Less than a week to go ...

So we're less than a week to go at this point. Leave on Saturday. Have a sicko LO in our party. Talked to Guest Services apparently we won't qualify for a DAS pass, which is completely fine but I was a little surprised. I thought it was a bit more inclusive than the woman I spoke with made it sound -- pretty much said unless it was on the autism or downs syndrome spectrum or had IBS or Crohon's, etc. that we likely wouldn't qualify but could go and talk to Guest Services one-on-one at each park. I'm not sure we will unless LO is having a really bad day. We'll just get a wheelchair rental and tough it out. I was told that I can take LO to the first aid station to rest in A/C, though. So I guess that's something.

We're in CSR. We've rented a car for emergencies or to potentially make things easier if we are having trouble with seating, standing or stamina when it comes to Disney buses. But we've only got it for the first four days of the trip. So the last two and return to airport we're doing Disney transport. We've got the DDP and have made a couple ADR and included LO's medical dietary restrictions. And we've booked a few FP+ a head. We have 3-day park tickets with Water Parks and More. We might add a 4th Day if we decide to do a few hours at Epcot on our first afternoon. And we've scheduled a grocery delivery to have in room snacks/breakfast that we know LO can eat.

This is what we're considering in terms of schedule. We're trying to make it a laid-back trip. I feel like it might be too jam-packed especially since LO had a really BAD day yesterday. We definitely would've just stayed a CSR and LO might've spent most of the day in bed. But seems a bit better today but still not great.

So Saturday:
Up around 4 a.m., at airport around 6 am, flight at 8 am, arrive in Orlando around 11 a.m., likely arrive at our resort by about 12:30 p.m. and pray our room is ready.
Check-in. Rest. Maybe go in the pool.
We've got an ADR at Cape May for 5:30. So head over to DBW around 4 or 4:30 and wander, eat.
Depending on how LO is doing after diner, wander maybe go do Fantasia Gardens. If we're still there around 9 p.m. maybe try to see the Epcot fireworks from the area.
If we're really energetic, might go into Epcot if the wait times don't look too bad and do a few rides (Soarin', Figment, Nemo, Test Track and Mission Space would be our sought after ones) and maybe stay for the fireworks. But doubt that will happen.

Sunday:
Hopefully up and at HS for rope drop -- 9 a.m. (heard if you're there early you actually get in early? This true? If we are there at 8:30 would we get a jump start?).
Have a FP+ for Star Tours at 9:15. Will likely end up going through it several times if the wait isn't bad.
Might also try to blitz Toy Story Mania if line is not bad (should we make a dash for it?) and Tower of Terror (ugh to it being on the opposite side of the park). Tower of Terror is another one we'd ride several times.
Might try to fit in Muppet Vision in the morning too.
ADR at Sci Fi Drive In at 11:15 a.m.
After lunch will likely head back to CSR and rest and/or pool it for the afternoon. If LO is feeling up to it might stay around HS for either Indy or the Car Stunt Show -- but expecting will need the rest period and want to give a lot of padding for a LONG rest period.
May eat QS at resort and then head back to HS for around 7 p.m. -- if LO is up to it.
We have a Toy Story Mania FP+ for 7:15 p.m. and a Tower of Terror for 8:15 p.m.
Might stay around for the fireworks and/or Fantasmic, depending on how LO is holding up.

Monday
Blizzard Beach. Not sure how long we'll stay or when we'll get there. Last year we did TL and stayed basically all day. But it destroyed LO and LO is sicker this year than last.
Will likely do Winter Summerland Mini Golf after we get out of the water park, depending on how LO is doing.
We'll either eat at one of the TS at CSR that night -- or if LO is feeling up to it (which we don't expect based on TL last year), we might try to go to Boatwrights or Sanaa (if a last minute reservation is even possible) or we might even try Hoop Dee Do or Downtown Disney for a wander and a meal. If we can't get Hoop Dee Do we might consider a wander and a meal at one of FWL's TS, if there's something we can get.

