Lupus and DAS

shaylahc1 · Sep 2, 2015

I'm heading to WDW in 8 days, and I was hoping to secure a DAS pass. I have Lupus, and that means I cannot be in the sun for long periods of time, as well as suffering from joint pain and fatigue. In the spring I went to Disneyland and rented an ECV, and sitting down for long periods of time made my pain much worse. I was hoping to walk this trip (albeit slowly) and take advantage of the DAS to avoid standing in line and tiring quickly that way.

THEN I read a thread where someone said they tried to obtain a DAS for arthritis, and were told because she had a "mobility" problem, that a DAS was not appropriate, and she would need to rent an ECV or wheelchair instead. I am not ok with this---why does Disney get to decide how I will best enjoy their parks? Not to mention sitting down for hours can make joint pain and stiffness worse.

I emailed Disney's disability office to see if I could secure permission ahead of time to get a DAS pass. I basically got a canned response back with a link to their FAQ to their DAS pass system.

I wonder if anyone a)has experience with DAS/touring WDW with Lupus, and b)do you think I will have trouble getting a DAS pass? I really do feel like it's the best way for me to see the parks without being in too much pain.

lanejudy · Sep 2, 2015

DAS is need-based, not diagnosis-based. Disney won't offer a guarantee by phone or email to anybody in advance of their visit; only CM's at Guest Relations at the parks can determine that. You should plan to discuss your needs as related to waiting in a standard queue environment.

WDW gets to decide which accommodations are offered that will best work for park operations; it may or may not be the guest's preference for accommodation. They have decided that "mobility" or "stamina" issues can best be accommodated by utilizing a mobility device -- wheelchair, ECV, rollator, cane, etc. -- because the vast majority of the queues are accessible. You do not have to remain seated the entire day, you are welcome to push a wheelchair/rollator/walker if you wish to walk, and/or park it (usually with the strollers) and walk for a bit. A DAS is not needed to use a mobility device in lines, and that is the only way to guarantee a place to sit.

Most sun exposure occurs outside of attraction queues, so you'll want to plan appropriately for moving around the parks, to/from transportation, and around your resort.

The WDW - Disability Access Service (DAS) thread pinned near the top of this forum has the details of the program in the first post.

Enjoy your vacation!

shaylahc1 · Sep 2, 2015

lanejudy said:
DAS is need-based, not diagnosis-based. Disney won't offer a guarantee by phone or email to anybody in advance of their visit; only CM's at Guest Relations at the parks can determine that. You should plan to discuss your needs as related to waiting in a standard queue environment.

WDW gets to decide which accommodations are offered that will best work for park operations; it may or may not be the guest's preference for accommodation. They have decided that "mobility" or "stamina" issues can best be accommodated by utilizing a mobility device -- wheelchair, ECV, rollator, cane, etc. -- because the vast majority of the queues are accessible. You do not have to remain seated the entire day, you are welcome to push a wheelchair/rollator/walker if you wish to walk, and/or park it (usually with the strollers) and walk for a bit. A DAS is not needed to use a mobility device in lines, and that is the only way to guarantee a place to sit.

Most sun exposure occurs outside of attraction queues, so you'll want to plan appropriately for moving around the parks, to/from transportation, and around your resort.

The WDW - Disability Access Service (DAS) thread pinned near the top of this forum has the details of the program in the first post.

Enjoy your vacation!

But the thing is---if I rent a wheelchair, then I would be entitled to the same accommodations as a DAS (not in wheelchair accessible lines, obviously, but it's pretty much the same). I dunno, I just find it frustrating. I think forcing someone to rent a wheelchair is not cool.

aaarcher86 · Sep 2, 2015

shaylahc1 said:
But the thing is---if I rent a wheelchair, then I would be entitled to the same accommodations as a DAS (not in wheelchair accessible lines, obviously, but it's pretty much the same). I dunno, I just find it frustrating. I think forcing someone to rent a wheelchair is not cool.

I don't understand. If you rent a wheelchair you go through the lines just like an average guest. I don't see how it's the same?

I understand the frustration when you have a preference.

lanejudy · Sep 2, 2015

There are very few lines at WDW which are not accessible, and for the few that aren't "wheelchair return times" are not always in use depending on crowd levels. My best suggestion is to go into with a back-up plan -- stop by Guest Relations and discuss your needs, but if they refuse the DAS then you'll have a planB to fall back on. There are other mobility devices which may be a better option for you specifically, have you considered a rollator or cane seat? They are relatively inexpensive, and may even be covered by your insurance if you speak to your physician about it. Just offering some suggestions, you know your situation best.

Good luck and enjoy your trip!

shaylahc1 · Sep 2, 2015

Thank you. I was thinking of Disneyland vs. WDW, where there are many non-accessible rides. DAS and wheelchairs are treated the same for those rides, you simply get a time to come back based on the current wait time for the ride. That is what I was hoping for at WDW, minus the wheelchair.

