Complete DAS newbie— TMI question?

[figmentfinesse]

So I have a trip coming up in just 10 days. I have interstitial cystitis, which causes me to need to empty my bladder about every 30 minutes, sometimes 30x or more a day. I have been 4 times to disney with it but just relied on fast passes and though I have been twice post Covid, it was when lines were non existent so with a good rope drop strategy I was able to do almost all the headliners with less than a 30 minute wait. Looking at the waits now and realizing that it’s unlikely the new FP system will be rolled out before then, I’m realizing I probably should at least try for a DAS.

My question is— for those of you with bathroom issues, how specific do you get when explaining your issue? I have been reading this forum at lot over the past 24 hours and know they’re not looking for a diagnosis, but just for the reason you can’t stay in the standard line. In case I am denied, does anyone have any experience with having to leave the line and come back?

thanks in advance guys. This is my first time ever requesting an accommodation for my issue and I’m a little nervous since it’s invisible.

 

[Selket]

I think much of the first paragraph up there could be printed out and handed to the CM at guest services to read which should be enough explaining and you don't have to describe the issue out loud if you prefer that - although I don't think there's anything wrong with just telling them.

I also have an issue I have managed with just fast passes (not related to my ECV use which I do because of my badly arthritic knees that need replacing). I haven't been back since before covid but I'm also somewhat in the same boat thinking about an upcoming trip later this year and hoping the FP system is back!

 

[Heather07438]

Goodluck and have a great trip

 

[Evita_W]

DH simply states something like there are issues with the restroom which the DAS assists with.

 

[DLgal]

While they cannot ask for a diagnosis, there is nothing stopping you from telling them. You can also simply tell them you have a bladder condition that requires a restroom visit every 30 minutes which makes it difficult for you to wait in a traditional queue. That will suffice.

 

[LilyWDW]

Hi! I also have IC, though yours does sound more serious then mine. I am so sorry to hear you deal with it. It is a painful and disabling condition that many people don't even know exist. It is 100% the definition of an invisible disability.

I have used a DAS in Disney for my IC before I had it in remission (I am at about a 85% remission with some short term flares usually due to food sensitivities). They will not ask for a diagnosis as that tells them nothing. What one person with a condition needs may be different then what another person needs. Focus on what makes being in a regular line difficult or impossible... and why being able to wait outside of the line would help. You will still have to wait in the Fastpass line so keep that in mind as well (though I doubt that would be much issue at this time). So I would focus on needing access to the restroom every 30 minutes and also suddenly (if sudden urgency is a problem for you). They may ask follow up questions (for example they asked me how I would handle a wait in the FP line).

If you have ANY questions about doing Disney with IC, feel free to message me! I love to help others enjoy their trip even when dealing with this horrible condition.

 

[slyster]

I have pelvic floor dysfunction and a couple of months ago I was having very urgent needs to go to the bathroom. I was thinking ahead to the trip becoming very nervous about waiting in lines. Thankfully, at least for now, medication seems to be helping me. I'm glad for the post though because if I have any issues before my trip, I will bring it up to guest services/DAS.

 

[figmentfinesse]

Just wanted to update you guys and let you know it was issued with no problem! I printed out a list of my issues, CM glanced at it and asked no further questions. Very easy process, was issued at guest relations outside of Epcot.

 

[sandrews0608]

I am glad to hear that this went well for you. I also have IC and IBS and was thinking of asking for a DAS which I have never done on a previous trip. I hate to say it as travelling seems to always cause a flare up for me as well. I don't know if it is simply the stress of traveling or foods that I wouldn't normally eat or the combination of the two. I have been stressed at the thought of asking for a DAS as well as the reaction of others for me using it. In the past we just rope dropped and then used FP+ to avoid most lines. We usually left the parks at their busiest times as well as going during slower season (last trip was in February 2019).

 

[Pookie9922]

Just wanted to update you guys and let you know it was issued with no problem! I printed out a list of my issues, CM glanced at it and asked no further questions. Very easy process, was issued at guest relations outside of Epcot.

So good to hear! I have IC (& IBS) too and have been getting worried about whether it would "count". I could get a flare up just from the stress of trying to stay hydrated, worrying about being too hydrated and having to get out of line, etc. I'm not looking forward to an awkward conversation either! Hopefully the video chat will be less awkward than in person.

Hi! I also have IC, though yours does sound more serious then mine. I am so sorry to hear you deal with it. It is a painful and disabling condition that many people don't even know exist. It is 100% the definition of an invisible disability.

