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DizneyMommy
04-27-2007, 08:23 AM
Ok, so I have to vent, has anyone run into this ridiculous issue before and can shed some light on it for me?
Monday I was at the park until closing, alone with my 2 year old as usual. We headed back to the parking structure (walking) and as we approached the elevator I noticed a group get in, the doors close and then a couple of minutes later the doors both opened and the fire lights were all flashing. Assuming someone's kids pushed a button, I alerted the cast member at the back of a tram that was unloading at the first stop, and he called it in. After about 10 minutes, a bunch of Disney maintenance types walked up and were checking it out. One said that smoke was detected and it had gone into emgergency mode, and now could not be cleared until the fire department arrived to clear it. I can understand that, although there was no smoke anywhere, not even a hint of a scent of smoke, but they have to be cautious, ok. So the one who looked be to senior to everyone else then told all of us moms waiting that we would have to take the escalator as it would be quite a while. I was not the only one there alone with a stroller and child, and I told him that it would very unsafe, if even possible, for me to carry my child in one arm and stroller in the other, not to mention a blanket and diaper bag, and have no hands left to hold on to the rail, going up 4 stories to Goofy. He said that was the only option unless I wanted to take the stairs. Yeah right. I then asked him if the service elevator at the back of the garage was still working and if it was operational. He said that it was very dangerous to take that elevator because I would have to walk through traffic in the garage. DUH - how does he think I was going to get to my car in the first place? I happen to know exactly where the elevator is and I also happen to know that at closing time, especially on a Monday, the only traffic I would have to cross would be the rare person who went the wrong way to the exit, and was parked on the first floor, all the other floors have their own ramp out which bypasses where the elevator sits. I told him that it would be far more dangerous for me to attempt an escalator ride with everything I had to carry and he said again that was what I would have to do, kinda shrugged his shoulders like, Not my problem. One of the other mothers waiting was also alone, with TWO kids in a stroller the size of an SUV, and he actually suggested she try to take it up the stairs, knowing the other elevator was perfectly useable. So I asked him if he was going to stop me (politely of course) from using the other elevator. He said there was nothing he could do to stop me and I was on my own if I wanted to take the risk. So off I went, along with one other mom, and a small army of other mothers slowly followed me, I guess to see if no one arrested me then they would follow suit. I crossed 2 rows of parking lot, one of which had not been used that night at all, and only encountered ONE car actually crossing our path. There were a handful of dads and other people driving down to the exit from other floors and flipping a very dangerours u-turn to get back inside and pick up their families on the first floor (I saw one guy run over cones, hee hee).

So I have to ask, why on earth would this employee, who appeared to be in charge as he was dressed quite a bit nicer than the worker bees, tell me to attempt a 4 flight trek up the escalator with everything I would have had to carry, clearly violating all of the rules posted right on the escalator itself? Had I not known about the other elevator, I would have had to haul up 4 flights of stairs with everything, and my 2 year old has developmental delays due to health issues so, no, she could not walk up the stairs herself, I would have had to carry her. Am I the only one that thinks it is ridiculous we were told not to use the other elevator and that he was not even going to tell us about it? I mean, from a liability standpoint, if I walk through the garage to get to my car and a car hits me, it's the driver's fault. If I go up an escalator dangerously by instruction of a cast member and fall, or worse drop my child, it is soooo Disneyland's fault.

kiowa
04-27-2007, 09:00 AM
No offence but they are just doing their job.

bloodnswash
04-27-2007, 09:15 AM
If you haven't already, maybe you might want to contact Disney about this.

Klutch
04-27-2007, 09:55 AM
This kinda thing happens. I'm not sure what you would have expected Disney to do. The elevator wasn't safe until it was checked out. I can certainly understand how difficult it is to navigate stairs and escalators when loaded down with the proverbial Mobil Baby Support Pack, but we can't expect the world to maintain every convenience all the time.

The guy who cautioned you about walking through the parking lot was likely doing just that: trying to caution you.

Malcon10t
04-27-2007, 10:36 AM
A service elevator is just that, a service elevator, and not supposed to be used for customers (or in Disney terms, guests) for specific reasons. Codes are different between the two. Things like you describe happen. Its hard when we are used to doing things a certain way, and that option is no longer available to us. I'm sorry you felt they were out of line, but reality was, they weren't.

carolyn
04-27-2007, 12:13 PM
What happened to you was unfortunate and I'm sorry it happened. But as a mom who frequently (1-3 times a week) took my little one to DL alone in a stroller, I'd like to suggest some other options.

