3 people in our party with fractures. I did not plan for this, please help.

[CluelessDisFan]

Hi, we're a party of 12. 3 people in our group, one adult and 2 kids have foot fractures and are in casts non weight bearing. The adult has already ordered an ECV for her use, she wants her 6 year old with broken ankle to ride on her. I don't think this is allowed, I'm struggling with how to tell her that. I think they're going to need wheel chairs for her 2 kids.

Also I was reading about DAS being electronic, how does it work, if only part of the group has MB? We planned on doing our trip as a group, we hope to stay together. Feeling as though the DAS would break us up. Any help or suggestions for a clumsy group are greatly appreciated.

 

[wilkeliza]

The 6 year old will not be allowed to ride on the adults lap on the ECV. Not only is it against Disney's rules but it is usually against the contract you sign when renting an ECV. The children will need wheelchairs. You might be able to rent them from the same place as the ECV. Have the kids sit down and measure how big they are when sitting. Get the size that will fit them as it will be much more comfortable for kids to be in a chair that is their size then in a big bulky adult one rented from the parks. Depending on size the 6 year old could possibly use a stroller and then you could just get a stroller as wheelchair tag so it can be brought into lines.

Your party may not qualify for a DAS. Since a wheelchair should accommodate those with the fracture they will be told to rent a wheelchair. A DAS only provides a different area to wait in line so it would not help the fact that the people with fractures all have non weight bearing casts. So you can ask for a cast but I wouldn't not go in expecting one as stamina and mobility issues are suppose to be a no.

 

[OurBigTrip]

If Disney CMs are following their own policies, your party won't qualify for a DAS.

 

[gap2368]

Hi, we're a party of 12. 3 people in our group, one adult and 2 kids have foot fractures and are in casts non weight bearing. The adult has already ordered an ECV for her use, she wants her 6 year old with broken ankle to ride on her. I don't think this is allowed, I'm struggling with how to tell her that. I think they're going to need wheel chairs for her 2 kids.

Also I was reading about DAS being electronic, how does it work, if only part of the group has MB? We planned on doing our trip as a group, we hope to stay together. Feeling as though the DAS would break us up. Any help or suggestions for a clumsy group are greatly appreciated.

wow that so sad that there are three people that got hurt

yes you are not allowed to have anyone else on an ECV with you. it simply is not safe for you or other people I would try telling her this she also need to pay action to her surandings and people walking in front of her. I would get a wheel chair for the two kids they might be able to share one wheel chair ( do not know how big they are or if they get along even siblings who get along may not after a day sitting together )

as fair as the DAS is the resion why you need one because you party has fractures and has to have an ECV or wheel chair? if so then the answer should be that you do not need one as the wheel chair ECV will acccomidate you so no need to worry about a DAS. but yes with a party of 12 if you did have a dAS you would be broken up and not be able to ride all the rides together not sure the system could assign 12 people with a return time.

 

[DisneyOma]

If the only issues are mobility-based, a DAS will not be issued.

A 6 year old can fit in a stroller - get one for the needed weight from an offsite rental company.

Only one person is allowed on an ECV, so no kid tagging along, as that would be incredibly dangerous (and stupid). An ECV cannot tow/push anything either.

 

[gap2368]

yes if the 6 year old is not too big I would get a stroller for the 6 year old you can go into GR and get a stroller as a wheel chair tag and this will allow you to take the stroller in line.

 

[Mrsjvb]

to bullet point:

NO passengers allowed on an ECV; the ONLY person permitted is the DRIVER.

NOTHING may be attached in front of or behind the ECV to be towed/pushed.

if there are no other issues in the group( directly related to waiting in lines) a DAS *WILL NOT* be issued

as for the children who need mobility aids: renting off site will be much easier as they actually rent them to fit smaller frame/bodies.( the ones on site are one size fits nobody) alternatively, getting a stroller for the younger one can be tagged as a WC to bring it into lines.

WRT to DAS( assuming you actually do qualify of one) : it is for the person with the inability to stand in line and up to 5 guests. twice that party size will not be allowed to utilize the program as a single group.

 

[lanejudy]

So sorry to hear your party has injuries! Are they all the same immediate family? Will the rest of the group be willing to help push?

I don't think this is allowed, I'm struggling with how to tell her that.

Tell her to read her ECV rental contract. Having a rider will make her contract null and void; the rental agencies don't allow it. The ECV can be taken from her with no refund if a company representative sees her with a rider, and company representative do go into the parks at times as well as being at the resorts for other drop-off/returns. If there is any kind of incident, she could be found at fault. It is unsafe.

