Trip to Disney and we need a DAS for our child - so worried I think I might cancel :-(

[HelenB1976]

We have 2 children. Our 3 year old has autism and associated special needs (although disability is not visible immediately) and we have an 18 month old.

My parents have booked us a surprise trip to DisneyWorld this summer as a surprise after an extremely difficult year for the family. We will be going in August (so peak weeks) as it is the only time my husband can take holiday from work.

My parent's dream is to take their grandchildren to DisneyWorld but I am extremely anxious about it. I have read up on the DAS pass which I think we would have to get and I'm not sure it would work for us. I don't think that my 3 year old will be able to spend longer than 2-3 hours in the park so I'm not sure that it's worth us going as I'm sure we'll only be able to fit in 2 or 3 return times before we have to go home. It seems so much money just to spend our time hanging about and only going on 3 things. Could anyone answer the questions that I have please?

* About how many rides do you think we'll be able to get on in 2-3 hours in peak season?
* My daughter is desperate to meet Anna and Elsa so if we couldn't do that it would ruin the day due to meltdowns (my parents have stupidly told her that she'll be able to meet them). I know this is extremely popular so probably has a hugely long return time meaning that we would be unable to do anything else.
* How does the wheelchair as stroller work? She needs her stroller in order to queue or wait at all. We usually have a double stroller. Would this be acceptable?

To be honest I want to cancel the holiday now whilst we would still get some of our deposit back as I think my parents are going to be disappointed with the outcome.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

 

[Dentam]

Peak season would be tough I think... are you planning to stay at one of the Disney resorts? Those can be really fun to hang out at when you're not doing your few hours of park time. There are also tons of great places to eat. If you could delay your trip until September the crowds should be much lighter.

 

[Dentam]

As far as the wheelchair as stroller - they are very good at Disney about working with these. My mom needed a wheelchair on our last trip and they had us enter each ride using a separate line and we were able to take the wheelchair right up to the loading areas on almost all of them.

 

[lanejudy]

Welcome to the disABILITIES Forum!

I personally avoid peak times. But others make it work. Keep in mind that you also have 3 FP+ to schedule ahead of time. If you are staying on-site those can be planned 60 days out, offsite at 30 days out. DAS works best when used along with FP+. In a 3-hour time period, if you arrive at rope drop, even at peak I would think you could get 5-6 attractions done if you plan to focus on one "land" or area of the park. Don't waste time traveling from one end of the park to the other.

Would your child be able to return to the park later in the day after a break? Many families take a break and return later -- spend the morning in the park, break at lunch, return late afternoon or evening. You don't mention how long a trip this will be -- you can't squeeze it all in with just 4 days, or even a week. If you have a longer trip (you mention "holiday" which makes me think you may be coming from overseas for a longer stay) you can get a few things done each day. Or just recognize that you can't do everything (even if you stay for 2+ weeks you can't do EVERYTHING in one trip!) and be happy with what you did accomplish and the memories you make.

You can obtain a stroller-as-wheelchair tag at Guest Relations; double-stroller is fine. You'll need to clarify why the stroller tag is needed, and also why it doesn't fully accommodate your child's needs in line (in requesting the DAS as well). Both are allowed, but be prepared to indicate separate issues. Most line queues at WDW are fully-accessible and the stroller will go through either the standby queue or the FP+ queue.

Feel free to ask more questions as you work on your plans.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[SueM in MN]

As far as the wheelchair as stroller - they are very good at Disney about working with these. My mom needed a wheelchair on our last trip and they had us enter each ride using a separate line and we were able to take the wheelchair right up to the loading areas on almost all of them.

I see from your signature that your last trip was in 2010. At that point some attractions had separate wheelchair lines, but many had wheelchair access through the regular line, so guests with wheelchairs or strollers as wheelchairs waited in the regular lines with other guests. These are called Mainstream Lines.

At this point, most attractions at WDW have Mainstream Lines. In some cases, the whole regular line is accessible, in some the majority of the line is accessible, but guests using mobility devices are routed to an accessible boarding area after waiting thru part of the line. For the few lines that have a separate entrance, you may be given a time to come back instead of going directly into the line.

Wheelchairs or strollers as wheelchairs can be taken all the way to or close to the point of boarding.

