Immune Disorder - DAS?

[JenniBugInPink]

I've been going to WDW 3 times in the last ~8 years or so, always using an ECV (after trying not to on that first trip and failing, LOL). I have multiple issues I deal with, but for our upcoming trip in September I have a new one. I am now immunocompromised. I have essentially no immunoglobulins (like IgG, which you may or may not have heard of). I have rheumatoid arthritis, and the medication I received to treat it a year and a half ago wiped out my immunoglobulins. Normally they rebound fairly quickly, but mine never did and apparently aren't ever going to. So, I have to act kind of like your average transplant or cancer patient as far as avoiding potential infection goes.

I need to avoid crowds of people where possible. I wear gloves a lot and a mask when I have to (as much to remind myself not to touch my face with contaminated hands as anything else, because the mask will NOT completely block aerosolized virus or bacteria from entering.) I can't touch things like door handles, railings, etc. without going through immediate decontamination procedures, and I should own stock in antibacterial wipes.

I never used the GAC, but it appears I will need to try and get a DAS. It would be nice if I could wait for rides away from the huddled masses. I don't mind the wait, as I've always just parked the ECV and gone through the regular line before on foot. I just am a little afraid of all those people now!

Getting sick is a really scary proposition for me. A cold could kill me, you know? At home, I almost never leave the house. I almost chickened out on our trip, but if it kills me, so be it. I'd rather die due to a Disney trip than live staying home all the time. I'm in Stage III/IV kidney failure, so my kidneys will take me out one day anyway. It's been three years and I miss WDW!

What do you think my chances are for the DAS?

 

[aaarcher86]

I honestly, feel like it could go either way. It'd probably just be if the CM thinks it's possible to avoid germs/etc easier outside the lines.

My first thought reading it all was that even with a DAS there's just no way to avoid crowds. There's really nothing in a line that isn't anywhere else you'd be waiting, and I'd actually think you'd be fine in the line since you could stay on your EVC and not touch anything. If you'd just be kind of sitting on an EVC not touching things outside the line, I think you could do the same thing inside it. Especially since you'd still be in a 15 or so minute line with the DAS.

I remember someone posting about wanting a DAS for almost the same reason for their child. It was quite awhile ago and I can't recall if they ever posted the outcome though.

 

[sookie]

Maybe a vacation such as Disney isn't suitable for you. I'm sorry.

The only thing I can think of is:

-Consider going during a low(er) season.
-Don't even think of going during flu / cough / cold season. That means at least October - February (or longer). That will kick out some of the low season options for you.
-Keep up on all vaccines.
-Continue to use your mask and gloves.
-Take all your meds.
-Talk to your doctor about your planned trip. He or she may have additional advice for you about going to a crowded theme park.

Sorry for the bad news. Do you really want to risk it if your immune system is as bad as you indicate it is?

 

[Random Ninja]

If you haven't already done so, check out the DAS sticky; it's got a lot of good info in it. A lot of people have reported that cms see the ECV, tune you out, and say the ECV is all you need. If you think that the DAS will help you, be prepared to explain why your needs are not meet by just the ECV. I had a "fun" time trying to explain that a wheelchair/ECV did not meet my needs (I'm boarder-line arthritic). Don't mention stamina at all. You should probably mention that it's a danger to your health to be packed in with group of people for a long period of time and that you need a safe place to reduce the amount of time you spend in a slow moving mass of humanity.

I wear a mask on a regular basis for airborne allergies and would recommend anyone immunocompromised to wear one as well. WDW is a germy place all over. When's your trip? You'll want a lighter mask in warmer months as you will end up with your own ecosystem if it doesn't breathe enough.

I completely understand being scared to leave the house for medical reasons. The reason I wear a mask regularly is because I have severe airborne allergies to tapioca, mustard, and ethyl alcohol. This means I am allergic to the smell of hot dogs, french fries, and hand sanitizer. I can't get near a McDonalds bag without a mask. (There's a mask in my bag right now.) Sometimes you just have to take a chance and live your life with fear on the back burner. Don't let it get you down. Feel free to PM me if you ever just need to talk/vent.

 

[mackay_j]

when are you going? I will be there in Aug and have similar issues so I can get back to you by on my return

Best not to discuss this on here as most seem to suggest that the das is now for spectrum issues only.

