WDW -Disability Access Service (DAS) - ARCHIVED THREAD; no longer vslid

[cmwade77]

I have a question that I cannot find an answer to. I have MS and my husband has severe arthritis. Both of us have tried using wheelchairs and EVC's in the past but truth is sitting for long periods makes it harder to walk, not easier. The only accommodations we need are to avoid steps (truly impossible). Mainly this occurs in MK and of course Toy Story. Are we going to be able to receive DAS cards for this purpose?

I was in MK last Friday for the Halloween party and went to Guest Services to get a GAC. The CM told me he was unable to give me a GAC for that purpose. I ended up asking for a supervisor who did indeed issue a GAC to avoid the steps especially for Splash Mountain, our favorite ride, but impossible without using the alternative entrance. The original CM at guest services told me to just tell the CM at the ride we needed to use an alternative entrance. Since I actually tried that on occasion when the line at Guest Services was very long and was told I had to have a GAC I know that even under the old system that is impossible.

I realize that our disabilities are mild compared to others but we visit about 4 times a years and this will definitely curb our visits if we cannot bypass steps. We have a 18 day trip in our RV scheduled for December and I am wondering how to proceed.

Edited to add that I do use a cane but having a walking device is not proof of needing an accommodation.

The cane is all that should be needed under either system to avoid stairs. It is possible soon CMs were not properly trained, but a cane should be treated pretty much the same as a wheelchair. I would imagine that since every attractions CM is receiving such extension training that there will be a more consistent experience.

 

[SueM in MN]

The cane is all that should be needed under either system to avoid stairs. It is possible soon CMs were not properly trained, but a cane should be treated pretty much the same as a wheelchair. I would imagine that since every attractions CM is receiving such extension training that there will be a more consistent experience.

I would agree.
It should be more consistent after the training.

 

[Talking Hands]

I do not have an answer, but I was also wondering, because I was very much hoping that Disney World would keep the kiosks, but also allow people to go to the rides themselves.

I often tour parks solo, in a manual wheelchair, but limited energy. In fact, following the ASL interpreters, never even transferring, for 8 hours in DisneyLAND requires me to take a 90 minute nap in First Aid (in fact, most nurses know my name and when I am showing up by now!) If I want to ride BTMRR, and I am really anywhere else in the park, I am going to be very frustrated if I need to wheel all the way over, up the hill, get a Return Time, go elsewhere (body cannot handle heat/sun, and there is nowhere to hide over there), then wheel BACK over.

All of the things above still are hard if someone is pushing me.

I was hoping that there would be a few kiosks (seriously, 3 or 4 in each park would be more than sufficient, if you can also get them at the attractions themselves).

Hoping to hear from others on this one. As we know, this is ever evolving. So, to the person I quoted in this post, please write to Disney about this (I believe there is an email option at the bottom of the Disney World webpage). I will do so as well.

I think if Disney hears that their decision to go from kiosk to attraction affects more than one disability "group," they will consider it further. Every time I have heard the purpose of the kiosk described, it was the situation you described above. But this decision affects more than just single parents of autistic kids. It can affect many situations - including yours and mine (Animal Kingdom is really big, and having to go to every attraction simply means I will do FOTLK and Everest and that's it).

Speaking of which - has anyone heard what the DAS could mean, if anything, for scheduled shows, like FOTLK which only has 4 or 5 shows a day? Perhaps that they have ya certain number of Return Times for the next show, because it is suggested people get to that show especially an hour or more before - in a very hot, crowded line... It may be the DAS is not applicable at all for syou desicribecheduled shows, which is also understandable (I can see many difficulties here). I just had not seen anything about scheduled shows specifically.

I would love to be able to just go to Guest Services and schedule the few rides I do go on at times that mesh with the interpreted shows and know my schedule for the day. Even using a power wheelchair I would not want to do what you describe. Every extra location I have to go means battery power is used and that is limited. Also since at least at WDW some of the interpreted shows have fastpass plus I would like to be able to schedule a specific show and not get a random show which is not the interpreted show.

 

[OneMoreTry]

What I dread is the line at Guest Services on Wed morning when everyone is replacing their GAC with the DAS. We will need to have a DAS for that line.

 

[cmwade77]

What I dread is the line at Guest Services on Wed morning when everyone is replacing their GAC with the DAS. We will need to have a DAS for that line.

