DAS

DH and I just returned from a 4 day trip to DLR this past weekend. I've used a GAC and now a DAS pass for the past 7 years- it's for a very embarrassing condition, that I do not wish to share to random CMs- do for the past 7 years I have said its for a leg condition.

Two months ago, there was no issue with this. This trip however, we were told Mobility issues no longer apply towards DAS. It took 2 separate CMs to get my DAS renewed, even though they could clearly see I'd had them issued before. We also saw a family of 5 be turned down for their young son with diabetes- the poor mom walked away in tears.

This left me confused and upset. What conditions, other than obvious mental disabilities, and wheelchair confinement now count as disabilities for Disney? And more importantly, what gives Disney the right to ask their CMs to pass judgement on whether or not our disabilities are disabling enough to warrant extra assistance? To the naked eye, I appear to be a normal 28 year old- but there are things that I need help with at times. These CM's are not doctors, who are they to judge us? And doesn't the ADA prohibit such discrimination and prying questions about "whats wrong with me" and "what are my concerns?"

Feeling very frustrated moving forward. I'm not sure what to do with DAS at this point- overall the system is OK- though I do wish they had more kiosks in each land- and has been helpful with my condition. I just don't know what to do moving forward. I'd hate to discuss my real disability, only to be embarrassed, and turned away because its not "good enough".

Guess I'm just venting, and looking for any suggestions you may have. Thanks guys!

Pomlover2586 said:

DH and I just returned from a 4 day trip to DLR this past weekend. I've used a GAC and now a DAS pass for the past 7 years- it's for a very embarrassing condition, that I do not wish to share to random CMs- do for the past 7 years I have said its for a leg condition.

Two months ago, there was no issue with this. This trip however, we were told Mobility issues no longer apply towards DAS. It took 2 separate CMs to get my DAS renewed, even though they could clearly see I'd had them issued before. We also saw a family of 5 be turned down for their young son with diabetes- the poor mom walked away in tears.

This left me confused and upset. What conditions, other than obvious mental disabilities, and wheelchair confinement now count as disabilities for Disney? And more importantly, what gives Disney the right to ask their CMs to pass judgement on whether or not our disabilities are disabling enough to warrant extra assistance? To the naked eye, I appear to be a normal 28 year old- but there are things that I need help with at times. These CM's are not doctors, who are they to judge us? And doesn't the ADA prohibit such discrimination and prying questions about "whats wrong with me" and "what are my concerns?"

Feeling very frustrated moving forward. I'm not sure what to do with DAS at this point- overall the system is OK- though I do wish they had more kiosks in each land- and has been helpful with my condition. I just don't know what to do moving forward. I'd hate to discuss my real disability, only to be embarrassed, and turned away because its not "good enough".

Guess I'm just venting, and looking for any suggestions you may have. Thanks guys!

Click to expand...

There is a thread about DAS for WDW and another for Disneyland near the top of this board.

The GAC had many different stamps that could be put on it for many different needs. Exactly what to do for each stamp was not always clear - either to CMs or to guests and guests often had stamps that contradicted each other on their GAC.

DAS is much different - no stamps and the assistance given by DAS is the ability to wait outside of the line.
Guests using wheelchairs or other mobility devices DO NOT need anything to bring their mobility device in lines with them. Guests with mobility related disabilities who need to avoid stairs or have moving walkways slowed don't need DAS; they are supposed to tell the CM at the attraction entry what they need.
So, if the only need is mobility related, guests are not issued DAS. Many people who previously had GACs do not qualify for DAS because their needs are not related to waiting in line - They might be things like the mobility related thing I mentioned before, or vision or hearing related needs that previously had a stamp on the GAC, but are now handled by talking to CMs. This includes things like front row seating or using a reflective captioning device that have nothing to do with waiting in line.

