DAS and MS?

[Section106]

Hello all. I'm still a newbie so be kind.

I have read the DAS sticky and have tried to get my concerns answered through reading the threads but I'm still confused. I have concerns about my wife's ability to experience as much as possible of WDW. We are traveling the first week of June with our 5 year old for the first time (it will be twenty years for me) and I hope that we can experience as "normal" a vacation as possible.

Now my issue:

My wife has Multiple Sclerosis and is wheelchair bound. I understand that that alone does not warrant a DAS card. However, she also has incontinence problems, is legally blind due to Optic Neuritis in her right eye with double vision in both, has Trigeminal Neuralgia, and is prone to panic attacks when confined in tight spaces for extended periods of time. She is of course heat intolerant. We intend to combat that by early morning and late evening touring.

My question is from those with experience is my wife eligible for a DAS? Should we even try?

Thanks for reading.

edit: I forgot to add that she is a 100% Total and Permanent Service Connected Disabled Veteran. Would it help to bring her rating decision?

 

[Schmeck]

Hello all. I'm still a newbie so be kind.

I have read the DAS sticky and have tried to get my concerns answered through reading the threads but I'm still confused. I have concerns about my wife's ability to experience as much as possible of WDW. We are traveling the first week of June with our 5 year old for the first time (it will be twenty years for me) and I hope that we can experience as "normal" a vacation as possible.

Now my issue:

My wife has Multiple Sclerosis and is wheelchair bound. I understand that that alone does not warrant a DAS card. However, she also has incontinence problems, is legally blind due to Optic Neuritis in her right eye with double vision in both, has Trigeminal Neuralgia, and is prone to panic attacks when confined in tight spaces for extended periods of time. She is of course heat intolerant. We intend to combat that by early morning and late evening touring.

My question is from those with experience is my wife eligible for a DAS? Should we even try?

Thanks for reading.

Incontinence issues - what happens if she has to go while on an attraction? I assume she would wear apparel the handles this. If you do need to leave a queue, check with the CM on your way out.

If she is in a wheelchair, and is legally blind, then I am assuming you would be pushing her, so no other accommodation is needed in the queue. You can get narration devices for her though, I believe?

She will be exposed to more heat/humidity outside of the queues. Ice packs, cooling vests, and other apparatus has been mentioned here to be very helpful.

Luckily, in her wheelchair, she will be allowed to queue in the accessible seating area for shows - which is where you will get into those tight/cramped waiting areas that could trigger her anxiety. The accessible area is usually roped off to one side. See the CM at the attraction entrance to find out where to enter.

Most queues are moving, at a slow speed, but are moving nonetheless. Leaving a little space in front of your wife's wheelchair is perfectly acceptable so that she doesn't feel closed in.

 

[SueM in MN]

Hello all. I'm still a newbie so be kind.

I have read the DAS sticky and have tried to get my concerns answered through reading the threads but I'm still confused. I have concerns about my wife's ability to experience as much as possible of WDW. We are traveling the first week of June with our 5 year old for the first time (it will be twenty years for me) and I hope that we can experience as "normal" a vacation as possible.

Now my issue:

My wife has Multiple Sclerosis and is wheelchair bound. I understand that that alone does not warrant a DAS card. However, she also has incontinence problems, is legally blind due to Optic Neuritis in her right eye with double vision in both, has Trigeminal Neuralgia, and is prone to panic attacks when confined in tight spaces for extended periods of time. She is of course heat intolerant. We intend to combat that by early morning and late evening touring.

My question is from those with experience is my wife eligible for a DAS? Should we even try?

Thanks for reading.

CMs (Cast Members) seeing her in a wheelchair will assume that a wheelchair takes care of most of her needs, because in many cases, it does and guests don't need a DAS if all they need is an accessible line.
What you (or she) needs to be able to explain to CMs at Guest Relations how her disabilities affect her ability to wait in lines. DAS is only concerned with the wait in lines and what needs the person has related to that.

 

[Pooh2]

Is it at all possible to go at a cooler time of year?
We have been in early May and hit a very hot and humid week in the mid 90s. I have heat intolerance issues and it really affected my energy level and how much we could do. Morning was fine but even after a rest mid-day it was hard to get going again with the temps and humidity level. It is frustrating to be in such an awesome place for vacation and feel like you can barely get out of your own way.
We just went in Nov last year. Big difference in the energy level.

 

[Section106]

Thanks for the replies.

As to the heat issue, we really can't go any other time and we've been waiting for a couple of years. So it is what it is. We plan on taking our time, lingering in cool spots like indoor shows, etc...

We're staying at the VWL and plan to hit the pool &/or nap in the middle of the day. We are utilizing the EMH and spacing our days out to avoid the afternoon heat. I also assume the daily afternoon June thunderstorm cools the park for the evening?

As to incontinence, she wears a pad but it can be very embarrassing to her if it happens. I can't explain how badly that affects her but it would be bad to wet/soil herself in WDW due to waiting in some crazy line.

Anyway, thanks again.

 

[Schmeck]

Thanks for the replies.

As to the heat issue, we really can't go any other time and we've been waiting for a couple of years. So it is what it is. We plan on taking our time, lingering in cool spots like indoor shows, etc...

We're staying at the VWL and plan to hit the pool &/or nap in the middle of the day. We are utilizing the EMH and spacing our days out to avoid the afternoon heat. I also assume the daily afternoon June thunderstorm cools the park for the evening?

As to incontinence, she wears a pad but it can be very embarrassing to her if it happens. I can't explain how badly that affects her but it would be bad to wet/soil herself in WDW due to waiting in some crazy line.

Anyway, thanks again.