I guess I'll just have to wait and see what happens. Thanks!

gap2368 · Sep 2, 2015

as other have said I do not think they will give you a DAS card ( was just there and over heard someone asking for lupus they said they could not be in the sun and they tired easy ( and some other things) I agree most of the sun is out of the lines ( and often times staining in the fast pass line to scan the first thing to get in you are staining in the sun) I would get a wheel chair and use it as a walker ( I was with someone that used it this way and we got no looks even when I used it to hid from the crows still no looks)

anonymousegirl · Sep 2, 2015

If you eventually decide on renting a wheelchair or ECV, then if you rent from an off-site company, some of the ECVs have large sunshades that would keep you out of the sun in between attractions.

SMD · Sep 2, 2015

I know someone with Lupus, she uses a walker to support when it flares or skips going to the park. Bending to sit can become and issue, which is why she doesn't opt for a wheelchair that I know of, but her husband would gladly push it, so they may do that sometimes too. At DL you do get to use some alternative entrances with a walker due to the rides loading and unloading on opposite sides of the platform and not being able to pass the walker across. You're wrong that you always get a return time, though. In many cases there is enough room in the alternative entrance waiting area that guests with mobility devices just wait in line, including standing for those with walkers and canes. You could also push a wheelchair like a walker, so that would could sit when you need to, but still use it to carry items and have some support when standing to avoid joint pain. I don't understand the argument that Disney is deciding how you will best enjoy the parks. It sounds like you're saying you need to skip lines or you won't enjoy the parks. Every guest could say that. They've made the queues accessible for a wide range of issues, including mobility, stamina and avoiding sun exposure. As PP said, they don't have to offer preferred accommodations when the attraction is otherwise accessible.

StitchesGr8Fan · Sep 2, 2015

Just because you have a wheelchair or rollator with you, doesn't mean you have to sit in it the whole time. You can leave it outside of short lines, or stand up sometimes in long lines.

shaylahc1 · Sep 2, 2015

I'm not looking to skip lines. I simply want someplace I can sit and wait (in the shade) instead of standing in the line the whole time. I think that's pretty fair. It's how wheelchairs are handled at Disneyland (which is not wheelchair accessible). This isn't about getting faster access to rides.

SirDuff · Sep 2, 2015

shaylahc1 said:
I'm not looking to skip lines. I simply want someplace I can sit and wait instead of standing in the line the whole time. I think that's pretty fair. It's how wheelchairs are handled at Disneyland (which is not wheelchair accessible). This isn't about skipping lines.

And if you have a wheelchair, you'll have exactly that - someplace (the wheelchair) where you can sit and wait instead of standing.

shaylahc1 · Sep 2, 2015

I suppose. But sitting in a wheelchair for too long causes pain and stiffness. I guess I just feel like it should be up to me, and not Disney, as to how to handle my disability while on vacation. This isn't about skipping to the front of the line, my family will wait, too, just like everyone else's.

Believe me when I say I'd rather be non-disabled and waiting in the lines like everyone else

Sunnywho · Sep 2, 2015

shaylahc1 said:
I wonder if anyone a)has experience with DAS/touring WDW with Lupus, and b)do you think I will have trouble getting a DAS pass? I really do feel like it's the best way for me to see the parks without being in too much pain.

a - no personal experience with lupus
b - no crystal ball, but don't be discouraged from asking at guest services

SirDuff · Sep 2, 2015

shaylahc1 said:
I suppose. But sitting in a wheelchair for too long causes pain and stiffness. I guess I just feel like it should be up to me, and not Disney, as to how to handle my disability while on vacation. This isn't about skipping to the front of the line, my family will wait, too, just like everyone else's.

Believe me when I say I'd rather be non-disabled and waiting in the lines like everyone else

As has been said, you don't have to stay sitting in it. Your standing/sitting ratio can be the exact same when using the wheelchair as it would be using as DAS.

I have Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, but my strongest "trait" is Lupus. I use a wheelchair at WDW and alternate walking/sitting. Given that this is the DISabilities board, I think most/everyone understands the we'd rather be non-disabled and waiting in lines. Unfortunately, that isn't the case. Nor is it the case that we get to choose exactly how our needs are met. So, we use the experience of others to have the best trip possible.

gap2368 · Sep 2, 2015

Your needs are meet with a wheel chair it may not be what you want but that s how your needs are meet

Let's say there is one dr that treats lupus and they are a really good dr peoe with out lupus want to see him because he is a very good dr and they do even though they can see a different dr they do not when you want to see him you can not since there are so many other people that do not need to see him

You are saying I can use a wheel chair and have a place to sit and Use it to walk but I chose not to because I like the DAS better and the people that the DAS is the only thing that works for there disability is left waiting in longer FP lines witch defers the purpose of it ( sorry for more then my normal errors I am on my phone and it is too hard to go back to fix them

SMD · Sep 2, 2015

shaylahc1 said:
I'm not looking to skip lines. I simply want someplace I can sit and wait (in the shade) instead of standing in the line the whole time. I think that's pretty fair. It's how wheelchairs are handled at Disneyland (which is not wheelchair accessible). This isn't about getting faster access to rides.