 

[Dentam]

I see from your signature that your last trip was in 2010. At that point some attractions had separate wheelchair lines, but many had wheelchair access through the regular line, so guests with wheelchairs or strollers as wheelchairs waited in the regular lines with other guests. These are called Mainstream Lines.

At this point, most attractions at WDW have Mainstream Lines. In some cases, the whole regular line is accessible, in some the majority of the line is accessible, but guests using mobility devices are routed to an accessible boarding area after waiting thru part of the line. For the few lines that have a separate entrance, you may be given a time to come back instead of going directly into the line.

Wheelchairs or strollers as wheelchairs can be taken all the way to or close to the point of boarding.

Oops - sorry, I was referring to our trip last month to Disneyland. Didn't realize WDW had different policies - I did say "Disney" as a collective is very good at working with people who need wheelchairs. Anyway, I'll leave this thread to all of you who will have much better info to share. Was just trying to be supportive of the OP.

 

[Dentam]

That info will come in handy for our next trip to WDW though since I'm sure my mom will still need a wheelchair. We only ran across one or two rides at DL that gave us a timed ticket to come back. Most had us go into a separate line or even oddly up the exit line - didn't like those!

 

[2tinkerbell]

I think that I would go with the idea of so what if that (2-3 rides) is all you can do, that is all you can do. I guess I am more willing to go with the flow than other people.

I remember so well the stage where my DD would only eat a grilled cheese sandwich at a restaurant. It was my parent's 50th Wedding Anniversary and we were taking them to a fancy restaurant for a family dinner. When it came time, my siblings and I split the bill. I still laugh about it, but, I paid $35 for a grilled cheese sandwich! But the memories and the fun we had was so worth it. I take the same approach with our Disney trips. I've paid for Character meals at the adult rate for my DD to have Mac & Cheese. What was important was my DD got to see the Character's and she had a great time. She will pull out the pictures and look at them and comment. I went in December right after 9/11 when everything was shutting down. I took the attitude that if we sat in the hotel room and played UNO it was okay because it was a much needed change in scenery. We ended up having the best time!

A $ means just as much to me as the next guy, especially as a single parent in a 1 income household. But the memories and the experience mean a lot to me as well. Traveling is where I choose to spend my money.

I think that if you follow the tips here on the boards (use DAS return times along with your FP+ times) you will be surprised at how much you can do. With the ages of your children, you want to go at a slower pace anyway and to take an afternoon rest at the hotel. Everyone will enjoy things more and be a lot happier if you don't push it or go commando.

 

[lanejudy]

Oops - sorry, I was referring to our trip last month to Disneyland. Didn't realize WDW had different policies ...

That's ok, the different locations get confusing to many people. However, it's not as much different policies, as simply age of the buildings and different space available. Disneyland is a much older park, not built with much if any considerations towards accessibility. WDW was built later and has more space for modifications. DCA (in Cal.) and HS and AK (in Fl.) are all relatively new and as such were built to meet ADA standards.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[1girln3boys]

I didn't read all the replies so I'm not sure if this has been suggested or not. But before you go books 3 FP+. As soon as you get to the park go to Anna and Elsa meet and greet and get a return time. Use your FP+s then when it's time go meet An and Elsa. Make sure your spread you FP+s in a way that will fit your schedule. After Anna and Elsa if she is still up for more rides get another time stamp for something else.
Also breaks might help and you may be able to return to the park after an hr or 2 break. So you can get a time stamp go take a break then use your time stamp for what ever you picked.

 

[Happyinwonerland]

I'm going to agree with the breaks. If your child can handle it, I would rope drop, get the return times for your must-do attractions, go do your fastpasses, then come back for your return time. Take a break at the resort around 10 or 11, and come back after a good rest. I would think you could get lots done.
There are attractions that have such a short wait you won't need the return pass too. The carousel is usually less than five minutes. Dumbo is fantastic because if the wait is long you can play while you wait. Aladdin magic carpets usually don't have much of a wait.

I think between fastpass, DAS return tickets, and short lines you will have a great vacation. Try not to stress and just enjoy yourself.

I would also not worry about making the grandparents happy or living up to their expectations. Make sure your child is happy and having a good time, and the happy memories will take care of themselves.