I have used a DAS in Disney for my IC before I had it in remission (I am at about a 85% remission with some short term flares usually due to food sensitivities). They will not ask for a diagnosis as that tells them nothing. What one person with a condition needs may be different then what another person needs. Focus on what makes being in a regular line difficult or impossible... and why being able to wait outside of the line would help. You will still have to wait in the Fastpass line so keep that in mind as well (though I doubt that would be much issue at this time). So I would focus on needing access to the restroom every 30 minutes and also suddenly (if sudden urgency is a problem for you). They may ask follow up questions (for example they asked me how I would handle a wait in the FP line).

If you have ANY questions about doing Disney with IC, feel free to message me! I love to help others enjoy their trip even when dealing with this horrible condition.

I'd love to know what regimen you're on that got you to remission. My IC isn't bad regularly but I still flare up frequently. I was on Elmiron and now just taking aloe since Elmiron isn't totally safe. It's better than nothing but I have to be so careful about not getting dehydrated and stressed at the same time.

 

[LilyWDW]

I'd love to know what regimen you're on that got you to remission. My IC isn't bad regularly but I still flare up frequently. I was on Elmiron and now just taking aloe since Elmiron isn't totally safe. It's better than nothing but I have to be so careful about not getting dehydrated and stressed at the same time.

The main things that helped me get into remission were:
Increased hydration
Strict IC diet
Pelvic Floor PT

Diet and PT were the most important for me.

I also had to deal with my anxiety because that was a huge trigger. That took therapy and medication.

I never did Elmiron and only took Aloe for a short period of time was I was desperate for anything to help.

I would say my remission is pretty good. I flare around "that time" of the month so I take pills and just skip it. Food is my other trigger, but the number of foods that give me problems is a lot less then it used to be.

 

[JaJen]

We went to animal Kingdom today and I'll try to share with you a little bit of my experience in hopes that it may help I utilize the das today and once I went to get services, without embarrassing me or asking a ton of questions he simply asked why I didn't think I'd be able to stand in the line I was prepared to give it a link to explanation of my injury, but it started out merely saying bathroom and emergency with no other questions they took a photo of me for recognition and added it to my ticket....
No list a little bit of my injury because it may be applicable for some and not for others.. I used to be a power swimmer and I told four martial arts. And 2014 I stopped at a red light and they got behind me didn't.. as I'm 47 now the injury gets progressively worse some days not so much some days severe.. it's more of a walking and a balance issue than a strength issue.. I joke that I can throw 100 lb lawn maintenance bags out of the back of my truck but I can't walk up the stairs with a gallon of milk I have to laugh or I'd cry..
My pride is allowed me to get an ecv because when I do normal errands, I make a beeline for a shopping cart and I use that so it doesn't appear that I need to walk. How foolish I was thinking that my wife would be able to be my support through the entire part we only made it halfway through the park and we had to call it quits, she began to get tired but I'll suspect it was mostly from trying to keep me from falling, and until today I'd never experienced pain so excruciating I wanted to vomit.. I sit in the car for what must have been an hour before we even pulled out of the driveway to leave before noon and we got there at 8:30.. anytime in the future I will definitely rent an ecv with no qualms at all because I feel that I may have taken away her day at animal Kingdom although I push through so that she can enjoy the Safari.. we didn't however, get to ride the mountain roller coaster as we started the entrance made our way to the left and then later exit from the African safari area..
The das worked for us as, we approached staff member at the beginning of the line showed the das pass they gave us a time which today being on busy was roughly only 30 minutes later they gave us a chance to go to the restroom, and take a rest for a moment. Highly suggest taking a TENS unit as I truly believe that added another hour and a half to our day..
Highly suggest.. we got our rechargable for under 30 bucks on Amazon..
The 30-minute return time was actually on the Avatar flight ride. That should give you an idea about how quickly the lines were moving and this was a Saturday.. I'm pretty sure Labor Day weekend will be a little more, but kids have reentered school unless it's the perfect time to to go.. the Park's not really crowded, but animal kingdom is horrible to walk.. they did a really good job and replicating what you would expect the Safari trick to be, but if you have walking mobility, or balance issues.. I think how difficult it would be walking through the woods navigating rough uneven structures with multiple small heels and families that you can catch a dragging foot on.. trust me there. After coming home and getting a nap.. I can look back now and realize that catching myself from falling trying to maintain balance was probably more exhausting than a walk around the entire park twice for another healthy person.. good for my diet though, I guess .lol

 

[mamabunny]