As others have indicated, the 6-yr-old can use a stroller which may be easier than a pediatric-sized wheelchair. If there are other young kids in the party, maybe someone has or could rent a double-stroller so the 6-yr-old can ride along with another stroller kid -- one less item to push. You don't indicate the age of the second injured child, but a wheelchair can usually be rented from the same vendor as the ECV, and they may even offer a good deal for both. As a PP suggests, have a parent measure the child and share those measurements with the rental company; some have smaller-sized chairs that will be much more comfortable than a full-sized adult chair. They will likely want to request crutch-holders as well or bring bungee cords to help carry crutches for times when transferring or needing to leave the ECV/wheelchair/stroller parked.

Also I was reading about DAS being electronic, how does it work, if only part of the group has MB?

To specifically answer the qeustion... a magicband is not required for DAS, it can be put on the ticket media if that's what the guest will be using (just like FP+). DAS generally allows the DAS-holder plus up to 5 guests; a party of 12 should expect to split up when using a DAS. However, as others have indicated, unless there are other needs besides the fractures, a DAS is unlikely to be given. What you may run into is "wheelchair return times" at the few rides with completely alternate entrances; I suggest your party plan to split for any attractions that have stairs or a separate entrance. With 12 people of various ages, there is likely a variety of interests in attractions anyway.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[CluelessDisFan]

Thanks for the tips and sympathy. I hate that this is there once in a lifetime trip to Disney, and I'm trying so hard to make sure it is extra special and making sure things go as smoothly as possible. They are fostering two of their five children, and they're just starting their adoption process. They've been through so much and deserve this trip, they've worked so hard for.

So the adult riding the ECV can enter lines in her ECV if we get it tagged as a wheelchair? That's how they deny a DAS to mobility disabled? She literally can not stand or walk for more than 5 minutes. The children are ages 6 and 10 and also are under doctors orders non weight bearing. I do think we'll end pushing them in wheel chairs, we are waiting to see what the doctor recommends at they're next appointment. And of course I understand that 12 of us, won't be riding every ride together due to ride capacity. Disney does a great job at accommodating large families everyday, I'm not worried about that aspect as much.

 

[utterrandomness]

Thanks for the tips and sympathy. I hate that this is there once in a lifetime trip to Disney, and I'm trying so hard to make sure it is extra special and making sure things go as smoothly as possible. They are fostering two of their five children, and they're just starting their adoption process. They've been through so much and deserve this trip, they've worked so hard for.

So the adult riding the ECV can enter lines in her ECV if we get it tagged as a wheelchair? That's how they deny a DAS to mobility disabled? She literally can not stand or walk for more than 5 minutes. The children are ages 6 and 10 and also are under doctors orders non weight bearing. I do think we'll end pushing them in wheel chairs, we are waiting to see what the doctor recommends at they're next appointment. And of course I understand that 12 of us, won't be riding every ride together due to ride capacity. Disney does a great job at accommodating large families everyday, I'm not worried about that aspect as much.

She will be able to use the ECV in almost all of the lines, without any pass or tag.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Thanks for the tips and sympathy. I hate that this is there once in a lifetime trip to Disney, and I'm trying so hard to make sure it is extra special and making sure things go as smoothly as possible. They are fostering two of their five children, and they're just starting their adoption process. They've been through so much and deserve this trip, they've worked so hard for.

So the adult riding the ECV can enter lines in her ECV if we get it tagged as a wheelchair? That's how they deny a DAS to mobility disabled? She literally can not stand or walk for more than 5 minutes. The children are ages 6 and 10 and also are under doctors orders non weight bearing. I do think we'll end pushing them in wheel chairs, we are waiting to see what the doctor recommends at they're next appointment. And of course I understand that 12 of us, won't be riding every ride together due to ride capacity. Disney does a great job at accommodating large families everyday, I'm not worried about that aspect as much.

The ECV can enter almost all the lines without any additional tag. As mentioned, the 6 year old might be more comfortable in a stroller as opposed to a wheelchair. You should get a "stroller as a wheelchair" tag at guest services to allow the stroller in line with you. The 10 year old is likely too big for a stroller so you will need a wheelchair for that child, but you may want to rent a child-sized wheelchair from off-site.

The DAS is to allow those who cannot wait in a regular queue the opportunity to experience the attraction by waiting in an alternate location. Since the issue here is mobility, the needs can be met with mobility devices (ECV, wheelchair, stroller as a wheelchair) and no additional accommodation is needed to make the attraction accessible.

 

[gap2368]

Thanks for the tips and sympathy. I hate that this is there once in a lifetime trip to Disney, and I'm trying so hard to make sure it is extra special and making sure things go as smoothly as possible. They are fostering two of their five children, and they're just starting their adoption process. They've been through so much and deserve this trip, they've worked so hard for.