I asked a similar question a while back only to mostly have the reply that I shouldn't go - A decision I have allowed my doctors to make not members of a forum. I did get several PM's from people (who are fed up with the attitude of some on here to non spectrum problems so now won't post but PM insead) who have similar problems who will get back to me once they travel in July. I will also let you know what happened with them.

 

[Jonell]

If you haven't already done so, check out the GAC sticky; it's got a lot of good info in it. A lot of people have reported that cms see the ECV, tune you out, and say the ECV is all you need. If you think that the DAS will help you, be prepared to explain why your needs are not meet by just the ECV. I had a "fun" time trying to explain that a wheelchair/ECV did not meet my needs (I'm boarder-line arthritic). Don't mention stamina at all. You should probably mention that it's a danger to your health to be packed in with group of people for a long period of time and that you need a safe place to reduce the amount of time you spend in a slow moving mass of humanity.

I wear a mask on a regular basis for airborne allergies and would recommend anyone immunocompromised to wear one as well. WDW is a germy place all over. When's your trip? You'll want a lighter mask in warmer months as you will end up with your own ecosystem if it doesn't breathe enough.

I completely understand being scared to leave the house for medical reasons. The reason I wear a mask regularly is because I have severe airborne allergies to tapioca, mustard, and ethyl alcohol. This means I am allergic to the smell of hot dogs, french fries, and hand sanitizer. I can't get near a McDonalds bag without a mask. (There's a mask in my bag right now.) Sometimes you just have to take a chance and live your life with fear on the back burner. Don't let it get you down. Feel free to PM me if you ever just need to talk/vent.

This is correct. If the CMs at GR see you on a ECV then they WILL tune out all other reasons you need a GAC. This happened to us twice. My DH uses a ECV but his need for a GAC is not mobility related. When the CMs saw the ECV they quickly denied him. Just go to GR without the ECV and the process will go smoother. Have a great trip.

 

[Mrsjvb]

Best not to discuss this on here as most seem to suggest that the das is now for spectrum issues only.

.

Misconception. that being said the fact is the new DAS is more restrictive and is no longer an option for people who were able to utilize the old GAC due to the evolvement of it into a FP by default

Last time I went, I was sent to wait in the HA section for one ride or another. following the CM instruction DH and I made our way to the painted off section next to another family( 2 A 2 K.) whereby I was immediately SCREAMED at by the women to 'stay away form my kid! he cannot be near germs!!!!" the CM told the woman that I HAD to be there as all sections had to be used and sorry but he could not leave it empty. she went off on him too and started screaming( yes her voice was raised) that her husband was also at risk. and just kept going on.
the kid was not in a mask, or had any other precautions( I too am immunocompromised but not as badly as you and all my needs are met by my wheelchair)

It took everything I had to not point out that she and her family was SURROUNDED by germs, some of which came from areas of the country( and world for that matter) that her family had never been exposed to or had any hope of fighting off.

if your doctor says it's not a good idea, then don't go.

 

[aaarcher86]

when are you going? I will be there in Aug and have similar issues so I can get back to you by on my return Best not to discuss this on here as most seem to suggest that the das is now for spectrum issues only. I asked a similar question a while back only to mostly have the reply that I shouldn't go - A decision I have allowed my doctors to make not members of a forum. I did get several PM's from people (who are fed up with the attitude of some on here to non spectrum problems so now won't post but PM insead) who have similar problems who will get back to me once they travel in July. I will also let you know what happened with them.

Completely bogus. There are plenty of people dealing with non spectrum disabilities who obtain and utilize a DAS. It's issued for reasons prohibiting people from waiting in a standard line - that's it. Autism happens to be a large portion of people that fall into that category. I have never seen a single soul on this forum post or say that the DAS is only for the autistic, and most get pretty angry when someone posts a CM states it directly.

It's not issued if there are other means of accommodating someone (whether they like it or not). It's far better to go in with a reasonable expectation and a back up plan since everyone that wants a DAS doesn't receive one.

 

[Disneychick75]

Completely bogus. There are plenty of people dealing with non spectrum disabilities who obtain and utilize a DAS. It's issued for reasons prohibiting people from waiting in a standard line - that's it. Autism happens to be a large portion of people that fall into that category. I have never seen a single soul on this forum post or say that the DAS is only for the autistic, and most get pretty angry when someone posts a CM states it directly.

