Has Disneyland put MAJOR Restrictions on the DAS Recently?

[TheMoreUKnow]

We just got back from Disneyland, and my dad inquired about the DAS at 2 different kiosks. He has qualified for the DAS the last several times of our vacations, but this time they said he no longer qualifies. Specifically, he has diabetes and the heat drops his blood sugar severely. Once his blood sugar drops, it becomes very hard for him to get to feeling back to normal and we end up having to leave the park. He gets headaches, etc. We used the DAS occasionally - only when it was too hot to stand in the normal line for him. We would go and sit in the shade to wait until his return time. He told them that he qualified the last couple of times and explained his needs to them as per usual.

This time, they said that we as his family would need to wait in the line and then have him join us in line once we reached the front and he would need to regulate his blood sugar by taking snacks with him (which unfortunately does not help with the heat dropping his sugars so quickly). They said he does not qualify for the DAS any longer. He asked if they still had the Disability Access Service, they said they did but only for certain situations and needs.

I'm curious as to who qualifies for the DAS anymore? Is it just mental and emotional disabilities, and no longer any physical disabilities? I didn't hear of any major changes like this coming to the DAS, but maybe I completely missed it.

 

[aaarcher86]

I've not heard of anything.

I don't know much about DL, but at WDW heat issues are hit or miss. At least here, most lines are shaded or have AC so waiting outside of them would defeat the purpose.

Did you end up going through the line and having him meet you? That's not feasible at WDW. I'd think it'd be the same in DL. Very odd.

 

[OurBigTrip]

Did he ask at Guest Services? I don't think they give them out at the kiosks, but I could be wrong.

 

[SueM in MN]

Did he ask at Guest Services? I don't think they give them out at the kiosks, but I could be wrong.

i have not heard of any changes.
If they are giving them out at kiosks, that is a change that I have not heard of. The Disneyland information still says to go the Guest Relations.
https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me.../dlr-disability-access-service_2014-12-09.pdf

So, your issue may be related to having asked at the kiosks, where they are not given out (the CMS at the kiosks may have assumed you asked at Guest Relations and were turned down). If he has the old DAS, take it with you next time to Guest Relations and explain his needs there.

Also, keep in mind that not all diabetics need DAS, in fact, on any given day, there are probably quite a few CMs with diabetes working in the park. So, he needs to explain how his diabetes causes a disability that affects his ability to wait in the regular lined.

 

[Pilotdog]

This happen to me yesterday I was told that my disability no longer qualifies and that only cognitive disabilities will get a das! I was also told that my family would have to get in line and I would have to join them at some point. She gave me the das just for that day but said I would no longer be able to get one after that. DS was with me this trip but most of the time I go with just my kids. I would never let my kids out of my sight so that will not work.

 

[SueM in MN]

This happen to me yesterday I was told that my disability no longer qualifies and that only cognitive disabilities will get a das! I was also told that my family would have to get in line and I would have to join them at some point. She gave me the das just for that day but said I would no longer be able to get one after that. DS was with me this trip but most of the time I go with just my kids. I would never let my kids out of my sight so that will not work.

It's not the condition/disability that qualifies someone for DAS, it's the needs that are a result of the condition.
So, if someone says, "I have diabetes. I need DAS", they are going to be told their condition does not qualify for DAS.
So, rather than the condition, what are the concerns/reasons why waiting in line will cause issues? That is what needs to be explained in order to get DAS.
CMs often give cognitive disabilities as an example of a reason why waiting in line will cause issues, but those are not the only reasons for getting DAS. If the CM says that, or that's what the guest understands, it's best to ask for a lead/supervisor.

Mobility related issues will be a reason for CMs to suggest using a mobility device. It makes sense because the amount of walking and standing around occurs as much outside as inside of lines. DAS is not needed to bring/use a mobility device in lines or attractions.

 

[gap2368]

he has diabetes and the heat drops his blood sugar severely. Once his blood sugar drops, it becomes very hard for him to get to feeling back to normal and we end up having to leave the park. .

I know at disney world if you have diabetes you will not get a DAS card they will tell you to use a mobility device so that if you go low you can sit and have some one push you until you your BG get up. next time you go can your dad use a small umbrella to make some shade when in line also cooling towels work great.