So the adult riding the ECV can enter lines in her ECV if we get it tagged as a wheelchair? That's how they deny a DAS to mobility disabled? She literally can not stand or walk for more than 5 minutes. The children are ages 6 and 10 and also are under doctors orders non weight bearing. I do think we'll end pushing them in wheel chairs, we are waiting to see what the doctor recommends at they're next appointment. And of course I understand that 12 of us, won't be riding every ride together due to ride capacity. Disney does a great job at accommodating large families everyday, I'm not worried about that aspect as much.

I think people see that disney has a Disability assess service ( DAS) and think ok I can not walk due to what ever so I must need this, but since a wheel chair is what your family needs and the CM can see the wheel chair there is no need to tell the CM I have a wheel chair with any kind of card the stroller as a wheel chair take is so they know that the stroller can go though the line ( other wise it can not)

you will be allowed to take the ECV thought most lines a few ( like space mountain ) you can not for thesis ride they will have wheel chair for you to use. there is a thread pined near the top that has this information on it.

I would bring churches for all that can use them the mom and 10 year old if the 6 year old can use them great this might help with getting into and out of some rides. for most rides that have moving walk ways they can be stopped or slowed and just 2 that I can think of can not the people mover and PP

 

[DisneyOma]

So the adult riding the ECV can enter lines in her ECV if we get it tagged as a wheelchair? That's how they deny a DAS to mobility disabled? She literally can not stand or walk for more than 5 minutes. The children are ages 6 and 10 and also are under doctors orders non weight bearing. I do think we'll end pushing them in wheel chairs, we are waiting to see what the doctor recommends at they're next appointment. And of course I understand that 12 of us, won't be riding every ride together due to ride capacity. Disney does a great job at accommodating large families everyday, I'm not worried about that aspect as much.

Almost every queue at WDW is accessible for ECVs and wheelchairs, so that's why a person in an ECV doesn't get a DAS. The queues with steps will have a CM there to guide guests in mobility devices to the proper route to the ride vehicle.

 

[bopper]

Remember that a DAS doesn't get you to the front of the line ....it just allows you to wait elsewhere for the same amount of time...for example, if your child was autistic and would not be able to stay in line for 30 minutes without melting down because they feel trapped...they could wait somewhere else for 30 minutes and then come back. It is to allow people access the rides who normally wouldn't be able to if they had to be in the line for 30 minutes.
If you have a leg fracture, then the way you would be able to access the ride is to be able to sit in a ECV or wheelchair. You can sit in your wheelchair and make it through the line.

 

[Hoodie]

Thanks for the tips and sympathy. I hate that this is there once in a lifetime trip to Disney, and I'm trying so hard to make sure it is extra special and making sure things go as smoothly as possible. They are fostering two of their five children, and they're just starting their adoption process. They've been through so much and deserve this trip, they've worked so hard for.

So the adult riding the ECV can enter lines in her ECV if we get it tagged as a wheelchair? That's how they deny a DAS to mobility disabled? She literally can not stand or walk for more than 5 minutes. The children are ages 6 and 10 and also are under doctors orders non weight bearing. I do think we'll end pushing them in wheel chairs, we are waiting to see what the doctor recommends at they're next appointment. And of course I understand that 12 of us, won't be riding every ride together due to ride capacity. Disney does a great job at accommodating large families everyday, I'm not worried about that aspect as much.

Her needs will be met because of the ECV, not a DAS. As someone else mentioned, a DAS is not a front of the line pass. The DAS allows the user and their 5 companions to enter the fast pass entrance after a certain time. The fast pass line itself can be far longer than 5 minutes so waiting outside the line won't help her.

ETA: review those rides that require a transfer. If she truly cannot stand, you may need to avoid them. Also, keep in mind those rides they can slow down and those they can't.

Good luck with your trip!

 

[kamik86]

Things to note with having someone in a wheel chair that may help:

1) Espeically with three make it clear that you can transfer. Alot of rides only take one wheel chair. However if everyone can transfer from the wheelchair to a normal ride seat) which I assume they can, then you don't have to worry about that as much.

2) Be aware that a few rides may not let everyone ride together anyway. My mom had to wait on one ride because they only allow 2 people with mobility devices on at a time. The reason being that if they had to evac they want a max of 2 people that can't walk themselves off. I don't know if one of the people being 6 and the fact that one of you adults could probably carry the child off the ride without the wheel chair in an emergency would make a difference.

