A Year Is Way Too Long To Wait! We Just Keep Booking Trips!

[pas130]

Review is delayed a bit, Sarah brought home a wonderful souvenir from Disney....the flu Oh the lovely Disney germs.

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I picked up some of those as souvenirs as well. Hope she's better STAT Melissa

 

[babyberger]

We left Thursday mid-day, had to make a few stops on the way, and had quite the car ride. The kids were bickering, melting down, etc. David pulled the truck over on the side of the road and threatened the almighty “I’m turning the car around right now and we are going home” he even made it as far pulling onto the off-ramp. Needless to say the ride to Orlando was less than enjoyable But I knew I was going to see Jeanette shortly so I kept my focus on that.

For some reason we decided to follow the nav in my truck and not the resort directions, I highly recommend resort directions over nav. The nav took us the longest way possible, through multiple school zones, traffic lights, neighborhoods, etc. Once we were off the highway it took us at least 45 minutes to even get to the resort and check in I was fighting back tears knowing I was not going to see Jeanette because we were running so far behind schedule. By the time we unloaded the truck and David took a shower (yes, a shower) it was well after 5pm and our first FastPass + reservation was for Test Track from 5-6pm. Knowing I couldn’t change the FP+ time because of the new tiers and the changes to the GAC, I knew missing this FP+ could potentially ruin Steven’s weekend and I knew in my heart that Jeanette totally understood. We made our way to Epcot and ran back to Test Track with 10 minutes to spare. From there we went right to Mission Space, ate a quick dinner at the Electric Umbrella, where Steven can get his gluten free chicken tenders and fries. After our last FP+ for Soarin we finally stopped at Guest Relations for a new DAS (more on that latter) and called it a night. The kids had been up early for school and it was definitely a long day.

Well, I guess our day wasn’t ready to end. We get into the parking lot and my truck was dead, dead, dead. I knew flagging down security would be faster than calling my roadside service, so David went and found security who brought over a portable jumper back. Well, of course that didn’t work, my truck is too big and needed more power. The security guard told us sometimes they have to hook up two battery packs to the bigger trucks to jump them, but of course none of the other battery packs were working so security put the call into Car Care. They were there in 15 minutes and pulled out a big heavy duty battery pack, still not enough. I was getting ready to call Infiniti when the driver pulled out a second bigger battery pack. Together both battery packs did the trick and jump started my truck We drove around for a bit to make sure the battery fully recharged before we could really call it a day. Oh and the culprit of the dead battery, David He had gone back into the truck and turned on the auxiliary power to fold the side view mirrors and never shut it back off.

 

[babyberger]

Woke up somewhat refreshed Friday morning and I was even able to grab a Sci-Fi Diner dinner reservation that I had been stalking for months, I had even checked before we went to sleep and nothing, so the kids were very excited

We made to The Wave just in time for our 9:30am breakfast reservation. The kids were hoping that Chef Dave, who was there in February was working and were ecstatic to find out in fact he was. He is probably the nicest, friendliest chef I have met in Walt Disney World While Steven was eating his freshly made gluten free pancakes I was thoroughly enjoying the breakfast buffet. I honestly cannot say enough great things about The Wave, the freshness and quality of food is probably the best I have eaten on Disney property. I am truly a sucker for the Key Lime egg benedict and oh the sweet potato pancakes, to die for

From The Wave we jumped on the monorail and made our way over to the Poly to go interrupt an RC breakfast I got to give Janet another hug in person and meet Marie, her BFF Dawn, and the honorary RC’er Rosie

Me, Janet and Marie


Sarah and Janet



We continued along the monorail to the GF to go see the famous gingerbread house which is truly amazing. At that point Steven decided he really did not want to continue onto the Epcot resort area to see more decorations, he wanted to get into a park and start going on rides. So we grabbed the truck from the Contemporary and made our way to DHS. Once we got there, our cousins that we had previously been to Disney with texted and said they were in the car and on their way for the night. Once again I had strategically set up our FP+ reservation that worked out great. After a couple hours with our cousins, we split up for dinner. My kids absolutely love the Sci-Fi Diner, I think because it is so dark and quiet it is a great place for Steven to get away from all the stimulation and reset a bit. The food there is nothing to brag about, but it is a decent meal. Steven even decided he wanted to try the gluten free pasta and had a great conversation with the chef about how to prepare it. Obviously whatever the chef did he liked, because he devoured it After dinner we made our way through the Osborne lights. It is a must do for me, but I know it is hard on Steven, so we usually make our way through quickly. All in all, besides one DAS hiccup (more on that latter), it was a great day!