We went to animal Kingdom today and I'll try to share with you a little bit of my experience in hopes that it may help I utilize the das today and once I went to get services, without embarrassing me or asking a ton of questions he simply asked why I didn't think I'd be able to stand in the line I was prepared to give it a link to explanation of my injury, but it started out merely saying bathroom and emergency with no other questions they took a photo of me for recognition and added it to my ticket....
No list a little bit of my injury because it may be applicable for some and not for others.. I used to be a power swimmer and I told four martial arts. And 2014 I stopped at a red light and they got behind me didn't.. as I'm 47 now the injury gets progressively worse some days not so much some days severe.. it's more of a walking and a balance issue than a strength issue.. I joke that I can throw 100 lb lawn maintenance bags out of the back of my truck but I can't walk up the stairs with a gallon of milk I have to laugh or I'd cry..
My pride is allowed me to get an ecv because when I do normal errands, I make a beeline for a shopping cart and I use that so it doesn't appear that I need to walk. How foolish I was thinking that my wife would be able to be my support through the entire part we only made it halfway through the park and we had to call it quits, she began to get tired but I'll suspect it was mostly from trying to keep me from falling, and until today I'd never experienced pain so excruciating I wanted to vomit.. I sit in the car for what must have been an hour before we even pulled out of the driveway to leave before noon and we got there at 8:30.. anytime in the future I will definitely rent an ecv with no qualms at all because I feel that I may have taken away her day at animal Kingdom although I push through so that she can enjoy the Safari.. we didn't however, get to ride the mountain roller coaster as we started the entrance made our way to the left and then later exit from the African safari area..
The das worked for us as, we approached staff member at the beginning of the line showed the das pass they gave us a time which today being on busy was roughly only 30 minutes later they gave us a chance to go to the restroom, and take a rest for a moment. Highly suggest taking a TENS unit as I truly believe that added another hour and a half to our day..
Highly suggest.. we got our rechargable for under 30 bucks on Amazon..
The 30-minute return time was actually on the Avatar flight ride. That should give you an idea about how quickly the lines were moving and this was a Saturday.. I'm pretty sure Labor Day weekend will be a little more, but kids have reentered school unless it's the perfect time to to go.. the Park's not really crowded, but animal kingdom is horrible to walk.. they did a really good job and replicating what you would expect the Safari trick to be, but if you have walking mobility, or balance issues.. I think how difficult it would be walking through the woods navigating rough uneven structures with multiple small heels and families that you can catch a dragging foot on.. trust me there. After coming home and getting a nap.. I can look back now and realize that catching myself from falling trying to maintain balance was probably more exhausting than a walk around the entire park twice for another healthy person.. good for my diet though, I guess .lol

First of all, I'm really glad you posted here, because you never know - your story might help someone else!

Please please please just remember that using an ECV at WDW (or anywhere else for that matter) is no different than the tools you might use in your daily life. If you use a hammer to pound in a nail, if you use a calculator to make math faster (or like me, more accurate ), or if you use glasses to see better, hearing aides to hear better... those are all *tools* that help make your life easier, better, safer.

Lots of folks never need to use an ECV anywhere but WDW, and that's great. Some of us need one for shopping also, others of us use them full time. We have folks in different kinds of wheelchairs, some folks use walkers or Rollators. Regardless of what kind of personal mobility device you might want to use, the idea remains the same: it's just a tool to get a job done!

I hope your next Disney day is better - and I hope you come back and tell us about what strategies you decided to use!

 

[PatMcDuck]

My daughter has IC. It can get really bad in a flare. She gets the bladder instillations, 6 weeks, once a week when in a flare. That quiets it down, she maintains with a strict diet. And drinks a LOT of water. There are a couple of teas that also keep it under control. The triggers vary by person, it is trial and error to figure it out. Some foods she can have occassionally and get away with it. She is OK at WDW, because her IC seems to be either crippling pain and inability to even leave the house, or in remission, ok and no issues. So no frequent urination problem.

 

[tinkerbelletreasure]

Glad it worked well for you! It’s my experience that they really have no desire to make people uncomfortable and embarrassed during the process. I use a wheelchair at Disney and 99% of the time I travel with my son who gets a DAS because he is autistic. DH and I went on a trip without him and I asked for one myself for the first time and was really nervous I’d be turned down since I already use a wheelchair, but I just explained that sometimes I get the urge to go very suddenly and that in a wheelchair, I didn’t think I could remove myself from a line fast enough to avoid an accident. And that was all I had to say. Travel really does make GI symptoms worse.