DL & DCA -Disability Access Service Card- Post 1 update 12/7/14 DAS tied to ticket

[disney david]

I think there needs to be a few tweaks, such as allowing for when you can't ride an attraction after waiting the full time without starting your wait over again. They would generally offer a FP to any other guest in such a circumstance after they waited in the regular queue. Now I am not saying they should offer a FP, but how about subtracting the time that you have already waited from the wait time?

And they need to put something to measure Heights at the kiosks, so you can choose accordingly.

The visibility in the back of WOC is ok. there are benches more towards the front as well. No matter which one you choose, be sure to key the CM know that you need fewer people around you, they are usually more than accommodating.
If in a stroller or wheelchair, make sure that the person in it is by the railing.

Do you mean if the ride breaks down and your in the que they give fast pass to you. I know sometimes if your on the ride they give them to you.

 

[disney david]

It hard to factor in fast pass like and alternate line because it can be 40 when you get rerun time the. To down to 5 less then 10 min later it not like stand by time where the line will stay long for awhile.

 

[HappiestHaunt]

I also saw this elsewhere, which will help with DAS users and first rides:

"Tip for DAS users. City Hall/Chamber can issue a wait time. So if you are picking up your DAS, get a wait time for your first ride while you are there."

That is a nice service to offer to allow someone to head to their first ride without an additional trip to a kiosk to begin their day.

 

[cmwade77]

I did see it report posted elsewhere that someone had a return time for POTC and when they returned with their DAS they found the HAC line was still an additional 40 minute wait between wheelchair/ECV users and DAS returners. They ended up not riding it due to the issue. She did said she liked the new program, but I could see how that would be problematic. The HAC line has always been a long line at that particular ride, but now you have the wait time on top of that. I think they may have to do some adjusting at rides like that one and IASW. Otherwise you are asking a person who needs the accommodation to wait elsewhere and then essentially wait again for the same time period (or longer) to ride. So it would seem the DAS users could potential have a double wait for some rides.

At these kinds of attractions, if you have a Return Time, you are supposed to be taken to the front of the accessible line, at least according to the phone call that I had with the Disney executive when they called me.

 

[SueM in MN]

I also saw this elsewhere, which will help with DAS users and first rides:

"Tip for DAS users. City Hall/Chamber can issue a wait time. So if you are picking up your DAS, get a wait time for your first ride while you are there."

That is a nice service to offer to allow someone to head to their first ride without an additional trip to a kiosk to begin their day.

That may or may not happen on other days.
There are some things they were doing in the first roll out days to help people cope during the roll out period and help things move along better and kind of give a little pixie dust for waits in Guest Relations while they are learning.

Those things may not be available at all times or may not be available after the process is moving more efficiently.

 

[cmwade77]

That may or may not happen on other days.
There are some things they were doing in the first roll out days to help people cope during the roll out period and help things move along better and kind of give a little pixie dust for waits in Guest Relations while they are learning.

Those things may not be available at all times or may not be available after the process is moving more efficiently.

You can also get the card at any kiosk, just be aware that you will have to wait for a CM to go and get your pass from Guest Relations until all of the kiosks have their own printers. They of course can provide your first wait til k me there, as it is a kiosk.

But all of the CMs did say that they are supposed to have printers at all of the kiosks soon.

 

[cmwade77]

Do you mean if the ride breaks down and your in the que they give fast pass to you. I know sometimes if your on the ride they give them to you.

I have had several situations where I get to the front of the line and have to leave for my own reasons, such as not being physically up to riding when I thought I would be, etc.

As long as the line wasn't under 20 minutes, they have always offered a FP for something else when I explain the situation. But you have to explain to a CM, they won't be able to do anything to help if you just turn to leave.

I have seen many others do this and as long as they are nice about it, I have never seen any reasonable request refused. Say you were waiting for RSR and asked for a FP, they would probably make it for any attraction. But if you were in a 30 minute line, they probably wouldn't give you one for RSR with a two hour line.

Since the return times are the equivalent of waiting in the entire line, they should be willing to work with you. I understand that simply giving a blanket FP would lead to abuse and as pointed out that's probably not what would be done for any other guest. Since they know how long you have waited, the easiest thing to do is subtract that time from your next return time.

 

[Rowanonfire]

MODERATOR NOTE: WDW question - moved to WDW thread

 

[piratenightmares]

That may or may not happen on other days.
There are some things they were doing in the first roll out days to help people cope during the roll out period and help things move along better and kind of give a little pixie dust for waits in Guest Relations while they are learning.