 

[Nennie]

I have a 3 year old with autism, and we go to WDW a couple times per year. What works for us is getting to the parks at rope drop. We can get so much in, especially b/c we aren't heading to the headliners. Heck, at Epcot, his favorite ride is the boat ride in Mexico which never has a line! I also have a 6 year old and a baby, so we bring a double stroller and get the WC tag for it. This past trip, he did great walking through the lines though, so we only used the stroller for characters (b/c if he can see the character, he will try to run over instead of waiting in line) and the shows (Fantasmic, Stunt show, etc) as he doesn't sit still very well on the bleachers, but will stay in his stroller. Last year we did use the stroller through most of the lines, so I was thrilled with his improvement this year!

We also get the DAS, and use it about twice a day. We would use it more if we had to, but again b/c we are there at rope drop, we just fly through the lines anyway. Has absolutely no problem getting a DAS, and didn't even have to explain why (although it probably helped that he had his hands over his ears and was humming the whole time! LOL!!!). We'll get the DAS return time for Jungle Cruise, and then do POTC standby since they are near each other. Same goes for DASing Peter Pan, and then doing Small World and the Carousel standby. As others have said, get the return time for Anna/Elsa as soon as you get to MK, and then go hit some rides in Fantasyland.

We bring lots of snacks, (usually peanut butter sandwiches), and let him eat in his stroller as we walk around. Restaurants and counter service places can be a little overwhelming for him, but find he does great with just eating on the go. I also get him a new light up toy (the spinning kind) and that b/c his favorite toy the whole time we are there.

We usually leave the parks around 1pm, and head back to the hotel for some pool time. He loves the pool, and I bring his puddle jumper with us. If we stay at the parks any longer than that and he will start melting down, but as I said, since we get there at rope drop, we still feel like we've had a full day. Usually once or twice during each trip, we'll head back at night for fireworks and/or Fantasmic. He does much better with Fantasmic, b/c we sit in the WC section, and nobody can get in his space. With fireworks, people get in his space, so it's a little tougher. This past trip, we got a spot early, and when people came near us, I nicely warned them that he doesn't understand and may try to grab them if they get too close. Sure enough, when the crowd got tighter, he was grabbing at people, but they just laughed. I didn't feel bad, since I'd warned them, and we were there first! LOL!!!

If I can think of some other tips, I will let you know!

Also, your parents will probably be more into getting fun pics in front of the castle, etc, then going all commando trying to ride Space Mountain a million times! LOL!!! Just mean that they will be content just being there with you and the kids, and making great memories! Disney isn't just about the rides...everything there is magical!!!

 

[aaarcher86]

I would schedule your FP on the our for 3 hours in a row for your top must dos (In MK those will be Anna and Elsa and 7DMT for the most part). For example:

9-10a - 7DMT
10-11a - Winnie the Pooh
11a-12p - Ariel

As soon as you get to the park, get a return time. Use your first FP. Use your DAS return time. Get a new return time. Use your 2nd FP. Use your DAS time. Get a new DAS time. Use your third FP. Use your DAS time.

Within 3 hours you'll have between 5 - 6 things done - but honestly... this type of scheduling to try and smoosh all these rides and attractions into a small window may not be enjoyable. There's a lot more about the parks then just doing 'things.' You might see a character your child wants to see and not be able to do an impromptu meet and greet because you're trying to use a FP, etc.

You really need to figure out what your expectations for the trip are, and then determine if they're feasible. I think it's pretty silly to get so worked up you'll cancel over something like this - but that's completely up to you. It's not all about being in the parks. Go to the parks at rope drop, do some things, go back to the hotel for a swim and then do a character meal for dinner. You'll have full days, packed with fun and memories. Your CHILD doesn't know they aren't riding all the rides offered, or seeing all the people offered. That's just you stressing about something that doesn't even matter.

If you go into it with the understanding that you'll at least get to do 3 rides and attractions (at least because of FP+) and you're satisfied with that, then you won't be disappointed. How would you handle your child's time situation anywhere else? This isn't much different.

 

[KisanMcG]

Hello, HelenB! Take a deep breath and to try not to worry. The great trip the grandparents are dreaming of is possible; it just takes planning and a willingness to be flexible when needed.

Other posters have explained using the stroller as a wheelchair. That and obtaining a DAS simply require a trip to Guest Relations in any of the four major parks to discuss your child's needs with them and determine if that is appropriate for her.