 

[wilkeliza]

I wonder if it is because they can not guarentee shade or cool areas to wait. Perhaps having an umbrella or hat would provide the same accomidation and actually guarentee shade. I know I've become pretty heat sensitive this year (idk why never been that way before and my blood work os normal) and most days at CA we had a hard time finding somewhere in the cool to sit that wasn't a table service restaruant. Disneyland was easier but still a fight to find a seat.

 

[Pilotdog]

My issue is not diabetes. The cast member asked me what were my issues I told her what I always have said in the past. She told me the das is only for people with cognitive issues and that from now on I would have to wait some where while my party gets in line. I told her that I have always had a das and she said that the das has changed. I can only say what happened to me and that's what happened. You could say that my issue in mental and not physical so a wheel chair is not going to help. I'm surprised that Disney would try to force one member of a group into having to spend most of their day alone, since they claim to be a family park.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I know at disney world if you have diabetes you will not get a DAS card they will tell you to use a mobility device so that if you go low you can sit and have some one push you until you your BG get up. next time you go can your dad use a small umbrella to make some shade when in line also cooling towels work great.

It is incorrect to say that you can't get a DAS at WDW if you have diabetes. It depends on what your needs are.

 

[clanmcculloch]

I can't believe a CM would tell somebody to wait outside a line while the rest of their party goes through the line then meet up with them at the boarding area. That's crazy! It is not logistically possible to do this. If told this is how to accommodate your disability, ask for a supervisor. First, breaking up your party is not equal access (unless you're talking about a large group in which case it's something that even groups with no disabilities have to do at times). Second, telling you that you have to break rules and push through a bunch of people in line (the only way you'd be able to get to the front to meet up with your party) is not equal access. Maybe you misunderstood? Even if you did, it sure sounds like it was very badly explained and a supervisor should have been brought out.

If a CM says that cognitive disabilities are the ONLY types that qualify for a DAS then ask for a supervisor. If it's given as an example then that's one thing, but saying it's the only type of disability is flat out wrong. For that matter, not all with cognitive disabilities even need it. It is SUPPOSED to be 100% based on need, not diagnosis/disability.

Do you mind sharing what issues you do encounter or expect to encounter in lines? Maybe we can brainstorm ideas? Depending on the issues, it might be possible to plan around it and manage with the DAS being just an emergency backup plan rather than the entire plan (it really shouldn't be the entire plan regardless as there's a lot that it can't do but there is also a lot that can be done with good planning so that you can manage a lot with only using the DAS minimally or even still having an amazing day without it). Last Christmas, literally the busiest time of the year, we managed really well only using it maybe a total of 6 times max over our entire 10 night trip. February 2014 we actually didn't use it at all and just kept it as a backup plan. There really is a lot that you can do yourself depending on the specific issues.

 

[tinkerpea]

I have to say I'm afraid that this has happened now on two occasions to family friends,
Both times they was told,ONLY cognitive disability is now given a DAS and that they would have to have the person sit and wait while the family went through the line.
They tried this and it was hard work.

I find it really concerning that so many people are being told this.

 

[gap2368]

It is incorrect to say that you can't get a DAS at WDW if you have diabetes. It depends on what your needs are.

I know people that have said I have diabetes and this is my need in line and the CM tells them that the only accommodation is a mobility or wheel chair as a stroller

 

[Belle1997]

It that against the ADA. Are you telling me My hubby will have to spend an hour in line while I wait till he gets to the front. That is very upsetting. That is not equal access.

I use a power chair I can not imagine trying to get through the line. Though my need for a DAS is not mobility related. I have other needs.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Are you telling me My hubby will have to spend an hour in line while I wait till he gets to the front. That is very upsetting. That is not equal access.

1) Actually, it IS equal access and is not against ADA.
. . . Disney has a whole team of lawyers who try to keep them above the law
. . . this includes the ADA requirements
2) DAS and ADA provide for ACCESS, not EXCESS.

NOTE: Since you do not mention any other issues, other than mobility, it is tough to guess whether you do or do not qualify for DAS. Not asking, just commenting. And, at almost every ride, a power wheelchair can navigate the line(s).