I always hated having to wait for the elevator and the front or back sections of the tram, so I decided to take the power back. I bought a backpack that was small enough to manage, but still fit the essentials (and I only brought the essentials). I bought an "urban" stroller, which was smaller, lightweight, folded flat, and that I could carry on one shoulder while carrying my ds on the other hip. The stroller also had a storage compartment and was very comfortable for my ds.

With this setup I could sit anywhere in the tram and could use the escalator.

chrisaustx
04-27-2007, 12:33 PM
I agree that the escillators at the Mickey and Friends garage are dangerous, they do have sensors which look for wheels, feet or other objects in critical areas, this is why they get stopped so often. One of the things I disdain about Disneyland guests with children is the use of the double child ruining strollers and the strollers that look like a wagon or a motorcycle side car, those should not be allowed into the park. At any time in the City of Anaheim, the power may go out for various reasons. If god forbid, a power line fails on Ball Rd. and the escillators and elevators stop working at Disneyland, what would people do? My advice is always be prepared, don't bring the large strollers or 40 pounds of stuff with you into the park that you can't carry up the stairs. You never know when the power may go out and when you must climb 3 or 4 floors in a darkened building. I live in Anaheim down Ball Rd. from Disneyland, on occasion the power will mysteriously go out for 20 to 30 min. for no apparent reason. I am sure Mickey and Friends has had similar power problems because it feeds off the lines on Ball Rd. So always be prepared to take the stairs, we can't always count on technology being there 100% of the time.

DizneyMommy
04-27-2007, 04:54 PM
I'm sorry, I guess I gave the wrong impression from my OP. I realize the cast members were only doing their job, and I can appreciate that they have our safety in mind. It is the policy that makes me scratch my head, and the fact that those who make the rules think that taking the escalator with a stroller is safer than using the service elevator. Although I obviously have the responsibility to use my own good sense here, he was pushing for me to use the escalator, not the stairs which would have been safer however painful the trip.

I totally get that he was just doing and saying what he was supposed to, I have always felt that Disney takes safety very seriously and I appreciate that. The "policy" just seemed backwards here. And yes, I have written a letter, whether or not anyone reads it or bothers to pay attention to it I guess I'll never know.

bloodnswash
04-27-2007, 05:45 PM
I think you will hear back from Disney. Unfortunately, it will probably be a form letter.

Tinkermommy
04-27-2007, 08:00 PM
I'm long past the stroller years and curse those who run into the backs of my legs with them, but even I think there needs to be a better system for strollers in the M&F structure. Every time I pass that looong line of families waiting for the elevator, I feel for them!

I go out of my way to avoid being behind someone carting a stroller on the escalators. Frankly, it surprises me they even allow strollers on, let alone encourage them! It scares the heck out of me to think of someone losing their grip on their stroller or their balance and starting a domino effect.

I've always wondered why there isn't better stroller access to the structure, given the stroller-intensity of the Disneyland crowd.

Rapunzelthorn
04-27-2007, 08:28 PM
I would have expected him to get a CM to help you, even if you had to wait a little bit for someone to be available. I'd consider that good service! Yes, they would be going above and beyond, but I think that it would have been appropriate. Possibly someone in security to escort and help you. If he was so worried about your safety, he should have called someone in security to help you out. They do this all of the time on University campuses (escort people to their cars late at night); why couldn't they do it in this situation? I think that they could have been a little more sensitive and accomodating. I'd hate to be stuck in that situation. :(

The old man
04-27-2007, 10:46 PM
...the double child ruining strollers...

What in the world is a "double child ruining stroller"?

Malcon10t
04-27-2007, 10:53 PM
I would have expected him to get a CM to help you, even if you had to wait a little bit for someone to be available. I'd consider that good service! Yes, they would be going above and beyond, but I think that it would have been appropriate. Possibly someone in security to escort and help you. If he was so worried about your safety, he should have called someone in security to help you out. They do this all of the time on University campuses (escort people to their cars late at night); why couldn't they do it in this situation? I think that they could have been a little more sensitive and accomodating. I'd hate to be stuck in that situation. :(Not feasible. Way too many people leaving. Electrical things stop working all the time. This is why disabled are not put on the upper floors. They couldn't take the stairs. But I am glad it worked out for the OP.

chrisaustx
04-28-2007, 12:32 AM
What in the world is a "double child ruining stroller"?