 

[pas130]

I knew in my heart that Jeanette totally understood. .

OF COURSE!!!!!
My heart broke for you that night Melissa Janet, Rosie, and I missed you. My kids were less than pleased we were sidetracked at Poly, Bree even sat at the glass staring at the castle. I attempted to ask if we could get off at GF to look at the gingerbread house to which Maddie replied. "Mom we did that last year" I told DH next Dismeet...I am going solo Glad it was just David that killed the battery, and nothing serious was wrong with your truck. I wanted to come surprise you Friday morning....alas I overslept

Woke up somewhat refreshed Friday morning and I was even able to grab a Sci-Fi Diner dinner reservation that I had been stalking for months, I had even checked before we went to sleep and nothing, so the kids were very excited

SO happy Friday was a better day everyone just needed a good night sleep! I am taking notes for my next trip. Sci-fi is nice and dark

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

OF COURSE!!!!!
My heart broke for you that night Melissa Janet, Rosie, and I missed you. My kids were less than pleased we were sidetracked at Poly, Bree even sat at the glass staring at the castle. I attempted to ask if we could get off at GF to look at the gingerbread house to which Maddie replied. "Mom we did that last year" I told DH next Dismeet...I am going solo Glad it was just David that killed the battery, and nothing serious was wrong with your truck. I wanted to come surprise you Friday morning....alas I overslept
SO happy Friday was a better day everyone just needed a good night sleep! I am taking notes for my next trip. Sci-fi is nice and dark

December solo trip ..... I will keep this in mind!!!

 

[pas130]

December solo trip ..... I will keep this in mind!!!

 

[babyberger]

Saturday was our Magic Kingdom day. I knew it was the Christmas Parade taping that day, but we were there during parade taping last year and knew the MK was actually manageable and it was the only night while we were there that it was not closing early for the MVMCP.

We took our time getting to the park knowing that we had a full day ahead. As usual we had lunch reservations at Liberty Tree Tavern, so we made our way to a few rides before heading to lunch. I have to say service at LTT was not as great as it usually is. We had a less than enthusiastic server and I don’t know if they are making changes to the menu, but we have always been able to get the yeasts rolls and honey butter and lunch and gluten free rolls for Steven. This time the chef said they don’t usually do bread with lunch but would bring Steven rolls with his meal. Steven once again decided to try something new and ordered the turkey with gluten free gravy. Luckily we asked for the gravy on the side as well as a side of ketchup in case he did not like the gravy, well he didn’t He was also very disappointed that the butter they brought with the rolls was plain butter and not the honey butter he loves so much. When we inquired about rolls for us, our server said she didn’t think they had any but would check. She never brought any or even said anything about it again. Our food was good, but the meal just didn’t feel the same.

We made use of alternating our FP+ reservation and the DAS to get through the rest of the rides that the kids wanted to go on. We also found that because of FP+ the lines tend to back up a bit just to get to the CM and FP readers. Steven would look at the lines and get a little anxious, so I would wait with him by the CM while David and Sarah waited in line and then we would join them. This worked great most places and no one said a word to us. That was until we went to go on the People Mover to kill some time. There is a queue now at the People Mover that was fairly empty but you still had to weave through, so I stood right by the CM at the beginning of the moving walkway waiting for David to come through the queue. Well the CM would have none of that and said Steven had to walk through the chains. I nicely explained he has Autism, my husband did go through the chain queue and we are meeting up with him. He absolutely would not allow us to join David unless I walked Steven through the queue; at that point I started to lose my temper and told the CM he just ruined our day I will be sending off an email to guest relations.







After all the rides we started to stake out a good location to watch Cinderella’s Wish, somewhere that I could see the castle light up, but didn't confine Steven to a huge crowd of people. We stopped right before the rose garden and had a great view, so I was happy





After the castle lights we made our way back up to Pinocchio Village Haus for dinner. This is one of our favorite QS locations because they give you a pager for allergy orders, as opposed to most QS locations that you have to wait forever at the counter and also because we can always find a quiet table upstairs. Steven also loves that not only can he get gluten free pizza, but gluten free fries as well. We were all tired and agreed after dinner we would just head back to the resort.
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[javamom]

Was Steven able to handle the people mover queue?