It's not issued if there are other means of accommodating someone (whether they like it or not). It's far better to go in with a reasonable expectation and a back up plan since everyone that wants a DAS doesn't receive one.

I've read both here and on other forums that CMs have told guests that the DAS is for autism. They were wrong but if you come up against one of these CMs, you're out of luck.

 

[Mrsjvb]

I've read both here and on other forums that CMs have told guests that the DAS is for autism. They were wrong but if you come up against one of these CMs, you're out of luck.

that is when you politely but firmly request to speak to their supervisor.

 

[SueM in MN]

I've read both here and on other forums that CMs have told guests that the DAS is for autism. They were wrong but if you come up against one of these CMs, you're out of luck.

Those reports were primarily in the first few weeks.
We are now more than 6 months out and I have not seen reports of people still saying that is happening.

that is when you politely but firmly request to speak to their supervisor.

Agree.

I think one of the reasons some people are not understanding the difference between 'condition' and 'needs related to a disability'

There have been quite a few posts where people are saying, "How do I get a DAS. I have xxxx (diabetes, MS, immune disorder, difficulty standing in one place - just to name a few recent ones) "

The correct answer is that guests need to explain their concerns/issues/needs related to waiting in line to the CM at Guest Relations. Not everyone with those conditions will need or get DAS. It really depends on what the guest's needs are and how they explain that to CMs.

Some posters are interpreting that 'message' as being told Guest Relations won't give them a DAS and that the message on the boards is "only autism gets a DAS."

That is very far from the truth - the message is that if you just go in to Guest Relations and say "I need DAS because I have this" you are likely to be told no. So, think about what the DAS provides (a place to wait outside of the line) and how that would be helpful to your disability related needs.

 

[mackay_j]

Those reports were primarily in the first few weeks.
We are now more than 6 months out and I have not seen reports of people still saying that is happening.


Agree.

I think one of the reasons some people are not understanding the difference between 'condition' and 'needs related to a disability'

There have been quite a few posts where people are saying, "How do I get a DAS. I have xxxx (diabetes, MS, immune disorder, difficulty standing in one place - just to name a few recent ones) "

The correct answer is that guests need to explain their concerns/issues/needs related to waiting in line to the CM at Guest Relations. Not everyone with those conditions will need or get DAS. It really depends on what the guest's needs are and how they explain that to CMs.

Some posters are interpreting that 'message' as being told Guest Relations won't give them a DAS and that the message on the boards is "only autism gets a DAS."

That is very far from the truth - the message is that if you just go in to Guest Relations and say "I need DAS because I have this" you are likely to be told no. So, think about what the DAS provides (a place to wait outside of the line) and how that would be helpful to your disability related needs.

Sue this train of thought is actually coming from dis - Many times I have come across replies that include telling people they should not go at all!! (that should not be allowed on here - that is up to the person and their doctor/ family) to telling them they will not qualify for a Das. In fact after my post on here earlier today and one I posted previously asking for help on this and a related issue I have received various PM's telling me to give up asking on here and requesting to discuss off line and even 1 to thank me for trying to stand up to what is beginning to come across as bullying by those who feel more entitled than others to receive the DAS and even visit disney at all.

I completely agree that this is just hearsay and that Disney in fact takes every issues and hears what the clients are saying and requesting. But unfortunately this DIS attitude it is starting to give Dis disability boards a bad reputation. (even commented on now in other parts of dis and in other forums).
And it is a real shame as this was once the best place to get help with all issues regarding disabilities. Please put a stop to this attitude now

 

[JenniBugInPink]

I honestly, feel like it could go either way. It'd probably just be if the CM thinks it's possible to avoid germs/etc easier outside the lines. My first thought reading it all was that even with a DAS there's just no way to avoid crowds. There's really nothing in a line that isn't anywhere else you'd be waiting, and I'd actually think you'd be fine in the line since you could stay on your EVC and not touch anything. If you'd just be kind of sitting on an EVC not touching things outside the line, I think you could do the same thing inside it. Especially since you'd still be in a 15 or so minute line with the DAS. I remember someone posting about wanting a DAS for almost the same reason for their child. It was quite awhile ago and I can't recall if they ever posted the outcome though.

