DAS Questions

[BrownEyedGrl]

Hi all, I've been reading over everyone's reviews of the new assistance program and am really having some difficulties. My boyfriend and I are booked to go August 19th, his first Disney trip! In the past I was able to get the GAC card as I have significant knee issues (I have been under the care of a specialist for over ten years) and having issues standing for periods of time longer than 20-25 minutes. I do not require a wheelchair since that can make it worse. I do have braces that I bring with me and wear. My boyfriend is an injured vet with titanium rods in his back and leg. He doesn't require a wheelchair either but like me, he has issues standing for long periods. Does anyone know if Disney will consider this a mobility issue or not? We do not have issues getting around. I'm seriously debating cancelling my trip which is just breaking my heart. I agree the old system was abused but the new system acts as if all disabilities are the same.

 

[aaarcher86]

Hi all, I've been reading over everyone's reviews of the new assistance program and am really having some difficulties. My boyfriend and I are booked to go August 19th, his first Disney trip! In the past I was able to get the GAC card as I have significant knee issues (I have been under the care of a specialist for over ten years) and having issues standing for periods of time longer than 20-25 minutes. I do not require a wheelchair since that can make it worse. I do have braces that I bring with me and wear. My boyfriend is an injured vet with titanium rods in his back and leg. He doesn't require a wheelchair either but like me, he has issues standing for long periods. Does anyone know if Disney will consider this a mobility issue or not? We do not have issues getting around. I'm seriously debating cancelling my trip which is just breaking my heart. I agree the old system was abused but the new system acts as if all disabilities are the same.

Yes, I believe they would consider it a mobility issue.

 

[SMD]

Hi all, I've been reading over everyone's reviews of the new assistance program and am really having some difficulties. My boyfriend and I are booked to go August 19th, his first Disney trip! In the past I was able to get the GAC card as I have significant knee issues (I have been under the care of a specialist for over ten years) and having issues standing for periods of time longer than 20-25 minutes. I do not require a wheelchair since that can make it worse. I do have braces that I bring with me and wear. My boyfriend is an injured vet with titanium rods in his back and leg. He doesn't require a wheelchair either but like me, he has issues standing for long periods. Does anyone know if Disney will consider this a mobility issue or not? We do not have issues getting around. I'm seriously debating cancelling my trip which is just breaking my heart. I agree the old system was abused but the new system acts as if all disabilities are the same.

Only Disney knows what would a mobility issue when you explain your needs to GS. What needs do you have that you would like the DAS to address? If your boyfriend can't stand, and doesn't want to use a wheelchair, his needs may be met by another mobility device. What would a DAS do that a device that allows him to sit instead stand wouldn't do?

As far as not being able to stand for more than 20-25 minutes, most people report waiting at least that long when they return to the FP queue with their DAS. Maybe you could benefit from a mobility device that allows you to alternate sitting and standing, like a walker or cane with a seat.

 

[BrownEyedGrl]

Only Disney knows what would a mobility issue when you explain your needs to GS. What needs do you have that you would like the DAS to address? If your boyfriend can't stand, and doesn't want to use a wheelchair, his needs may be met by another mobility device. What would a DAS do that a device that allows him to sit instead stand wouldn't do?

As far as not being able to stand for more than 20-25 minutes, most people report waiting at least that long when they return to the FP queue with their DAS. Maybe you could benefit from a mobility device that allows you to alternate sitting and standing, like a walker or cane with a seat.

My boyfriend can stand, however, the rods make it difficult for him so the regular stand by line would bother him. Neither of us have mobility issues and therefore do not require the wheelchairs. Since we don't require them we don't want to rent them if someone else has a need for one. The DAS would allow both of us both of us to spend a shorter amount of time standing. If Disney is willing to issue the GAS I would be extremely grateful. I don't have an issue waiting for my return time if that is the impression you had, neither one of us do. We are just concerned standing in a line for prolonged periods of time. I'm not looking for a FOTL pass or anything like that.

 

[SMD]

My boyfriend can stand, however, the rods make it difficult for him so the regular stand by line would bother him. Neither of us have mobility issues and therefore do not require the wheelchairs. Since we don't require them we don't want to rent them if someone else has a need for one. The DAS would allow both of us both of us to spend a shorter amount of time standing. If Disney is willing to issue the GAS I would be extremely grateful. I don't have an issue waiting for my return time if that is the impression you had, neither one of us do. We are just concerned standing in a line for prolonged periods of time. I'm not looking for a FOTL pass or anything like that.