I will definitely keep the Pinocchio in mind for GF fries!

 

[babyberger]

Was Steven able to handle the people mover queue? I will definitely keep the Pinocchio in mind for GF fries!

We had already been on the People Mover earlier in the day, so it wasn't a must do. so when the CM told him he had to go through the queue, he got very upset and we walked away

I think we are going to try Cookes of Dublin for GF onion rings this weekend! I'll report back for sure

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[pas130]

We had already been on the People Mover earlier in the day, so it wasn't a must do. so when the CM told him he had to go through the queue, he got very upset and we walked away

Great pics of you ladies and the family Melissa

 

[javamom]

We had already been on the People Mover earlier in the day, so it wasn't a must do. so when the CM told him he had to go through the queue, he got very upset and we walked away

 

[babyberger]

Just a quick post. Have to say being in Orlando and NOT going to the parks is so much more relaxing!!!! Kids and I just bummed around the resort today and had a GREAT day, I may never go back to Disney

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[Grumpy Grandma]

Just a quick post. Have to say being in Orlando and NOT going to the parks is so much more relaxing!!!! Kids and I just bummed around the resort today and had a GREAT day, I may never go back to Disney

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Are you still there or home? I saw the pictures you posted on FB .... looks like you were enjoying the resort!

 

[pas130]

Just a quick post. Have to say being in Orlando and NOT going to the parks is so much more relaxing!!!! Kids and I just bummed around the resort today and had a GREAT day, I may never go back to Disney

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So happy to here you are enjoying yourself!!!! Yay!!

Are you still there or home? I saw the pictures you posted on FB .... looks like you were enjoying the resort!

She's still there.....I think...how's my mama??

 

[babyberger]

Are you still there or home? I saw the pictures you posted on FB .... looks like you were enjoying the resort!

We are still here. This is our quick Fri & Sat night. David had meetings all day in downtown Orlando. Tomorrow we are taking our time getting up and packing up. I think lunch at Cookes in DTD and head home. Sarah still isn't 100%, so no parks!

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[pas130]

Enjoy!!! Glad you are getting some much needed chill time in with the kids

 

[babyberger]

Wow I have neglected my PTR life just gets in the way sometimes. I promise to finally give my thoughts about the DAS soon!

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[pas130]

Wow I have neglected my PTR life just gets in the way sometimes. I promise to finally give my thoughts about the DAS soon!

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and

 

[babyberger]

I finally have had a chance to gather my thoughts on the DAS. Here is the letter I wrote to Guest Relations.

To whom it may concern:

We have been long time Walt Disney World passholders. Many years back we had to stop visiting Walt Disney World as my middle son was starting to have major meltdowns and our trips were becoming less and less magical. After an autism diagnosis and a few years away from WDW, we learned about the GAC, and decided to try visiting WDW once again. To our amazement my husband, myself, and our three children had a magical trip once again. The GAC was our pixie dust that made visiting WDW with an autistic child possible. When I learned of the changes from the GAC to the DAS I understood the need for the change, but hoped that it would not affect our visits too drastically. We had the opportunity of visiting a few times right before the change and then spent a couple months explaining to my son how things would change the next time we went to WDW. I stayed very optimistic and assured my son I would do my best to make the new system work.

We finally had a chance to try out the DAS early in December and I wanted to share where I think this system can be improved, especially for those with children on the autism spectrum. We were lucky enough to have Magic Bands from a previous stay on property so I made use of scheduling our FP+ ahead of time. As much as this was helpful, it was also difficult because with autistic children plans can change so quickly due to meltdowns, overstimulation, etc. One of the ways we help to prevent meltdowns or calm overstimulation is to change parks, this usually helps my son “reset”. With FP+ this is not an option. I truly feel FP+ should allow for multiple parks, especially for passholders which do frequently park hop. We tried to make changes on a daily basis, but it was hard to get FP+ reservations that worked with our schedule.