Those things may not be available at all times or may not be available after the process is moving more efficiently.

I understand this is going to be something that will change a little as they find out what works and what doesn't. What is the best way to deal with these changes? It feels like what I might get in assistance today could change tomorrow (and that's ok. I'd just like to know more.). When I have called guest services about how the DAS is working they have only given me the information I've already read on the website. They are very non specific. I understand that, too, but I feel like it would be best for everyone (including CM's who are working with this in the parks) to know more information in advance. I'm sure the CM's have good instructions. I just wish I knew what to expect (a little) because even after reading all of this stuff it's not clear to me.

I said in a previous post I would be preparing my son mentally with the assumption we may not get any accommodations. I know he will get some, and it will be a bonus when he does.

I realize I'm not going to understand how this is going to work for us until we try it out. Can't WAIT til December!

 

[SueM in MN]

I realize that people want specific answers on how things will be done for planning purposes.

But, I think we all need to be prepared that there will be some questions where the answer is not "yes" or "no" or "always" or "never".

There are some where the answer is going to stay "maybe" and "it depends".

 

[HappiestHaunt]

More on that second wait. It seems they did have a DAS return time at POTC but when they returned they were directed to the line. They did show the CM their DAS but they said they were still directed to wait in the line regardless. She does mention that is was very busy and the CM offered a pass to return later, but for her daughters issues they were not able to return so they declined the pass. So perhaps with rides like POTC, that historically have always had a long accessible line, there may end up being a double wait for DAS users.

 

[cmwade77]

More on that second wait. It seems they did have a DAS return time at POTC but when they returned they were directed to the line. They did show the CM their DAS but they said they were still directed to wait in the line regardless. She does mention that is was very busy and the CM offered a pass to return later, but for her daughters issues they were not able to return so they declined the pass. So perhaps with rides like POTC, that historically have always had a long accessible line, there may end up being a double wait for DAS users.

I don't think that is in the spirit of equal access. I expect equal to be equal, if I am waiting an equal amount of time to everyone else, I expect to get on the ride with a minimal wait when I return. I am Ok with a slightly longer wait in exchange for not waiting in the traditional queues. But I will not accept double+the normal wait. That is not equal either.

 

[Plutos Mommy]

Just returned from DL/DCA and here is my experience which wasn't that extensive due to large crowds and the fact my DD24 has been ill so her stamina was way down, so we didn't do the parks the way we usually do. We arrived for the Halloween party Fri night and went to see about getting a DAS for rides that have stairs as I have issues with my knees and climbing the ramp to Space Mountain triggers my asthma every time (only place in either parks this happens).

I was told that I didn't need a DAS. I was to wait in the standby lines and tell a CM when we got to the front that I couldn't do stairs, and also to talk with a CM at the start of Space and tell them my issue. I was given park maps with each ride that has stairs circled. I figured I will go with the flow and see how this works for me. Due to my daughter not feeling well we spent a very low key day Saturday just people watching and shopping. It was really crowded so the few rides we did manage ride didn't have stairs, so I didn't really get a chance to see how avoiding stairs would work for me.

We did meet up with one of my daughter's friends who had requested a DAS and was given the same instructions as me (different medical issue)...wait in line and speak to a CM at the front of the line. They got to the front of RSR and she was told that to be able to load in one of the disabled cars (to avoid the stairs) she had to have a DAS...so it appears that all the CM's are not on the same page in regards to how the stair issue needs to be handled.

This was only day 3 of the new system, so I am sure there are some bugs that will need to be worked out. I just wanted to share my limited experience as I have seen others post about having trouble with stairs.

 

[cmwade77]

I had a similar issue with WOC, guest Relations said you wouldn't need a pass to use the benches, but unless you had a wheelchair or ECV, you needed to have a DAS, I even saw people with canes and walkers turned away. Luckily I also had one, but I was curious to see what would happen if I didn't and the blunt answer was that I would be out of luck.

So either the guest Relations CMs have not been properly trained or the ones at the attractions haven't been.

 

[SueM in MN]

Just returned from DL/DCA and here is my experience which wasn't that extensive due to large crowds and the fact my DD24 has been ill so her stamina was way down, so we didn't do the parks the way we usually do. We arrived for the Halloween party Fri night and went to see about getting a DAS for rides that have stairs as I have issues with my knees and climbing the ramp to Space Mountain triggers my asthma every time (only place in either parks this happens).

