DAS and FP entries and canes

[gottalovepluto]

The DAS system makes sense to me for the most part, but I have a question regarding ride entrances. Do all rides that have FP entrances use those entrances for DAS entry? We went 2 summers back, when the GAC system was collapsing on itself with all the abuse, so I am happy that a new system is in place but that summer I also remember waiting in FP lines that were commonly 15-20 mins -on rides the GAC member of our part wasn't riding on like Splash. Are FP lines still 15-20 min long during summer? (we're looking at late May)

I ask because I'm thinking I need to prepare an extra accommodation for my dad (the DAS holder). He cannot stand in one place for more than a few minutes (as long as the line moves he is ok) but the wheelchair will not fix this because of a mental issue. I'm nervous enough that Guest Relations will tell him to get a wheelchair and ignore his other issue, which would be disastrous for him, but I have heard good reports here on the DIS that the guest relations teams are working to hear all of a guests needs so my mind has been put mostly at ease- thank you! This trip we might even get to do Indy and PP with Dad, last time the GAC lines for both were waaaayy too long. My idea is that if the DAS does indeed go through FP lines he can use a cane-seat in case the line stops unexpectedly or is unusually long and he needs a place to sit quick. Anyone by chance have specific experience using cane-seats at DL? (I know not to use them to watch parades/fireworks/etc.)

Thanks for any answers anyone has!

 

[Nicolette11785]

The DAS return line is in the fast pass lane. If you have a problem with stairs on a few rides they will take you the side for a different entrance. Most of my wait times for the lines were 5-20 min. Both during busy times. Indiana Jones, Star Tours, Radiator Racers, Autopiaand screamin were some of the 10-20 min waits.

I would just clearly explain to the CM at city hall what the need is. You may need to explain what the mental issue with the wheelchair is too. It really depends who you get. Some CM's ask lots of questions and some don't.

 

[SMD]

Yes, FP returns are often 15-20 minutes or more during peak times because the FP merges are so far back in the queue. In DL the DAS returns are not the FP lines, they are the accessible entrances. You will likely encounter lines at those returns most of the time as well. Most DL queues are not accessible, most DCA queues are, so in those cases it will be the FP return. DAS are not issued for mobility issues. If a cane solves the mobility issue you will be directed to the queue. If there is an additional issue like avoiding stairs in queues, it is dealt with at each attraction. Usually you will either follow the queue until the first set of stairs or be directed to the accessible entrance. There have been a few threads lately on the disabilities board about mobility, DAS and DLR.

 

[lanejudy]

A cane-seat should be allowed, as it is first a mobility aid (cane) and secondary the seat. I have read mixed reports about security allowing one into the parks, though. If you do use one, it may be tricky. He likely will be constantly opening it, sit for a minute, stand to move forward a few feet, repeat -- which can be tiring in and of itself. Would a rollator (walker with a seat) be an option for him? He can push it, sit when needed, even use his feet while seated to move himself forward in slow-moving lines, or a gentle push forward in the line by a member of your party. I'm not sure about his "mental" issues negating the use of a wheelchair; if he has other needs related to waiting in a standard queue environment, he/you will have to discuss those needs specifically with Guest Relations and why the mobility device does not accommodate.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[gottalovepluto]

I didn't know about security being a hassle with cane seats, thanks for the heads up all. I'll talk to him about a rollator, hadn't thought about that. The mental issue I referred to is high levels of anxiety in certain situations and I'll tell him to be ready to explain his triggers and results to the CM. In the past he's just always focused on the mobility issue but it triggers his anxiety issues so I'll let him know to be ready to explain that to the CM since that is the real problem. Thank you all, I'm feeling better about the trip & am ready to let myself start getting excited for it!

 

[Malcon10t]

Be aware, the DAS has changed significantly. For me, for the better. Instead of getting in the HA queue and waiting, you now approach the HA queue area and they will issue you a return time. You will need everyone in your party who wants to ride. They will scan your tickets into the system and tell you to return at a specific time (1030-1130 for example) based on the wait time in the queue. When your group returns at 1115, they will then scan everyone's tickets again and send you to the ride. Sometimes the queue will get long if a ride has been down recently as everyone is returning at the same time, but it doesn't happen often.

 

[2tinkerbell]

Slight highjack here:

Has Disneyland done away with the kiosks to get the DAS return times? If so, when did that happen?

 

[SMD]

Slight highjack here:

Has Disneyland done away with the kiosks to get the DAS return times? If so, when did that happen?

No. The kiosk is for DAS and the HA entrance is for WC returns. Because they scan your tickets now you can no longer double dip and have a DAS and WC return active. It is one or the other.

 

[nikkislaght]

I didn't know about security being a hassle with cane seats, thanks for the heads up all. I'll talk to him about a rollator, hadn't thought about that. The mental issue I referred to is high levels of anxiety in certain situations and I'll tell him to be ready to explain his triggers and results to the CM. In the past he's just always focused on the mobility issue but it triggers his anxiety issues so I'll let him know to be ready to explain that to the CM since that is the real problem. Thank you all, I'm feeling better about the trip & am ready to let myself start getting excited for it!

Hope you have a great time.. and like I said... it was MY experience with security , I have heard other people not having that hassle. maybe I look like a trouble maker??? 40ish blond female with a cane....yup trouble through and through ,,

 

[2tinkerbell]

That is what I thought. No intentions of double dipping. My DD is a rule follower and we really like how the DAS at DLR works. Excited to experience the return times attached to the park tickets - makes sense to us.