Chronic pain - trouble sitting and standing

[Afletcher]

Hello
My brother in law suggested I apply for a DAS pass when we go to Disney later this year. Id never heard of it and can’t find any info online about whether it would be suitable for me.

I suffer from chronic abdominal pain following a botched operation. My pain is largely controlled but when sitting or standing in a similar position for more than 10/15 mins i get unbearable pain shooting through my stomach. Occasionally this lack of movement causes an acute pain attack ending up in hospital.

I have two questions: what is a DAS pass? And secondly, am I likely to quality for one?

 

[kaytieeldr]

What is a DAS (tip: it's not a pass)? Card that enables guest with typicially non-mobility/non-stamina disabilities to get one return time at a time, instead of waiting in that line. More information in the first post only of the WDW DAS FAQ, pinned above.

Be prepared not to be given one. How do you manage day-to-day? Best solution based on the information provided: a rollator or wheelchair. You can walk when you need, sit when you need. Rollator puts you in complete control, wheelchair probably requires people to push when not using it as a rollator.

Pick up a copy of The Unofficial Gide to Walt Disney World. The parks cbapters describe the attractions and how long the experience lasts. Some will be longer than 15 minutes; you will not likely be able to comfortably experience these

 

[MinnieMSue]

I have the same thing but with my back. It hurts to sit and it hurts to stand for any length of time. I agree with the rollator walker. It is a lifesaver there. I can lean on it and sit when I want. I will say most lines aren’t static. You typically move through them at a fairly steady pace. Stopping for brief periods when they let groups of fast pass people in but it isn’t like you stand perfectly still for any length of time. I think you should be fine for the most part. This type of walker is fairly inexpensive on amazon.

 

[mamabunny]

... This type of walker is fairly inexpensive on amazon.

And Amazon Prime now delivers daily to the Resorts at WDW in Orlando...! Yay!

If you don't have Amazon Prime, or will need to use a wheelchair (or a rollator) and are on a budget, remember that often local community organizations near you will have those kinds of items in a lending closet. For example, local Masons, Shriners, Churches, Moose & Elks all help folks out in my area.

Remember also @Afletcher that if you are flying, you may want to bring along a device (or arrange porter service) at the Airport(s). Medical devices (like wheelchairs, rollators, and ECVs all fly free on any airline. Many airports are HUGE and lines can be long, so planning ahead is always a great idea

Last but not least, unless you are a regular wheelchair user, don't plan on self-propelling at WDW in a manual wheelchair - your arms and shoulders will give out (typically sooner rather than later) and the next day you most likely won't be able to lift your arms to feed yourself. The average Guest walks between 3 to 10 miles per day at WDW; even if WDW were perfectly flat (which it is not - there are multiple elevation changes within each park) it's just not do-able for folks who are typically ambulatory at home. Make sure that someone in your travel party can help you by pushing when you need to sit.

An ECV is probably the most comfortable, requires no one to push you, and can go through almost every line at WDW, but it's also the most expensive option - you also have the option to park it (ask any CM where to park) and walk around an area before moving it to the next area you want to explore. Downside to that is if you park and walk, you may not have it with you when you need it for sitting purposes.

A wheelchair is a good choice - but make sure you have someone who can push you when you are seated if need be.

A rollator lets you roll the seat with you, and gives you good support. Bonus points because it also folds easily for transport on all internal Disney buses, boats and the Monorail. Double extra bonus points for models that have a storage basket under the seat!

If all you need is a place to sit for a few moments to "recharge" your core, then I would go with the rollator.

 

[lanejudy]

to the disABILITIES forum!

Here's a link to the WDW - Disability Access Service (DAS) thread pinned near the top of this forum. Only the first post is pertinent; you can ignore the rest as discussion from several years ago when the DAS program launched.

Nobody here can say whether you will or will not "qualify" for the DAS. You may certainly ask about it at Guest Relations. I do recommend that you have a back-up plan in case the request is denied. As others have mentioned, a rollator will allow you the most flexibility with regards to changing your position when necessary, as often as you need. Having a DAS will not guarantee you a place to sit or change position; and walking the whole time while awaiting your return time may just tire you out earlier. Your party can also help you in queues by providing a "buffer" between the party in front and the party behind, allowing you do some pacing if necessary.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[gap2368]

Hello
My brother in law suggested I apply for a DAS pass when we go to Disney later this year. Id never heard of it and can’t find any info online about whether it would be suitable for me.

I suffer from chronic abdominal pain following a botched operation. My pain is largely controlled but when sitting or standing in a similar position for more than 10/15 mins i get unbearable pain shooting through my stomach. Occasionally this lack of movement causes an acute pain attack ending up in hospital.

I have two questions: what is a DAS pass? And secondly, am I likely to quality for one?

Lines are slow moving your not standing still for more then a minute or two. Leave some room between you and the people infront of you so if need be you can walk in place. The preshow for ride is where you will do most of your standing in one place. Hang to the back of the room where there will be more room to walk around