Diabetes is not a disability; it is a condition that might cause disability, but just because a person has diabetes (or pretty much any other condition) does not mean they have a disability or mean they need DAS. On any given day, there are probably many guests and CMs at the park with diabetes doing just fine without any special assistance.
Since the assistance given by DAS is bring able to wait outside of the line, the guest requesting DAS needs to explain their disability related needs connected with waiting in line.
It is NOT discriminatory or against the ADA to ask what the person's needs related to their disability are. Asking what concerns the guest has with waiting in line is a valid question. You do not have to share what your condition is; you do need to be able to explain what needs for accommodation you have because of the disability caused by your condition.
And, in fact, if the guest can't explain their needs, there is no requirement to provide accommodation.
So, the best advice is to think of being in line - what are the things about the line and the wait in line that will cause problems for you?

Since you find it embarrassing and difficult to discuss your actual needs with the CMs, I suggest writing them down. Make a short list of bullet points. As SueM indicates, focus specifically on what is it about a standard queue environment that makes you need to wait outside the line. You may share this note with the CMs and thus avoid some discussion, but be prepared there may still be a couple of questions clarifying your needs.

Enjoy your vacation!

I too have used the DAS and the GAC,, and I believe it to be a fair system... considering that only way that Disney has to be in line with ADA is to make things accessible.. and they do..
Saying that , I get your embarrassment,, but if Im at a place that will allow me to go ahead of a crowd. then Im happy to tell a CM why...
They have never asked me what is wrong with me,, just how they can accommodate me, and I have never thought I was being judged... i guess we all have different experiences ..
I found the system of using the Kiosks to be ok.. while my family would go on a ride I would make my way to a kiosk for a return time,, and if it was too far from where we were.. I would send someone else for the time.. and meet up with them . From what I have heard now., they have changed it again , and you can now get return times at the ride,, this is how they did it when RSR first started up.. I liked the idea of being able to get a return time in D/L for C/A ,and slowly make my way over there...

Im a bit confused as to what you mean by moving forward, . if you already did your trip..

nikkislaght said:

... if Im at a place that will allow me to go ahead of a crowd. then Im happy to tell a CM why...

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The DAS does NOT allow anyone to "go ahead of a crowd." It allows one to wait outside the queue, for approximately the same length of time as the standby (minus a few minutes to account for time in the shorter line when you return).

Enjoy your vacation!

lanejudy said:

The DAS does NOT allow anyone to "go ahead of a crowd." It allows one to wait outside the queue, for approximately the same length of time as the standby (minus a few minutes to account for time in the shorter line when you return).

Enjoy your vacation!

Click to expand...

I am aware of that .. and I guess I said it wrong..

They're allowed to pass judgement on your NEEDS because you're asking for an accommodation that is outside the norm of park operations. Would you expect someone to be able to go up to a show and advise the CM they need to sit close to the front and not tell them why? Without some kind of vetting process, anyone could walk into GR and request a DAS whether they need one or not. In trying to keep that from happening, there are things that qualify and things that don't. If you've been saying you have a leg problem, it would probably fall under mobility which isn't covered. Getting one before doesn't instantly qualify you he next time, and hell, sometimes CMs get it wrong. They're human too. But THEY get to judge your needs and decide which accommodation they provide THEY feel is best. If you're disability doesn't qualify, that's the way it goes. Lying to get a DAS only causes more issues and more changes to the system that everyone has to deal with. Don't contribute to that.

As mentioned above, if you're embarrassed to tell people then make a bulleted list about why you have an issue with a standard line and how the DAS would help. I've never really understood the need for diabetics to use a DAS, but I'm aware it affects everyone differently. As Sue said, diabetes itself isn't an instant qualifier, just like no diagnosis itself is. If I had to explain my dads needs it would lead to the recommendation of a wheelchair. Unless you heard the whole thing which would a) be rude and b) doubtful since you were explaining your own needs, you can't really judge the outcome.

I'm sorry your frustrated. I'd work on how to explain your actual needs if they qualify for a DAS. Since you've lied in the past, I don't really feel comfortable mentioning what does qualify because it feels like fishing for tips. If you're 28 you'll probably run into the need to explain yourself in he future.