I'm sorry, I thought I posted that I don't take my ECV through the line with me. ECVs are way too big to comfortably go through most regular lines. It's nearly impossible to negotiate the turns without making a fuss and drawing even more attention than usual, which is bad enough as it is. I just park the thing and walk. I'm sorry, but I don't really understand what you mean about the 15 minute line with the DAS. I don't care about the time, what I'm trying to do is reduce the viral/bacterial burden. Smaller group = smaller chance of infection due to reduced viral/bacterial pathogen presence, especially airborne. The queue that sticks in my mind is Rock n' Roller Coaster where the line is bascially just doubled over and over and over on itself and you're breathing that air in that crowd and nobody's moving and you're just as smashed as you can be...

Maybe a vacation such as Disney isn't suitable for you. I'm sorry. The only thing I can think of is:
-Consider going during a low(er) season.
-Don't even think of going during flu / cough / cold season. That means at least October - February (or longer). That will kick out some of the low season options for you.
-Keep up on all vaccines.
-Continue to use your mask and gloves.
-Take all your meds.
-Talk to your doctor about your planned trip. He or she may have additional advice for you about going to a crowded theme park.
Sorry for the bad news. Do you really want to risk it if your immune system is as bad as you indicate it is?

I've been an RN/BSN for over 25 years. I work in medical research. I've got my health care well in hand, thanks.

And yes, I'm willing to risk it. Life is for the living. My life will be a shortened one. Seriously, kidney disease will take me out one day, and I'm not programmed to live life on dialysis forever. I will gradually get less and less able to travel, and my immunity isn't going to improve. We're DVC members, and I don't plan to sell anytime soon. It's worth the risk to me. I've lived through an appendectomy and two upper respiratory infections, though one got kinda' dicey. I will not live life in my bedroom. THAT is not worth it to me. I'm VERY careful when I'm not at home, and I'll continue that in the germ pit at WDW, but I'm going!

If you haven't already done so, check out the DAS sticky; it's got a lot of good info in it. A lot of people have reported that cms see the ECV, tune you out, and say the ECV is all you need. If you think that the DAS will help you, be prepared to explain why your needs are not meet by just the ECV. I had a "fun" time trying to explain that a wheelchair/ECV did not meet my needs (I'm boarder-line arthritic). Don't mention stamina at all. You should probably mention that it's a danger to your health to be packed in with group of people for a long period of time and that you need a safe place to reduce the amount of time you spend in a slow moving mass of humanity.
I wear a mask on a regular basis for airborne allergies and would recommend anyone immunocompromised to wear one as well. WDW is a germy place all over. When's your trip? You'll want a lighter mask in warmer months as you will end up with your own ecosystem if it doesn't breathe enough.
I completely understand being scared to leave the house for medical reasons. The reason I wear a mask regularly is because I have severe airborne allergies to tapioca, mustard, and ethyl alcohol. This means I am allergic to the smell of hot dogs, french fries, and hand sanitizer. I can't get near a McDonalds bag without a mask. (There's a mask in my bag right now.) Sometimes you just have to take a chance and live your life with fear on the back burner. Don't let it get you down. Feel free to PM me if you ever just need to talk/vent.

Thanks so much for the suggestion about NOT going to Guest Services WITH the ECV. That's so smart! I know that they see a zillion people, and it does seem that their training has been skewed to ASD, at least from what I have read here and elsewhere.

We're going Sept 27 - Oct 5, which is our usual time. We go then because it's among the least crowded weeks of the year and I LOVE the F&W Festival and MNSSHP.

As far as the mask goes, I have to use an N95 respirator rated for healthcare use in order to be sure that it will block pathogens (otherwise, it won't do any good in preventing infection) and it has to have a complete seal to my face (argh! can you say hot and sweaty? ). When they get damp and icky, I have to change them.

Ok, more replies in a few.

 

[JenniBugInPink]

This is correct. If the CMs at GR see you on a ECV then they WILL tune out all other reasons you need a GAC. This happened to us twice. My DH uses a ECV but his need for a GAC is not mobility related. When the CMs saw the ECV they quickly denied him. Just go to GR without the ECV and the process will go smoother. Have a great trip.

Again, I think this will help the CM focus on what I'm saying rather than what they're seeing, especially since my ECV is PINK!

