, and find it painful...).
A Segway HT is a viable choice for some folks with limited mobility.
Posted By Tomas on July 17, 2008, 1:31 AM
Thanks for sharing that Tomas. I've started to see Segways in mainstream life more and more, but the first place I saw it was at Epcot. They've now created a seat that can be fitted to the machine for one who must sit some of the time. As someone with MS, I do occasionally think about the very bad place I end up when I have to us a chair or scooter.
I don't know if I would feel comfortable renting them out on a daily basis simply due to the lack of experience on the device, but if someone who is proficient with is wants to bring it, Disney has always been about inclusivity - I think that if folks like you share their story with them, they will someday allow this mode of accommodation.
Posted By Mary on November 26, 2008, 1:57 AM