I was at Disneyland and saw one tonight, it was perfect for severing someones Achilles tendon.
If someone hit my foot with one of these, I would not be happy:
http://common.csnstores.com/common/products/IJ/IJ1121_l.jpg
I did get run over by one of these "motor cycle side car" models back in 2005 at Disneyland, it knocked me down and I had to go to first aid
http://common.csnstores.com/common/products/MBY/MBY1375_l.jpg

The other stroller model I think should never enter Disneyland is the camping tent stroller, if this hit you, you might have call the paramedics:
http://common.csnstores.com/common/products/OO/OO1039_m.jpg

bloodnswash
04-28-2007, 05:44 AM
I was at Disneyland and saw one tonight, it was perfect for severing someones Achilles tendon.
If someone hit my foot with one of these, I would not be happy:
http://common.csnstores.com/common/products/IJ/IJ1121_l.jpg
I did get run over by one of these "motor cycle side car" models back in 2005 at Disneyland, it knocked me down and I had to go to first aid
http://common.csnstores.com/common/products/MBY/MBY1375_l.jpg

The other stroller model I think should never enter Disneyland is the camping tent stroller, if this hit you, you might have call the paramedics:
http://common.csnstores.com/common/products/OO/OO1039_m.jpg

I have been hit soooo many times by strollers. My foot has been run over; I've been hit on the back of my foot. You name the size of the stroller and I've been hit by it.

Jodi
04-28-2007, 08:31 AM
A bit OT but I had my little one in a small umbrella type stroller a while back, and a (obviously childless) couple came over to me and said "Thank you for using such a small stroller. We've been run over a hundred times today by huge tank strollers, and it is nice to see someone who is not taking up more than their fair share of space."

I responded politely, but did not have the heart to tell them that I am usually guilty of pushing a motor-home sized model, but that day had just been a quick trip, so I downsized.:D

The old man
04-28-2007, 09:30 AM
I was at Disneyland and saw one tonight, it was perfect for severing someones Achilles tendon.
If someone hit my foot with one of these, I would not be happy:
http://common.csnstores.com/common/products/IJ/IJ1121_l.jpg
I did get run over by one of these "motor cycle side car" models back in 2005 at Disneyland, it knocked me down and I had to go to first aid
http://common.csnstores.com/common/products/MBY/MBY1375_l.jpg

The other stroller model I think should never enter Disneyland is the camping tent stroller, if this hit you, you might have call the paramedics:
http://common.csnstores.com/common/products/OO/OO1039_m.jpg

Oh, it was a mistype for "running". I thought it was a type of stroller that when used ruined the children. :confused:

bloodnswash
04-28-2007, 09:38 AM
A bit OT but I had my little one in a small umbrella type stroller a while back, and a (obviously childless) couple came over to me and said "Thank you for using such a small stroller. We've been run over a hundred times today by huge tank strollers, and it is nice to see someone who is not taking up more than their fair share of space."

I responded politely, but did not have the heart to tell them that I am usually guilty of pushing a motor-home sized model, but that day had just been a quick trip, so I downsized.:D

I LOVED the umbrella stroller when my son was a baby. I had a huge one that I only used for a week. Couldn't stand it so that is when I purchased the umbrella type.....used the heck out of it.

disneyroxxx
04-28-2007, 10:56 AM
I was at Disneyland and saw one tonight, it was perfect for severing someones Achilles tendon.
If someone hit my foot with one of these, I would not be happy:
http://common.csnstores.com/common/products/IJ/IJ1121_l.jpg
I did get run over by one of these "motor cycle side car" models back in 2005 at Disneyland, it knocked me down and I had to go to first aid
http://common.csnstores.com/common/products/MBY/MBY1375_l.jpg

The other stroller model I think should never enter Disneyland is the camping tent stroller, if this hit you, you might have call the paramedics:
http://common.csnstores.com/common/products/OO/OO1039_m.jpg


we have one of those strollers! But of course we would NEVER take it into Disneyland, we just take two small strollers that don't cause too much harm.