Yes, they will need a lot of extra people working on Wednesday. Perhaps even offering people the ability to skip the line if they are willing to provide ID at each attraction.

 

[Michigan]

What I dread is the line at Guest Services on Wed morning when everyone is replacing their GAC with the DAS. We will need to have a DAS for that line.

You are assuming they are going to just replace their GAC with DAS and something tells me it isn't going to be that easy.

 

[cmwade77]

You are assuming they are going to just replace their GAC with DAS and something tells me it isn't going to be that easy.

No, it won't be that easy, which is going to cause an even worse backup in guest relations, causing massive delays.

Also, just a piece of information that I have received via email from Disney is that the DAS cards will be valid for shows and accessible viewing areas at parades.

 

[KPeveler]

No, it won't be that easy, which is going to cause an even worse backup in guest relations, causing massive delays.

Also, just a piece of information that I have received via email from Disney is that the DAS cards will be valid for shows and accessible viewing areas at parades.

Are you talking about Disney World or Disneyland with the information about the accessible viewing area for shows and parades?

I say this not for shows like Laugh Floor or Philharmagic which have separate waiting areas for those guests with wheelchairs, but for some of the nighttime shows and parades.

Some shows and parades do have room for guests to sit or have a little bit of a buffer, but I just wanted to say that, at least in Magic Kingdom, I would NOT plan to use this if a person uses a DAS card for someone who cannot handle crowds. I have never been in so crowded an area as the wheelchair viewing areas for parades and shows. Wheelchairs will always be in the front row of the shows, and in the past the policy has been that these are wheelchair viewing areas, not accessible viewing areas. They did this because most people in wheelchairs are about 4 feet tall when sitting, and there were limited areas where wheelchairs would be crammed into one or two rows deep, with all people standing behind them. Exceptions were made for one parent of children in wheelchairs or those who otherwise needed someone with them at all times.

People with walkers who sat on them were also allowed in the front row. Anyone who needed to stand or who sat on the ground (with in the intention of standing for the show) sat farther back. The only time people not in wheelchairs were allowed in the front row was when the section was not very full - this happened to us more than once.

I admit, as someone who uses a wheelchair, if anyone is going to be allowed to sit anywhere in there - it will essentially become like any other spot along the parade route.

I also explain all this because these are NOT areas where there is open room for people with autism, social phobias, or who otherwise cannot handle being bumped into or touched to go. These areas are crammed full (wheelchairs are parked and even pushed sideways until they are wheel to wheel), and then they start a second row of wheelchairs. The sections are also usually full about an hour before parades in MK.

The sections in Illuminations are a little deeper (at least on the future world side), so there may be more room there, but I would not be surprised if the policy continued to be that wheelchairs and those with walkers with a seat are lined up along the railings and families are behind them.

Fantasmic is less of an issue, since it is an arena, and there is a separate waiting area for wheelchairs - this can be crowded, but is still better than the regular area.

I have never used parade areas in AK or DHS, so I cannot tell you about them.

I am not saying people with the DAS should not be allowed into the wheelchair viewing areas, just that they are very crowded, very fast, and anywhere there is even 6 inches, people, and especially kids, will try to squeeze through to see better. Not the best place in the world for people who do not like to be crowded or touched. My wife (anxiety disorder) sometimes cannot even be in these areas - I go alone.

I also wanted to state that people should not expect the wheelchair (accessible) viewing areas to have benches in them (they tend to have more in DL than WDW), or that the benches are empty. These also fill up fast.

 

[Schmeck]

Yes, they will need a lot of extra people working on Wednesday. Perhaps even offering people the ability to skip the line if they are willing to provide ID at each attraction.

What kind of ID would they be asked to provide?

 

[livndisney]

What kind of ID would they be asked to provide?

Asking for ID is the new "thing" at GS. I had a GS CM ask me for photo ID to answer a question about Food and Wine.

 

[cmwade77]

Are you talking about Disney World or Disneyland with the information about the accessible viewing area for shows and parades?

I say this not for shows like Laugh Floor or Philharmagic which have separate waiting areas for those guests with wheelchairs, but for some of the nighttime shows and parades.