I was told that I didn't need a DAS. I was to wait in the standby lines and tell a CM when we got to the front that I couldn't do stairs, and also to talk with a CM at the start of Space and tell them my issue. I was given park maps with each ride that has stairs circled. I figured I will go with the flow and see how this works for me. Due to my daughter not feeling well we spent a very low key day Saturday just people watching and shopping. It was really crowded so the few rides we did manage ride didn't have stairs, so I didn't really get a chance to see how avoiding stairs would work for me.

We did meet up with one of my daughter's friends who had requested a DAS and was given the same instructions as me (different medical issue)...wait in line and speak to a CM at the front of the line. They got to the front of RSR and she was told that to be able to load in one of the disabled cars (to avoid the stairs) she had to have a DAS...so it appears that all the CM's are not on the same page in regards to how the stair issue needs to be handled.

This was only day 3 of the new system, so I am sure there are some bugs that will need to be worked out. I just wanted to share my limited experience as I have seen others post about having trouble with stairs.

Do you still have the map and are you willing to post what attractions they circled as having stairs?

I think your last bit is very important to keep in mind.
This is a really big change, for guests and for CMs. There are going to be bugs for a while and people who are not all on the same page.
Because of the number of people involved and the complexity, it is going to take a while.

 

[Plutos Mommy]

It appears that I no longer have them but think I can closely recreate the list as many of them were rides I used to use my GAC on. The Guest Relations CM went through both maps and circled them for me.

Disneyland

• Main Street Rail Road
• Big Thunder Mountain
• Splash Mountain
• Enchanted Tiki Room
• Indiana Jones
• Jungle Cruise (high peak times)
• Tarzan's Treehouse
• Sleeping Beauty Castle
• Autopia
• Finding Nemo
• Space Mountain

California Adventure

• Aladdin
• Radiator Springs Racers
• California Screamin'
• Toy Story Midway Mania
• Grizzly River Run

I probably missed a missed a few, hopefully someone else can help fill in the blanks.

 

[cmwade77]

I am familiar with the attractions that have stairs, here is a detailed list:
Main Street train station had no way to avoid stairs

Main Street transportation has steps up into the vehicles.

Great moments with Mr. Lincoln has steps, enter through the doors that wheelchairs and ECVs ate directed to in order to avoid steps and steep slopes.

Tiki room has stairs that can be avoided by asking for the lift.

Jungle cruise has stairs on busy days

Indiana Jones has stairs in both the queue and the exit.

Tarzan's tree house has an accessible path to the activity area near Pirates.

Pirates does not have stairs, but has steep ramps in the normal queue

New Orleans square train station has stairs, there is a ramp near Haunted Mansion

Splash Mountain has stairs in the traditional and FP queues.

Tom Sawyers Island had since stairs and steps, accessible paths are available.

Sailing ship Columbia had stairs that cannot be avoided for boarding.

Big Thunder had stairs in the queue prior to the rehab, Rumor has it that these stairs may be removed from the queue during the rehab or may get an elevator.

Casey Jr has some steps up to it, they can be avoided by using the accessible route or asking the CM working there.

Sleeping Beauty Castle walk through has stairs, an alternate viewing experience is available.

There is a step up for the Carousel, a ramp is available.

Peter Pan has a couple of minor steps in the regular queue, or at least it used to.

Small word has stairs at the exit

Fantasyland theater has stairs that can be avoided by asking for the accessible path.
Autopia has stairs that can be avoided by asking for the lift.

Monorail has a very steep ramp that they call am accessible ramp; however, it does not meet the requirements sure to slope and length. There is an elevator available that they don't like to let you use, but will if you are unable to use the ramp.

Finding Nemo inside the subs, an alternative experience is available.

Innoventions had a steep ramp that they don't even pretend is accessible. There is an accessible route available. There are also stairs inside, an elevator is available.

Space Mountain has stairs at the exit.

Star Tours has a steep ramp in the normal queues.

At DCA:
Aladdin has stairs, you must have an ECV, wheel chair or DAS to avoid.

Tower of Terror has stairs after the loading room on the left.

Radiator Springs racers has stairs at the exit

California Screamin has stairs in the queue and at the exit.

Silly Symphony Swings has stairs, an elevator is available

Golden zephyr has stairs, an elevator is available.

Goofy's Sky School has stairs at the exit

World of color has steps, accessible paths are available

Grizzly River run has stairs at the exit. Alternatives are available, just ask.

