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Disabled guests sue Disney on Segway ban
A while back, Disney World made the decision to ban Segways from the park because "they can go faster than 12 mph" which is a danger to other guests. And now three disabled people are, of course, suing the company."The suit filed Friday says they're among an estimated 4,000 to 7,000 similarly disabled people who have turned to Segways as mobility tools," according to an article by the AP.
Okay, I can understand that it might be an inconvenience to not be able to use a Segway when you're used to riding one, but Disney World is a private company who has made a decision that's in the best interests of the majority. It's not like they're banning wheelchairs. There is a solution, however. If the problem with Segways is the speed, why not have an arsenal of speed-governed Segways that can be loaned out to guests. You could even paint them to look like Goofy or something.
Gallery: Disneyworld
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Filed under: Transportation
Reader Comments (Page 10 of 10)
D. Goldman Nov 17th 2007 1:25AM
The best point made here is that Disney is a private business. I would hope that this type of stupid suit would be brought before a jury as I'm sure that they would see the stupidity of the suit. Since the Disney empire is going to modify the "Small World" boats and waterway, because of the fat assed people who are weighing the boats down to a virtual standstill, I'm sure some blimp will file a suit because they're embarrassed at the slow down. When one has an handicap they should not create handicaps for others.
Brittany Nov 17th 2007 2:04AM
Once again, selfish ass people who are mad at the world because of their disabilities.. They need to chill the fxck out. Roll your ass on thru just like everybody else before they had these motorized wheelchairs. Why are you guys complaining when you get to cut everybody on the rides because they let the handicapped people go first. Shut the fxck up or stay your ass at home!
Steven Ungles Nov 19th 2007 4:25PM
Just another frivolous lawsuit to clog up the judicial system. As has been pointed out, there are other methods of transportation available to these people, they are just looking to make some big bucks because they know Disney has it. What B.S.!
Mark Myers Nov 19th 2007 6:08PM
I think that the seqway should be banned everywhere. There are a couple of idiots in my neighborhood that have them, and I have almost hit them when they run red lights at the corners, have almost been hit by them when they ride on the sidewalk and come around a blind corner in front of my house. They are cool looking, but dangerous in the hands of totally brainless people.
Thumper Mar 3rd 2008 10:06AM
I am shaking my head st this law suit. If you do not like the rules then go to another park. You can not use a Sed way at the Zoo's either. You going to sue then too? Another reason our tickets will go sky high. My goodness the only reason for the suit is to get more money DOWN WITH THIS SUIT
BobNJ Jan 14th 2008 2:10PM
Being disabled I have to concur with Disney regarding the Segway’s. First of all how do these disabled people keep their balance while on the vehicle and second they do provide rental motorized scooters. Prior to being disabled I had actually tried a prototype Segway and you have to have a fine sense of balance to operate the unit, that being said how disabled are these people that they can stand on it let alone drive it. It appears to me that if they are forced to have Segway’s on the property then the kids should be able to have skateboards and bikes as that is their primary form of transportation at home.
With the number of people at Disney on one day, the Segway’s will put a great part of the population at risk of being injured by the Segway users. If they are forced to allow the Segway’s on the property I think they should also require each and every person that use's one at Disney sign a Hold Harmless Waiver and if any accidents occur that the Segway driver is held totally responsible for all injuries and any subsequent lawsuits, including reimbursing Disney for any legal fees if they should be included in the lawsuit due to the Segway user’s negligence.
PeepCrazy Jan 14th 2008 2:12PM
Being disabled I have to concur with Disney regarding the Segway’s. First of all how do these disabled people keep their balance while on the vehicle and second they do provide rental motorized scooters. Prior to being disabled I had actually tried a prototype Segway and you have to have a fine sense of balance to operate the unit, that being said how disabled are these people that they can stand on it let alone drive it. It appears to me that if they are forced to have Segway’s on the property then the kids should be able to have skateboards and bikes as that is their primary form of transportation at home.
With the number of people at Disney on one day, the Segway’s will put a great part of the population at risk of being injured by the Segway users. If they are forced to allow the Segway’s on the property I think they should also require each and every person that use's one at Disney sign a Hold Harmless Waiver and if any accidents occur that the Segway driver is held totally responsible for all injuries and any subsequent lawsuits, including reimbursing Disney for any legal fees if they should be included in the lawsuit due to the Segway user’s negligence.
lola Jan 14th 2008 9:02PM
i'd would like to present a couple of views on this. as a disabled person, i have no problem with them banning the segway if it is a danger to others. for the length of time i can walk, i wouldn't want to be in the beeline of someone going that fast. to the person who doesn't know what disability would allow someone to use one, multiple sclerosis is one. some of us can't walk for long distances. segway makes one with a built in seat for people like us, so we can sit when we have to. i was at busch gardens and had to pay an extra $35 for a scooter. you didn't get it back when you returned it. so add that on top of the admission price. maybe these people bring their own because of the cost. the parks could make the fee more reasonable for their own rentals.