Tuesday
AK. Will try for rope drop. We might actually arrive at 8:30 and have a TS breakfast at Rainforest Cafe because LO loved that last year.
Go up to the Africa area of AK and do the Lion King show and the safari and likely the train out to Rafinki Station. All of which we didn't get to do last year.
Our FP+ start in the afternoon around 1 p.m.. Start at Dinosaur, which is an area LO will want to spend A LOT of time in.
Our other FP+ is for Bug's Life (which we didn't see last time) and then the Kali Rapids around 4 p.m.
Grandpa is leaving us that day and wants to be to the airport by about 6:30 p.m. -- and the park closes at 5 p.m. -- so we'll likely be heading out of the park immediately after getting off the water ride. Grandpa will drop us off at the resort and then head on to the airport.
We'll likely just do QS or room service at CSR that night.

Wednesday
No idea. A rest day. And probably a pool day. Though, might try TL depending on how LO fared at BB. Might do one of the mini putts if we didn't do both already. If we haven't been to DTD yet we'll almost definitely do that -- probably for lunch -- because LO has specifically requested TRex Cafe and has been saving up to buy something in the gift shop from last year (let's hope they still have it ... sigh ... or LO finds something better at Dino Land at AK to spend the money on).
We have a reservation for Spirit of Aloha for the 8:15 show. So will be heading to it by about 6:30 p.m.
Will likely try to see the fireworks or electric parade after the show if that's possible.
Not sure how we'll get home. With it being so late and not wanting to put LO through the end of day crowds, might just take a taxi.

Thursday
Try for EMH at MK. Will do as much as we can likely until around noon. We have a long list of things we want to do but expect LO will be tired at that point and didn't deal well with MK crowds last year so we'll see.
We've booked some FP+ but we really couldn't pick and don't know the best strategy so we'll likely change them closer to the day.
Will either have a QS lunch at MK or just head back to the CSR and have something at Pepper Market or in the room.
Will rest that afternoon and then depending on how LO is feeling we're going to try to head back for around 7 or 8. May try to do a couple rides but the real purpose is to stake out a place for the fireworks, projection show and electric parade. That's something the grown-ups really want to do but will drop it if LO can't handle it obviously.

Friday
We'll be checking out and heading for the airport around 7:30. Yikes.
Should land back home around 3:30. And hopefully be home by about 5.

Then we're immediately back into things with LO having a "big/important" medical appointment on Monday, which we'll have to drive into the city for on Sunday and stay overnight.

It all seems like a lot. I'm sure it will shift day-by-day depending on what we're enjoying and how LO is fairing. Last time we didn't go to the parks until around 4 or 5 in the afternoon and just did evenings. We're taking a different route this year with planning for the mornings and possibly attempting split-days with heading back in the evenings if LO is able. I'm really not sure how that will go.

And last year we didn't do any ADR so not sure about those either. But I guess we'll make them so we don't get charged! Not sure how much LO will feel like eating at any of them, though. But that's the way it goes.

But any thoughts or advice are much appreciated.

What was the request for DAS for? I've only seen you mention mobility/stamina issues which would not qualify.

If you expand a little in your needs or concerns it'd be easier to offer some tips.

I think the best thing you can do is go with the flow. FP+ can be skipped or rescheduled if you need an impromptu break.

The way it was explained to me, it was pretty much stated that autism, cognitive issues and "conditions that could cause the need for frequent and easy access to the restrooms" were the only ones approved for DAS. Which is completely fine. We don't fit into that category. I just hadn't realized they were that specific. We explained LO's medical condition and the side effects we deal with from the medications and were told to discuss one-on-one at each park and they could see if they could accommodate there. But I don't think we will bother. We'll just watch and stop when needed and go back to the hotel.

I do not have any of the probles that you listed yet I still get a DAS card what type of problems dose LO have as if you can be specific I have a few medical problems my self and I use first aid a lot they are very good there.

@aarcher Mobility and stamina will be the biggest issues. The "bathroom issues" are part of it but that's not the underlying condition. It's a side effect of some of the medication. We usually just have a change of clothes with us and know where all the bathrooms are and have ways of managing an emergency dash (or accident cover up).