Misconception. that being said the fact is the new DAS is more restrictive and is no longer an option for people who were able to utilize the old GAC due to the evolvement of it into a FP by default
Last time I went, I was sent to wait in the HA section for one ride or another. following the CM instruction DH and I made our way to the painted off section next to another family( 2 A 2 K.) whereby I was immediately SCREAMED at by the women to 'stay away form my kid! he cannot be near germs!!!!" the CM told the woman that I HAD to be there as all sections had to be used and sorry but he could not leave it empty. she went off on him too and started screaming( yes her voice was raised) that her husband was also at risk. and just kept going on.
the kid was not in a mask, or had any other precautions( I too am immunocompromised but not as badly as you and all my needs are met by my wheelchair)
It took everything I had to not point out that she and her family was SURROUNDED by germs, some of which came from areas of the country( and world for that matter) that her family had never been exposed to or had any hope of fighting off.

if your doctor says it's not a good idea, then don't go.

My MDs (I have quite the group of them, Family Practice, Nephrologist, and Rheumatologist are the star players, with others playing minor roles) are all aware that I can't live in a bubble. The Rheumy and I are talking about the possibility of administering IgG prior to the trip to boost immunity a little. As I said, I have my health care well in hand. I'm lucky - not everyone has their own RN with this many years experience who is as skilled in research.

I've read both here and on other forums that CMs have told guests that the DAS is for autism. They were wrong but if you come up against one of these CMs, you're out of luck.

Those reports were primarily in the first few weeks.
We are now more than 6 months out and I have not seen reports of people still saying that is happening.
Agree.
I think one of the reasons some people are not understanding the difference between 'condition' and 'needs related to a disability'
There have been quite a few posts where people are saying, "How do I get a DAS. I have xxxx (diabetes, MS, immune disorder, difficulty standing in one place - just to name a few recent ones) "
The correct answer is that guests need to explain their concerns/issues/needs related to waiting in line to the CM at Guest Relations. Not everyone with those conditions will need or get DAS. It really depends on what the guest's needs are and how they explain that to CMs.

Some posters are interpreting that 'message' as being told Guest Relations won't give them a DAS and that the message on the boards is "only autism gets a DAS."

That is very far from the truth - the message is that if you just go in to Guest Relations and say "I need DAS because I have this" you are likely to be told no. So, think about what the DAS provides (a place to wait outside of the line) and how that would be helpful to your disability related needs.

You see, that's all I need - a place to wait outside of the line. I'll wait however long - this is not a time issue!! So many people I've seen complain seem to want to cut the time they wait. I just don't want to wait in the throng of people. I'll go wherever they tell me, do whatever they'd like, I just want to be out of the way of the huddled masses. This used to be possible. If it is no longer possible, I will be disappointed, as I don't think that's how the DAS is meant to work. I don't think it is meant to make things worse, and I know it is making things worse for some because CM are not listening adequately to guests. They are looking, but not listening.

Sue this train of thought is actually coming from dis - Many times I have come across replies that include telling people they should not go at all!! (that should not be allowed on here - that is up to the person and their doctor/ family) to telling them they will not qualify for a Das. In fact after my post on here earlier today and one I posted previously asking for help on this and a related issue I have received various PM's telling me to give up asking on here and requesting to discuss off line and even 1 to thank me for trying to stand up to what is beginning to come across as bullying by those who feel more entitled than others to receive the DAS and even visit disney at all.

I completely agree that this is just hearsay and that Disney in fact takes every issues and hears what the clients are saying and requesting. But unfortunately this DIS attitude it is starting to give Dis disability boards a bad reputation. (even commented on now in other parts of dis and in other forums).
And it is a real shame as this was once the best place to get help with all issues regarding disabilities. Please put a stop to this attitude now

As you can see in this thread, I've been told not to go, and I've been made to feel that perhaps I shouldn't even ask about a DAS. Worry not as I am not easily deterred. I'm a tough old bird. If I wasn't though, my feelings could have been hurt, or perhaps my plans could have even been changed. That isn't what should happen here. This should be a place of information and support. Dealing with the crap life has dealt us at Disney is hard enough. Let's not dish more crap to each other on top of that, ok.

Love to all the folks to go to a Disney park with less than a marathoner's body or an astrophysicist's brain. May Disney make you feel so special that you don't notice.

 

[Mrsjvb]

the entire park is crowded. even if you do find a quiet out of the way spot to wait out your time, the FP line will still have to be navigated and the wait times can be 30 minutes, getting to the FP entrance you will be surrounded by people.

it may not be possible to avoid the huddled masses no matter what accommodations you get.