There are steps in Redwood Creek challenge trail, there are accessible paths.

Soarin' has a step exit ramp, alternatives may be available, depending on the CM.

Red car trolley has a step up, there is an alternate loading method available that can avoid this, it is intended for wheelchairs, but has handrails and can be used for those that can't handle the steps.

 

[SueM in MN]

When I picked up my pass, they did tell me that if I changed my mind about riding an attraction that I would have to wait again, but if unable to ride due to the ride breaking down, height restriction, etc. That the attraction should take care of it, if not you should first ask for a lead and then if they still don't to explain at the kiosk that you wanted to all ride together. Since you had no way to check your entire party for the height requirement at the kiosk when choosing the ride, it isn't fair to make you wait again.

I think the solution is to allow the kiosks to do the height checks and issue wristbands that say which attractions that the child can do and those wristbands will override any height checks at the individual attractions.

But ultimately, make sure that you send your feedback to Disney. Make sure you send it via email to the email address on the FAQ and the Disneyland website. In addition be sure to send it via the U.S. Postal system as well. Sending to all three will emphasize how important this is. In addition, the next time you go to the parks, be sure to ask for a manager at Guest Relations or one of the kiosks and explain what happened and how you felt it was unfair.

I personally think this policy of starting the wait time over is unfair. If I were waiting in a physical line and got to the end of the line and couldn't ride, they would generally give me a FP to come back or go on another ride. and I do intend on commenting on that in my feedback.

I do t know about DL, but WDW did try having a central measuring point where they measured children and then issued a wrist band for height.
CMs on the Disboards posted that the parks stopped doing it because people were getting one child measured and getting a wrist band, then transferring it to a smaller child.
Disney has information on their website, on their park apps, on park maps and at entrances to attractions that tell what the height requirements are.

People need to check those things out and know what their child's height is.
All that information is readily available.
It's also important to know that children who look close to the height requirement will probably be checked twice - once when they enter the queue and once before boarding.

 

[cmwade77]

I do t know about DL, but WDW did try having a central measuring point where they measured children and then issued a wrist band for height.
CMs on the Disboards posted that the parks stopped doing it because people were getting one child measured and getting a wrist band, then transferring it to a smaller child.
Disney has information on their website, on their park apps, on park maps and at entrances to attractions that tell what the height requirements are.

People need to check those things out and know what their child's height is.
All that information is readily available.
It's also important to know that children who look close to the height requirement will probably be checked twice - once when they enter the queue and once before boarding.

I am not sure about at WDW, but the problem at Disneyland is that the height check sticks are a 1/2"-1" higher than the posted height requirements, due to people trying to cheat the system with thicker soles or stuffing shoes, so even if the child measures the height at home or a doctors office, they may not at the attraction.

Perhaps they could use hand stamps instead of wristbands. Or print special height cards with pictures on then for parties that have a DAS.

I'm honestly not sure, but they need something so people don't get a return time, then show up to an attraction and find out that a member of their pay doesn't meet the height requirement when they thought they would.

 

[piratenightmares]

I am not sure about at WDW, but the problem at Disneyland is that the height check sticks are a 1/2"-1" higher than the posted height requirements, due to people trying to cheat the system with thicker soles or stuffing shoes, so even if the child measures the height at home or a doctors office, they may not at the attraction.

Perhaps they could use hand stamps instead of wristbands. Or print special height cards with pictures on then for parties that have a DAS.

I'm honestly not sure, but they need something so people don't get a return time, then show up to an attraction and find out that a member of their pay doesn't meet the height requirement when they thought they would.

When my son was about 1/4 of an inch above the height requirement he was allowed to ride Indiana Jones in the morning, turned away in the afternoon, and allowed to ride it again that evening. It's hard with some kids because they slouch or apparently change height at certain times of day (hehe).

It would be helpful to have a standard checkpoint. You'd either be tall enough or not. Good plan. A hand stamp would work. OR state on the DAS how many are in the party and how many do / do not meet the height requirement. Yeah people could still 'cheat' there but it seems like some people will try to cheat any system to get their kids onto rides. Maybe a note on the DAS and also a hand stamp for kids who are measured tall enough. There are stamps that don't wash off for DAYS with regular hand washing. So that shouldn't be a problem. I plan large events in which we have used hand stamps and wristbands both. Wristbands are a hassle and cost a lot more than a hand stamp. But I do think having some way of doing this in advance for families with DAS would be wise.