For the most part the cast members were very friendly, although we had a few that either were not trained properly on how the DAS works, or just did not want to be bothered with filling out the proper return time. We also had one VERY RUDE cast member at the People Mover, his name was Reed, and he will never be forgotten. We had found that with the FP+ in place, the FP lines were definitely longer, at least waiting in a queue to scan the Magic Bands, or have the CM check the paper FP. My son has a very hard time waiting in queues as people bumping into him is a major setup for a meltdown. Our way to help my son have as little time in line as possible was to have my husband and daughter wait in the line as I stood by the CM checking fastpasses with my son. Once my husband would reach the CM, my son and I would join him. This was working great until one experience at the People Mover, Reed stood in front of me and said we could not enter there. I explained my husband and daughter waiting in the queue, explained why we were waiting there and showed him my son’s DAS card. He absolutely refused to let us and in and said my son had to walk through the queue like everyone else. At this point the meltdown was starting, I also began to lose my temper and asked Reed if he understood that he was personally ruining the rest of the day for my son. Reed did not care and would not let us on unless I walked my now melting down autistic son through the queue that my husband and daughter had already waited through. My son’s day was ruined and he never fully recovered from that incident that day. I can’t remember any other time at any WDW park that we had such an uncaring, rude cast member.

Using the DAS proved difficult at times. Even though my son did not have to be present to receive a wait time, we found we wasted a lot of time, crisscrossing the parks to receive wait times. We also found ourselves wasting time just sitting and trying to keep my son entertained while waiting for our return time for a ride. I understand the suggestions while waiting for a return time are to find another ride with a shorter wait time, watch a show/parade, grab a snack, etc. Well, with my autistic son, shows are not an option, he absolutely will not watch a show or parade. Snacks are also a tough option as he has severe food allergies, so we have to be very careful where he snacks. So that left us with a lot of wasted time in the parks, just waiting for our return times or for our FP+ reservations.

After our experience with the DAS and FP+ my recommendations would be:
- To offer something similar to the GAC to those with medical documentation. Much like medical documentation is needed for a handicap parking permit, medical documentation could be provided for some type of GAC permit.

- To allow those with a DAS to have more FP+ selections, and to allow those FP+ to be more flexible and be used at multiple parks per day.

- To allow cast members at all attractions fill out return times for other attractions. For example, we have gone on Thunder Mountain and now my son wants to go on Space Mountain, either my husband or I, have to make our way across the entire park to get a return time filled out on the DAS and then have to find something to do with my son. Whereas if the cast member at Thunder Mountain (or even kiosks throughout the park) could look on their iPad, iPhone, etc, and fill out the Space Mountain return time for us, we could then work our way across the park as a family and not have as much wasted time and separated time as a family.

- Employees need to understand that even with the DAS, parents need to make further accommodations and are not trying to cheat the system or cut in line, we are preventing our children from melting down.

- We also found that repeat rides were very difficult. My son is a thrill seeker and in the past has gone on Expedition Everest, Test Track, etc, several times in a row. Now with the DAS and FP+ this is not possible and even though he understood why he could no longer do it, he still had a hard time walking away from rides after only going on them once. And because of the wasted time now, we did not have time to go back and repeat rides at a later time.

We will return to Walt Disney World in the spring once the Mine Train opens but we will definitely not be visiting as often anymore as my son found our trip with the DAS more frustrating and exhausting than usual. And sadly unless the DAS system changes I do not feel that we will be renewing our annual passes in the fall.

On a positive note, we had breakfast one morning at The Wave, one of the places my son loves that accommodates his food allergies so well. My kids promptly asked the hostess if Chef Dave was working as they had remembered how wonderful he was when were stayed at the Contemporary last December and February. They were ecstatic to find out he was working that morning. And like always he came out to the table, so friendly, warm, and truly wanting to make sure my son ate exactly what he wanted. Chef Dave is truly the nicest and warmest chef we have met at WDW, my kids have not remembered any other chef by name from any of the other restaurants. He is a huge asset to The Wave and to WDW and should be commended!!!!

Thank you for your time.


I have also written a blog post regarding the DAS. http://aspergersallergiesadhd.blogspot.com/2014/01/walt-disney-world-with-new-das.html

 

[pas130]

Melissa my sweet buddy You did a wonderful job with that letter, and my heart absolutely breaks for you, and all the other families affected. I've never used a GAC, so I guess I won't know what I am missing...and I know the Pas-lettes can't be tied down like that. They may be willing for one ride....but back and forth across parks Hopefully they can tweak the system somewhat for Spring. This summer trip is DH given WDW another chance...we shall see