Even if he doesn't need a wheelchair day to day, if he can't stand in a queue and a wheelchair or ECV provides a way for him to not stand, Disney's response is like to be that it is a mobility issue. Like you said, you need to spend a shorter time standing. A wheelchair, ECV, rollator or even a cane with a seat would all accomplish the same thing.

 

[BrownEyedGrl]

Even if he doesn't need a wheelchair day to day, if he can't stand in a queue and a wheelchair or ECV provides a way for him to not stand, Disney's response is like to be that it is a mobility issue. Like you said, you need to spend a shorter time standing. A wheelchair, ECV, rollator or even a cane with a seat would all accomplish the same thing.

Even if the wheelchair has the potential to cause issues as well for the both of us? I'm sorry if I'm being a pain! I promise I'm not trying to!! I just want to understand this as best as I can before I potentially go there.

 

[ashley0139]

So I'm curious (and I'm honestly not trying to be snarky), if you're not sitting or standing, what will you be doing? Why would the DAS help since if you're not standing on a long line, you are probably sitting on a bench, which is no different from sitting in a wheelchair. I'm just trying to figure out what will help you.

 

[BrownEyedGrl]

So I'm curious (and I'm honestly not trying to be snarky), if you're not sitting or standing, what will you be doing? Why would the DAS help since if you're not standing on a long line, you are probably sitting on a bench, which is no different from sitting in a wheelchair. I'm just trying to figure out what will help you.

I can do both, it's the prolonged amount of time doing either that effect me. I know how my situation comes off and it sounds fishy. Without the DAS I will have to be stuck either sitting or standing in a line for however long. In the past I have tried to get a wheelchair since I didn't really want a GAC. From prior experiences I've learned people aren't too kind if you are sitting on line in a wheelchair and then get up and walk part of the way. The DAS will allow less "forced" time standing or sitting. By using the DAS while waiting for my return time I will either be able to walk around or should I need sit for a bit on a bench. I am not "forced" to do either activity.

 

[aaarcher86]

I can do both, it's the prolonged amount of time doing either that effect me. I know how my situation comes off and it sounds fishy. Without the DAS I will have to be stuck either sitting or standing in a line for however long. In the past I have tried to get a wheelchair since I didn't really want a GAC. From prior experiences I've learned people aren't too kind if you are sitting on line in a wheelchair and then get up and walk part of the way. The DAS will allow less "forced" time standing or sitting. By using the DAS while waiting for my return time I will either be able to walk around or should I need sit for a bit on a bench. I am not "forced" to do either activity.

From what I've seen reported they will recommend the wheelchair. You can sit when you need to or push it when you don't.

IMO they are not giving the DAS when there is another solution, regardless of which method the guest would prefer.

 

[Hannathy]

Very few line are at a standstill for 20 minutes. They all move regularly, some more starting and stopping if they load a whole cycle and then move again, like in TOT, except possibly standing in the space waiting for a show.

I would guess your best bet would be go at a less crowded time and don't get into any lines with a longer than 30 minute wait and Going at rope drop and using fast pass.

I have a back problem that I can't stand still for long periods either and I don't have any more problems at Disney than I would in daily lines because they all move. Some show waiting times are harder but you can usually move around slightly within your space .

 

[JillyBean1899]

I, too, have problems with just standing (30 minutes at a concert Sunday night almost killed my knees, luckily the first band was the only one I really wanted to see from up front, and once they got started I was bouncing around enough and the guy in front of me let me up to the barricade so I had something to lean on while they played). Walking is fine, even jogging if I don't push it. I would feel absolutely stupid in a wheelchair, especially on days that I go by myself, considering the WDW rental chairs aren't really designed for efficient self-propulsion. I'm gong to be getting a FlipStick for my trip in April, and if that doesn't work well enough for me, I'll bite the bullet and get a Rollator for the next trips, at least until I get finished with my vaccines for school and can get on the "good drugs" to get my RA under control. I think I'd feel less self-conscious walking around with one of those instead of sitting in a chair and then "popping" up to walk to the ride.