Some shows and parades do have room for guests to sit or have a little bit of a buffer, but I just wanted to say that, at least in Magic Kingdom, I would NOT plan to use this if a person uses a DAS card for someone who cannot handle crowds. I have never been in so crowded an area as the wheelchair viewing areas for parades and shows. Wheelchairs will always be in the front row of the shows, and in the past the policy has been that these are wheelchair viewing areas, not accessible viewing areas. They did this because most people in wheelchairs are about 4 feet tall when sitting, and there were limited areas where wheelchairs would be crammed into one or two rows deep, with all people standing behind them. Exceptions were made for one parent of children in wheelchairs or those who otherwise needed someone with them at all times.

People with walkers who sat on them were also allowed in the front row. Anyone who needed to stand or who sat on the ground (with in the intention of standing for the show) sat farther back. The only time people not in wheelchairs were allowed in the front row was when the section was not very full - this happened to us more than once.

I admit, as someone who uses a wheelchair, if anyone is going to be allowed to sit anywhere in there - it will essentially become like any other spot along the parade route.

I also explain all this because these are NOT areas where there is open room for people with autism, social phobias, or who otherwise cannot handle being bumped into or touched to go. These areas are crammed full (wheelchairs are parked and even pushed sideways until they are wheel to wheel), and then they start a second row of wheelchairs. The sections are also usually full about an hour before parades in MK.

The sections in Illuminations are a little deeper (at least on the future world side), so there may be more room there, but I would not be surprised if the policy continued to be that wheelchairs and those with walkers with a seat are lined up along the railings and families are behind them.

Fantasmic is less of an issue, since it is an arena, and there is a separate waiting area for wheelchairs - this can be crowded, but is still better than the regular area.

I have never used parade areas in AK or DHS, so I cannot tell you about them.

I am not saying people with the DAS should not be allowed into the wheelchair viewing areas, just that they are very crowded, very fast, and anywhere there is even 6 inches, people, and especially kids, will try to squeeze through to see better. Not the best place in the world for people who do not like to be crowded or touched. My wife (anxiety disorder) sometimes cannot even be in these areas - I go alone.

I also wanted to state that people should not expect the wheelchair (accessible) viewing areas to have benches in them (they tend to have more in DL than WDW), or that the benches are empty. These also fill up fast.

This is supposed to be true for both Disneyland and Disney World. But, yes, you will need to use your common sense to determine if an ADA viewing area is applicable for your needs, particularly at Disney World.

That being said, I have found that if you explain the situation to the CMs, such as needing it less crowded. They will do what they can to accommodate you, but you have to let them know.

For benches, I have learned to simply ask the first CM I find along the parade route and they have always been able to direct me to an ADA area that has benches.

I know at AK, we had tons of room. At DHS, we didn't, but that was during Star Wars weekend, so it was understandable and I don't see how anyone with crowd issues could do that.

At MK, I have used the ADA viewing areas and they can be ok, if you explain your needs. This is particularly true for the fireworks (at least last time I watched them, I don't do them that often when we go, as I think Disneyland's are better).

 

[cmwade77]

What kind of ID would they be asked to provide?

Driver's license, anything with a picture and a name that matches the DAS card. I am just thinking it could allow them to setup extra stations for the initial roll out, where they wouldn't have to take and print a picture on all of the cards that way.

 

[KPeveler]

Driver's license, anything with a picture and a name that matches the DAS card. I am just thinking it could allow them to setup extra stations for the initial roll out, where they wouldn't have to take and print a picture on all of the cards that way.

I doubt it - what would you do if the DAS is for a 3 year old? Or someone else without a picture ID. They will just have lots of extra people there, and they are not doing a fancy Photopass shoot - most of my doctor's offices have a digital camera that they take a picture, and then print the first page with my pic for my records - takes about 30 seconds. The rest of it will be no different than getting a GAC - concerns, deciding eligibility, name, AP/length of stay, CM info, pic, print, go.

The thing that will make lines longer, and Disney has (quietly) prepped for are people arguing if they are denied a DAS card, especially if they have gotten a GAC before. I have a feeling that there will be managers with their own little station set up, and the guest sent over to the manager to argue, rather than taking up a DAS station and the initial CM to discuss what happens next. That is speculation on my part, but it is what I would do - I DO know they are going to have as many CMs and managers there are humanly possible!