Loss of peripheral vision causes some problems -- especially in low light and crowded situations. Pain causes problems (but we put that under mobility). Nausea and vomiting. Headaches. The medication causes extreme sun sensitivity so we just have to watch. But we're used to that too and have our ways of dealing.

Basically we did it all last year. We know how to deal with it and what to expect. It'd just been suggested we look into DAS this time. We're OK with the fact we don't qualify. We certainly aren't upset about it. We were just surprised at how specific yet vague it was at the same time. I had gone into it asking if they had a list of conditions and if they needed documentation or a doctor's note. Was told, no we don't have a list of conditions but ... . So then I gave LO's condition, explained some of the symptoms and side effects of current medication and was told to try park-to-park, particularly if having a bad day and to take advantage of the First Aid stations to rest in A/C, if we didn't want to leave the park and referred to a list of shaded seating areas.

@gap2368 A type of brain tumor that secretes hormones, which causes problems (in this case tremors, agitation, anxiety, flushing, heart problems -- rate and pressure, etc.) and which is pressing against the optical nerve causing vision loss and disruptions, as well as headaches. But it is really the mobility (pain) and stamina that this boils down to in terms of the parks. We're concerned about bathroom accidents and sun sensitivity but those are mostly related to medication side effects and something we've dealt with and didn't except any sort of accommodation for, nor did we ask.

Zombie said:

I had gone into it asking if they had a list of conditions and if they needed documentation or a doctor's note.

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No doctor's note or other documentation is necessary and likely will not be read. It's unfortunately the person on the phone gave you the impression certain conditions "qualify" for DAS. DAS, as like the previous GAC, is not diagnosis-based; it is need-based. Oftentimes people get stuck on the diagnosis, but any given diagnosis may manifest itself differently in different people. You might think Diag1 means we deal with A, B and C; while the CM (who may or may not be familiar with that diagnosis) thinks, oh that means X, Y, and Z. That's why it's most important to explain your child's needs in terms of how he/she is impacted by waiting in a standard queue environment; use layman's terms, not medical terms.

Generally, mobility and stamina concerns are handled by using a wheelchair, ECV or another mobility device. In your situation, depending on the child's age, you may want to request a stroller-as-wheelchair tag so the stroller can be used in lines. Visual needs are primarily handled at the attraction, though that may depend on exactly what is needed -- but you can request seating in a specific row/area, etc. if that is helpful. No DAS necessary. Avoiding sunlight -- most sun is encountered outside of queues while walking around the parks; plan appropriately to wear sunblocking clothing, wearing a hat, and using an umbrella as a parasol have all been reported as helpful.

And do feel free to stop by Guest Relations and discuss your concerns about LO's needs. Just remember they aren't medically trained so keep it in more common terminology.

Enjoy your vacation!

A few things that might help one first aid will hold medical things you may be able to have the hold a change of cloths also great place to lie down for a bit ( beds are not the most comtable ) bring an umbrella this will give shaid if you think a wheel chair will help with stamina get one you do not have to sit in in but can be pushed.

Even if the issues she has that may qualify for a DAS are side effects they don't need to know that. If you think the return times would make it easier to get her to a bathroom to prevent accidents and that waiting less time in a possibly dark queue would help her vision then speak up to that.

Don't believe what a phone CM says. They are not of any sort of authority and many time they give out wrong information especially about the DAS and weather you qualify or not. The only people that will know if you qualify is the Cast Member you speak with at a park Guest Relations.

pretty much said unless it was on the autism or downs syndrome spectrum or had IBS or Crohon's, etc. that we likely wouldn't qualify but could go and talk to Guest Services one-on-one at each park.

The fact that she mentioned diagnoses at all instead of needs is a big tip-off that she, like most people who answer questions about Disney parks over the phone, doesn't really know what shes talking about.

ABSOLUTELY go to Guest Services inside the parks, and explain to them, in layman's terms, what the guest's needs are that prevent them from being in the normal queue environment. Now, if those needs are only related to mobility or stamina and can be resolved with a tool such as a wheelchair, ECV, or rollator, you will most likely not be given a DAS. You should certainly have a Plan B in case Guest Services decides your needs can't be met with a DAS. But I wouldn't take the call center person's advice as the fina word on the matter.