It's not how wheelchairs are handled at DLR. Between both parks, a majority of lines are accessible. When the current number of people who are waiting at the alternative entrance exceeds the size of that entrance's queue, then they will begin to issue return times for that attraction. Many guests end up standing in a line that is often uncovered and offers little or no seating beyond their own mobility device. It would be nice if everyone could have the skip the line placeholder, non expiring fastpass accommodation that they would like, but operationally it is not possible. The best plan is to proactively take personal responsibility for one's needs and plan to work within the accessible queues. To issue the ultimatum that one can only enjoy a vacation if Disney gives you what you want is only setting up likely disappointment. Also, it's ridiculous to think that a DAS would be issued at WDW because on some days DLR operationally needs to issue return times for the wheelchair accessible waiting area. There is no connection between that occurrence and how WDW operates their queues.

OurBigTrip · Sep 2, 2015

shaylahc1 said:
I suppose. But sitting in a wheelchair for too long causes pain and stiffness. I guess I just feel like it should be up to me, and not Disney, as to how to handle my disability while on vacation. This isn't about skipping to the front of the line, my family will wait, too, just like everyone else's.

Believe me when I say I'd rather be non-disabled and waiting in the lines like everyone else

It's up to Disney as to how they accommodate disabilities, provided that they do accommodate. I personally don't see the difference between sitting in a wheelchair and sitting on a bench.

shaylahc1 · Sep 2, 2015

Like I said previously, I did the ECV thing at Disneyland, and it made my pain worse. Having the ability to choose where you want to sit (a hard surface, on the ground, in a chair, etc) really does help.

In any case, whether or not people agree with my desire to have a DAS pass, I do think it's crappy that I cannot make that decision for myself. I have a kid with autism and I have never asked for a pass before (in the dozen+ times we've been to Disney) because we didn't NEED one. I feel like someone can show up and say, "my kid has XYZ (behavioral) problem and can't wait in line," and it's no problem to get a pass. But I have a legitimate medical disability, that in the past few years has limited my mobility and cause me great pain...and Disney's only solution is "ride in a wheelchair." Imagine if someone said, "I have a hard time keeping my kid still in line, he has severe ADHD and tends to run off " and Disney said...."use a wheelchair" (which would, indeed, limit a child's ability to move around). Sure we can find all kinds of accommodations for things, but the person themselves should have the biggest say in how they want their disability handled. I don't use a wheelchair in my daily life, and don't want to feel forced to use one of vacation. I don't feel like it's asking too much to be allowed to wait somewhere else instead of in line. It's not like an instant fast pass, it's a small accommodation that could go a long way in helping me feel better while enjoying time at the parks with my family.

But I digress.

I feel like Disney really dropped the ball on this one. I read online some people are suing because they feel Disney is violating the ADA. People should be allowed to choose their accommodations, with the help of Disney. I don't think it's Disney's business to tell me I need to ride in a wheelchair in order to get access to accommodations for my disability.

wilkeliza · Sep 2, 2015

shaylahc1 said:
Like I said previously, I did the ECV thing at Disneyland, and it made my pain worse. Having the ability to choose where you want to sit (a hard surface, on the ground, in a chair, etc) really does help.

In any case, whether or not people agree with my desire to have a DAS pass, I do think it's crappy that I cannot make that decision for myself. I have a kid with autism and I have never asked for a pass before (in the dozen+ times we've been to Disney) because we didn't NEED one. I feel like someone can show up and say, "my kid has XYZ (behavioral) problem and can't wait in line," and it's no problem to get a pass. But I have a legitimate medical disability, that in the past few years has limited my mobility and cause me great pain...and Disney's only solution is "ride in a wheelchair." Imagine if someone said, "I have a hard time keeping my kid still in line, he has severe ADHD and tends to run off " and Disney said...."use a wheelchair" (which would, indeed, limit a child's ability to move around). Sure we can find all kinds of accommodations for things, but the person themselves should have the biggest say in how they want their disability handled. I don't use a wheelchair in my daily life, and don't want to feel forced to use one of vacation. I don't feel like it's asking too much to be allowed to wait somewhere else instead of in line. It's not like an instant fast pass, it's a small accommodation that could go a long way in helping me feel better while enjoying time at the parks with my family.

But I digress.

I feel like Disney really dropped the ball on this one. I read online some people are suing because they feel Disney is violating the ADA. People should be allowed to choose their accommodations, with the help of Disney. I don't think it's Disney's business to tell me I need to ride in a wheelchair in order to get access to accommodations for my disability.

Just wanted to let you know the reason Disney says rent a wheelchair or ECV for mobility issues is not about forcing you to take one accommodation over the other. The reason is they can not guarantee you a place to sit. In some parks there is little to no sitting area that is out of the sun. During busy seasons you aren't allowed to sit at quick service restaurants with out purchasing food. Just thinking of Epcot if you are in the World Showcase there aren't many shaddy sitting areas. The ones that do exist are food venues and no where near the attractions. In Future World there are the breeze ways but that is a decent walk to either attraction. I can really only think of the Land and Nemo area having shady seating.

I would suggest you bring up your needs to the CM and they can determine if you are eligible or not.

Lupus and DAS

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