Shootingstaar
04-28-2007, 11:30 AM
This really has nothing to do with disneyland, besides the fact that I have seen them used there, but while we're on the subject of strollers...I hate it when I see people use those double strollers where one child actually goes UNDER the other child.http://www.babybungalow.com/nephandtespf4.html?source=bizrate I'm sure they are safety tested but something just bothers me about the bottom child being so close to the ground.

Rapunzelthorn
04-28-2007, 03:34 PM
I have no objection to people using large strollers for their kids in the park. I do not take mine only because it doesn't fit in our car after we pack it for Disneyland! You want your kids to be as comfortable as possible and it's nice to have the storage space for all of the equipment you need to lug around with you when you have small children! That's just my feeling. If I could bring my luxury model stroller to keep my toddler comfy, I would! :p

Katlovett
04-28-2007, 03:58 PM
I have no objection to people using large strollers for their kids in the park. I do not take mine only because it doesn't fit in our car after we pack it for Disneyland! You want your kids to be as comfortable as possible and it's nice to have the storage space for all of the equipment you need to lug around with you when you have small children! That's just my feeling. If I could bring my luxury model stroller to keep my toddler comfy, I would! :p

Ditto. I have a gigantic Peg Perego Duette double stroller which I love (and it fits in my car because I have a stationwagon.) If there is an earthquake and the power goes out, far from being in trouble due to stairs I am probably OK for at least 24 hours with the amount of diapers, snacks, drinks, extra clothes, blankets etc. we haul around in its cargo area, not to mention that both children can lie down and the shades make a full 180 degree arc for shelter.

I don't run into people with it, though. I am the big, slow, elephant matriarch type, and practically everyone moves faster than I do especially when I am pushing a humongous double stroller. I suppose now I'll hear from all the people who are annoyed at getting trapped in crowds behind slow moving strollers.

Katprint

screamin4ever
04-29-2007, 08:14 AM
The parking garage elevators are a disaster and always have been. They are too small to begin with and they should not be used by everyone as is often the case. My children are now out of the stroller age and I feel sorry for anyone I see at those elevators.

And unless you have children in strollers or have in the past, you have no idea what you are talking about with the stroller issue. I keep reading about poor hapless people being run over by SUV strollers. Give me a break! Clueless walkers perhaps? Or how about this...crowds = people running into each other. Think about how often people, without strollers, run into you. I don't here people complaining about that. What next? Should SUV sized people be banned? Or should we thank a skinny person for not taking up more than his fair share of space?

If you don't like people of all ages and crowds, why do you go to Disneyland? Seems illogical to me.

Malcon10t
04-29-2007, 09:10 AM
The parking garage elevators are a disaster and always have been. They are too small to begin with and they should not be used by everyone as is often the case. My children are now out of the stroller age and I feel sorry for anyone I see at those elevators.

And unless you have children in strollers or have in the past, you have no idea what you are talking about with the stroller issue. I keep reading about poor hapless people being run over by SUV strollers. Give me a break! Clueless walkers perhaps? Or how about this...crowds = people running into each other. Think about how often people, without strollers, run into you. I don't here people complaining about that. What next? Should SUV sized people be banned? Or should we thank a skinny person for not taking up more than his fair share of space?

If you don't like people of all ages and crowds, why do you go to Disneyland? Seems illogical to me.My youngest is 17, so its been a LONG time since I pushed a stroller. In all my visits to Disneyland, I haven't been ran over by a stroller and I am a slow moving target. What I have seen is when we have had to use a wheelchair, people have cut in front of us, I watched a person literally step over a stroller to save a second, I've seen people stop dead in front of an ECV, people just don't pay attention to their surroundings. 95% of these people are the ones without the strollers trying to get somewhere a second faster.

Klutch
04-29-2007, 09:14 AM
My youngest is 17, so its been a LONG time since I pushed a stroller. In all my visits to Disneyland, I haven't been ran over by a stroller and I am a slow moving target. What I have seen is when we have had to use a wheelchair, people have cut in front of us, I watched a person literally step over a stroller to save a second, I've seen people stop dead in front of an ECV, people just don't pay attention to their surroundings. 95% of these people are the ones without the strollers trying to get somewhere a second faster.

My experience has been very similar. My pet peeve is people who go through the turnstyle, then stop directly in front of the exit. Apparently, they are convinced they just used their own, private turnstyle and don't think anyone else would have a need to go through it.