Anxiety, agitation, and frequent bathroom accidents are all things that might qualify your lo for a das. The diagnosis does not matter, if the agitation is caused by autism or a tumor or a medication is irrelevant. I was also told over the phone that my daughter wouldnt qualify because shes not autistic, but I have since found multiple reasons she would. You should try to get the das

Thanks for the encouragement to try again at the parks. We might. We almost certainly will if LO is having a bad day but still wants to attempt the parks.

We're going in with the attitude that we might be only doing 2-4 hours at the parks each day and that even though we're planning split days with BIG resort rest periods in the afternoons, that it's highly likely we won't make it back in the evenings.

So we've been trying to pick about two or three attractions per park that are "must do" and then if we don't get to anything else ... c'est la vie.

At HS it's Star Wars and Tower of Terror that are the priority. We'd like to get back and use the TSM FP+ in the evening but accept that might not happen. But maybe we'll get on it if we manage to get there at rope drop and the line isn't that bad. Either way -- will leave after our ADR so we really will only have about two hours of attraction time in the park that day that we know for sure.

AK the priorities are Dinosaur and Kili Rapids. Then we'd really like to see Lion King and LO would really like to eat in Rainforest Cafe -- but again, if that doesn't happen ... it doesn't happen.

MK ... we don't even know what our priorities are. Everything. So I'm not sure what we'll try to do. It will likely end up being Haunted Mansion of Space Mountain. We'd like to do 7 Dwarves but couldn't get a FP+ and other things we'd like to do are Peter Pan, Thunder Mountain, and Jungle Cruise. But ... we really don't know what we'll get to. We don't know where to start with a strategy on it.

Any one who's managed to get an older LO to agree to a wheelchair -- let me know any advice. LO is really resistant to it -- annoyingly so because there are days it's needed and we really don't want to be carrying around. Example -- LO refused to do our annual Mother's Day trip to the Zoo because it was a definite not-good-day (but still wanted to go until the wheelchair got broached) and there's so much walking. So we didn't go. Also turned down a dry-run trip we had planned to a local amusement park when we suggested the wheelchair. Did agree to it on an outlet mall trip but hated it. Though, LO doesn't mind pushing it or a cart and basically using it as a walker/wagon.

I've actually been contemplating trying to renting one of those wheeled walkers that have a seat instead. I personally think it's more inconvenient that a wheelchair but if it's what LO will use ...

I understand and at the same time don't understand this mental block and arguing point about wheelchairs. It's frustrating. We could manage more if LO would allow it.

And at Orlando parks I've seen people with children just as old as LO -- if not OLDER ... teens in a couple cases ... in strollers and SeaWorld "wagons". I don't see why being in a wheelchair when you're legitimately sick and it'd allow LO the stamina to enjoy the day a bit longer and more.

But it's a battle that we'll broach each day and not brow beat before the trip or the heels will just get dug in.

Partner says we'll just rent one and push it around -- put the backpacks in it -- to have if/when LO changes mind or ultimately needs to sit down, which will be about every five minutes.

That presented to LO resulted in, "So we get to the park and walk to a bench then we walk to a ride then we sit on the ride then we walk to a bench and sit on the bench and then walk to a ride ... " etc. I think a wheelchair will speed up this process ... I think maybe I'll just label it was a "portable bench". Can use it as a walker or sit on it whenever wanted and if not wanted ... we'll just push it around anyways.

And an even better example of how resistant to wheelchairs LO is ... after one surgery when they wheel you to the door to get you in the car, LO was trying to stand up and walk and fighting with the orderly who was getting rather upset. It created a bit of a scene. Awful. And that was in the hospital after MAJOR surgery and clearly hurting and dopey and still ...

will Lo use a stroller they have bigger ones for older kids if she would use that you could get a wheel chair as a stroller tag to take it in lines I would just let LO know she may be able to stay in the park longer and do more things. if you think it would help really make it look so good like it would give you a place to sit we could buy a clip on fain so it would be cooler for you things like that.