 

[PatMcDuck]

OP, my first thought was, this woman should not be going to a place like WDW! Too risky. But, you really made me think with your other posts, your responses were excellent. (I have a DD who went thru some life threatening conditions (HLH for one, 50% fatal), and she was immune compromised for months, so I somewhat understand, her system recovered from the chemo and steroids though). Good luck to you on your trip.

I have an adult son with various special needs, and he uses a Convaid chair at the parks. Thanks to other DISers, for the tip about possibly leaving his chair outside when I request a DAS. We did receive one at DL in February, but there was a long (polite)conversation (I think) because of that chair. I think they would focus on his other needs better without it. He is in and out of it during the day, some lines I have to make him walk because it is too hard for me (age 55) to push him up and down the hills (Space and Soarin' are not easy!) It is also good for him to do some walking, too.

 

[aaarcher86]

I definitely don't think you shouldn't request a DAS, but I DO think it could be a toss up. It's just not something I've seen as the only reason someone is requesting the DAS so there's no history to go off of (that I've read anyway).

We will be there at the same time though, so if I see a pink EVC I'll give you a wave

 

[SteveMouse]

Just to clarify a bit- as I understand it, under the DAS, there are no specified alternate waiting areas as once existed under GAC. If you have a DAS card, you are free to wait in a place of your own choosing. That's not quite the same thing, in terms of separation from crowds (I'm thinking about places around Soaring/The Land, for example, that are not crowded). That elevator area has to be one of the biggest (indoor) human traffic jams @ Disney!

 

[SueM in MN]

I'm going to quote the first post in the thread titled "An Open Letter from SueM" . That thread is a sticky near the top of this board. It was written for the reasons then as it is being shared for now.
The references were to GAC (Guest Assistance Cards), which has been discontinued. It refers equally well to DAS.

I spent the whole day today doing disaster preparedness training with people from other hospitals; planning what we would do and how we would handle it if a disaster struck.
We spent the afternoon doing a 'tabletop' exercise to apply what we had covered earlier in the day. Our 'disaster' was a blizzard and ice storm (yes, in the middle of June) and our scenario had us losing all power in the hospital from our regular and back up generator, with no idea how long it would be out. In our 'pretend hospital' for the scenario, we would have 30 patients with ventilators breathing for them when the power went out. As we worked out everything - trying to think how long a ventilator battery could possibly last and how long the staff could last if they had to manually pump the patient's lungs, I had the sobering thought that I work in a hospital where we actually do have 25-30 patients on ventilators on an average day. And that if we did have a long power outage, a great number of our patients would probably die as a result. And, we could probably do very little to prevent it.

A few weeks ago, we had another disaster training exercise - that one was bioterrorism with Plague - aren't we a cheery bunch!

On my way home today, I heard the news stories:
12 more US troops killed in Iraq
Missing pregnant woman still not found
and close to home,
a 5 yr old girl with autism found dead in a pond just across the street from her home after she wandered away.
I thought of what it must be like to live in a situation where your 5 year old has no sense of danger and you have to be always vigilent to the possibility of her getting out. And what those parents must be going thru tonight and how they are going to live in that house (even stay there tonight) knowing that the pond that their DD drowned in is just 300 yards from their front door.

Those are the types of thoughts that I came to the DIS Boards to escape from.
The DIS Boards were my "happy place" where I could come to share a special place and ways to enjoy that special place with others who maybe thought the 'magic' was out of their reach.
But the DIS Boards have not been so happy. This has not just been one thread, it has been several over the past few months.
When I've come here lately, I've found things like:

• "they lied to me"
• "people know things and won't tell me"
• "people on the board are treating xxxxxxxx disability better than yyyyyyy."
• "some people are prejudiced"
• "no one will list exactly what the GAC does"
  (If you don't know what GAC stands for, post 6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread talks about it).
• "No one will let me post exactly how things work"
• "people only care about people with permanent disabilities."
• "people are PMing me with information that is different than what most people are posting"
• etc. etc. etc

This sounds so much like the bickering that my brothers and sisters did while we were growing up that it's not funny. It makes the board an un-pleasant place to come and because of the general arguementative attitude of some posters, many posts are being taken in a negative way when there was NOTHING negative about them.
Negativity creates more negativity.

So, some reminders:

• If you come here with a chip on your shoulder looking for the negative in people, you will probably find it and YOU will be contributing to the negative views of others.
  If you assume that other people are honestly trying to help (and most are), you will find help.
  