3) Be patient. Unfortunately some of the accessible lines take longer then the non-accessible rides. My party of 9 had this when mom was seperated from us on the Safari ride because she was in a wheel chair. Her and Dad went in the wheel chair loading area and the rest went the normal way (rule is max of 5 with a single person in a chair you could avoid this and stay together by simply going up as two groups each with at least one wheel chair bound person). The 7 of us that went the normal way were out at least 15 min before my parents.

4) Know what the party members can do as far as balance and moving. for example will they be able to get across a moving walkway without the chair? Mom had to do this for some transfers. Some they could slow others they couldn't. My mothers issues were her knees so if she had help with balance this was ok, but if they can't bear weight at all this may not be possible for them.

 

[BillSears]

...She literally can not stand or walk for more than 5 minutes...

Not trying to be mean here but I haven't been able to stand or walk at all for 40 years and I do not qualify for a DAS. Mobility issues are mostly handled by making the lines accessible to those who use a wheelchair or ECV. Just because I can't walk it doesn't mean I can't wait in line.

 

[Mrsjvb]

So the adult riding the ECV can enter lines in her ECV if we get it tagged as a wheelchair? not how the system is designed. a mobility aid is a mobility aid. with rare exceptions all lines are mainstreamed for mobility aids( and STROLLER as wheelchair tags, as ordinarily STROLLERS may not be brought into lines) That's how they deny a DAS to mobility disabled? because a DAS is NOT for people with mobility issues. it is for people who CANNOT WAIT in a regular line. She literally can not stand or walk for more than 5 minutes. then she should indicate that she cannot transfer. The children are ages 6 and 10 and also are under doctors orders non weight bearing again, non transferring..with 3 people in the party like this expect to be waiting up to three times as long to get everyone through some rides and you WILL be separated since most rides have limits as to how many people who need evacuation help can be on at any one time. . I do think we'll end pushing them in wheel chairs, we are waiting to see what the doctor recommends at they're next appointment. And of course I understand that 12 of us, won't be riding every ride together due to ride capacity. Disney does a great job at accommodating large families everyday, I'm not worried about that aspect as much.

DAS has undergone many changes to eliminate over use by people who just had mobility issues. judicious use of a FP+ and a good touring plan can minimize waiting in lines. DAC/DAS was NEVER intended to be a front of the line pass, but the default was to send everyone with one through the old FP line, which made it seem like it was.

 

[OurBigTrip]

Thanks for the tips and sympathy. I hate that this is there once in a lifetime trip to Disney, and I'm trying so hard to make sure it is extra special and making sure things go as smoothly as possible. They are fostering two of their five children, and they're just starting their adoption process. They've been through so much and deserve this trip, they've worked so hard for.

So the adult riding the ECV can enter lines in her ECV if we get it tagged as a wheelchair? That's how they deny a DAS to mobility disabled? She literally can not stand or walk for more than 5 minutes. The children are ages 6 and 10 and also are under doctors orders non weight bearing. I do think we'll end pushing them in wheel chairs, we are waiting to see what the doctor recommends at they're next appointment. And of course I understand that 12 of us, won't be riding every ride together due to ride capacity. Disney does a great job at accommodating large families everyday, I'm not worried about that aspect as much.

It's not an issue of them finding a way to deny a DAS to the mobility disabled, it's that if the only issues are mobility/stamina, those are addressed with a wheelchair or ECV, so the DAS isn't needed.

 

[CluelessDisFan]

Things to note with having someone in a wheel chair that may help:

1) Espeically with three make it clear that you can transfer. Alot of rides only take one wheel chair. However if everyone can transfer from the wheelchair to a normal ride seat) which I assume they can, then you don't have to worry about that as much.

2) Be aware that a few rides may not let everyone ride together anyway. My mom had to wait on one ride because they only allow 2 people with mobility devices on at a time. The reason being that if they had to evac they want a max of 2 people that can't walk themselves off. I don't know if one of the people being 6 and the fact that one of you adults could probably carry the child off the ride without the wheel chair in an emergency would make a difference.

3) Be patient. Unfortunately some of the accessible lines take longer then the non-accessible rides. My party of 9 had this when mom was seperated from us on the Safari ride because she was in a wheel chair. Her and Dad went in the wheel chair loading area and the rest went the normal way (rule is max of 5 with a single person in a chair you could avoid this and stay together by simply going up as two groups each with at least one wheel chair bound person). The 7 of us that went the normal way were out at least 15 min before my parents.

4) Know what the party members can do as far as balance and moving. for example will they be able to get across a moving walkway without the chair? Mom had to do this for some transfers. Some they could slow others they couldn't. My mothers issues were her knees so if she had help with balance this was ok, but if they can't bear weight at all this may not be possible for them.

Thank you! Your response has been the most helpful and thorough. I will be taking all of it into consideration with my plans. The DISability forum could use more people like yourself.