BTW, your username is also my nickname (and one of my favorite songs ... although I like the Jimmy Buffett version better than the Van Morrison one ... I know, I know, sacrilege )

 

[BrownEyedGrl]

I, too, have problems with just standing (30 minutes at a concert Sunday night almost killed my knees, luckily the first band was the only one I really wanted to see from up front, and once they got started I was bouncing around enough and the guy in front of me let me up to the barricade so I had something to lean on while they played). Walking is fine, even jogging if I don't push it. I would feel absolutely stupid in a wheelchair, especially on days that I go by myself, considering the WDW rental chairs aren't really designed for efficient self-propulsion. I'm gong to be getting a FlipStick for my trip in April, and if that doesn't work well enough for me, I'll bite the bullet and get a Rollator for the next trips, at least until I get finished with my vaccines for school and can get on the "good drugs" to get my RA under control. I think I'd feel less self-conscious walking around with one of those instead of sitting in a chair and then "popping" up to walk to the ride.

BTW, your username is also my nickname (and one of my favorite songs ... although I like the Jimmy Buffett version better than the Van Morrison one ... I know, I know, sacrilege )

That's exactly my trouble! Please let me know how the Flipstick works for you if you don't mind.

That's where I got my username from! It has been one of my favorite songs for as long as I can remember. Btw, it is sacrilege!! haha



Thank you to everyone who responded and helped. I really appreciate it.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Are FlipSticks even allowed? There have been several debates on these boards about the canes with seats being prohibited, and the FlipStick looks like it falls within that realm.

 

[JillyBean1899]

Are FlipSticks even allowed? There have been several debates on these boards about the canes with seats being prohibited, and the FlipStick looks like it falls within that realm.

I actually talked to a CM, her mom uses one in the park, so it's fine.

 

[Earstou]

OP, look into touring plans. By following the plans, you can often have shorter wait times.

 

[ttintagel]

I know folding chairs aren't allowed, but the seat on the Flipstick isn't as obvious as it is on folding-chair canes with full-size seats. When it's folded up, it kind of looks like just a fancy ergonomic handle. I doubt anyone would even notice it when it wasn't being used. And I don't think it even violates the spirit of the rule, either, since it can't even sit there and take up space when the user isn't there using it.

I'm not sure it would be any easier or faster to get up and down from it in a stalled queue than it would be to get up and down out of a wheelchair, but it's worth a try if you prefer it.

Personally, I've never once been in a queue at a Disney park where I was called upon to stand still for more than a few minutes, and I've been there during peak times. I have a hard time imagining the circumstances. But I'll take the word of those who say they have.

 

[BrownEyedGrl]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Unfortunately due to other circumstances I had to cancel the trip I will certainly keep this in mind for next time!

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Unfortunately due to other circumstances I had to cancel the trip I will certainly keep this in mind for next time!

Sorry the trip is not working out this time.
I'm adding dome information for next time.

Are FlipSticks even allowed? There have been several debates on these boards about the canes with seats being prohibited, and the FlipStick looks like it falls within that realm.

The canes with seats are allowed, as long as they can be/are being used as a cane. If they are, they fit into being a mobility device/aid. The FlipStick looks like a very nice one.
The ones that are not allowed are folding chairs or things that take time or set up to use.

OP, look into touring plans. By following the plans, you can often have shorter wait times.

Agree with this.
wwww.touringplans.com or www.easywdw.com are the ones usually recommended.
Even if you don't exactly follow a touring plan, just knowing which park is likely to be least busy is very helpful.

There are attractions where guests have to stand for a time period. They are mostly the preshow part of attractions or attraction that load in 'batches'.
There are no seats for them and a DAS or using Fastpass won't affect the standing - it is part of the attraction. The only way to avoid standing for these would be using some kind of mobility device or aid.
Here's a link to post 22 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, which has more information.
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40083411&postcount=22

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . Since we don't require them we don't want to rent them . . .

1) I doubt you can get a DAS.
2) You do not have a mobility issue that qualifies.
3) You can easily solve your mobility issue(s) by renting a wheelchair or ECV.
4) It is your preference to not rent a mobility device.

 

[ttintagel]

Even if the wheelchair has the potential to cause issues as well for the both of us? I'm sorry if I'm being a pain! I promise I'm not trying to!! I just want to understand this as best as I can before I potentially go there.

You're not required to sit in the wheelchair the entire time - you can sit when you need to and stand when you need to.