• When reading replies, keep in mind that seeing things in writing only gives part of the message the person was trying to convey. Something that sounds 'snarky' or rude when you read it, might sound very different in person, when you also have other clues to the meaning, like tone of voice and facial expression.
  
• Remember that other people reading your message might not understand it the way that you meant it (see # 2).
  
• If you post "I plan to go to WDW in August and I have xxxxxxxx. What kind of GAC should I ask for?", no one is going to tell you what kind of GAC to ask for. They will tell you to go to Guest Relations and explain your needs.
  One reason for that answer, is that we don't know what Disney will offer. As one poster wrote (edited a little):
  
  If you go in and are able to explain what your issues are, you will be able to get assistance. If you feel you are not getting what you need, ask to speak to a supervisor.
  
• If you post "I plan to go to WDW in August and I have xxxxxxxx. What should I do", you will get advice from
  -people who have been to WDW with xxxxxxxx and would not go again as long as they have xxxxxxxx
  -people who have not been to WDW with xxxxxxx, but have been in August and would not go again
  -people who have never been to WDW, but had xxxxxxx, and can't imagine going
  -people who have suggestions for dealing with xxxxxxx
  -people who have suggestions for dealing with xxxxxxx at WDW
  
  They are giving their opinions. If you don't like them, you don't have to follow them. Some of the people responding may know a great deal about xxxxx, but don't know anything about WDW. So if they don't tell about WDW, they are not trying to keep information away or prevent you from going - they just don't know anything.
  
  But, most are trying to help, not upset. So, take what is helpful to you and assume the other information was given with good intentions, even if you don't feel it was helpful or was what you wanted to hear.
  
• Whatever board you go on, different people will have different experiences. That doesn't mean any of them are not telling the truth.
  You will find threads on the Theme Parks Board where someone says they used Fastpasses after the 'window' time and someone else says they were told they could not do that.
  Or opposite experieces about height restrictions, tickets or being asked to show room keys for Extra Magic Hours.
  On the Resort Board, someone will post that the CM told them the limit was 4 people in one room and someone else posts a CM told them 5.
  None of that means that anyone was lying - just that they had different experiences.
  
• And one to add this morning; if you have been given information or a link that seems overwhelming or that you don't understand, it's your responsibility to let people on the thread know that. It was probably very clear to the person who wrote it but, but if you don't say anything, they won't know that, and no one can help you to clarify things.

As Cheshire Figment noted on another thread, all the Moderators on all the Boards are volunteers. We put hours into moderating the boards with no pay and sometimes a lot of grief.
We generally do it because we felt like we had something to offer and enjoyed doing it.
Even though it might seem like we are always on the boards, we do have lives outside of the DIS Boards. When people are doing things that cause the boards to take more of our time, it is taken from other parts of our lives.

And, since it's 12:50am (at least on my computer) now, I'm tired and I'm not sure I'm even making sense anymore, I'll end with
this last, final advice for all posters from Thumper's mom,
"If you don't have nothing nice to say, don't say nothing at all."

 

[DCDisney]

Many of the lines now work with ECV and like little ones in a stroller I think you probably get better protection being on the ECV not at face level so much and people tend to leave space around an ECV too so they don't get run over. Without the ECV in sight its probably a toss up on the DAS. I have a different medical condition but also one where I can be physically harmed by others touching, pushing, etc and I have no troubles getting a DAS when I need one BUT I 99% of the time go on the slowest park days because its not just the masses in line but also the masses everywhere that are an issue and I only get/use DAS for very specific conditions otherwise I can do fine with rides as long as I'm with 2 others who can run interference for me standing in front and behind me. I totally understand you wanting to go and the DR OKs it but I would take every precaution like gloves and mask. We haven't gotten sick on any of our many trips but we tend to not get sick often. We have had issues though on nearly every trip where one of us sits in something on a ride that I would consider a bio-hazard, people cough/sneeze on us, can't help but touch some grab bars, etc. Can you do public restrooms? Those auto-flushers are so strong they always send out a yucky mist.... When my brother was on chemo he was not supposed to go in any restroom with an autoflush and had a whole page of rules from the Dr about people using toilets in his house like closing the lid and flushing solid waste multiple times, etc. I would worry potentially more about things like that than the lines.