Love the idea of a clip on fan. We have one of the spray bottles with a fan from last year and also an Eddie Baurer water bottle that mists too. But a little clip on fan would be great. Had been planning to do a Dollar Store and Wal-Mart run on Wednesday to pick up a couple goodies for the trip. Might add that to the list to look for. Thanks.

Have you seen the cooling towels they work great the clip on fan is great for strollers so that my be an incentive for Lo to use one

Hey Zombie.

Good luck with the trip - I know you are worried!

I think your agenda will be OK - simply because you are realistic, and know that it's not set in stone. Take it day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute - you know what I mean! and just have as much fun as you can have!

Please tell LO this for me:


Zombie, I hope with all my heart that you have a great trip, and that you find all the Magic you can! Please come back here and let us know how it went!

Keep in mind that they've removed more and more benches every year at the park so there are very few benches there now.

I personally think having the wheelchair handy, whether or not she thinks she will use it, is a great idea. I think when she notices that lots and lots of people at WDW are using them - even people who don't *look* sick at all - she may start to think differently.she also has the option of parking it when she doesn't want it I'm just riding in it for distances.

I agree with the other posters about the CM on the phone. There are not certain diagnoses that 'qualify' for DAS.
Guests need to be able to explain their needs/concerns related to their disability that makes waiting in the regular line an issue for them. The only people who can actually determine whether or not she would qualify for DAS would be the CMs in Guest Relations at the parks.
This is a link to the Disney website info about DAS:
https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me.../wdw-disability-access-service_2015-04-30.pdf

As ttintagle mentioned, there are not a lot of benches, so you can't count on sitting unless you have brought something to sit on. The benches seem to have been being steadily removed so there are a lot less now than there used to be.

I don't know how old LO is, but this explanation might make sense.
Pretend you start out every day with 10 energy points.
Everything costs a certain number of points. Getting up early for rope drop or staying late cost 1 point each (so 2 points if you do both).
Going on a ride might cost 1 point for a gentle thing like the Lion King Show. More 'wild' activities like Kali River Rapids cost 2 points. Walking around all day costs 3 points every day.

It's pretty easy to use up all the energy points without doing a whole lot. And, if you do too much and use more than 10 points in a day, they will be 'borrowed' from the next day, so you won't even start the day with 10 points.
If you use a wheelchair, you wouldn't use 3 points just getting around and could use those 3 points for fun instead.

Not sure how old LO is but if she is still into characters maybe bring stuff to decorate the wheel chair. Tell her she may be able to do more things at WDW if she is willing to get the chair. Just as a heads up I would get the chair after speaking with Guest Services or keep it out of sight. There have been reports of some CMs turning people down for DAS who could really use it because they see the wheel chair and tune out. Not sure if that is against the rule to mean room but you'll have better luck if you stick to accommodations LO would benefit from that are not stamina/mobility based.

SueM in MN said:

I agree with the other posters about the CM on the phone. There are not certain diagnoses that 'qualify' for DAS.
Guests need to be able to explain their needs/concerns related to their disability that makes waiting in the regular line an issue for them. The only people who can actually determine whether or not she would qualify for DAS would be the CMs in Guest Relations at the parks.
This is a link to the Disney website info about DAS:
https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me.../wdw-disability-access-service_2015-04-30.pdf

As ttintagle mentioned, there are not a lot of benches, so you can't count on sitting unless you have brought something to sit on. The benches seem to have been being steadily removed so there are a lot less now than there used to be.

I don't know how old LO is, but this explanation might make sense.
Pretend you start out every day with 10 energy points.
Everything costs a certain number of points. Getting up early for rope drop or staying late cost 1 point each (so 2 points if you do both).
Going on a ride might cost 1 point for a gentle thing like the Lion King Show. More 'wild' activities like Kali River Rapids cost 2 points. Walking around all day costs 3 points every day.

It's pretty easy to use up all the energy points without doing a whole lot. And, if you do too much and use more than 10 points in a day, they will be 'borrowed' from the next day, so you won't even start the day with 10 points.
If you use a wheelchair, you wouldn't use 3 points just getting around and could use those 3 points for fun instead.

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Yep. Spoon Theory. I like your analogy too - because so many of us have to think in terms of our energy, our personal stamina.