There are a few other things I would recommend to you that may ease your stress.

• First of all, I would recommend that you use a touring plan (like Touringplans.com) to try and determine which parks will be busiest on which day and at which time of day each attraction is busiest. Between your FP+, touring plan, and possible use of a DAS there should be a decent amount of attractions you can experience.
• You don't say which resort you'll be staying with, but I generally would recommend renting a car. If your little one is anything like me, by the time she is ready to leave the park waiting for and riding a bus is just additional stimulation that may make things more challenging.
• Take it all in! Sure, Disney headliner attractions are great... but there is a lot more to discover. Maybe your daughter would enjoy a show, or the chance to find hidden Mickeys, or a chance to get an ice cream cone, or something that doesn't involve lines like the Pagani Forest Exploration Trail or the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game.
• If your daughter would like to meet characters, I highly recommend booking character meals now. Remember that it is not just about CRT or Chef Mickey's - Tusker House, Cape May Cafe, and Garden Grill are often easier to book and less chaotic to attend. There are character meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• You will find that eating at the resorts will be more of a break from the bustle of the parks.
• If you are using the DAS and meeting Anna and Elsa are a priority, use your FP+ and touring plan wisely. Send someone to get a DAS return time first thing while you take advantage of shorter wait times at rope drop, and then return afterwards to meet her favorites. Another way to minimize impact would be to get a DAS return time before leaving the park for a break, and then returning later in the day or evening after cool down time to return to meet them. If they are what she wants to see most, it's not a waste of a trip for her to get to meet them.
• If it's financially difficult to purchase multi-day park tickets when you are not sure how much use you will get out of them, you can always purchase a smaller number of days initially and then add additional days at guest relations if going to the parks is working out.
• Even a day spent together at the resort can make for an excellent holiday! WDW resorts offer a large number of activities that can add fun over and above what you can find inside of the parks. Pony rides, a campfire with s'mores, watching a movie under the stars, walking around Downtown Disney, or renting a pontoon boat are all things your family can do together without a park ticket or the pressure to get on a certain number of rides in order to have fun. My family likes to have dinner at the Boardwalk Resort and then walk around to enjoy the lights and performers, and we also like to walk the path between the Grand Floridian and Polynesian after a trip to Captain Cook's and the Pineapple Lanai.
• When my anxiety reaches a fever pitch like it sounds like yours has, my DH reminds me: at WDW, the cast members are there to help you, and all every single one of them wants is for you to have a good time

I hope your family has a wonderful trip.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

My parents have booked us a surprise trip to DisneyWorld this summer as a surprise after an extremely difficult year for the family. We will be going in August (so peak weeks) as it is the only time my husband can take holiday from work.

When in August are you going? The last two weeks of the month tend to be less busy than the first two weeks as more and more schools go back in session.

 

[PatMcDuck]

I would schedule all character meet greets that you want to experience, with your FP+ DAS does not include access to Meet and Greets, as far as I know. If you get to the park when it opens, you can get on many things in that first golden hour. And in August, its pretty hot, you would want to return to room by 1 pm anyway.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

If you know about the trip, how is it a surprise?

Personally, I'd ask your parents to cancel. It would be so much easier to wait a few years and go when the kids are older and can enjoy it more. I'd suggest a more relaxing vacation; maybe a stay at the beach for a few days or a resort close by.

 

[SirDuff]

I would schedule all character meet greets that you want to experience, with your FP+ DAS does not include access to Meet and Greets, as far as I know. If you get to the park when it opens, you can get on many things in that first golden hour. And in August, its pretty hot, you would want to return to room by 1 pm anyway.

If the Meet and Greet has a FP+, the DAS can be used there.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Use fastpass for Anna and Elsa. Then you can arrange exactly when and what time of day you go to do that. All you will get from a DAS is the ability to wait elsewhere, not quicker admission to the attraction.

 

[aaarcher86]

Anna and Elsa I'd also try to FP, but we ended up doing the DAS for it because we weren't able to use the FP at the time.

It CAN work. I grabbed a return time before my kids went into the BBB. They got dolled up, did their photo shoot, and we went and met them.

If you're going to be eating lunch, or taking a swim break or something it can work fine as a backup. It's just not ideal.