 

[lanejudy]

There have been 2 reports recently of guests at DLR being denied a DAS and told to have their party wait in line. I honestly can't comment on specifics other than that goes against Disney's stated policy. I do not know how the request was presented (diagnosis without details of need, mobility need, etc.) or if there is a need for re-training of some new CMs. I do suggest that anyone who receives that response from GR should request to speak with a supervisor for clarification. The concept of joining another party in line doesn't seem logical.

As for diabetes (or any specific condition, but diabetes has been questioned in this thread) -- again, it comes down to that guest's individual needs. Some needs can be met by using a mobility device. If someone feels the recommended accommodation does not work for their needs, I suggest returning to Guest Relations to discuss the specifics.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Pilotdog]

Well I decided to send an email to Disney to get clarification on this issue. I will post back when I get an answer, if I get an answer.
Oh and we were not a large group just me, DH, DS12 and DS2.

 

[Belle1997]

1) Actually, it IS equal access and is not against ADA.
. . . Disney has a whole team of lawyers who try to keep them above the law
. . . this includes the ADA requirements
2) DAS and ADA provide for ACCESS, not EXCESS.

NOTE: Since you do not mention any other issues, other than mobility, it is tough to guess whether you do or do not qualify for DAS. Not asking, just commenting. And, at almost every ride, a power wheelchair can navigate the line(s).

I said my need for DAS was not mobility related. Meaning the chair is my legs. I have other medical needs that has nothing to do with why I do not walk. That is the biggest problem people in wheelchairs have. Yes I can move my chair through a line but that does not mean I am able to stay in the line for very long due to other medical issues. Some People see the chair not the person. I am not going to tell people my personal issues on a web page. I actually had an issue the last time I went. They did not listen to my needs. They just saw my chair. I went to another Kiosk and ask why they were not giving out DAS anymore. I told them what my needs were that had nothing to do with my chair. They did give me one. So I am extremely nervous going again. Because I want them to see me not my chair.

 

[Gracie09]

I said my need for DAS was not mobility related. Meaning the chair is my legs. I have other medical needs that has nothing to do with why I do not walk. That is the biggest problem people in wheelchairs have. Yes I can move my chair through a line but that does not mean I am able to stay in the line for very long due to other medical issues. Some People see the chair not the person. I am not going to tell people my personal issues on a web page. I actually had an issue the last time I went. They did not listen to my needs. They just saw my chair. I went to another Kiosk and ask why they were not giving out DAS anymore. I told them what my needs were that had nothing to do with my chair. They did give me one. So I am extremely nervous going again. Because I want them to see me not my chair.

A das is given at guest relations not the kiosks. If you were asking at the kiosks you were asking at the wrong place and no wonder they told you no. As for people asking your needs, the people on this board have lived going to Disney with a variety of disabilities. They often have tips and ideas that you may not have though of. For example it was suggested to me many moons ago that my husband request stroller as a wheelchair tag because he was pushing out daughters' stroller like a walker due to a back issue. I never would have thought to ask and it made life much easier for him.

 

[gap2368]

A das is given at guest relations not the kiosks. If you were asking at the kiosks you were asking at the wrong place and no wonder they told you no. As for people asking your needs, the people on this board have lived going to Disney with a variety of disabilities. They often have tips and ideas that you may not have though of. For example it was suggested to me many moons ago that my husband request stroller as a wheelchair tag because he was pushing out daughters' stroller like a walker due to a back issue. I never would have thought to ask and it made life much easier for him.

I wish more people would see it this way when people on the DIS ask for clarification about someone disability. some people are 100% sure that they will qualify for a DAS card and the people on here are like no this is what disney will give you. I am not saying the PP dose not need a DAS card ( I too have a number of disabilities some of them qualify for the DAS and some do not) but since they will not tell us anything besides they use a wheel chair ( witch dose not need a DAS card) we can only guess at why they did not get a DAS card. Now the PP has a right wether or not to talk about there disabilities or not that is there chose but I can say that for the most part this is a very knowledgeable group of people you may not get the answers you want and the people that will know for sure is the CM at GR who you talk to about your disability.