Mary Jan 14th 2008 11:04PM
We where just at Disney and I agree no segways. They should also get after some of the ones with electric scooters. We saw many people using them who really did not need them. We saw them get up out of their chairs and walk fine. Especially the young ones. No one in there 20's and 30's we saw really needed a wheel chair. Some people are just abusing using them so they can get on the rides before others. Also, some of the older ones with wheelchairs where flying through the park. They also would stop in the shade and smoke where they damn well felt like. They did not go to the smoking sections.
Also when the bus came, yes the handicapp should go on first and only one member of the family. The rest should wait on line like the rest of us poor slobs.
They should take a good look at their handicapp rules. People should have a real good doctor's letter with them before they are allowed in. Some of them could also use the exercise and then their legs would work.
dona Jan 15th 2008 1:15AM
People never cease to amaze me. I am disabled with degenerative joint disease and walking is a major triumph on paved surfaces...but the lenghths that some people will go to get on their high horse for a point that isn't worth making is in fact disgusting. I couldn't ride one of those contraptions across the room let alone stand on it all day and weave it through crowds of running children. But I suppose those who could think that they are entitled to whatever suits them. Do you think the park would let me ride my therapy horse there because it makes me happy or comfortable? No, and I'm not stupid enough to presume that they should!
Manny Jan 15th 2008 9:58PM
Someone asked about Segway tours in Epcot and Yes they do have tours of the world showcase in the mornings before they open the world showcase to the public on Segway's that are speed limited to 6 MPH. (so yes they can be speed limited very easily) I did the tour this past November 2007 and it was great going around the World Showcase before everyone else was allowed in. We had to go through parts of the park that the public was already in from the Hall of Innovations to the World Showcase and Back, but it was pretty early in the day so it wasn't that crowded yet. I can see Disney's point if you tried to go through a crowd on one it would be pretty tough and let's face it Disney World can get crowded. In fact having done the tour I wouldn't want the responsibility of trying to maneuver a Segway in a crowd for fear of running someone over. Keep in mind that even at 6 MPH you are going faster than most people can run. You can stop a Segway pretty quick, sort of like putting it in reverse for a split second and you can turn the on a dime, but in any case you are moving a machine that weighs more than you (that in part is how they are able to stay balance with you on it) so any mistake bumping into someone or running someone over would not be good. Nevertheless I had a great time on the tour and would recommend it. I have no opinion on whether or not a handicap person would need a Segway vs a motorized wheelchair but given the danger of trying to use a Segway in a crowd I would opt for a motorized wheelchair. When you stop in a wheelchair it doesn't move. When you stop on a Segway unless you are able to stand perfectly still it moves a little so most people, myself included, end up moving back and forth just a little bit when we are at a standstill so it is easy to see why you might run into some in a crowd on a Segway.
FYI you can try out a Segway for free at the Hall of Innovations at Epcot. Or sign up for one of the Segway tours around the World at Epcot, there is a fee but I don't know what it is, it was included in the package I had while staying at Disney's Polynesian Resort.
DMF Jan 16th 2008 1:42AM
Disney could separate foot traffic and the visitors using mechanical locomotion and settle a great problem very simply: "Foot traffic to the left of the yellow line, wheelchairs, strollers, segways, etc. to the right. Use caution when exiting the traffic lanes to enter rides."
I recommend this as a possible solution. My wife has had two knee surgeries and five spinal fractures resulting in continual spine problem (2005) after being knocked to the pavement by a thoughtless patron pushing a stroller. (Thoughtless = no pardon me, no sorry, no are you Ok) Needless to say my wife's enjoyment to the happiest place on earth was over. She and I and our family express our gratitude to passers-by for their kindness, helping getting her uprighted. Sue....who? Disney didn't do it, we were there of our own choosing.
Willing to accept Disney's policy of conditional use agreement. I'm only suggesting that a bucket of yellow paint and a paint brush, a few long yellow stripes to separate patrons that walk and run, from the less fortunate confined to needing help, would be a convenience all could live with, hopefully for the better.
Donna Jan 17th 2008 5:49PM
My recent trip to Disneyworld's ABC Supersoap Weekend was marred by the overabundance of people with no visible disability other than gross obesity renting wheelchairs, making it hard for people walking to even make it through the park without being literally run over.
There was a 5-page waiting list for wheelchairs because they were being taken up by extremely-plus-sized women who were too 'disabled' to walk the Park, but could jump up and down and squeal and run to their favorite soap star.
It was kind of disgusting.
I complained to management. Disney's reply: if someone asks for a wheelchair they have to provide it, no questions asked. That's the law.
'First come first served,' so I saw truly crippled people go without.