 

[disney david]

I doubt it - what would you do if the DAS is for a 3 year old? Or someone else without a picture ID. They will just have lots of extra people there, and they are not doing a fancy Photopass shoot - most of my doctor's offices have a digital camera that they take a picture, and then print the first page with my pic for my records - takes about 30 seconds. The rest of it will be no different than getting a GAC - concerns, deciding eligibility, name, AP/length of stay, CM info, pic, print, go.

The thing that will make lines longer, and Disney has (quietly) prepped for are people arguing if they are denied a DAS card, especially if they have gotten a GAC before. I have a feeling that there will be managers with their own little station set up, and the guest sent over to the manager to argue, rather than taking up a DAS station and the initial CM to discuss what happens next. That is speculation on my part, but it is what I would do - I DO know they are going to have as many CMs and managers there are humanly possible!

I also feel they will have to have a security cm posted in the area for a couple days.

 

[SueM in MN]

This is supposed to be true for both Disneyland and Disney World. But, yes, you will need to use your common sense to determine if an ADA viewing area is applicable for your needs, particularly at Disney World.

That being said, I have found that if you explain the situation to the CMs, such as needing it less crowded. They will do what they can to accommodate you, but you have to let them know.

For benches, I have learned to simply ask the first CM I find along the parade route and they have always been able to direct me to an ADA area that has benches.

I know at AK, we had tons of room. At DHS, we didn't, but that was during Star Wars weekend, so it was understandable and I don't see how anyone with crowd issues could do that.

At MK, I have used the ADA viewing areas and they can be ok, if you explain your needs. This is particularly true for the fireworks (at least last time I watched them, I don't do them that often when we go, as I think Disneyland's are better).

MK in WDW doesn't have handicapped viewing areas for the fireworks. They do have a AAA viewing area, a Fastpass + viewing area on some nights and a Dessert option where you can pay to have a dessert buffet in an area with fireworks viewing

 

[lanejudy]

... Also, just a piece of information that I have received via email from Disney is that the DAS cards will be valid for shows and accessible viewing areas at parades.

Interesting!

I'm wondering if there might be new DAS viewing areas -- because otherwise, this statement sounds counter-intuitive to all our prior experiences with the accessible parade viewing areas at WDW. These areas have traditionally been for people in wheelchairs, ECVs, remaining in a stroller-as-wheelchair -- often people who may not need or even qualify for a DAS. As a party of 3, we've always been told that usually only 1 other is allowed in (not the whole party) but if 1 person sits on the ground in front and 1 stands behind then all 3 of us have been allowed. I don't see that working for whole parties of 6. Plus these spaces can fill up fairly quickly and they pack people in elbow-to-elbow. Definitely not a place for a last-minute arrival with a person who can't wait and needs his/her "space" to be comfortable. Of course, it could depend how crowded the park is on any given day/time, but I don't see these as a place were I would want to take an autistic guest. Hence, my thought maybe there will be other areas set-up for DAS users.

I can't speak for how accessible viewing areas have worked at DL, but what I've experienced at WDW doesn't sound like it's the place for a DAS user. I guess we'll have to wait and see what the reports are later this week...

 

[KPeveler]

Things got a little heated on the DL thread for a little while, so I reposted the guidelines from the initial post in this thread. I have also altered one part slightly.

From this point forward, we cannot allow people to post links to other forums or quotes from other forums on this thread. If you wish to share with friends, please do so through PM. If you think that a link or quote may be helpful, please send it to one of the moderators through Private Message, and we can post it. Thank you.

 

[Spoot]

Things got a little heated on the DL thread for a little while, so I reposted the guidelines from the initial post in this thread. I have also altered one part slightly.

From this point forward, we cannot allow people to post links to other forums or quotes from other forums on this thread. If you wish to share with friends, please do so through PM. If you think that a link or quote may be helpful, please send it to one of the moderators through Private Message, and we can post it. Thank you.

May we post links from these threads on other threads? I've directed a few people here in other threads (on other forums), but will stop if it isn't allowed.

 

[KPeveler]

May we post links from these threads on other threads? I've directed a few people here in other threads (on other forums), but will stop if it isn't allowed.

Sorry - if you want to direct people this way, please go ahead and do so! I just wanted to keep ugliness or personal fights on other boards from spilling onto this thread. Thanks everyone for keeping it civil!

 

[mrzrich]

Apparently there is a demonstration planned tomorrow Morning at DL. The planners have invited news crews etc. I personally wish the planner of this protest would have waited to see how everything goes rather than adding to the stress of the first day roll out.