Avoid Ellen's Energy Adventure if she can't hold it for 45 minutes - that's how long the attraction takes to cycle. Carousel of Progress is about 25 minutes from seating to end. But if someone gets up during the show, it has to reset and you could be stuck in there for up to an hour. Most other shows you can get up and leave if she has to go during the show. Just try to be on an end row, or in the accessible seating in the back. On rides, of course she can't get off, but they tend to be pretty short.

 

[livndisney]

Thanks for the replies.

As to the heat issue, we really can't go any other time and we've been waiting for a couple of years. So it is what it is. We plan on taking our time, lingering in cool spots like indoor shows, etc...

We're staying at the VWL and plan to hit the pool &/or nap in the middle of the day. We are utilizing the EMH and spacing our days out to avoid the afternoon heat. I also assume the daily afternoon June thunderstorm cools the park for the evening?

As to incontinence, she wears a pad but it can be very embarrassing to her if it happens. I can't explain how badly that affects her but it would be bad to wet/soil herself in WDW due to waiting in some crazy line.

Anyway, thanks again.

No, the afternoon storms just make it warmer. I am in Orlando right now-it is 85 (feels like 87) and about to storm. http://orlando.justweather.com/

This link may help show what I am saying about Florida rain-
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/vacationplanner/vacationclimatology/monthly/USFL0372

You may want to have a back up plan when it comes to "lingering" in a/c shows. CM's usually clear the room to bring in the next guests. Country bear, Philharmagic, Tiki room, Muppets-all have guests waiting to load.

Something else you really need to think about is a/c you can't exit. I know Ellen's was mentioned, COP is another.

You may be able to use First aid to cool off (and for any clothing changes if needed). There is a FA in each park and they have a companion restroom.

 

[bedogged]

Wouldn't this lady qualify for a DAS based on the "is prone to panic attacks when confined in tight spaces for extended periods of time" alone?

 

[SueM in MN]

Wouldn't this lady qualify for a DAS based on the "is prone to panic attacks when confined in tight spaces for extended periods of time" alone?

Being in lines doesn't necessarily mean exposure to those conditions. I would still suggest talking to the CMs about whatever issues the disability might cause in lines (which could include those things)

 

[Schmeck]

Wouldn't this lady qualify for a DAS based on the "is prone to panic attacks when confined in tight spaces for extended periods of time" alone?

But that could happen anywhere, especially in a crowded theme park - even in the FP queue. It could even happen while they are using the DAS to wait for their time to get in the FP queue. WDW is crowded, everywhere. They don't have a pass to avoid crowds.

 

[infopurposesonly]

But that could happen anywhere, especially in a crowded theme park - even in the FP queue. It could even happen while they are using the DAS to wait for their time to get in the FP queue. WDW is crowded, everywhere. They don't have a pass to avoid crowds.

Of course it could happen anywhere, but the DAS allows guests who can't wait in the lines to find a more comfortable waiting place outside of the line, so it would at least solve that one issue for the guest. If we're telling people not to get a DAS because they can't avoid crowds in other areas, what exactly is the purpose of the DAS?

 

[bedogged]

Of course it could happen anywhere, but the DAS allows guests who can't wait in the lines to find a more comfortable waiting place outside of the line, so it would at least solve that one issue for the guest. If we're telling people not to get a DAS because they can't avoid crowds in other areas, what exactly is the purpose of the DAS?

Exactly! I am not an Autism expert, but I really don't see the difference between someone having a meltdown in line due to Autism and someone having a meltdown in line due to a panic attack? If this lady does not qualify, just who without Autism does?

 

[Mrsjvb]

edit: I forgot to add that she is a 100% Total and Permanent Service Connected Disabled Veteran. Would it help to bring her rating decision?

will do less than zero good whatsoever , will not be read/looked at and will have NO impact in anything.

you have to be able to explain why she cannot wait in the regular line. her diagnoses is irrelevant. keep in mind that upon return there will still be waiting in a line. and it may be for a while.

 

[Mrsjvb]

Wouldn't this lady qualify for a DAS based on the "is prone to panic attacks when confined in tight spaces for extended periods of time" alone?

with the exception of the Stretching room, I really cannot think of any line or waiting area that you are packed in like sardines. and it is VERY easy to create your own bubble/personal space to minimize the crowding that happens in lines like Soarin'. and it won't do any good if the FP line is just as crowded and is more than 5 minutes long.

Plus, define 'extended' 5 minutes? 10? half an hour?

 

[Section106]

Thanks for all the replies! I think we're going to try the regular FP+ at first. If my wife can't handle the regular lines we'll see about a DAS.

We aren't really going so we can ride the attractions multiple times. We're going so our 5 year old daughter can have her Princess dream vacation. I already made reservations for BBB and CRT along with BOG. We'll be in no hurry.

 

[bedogged]

with the exception of the Stretching room, I really cannot think of any line or waiting area that you are packed in like sardines. and it is VERY easy to create your own bubble/personal space to minimize the crowding that happens in lines like Soarin'. and it won't do any good if the FP line is just as crowded and is more than 5 minutes long.

Plus, define 'extended' 5 minutes? 10? half an hour?

Under this theory, just who does the DAS work for? I did not use the word extended, that was the OP.

 

[bedogged]

Thanks for all the replies! I think we're going to try the regular FP+ at first. If my wife can't handle the regular lines we'll see about a DAS.

We aren't really going so we can ride the attractions multiple times. We're going so our 5 year old daughter can have her Princess dream vacation. I already made reservations for BBB and CRT along with BOG. We'll be in no hurry.

I hope you have a wonderful time. I hope we didn't scare you off of attempting to get the DAS? If you change your mind, I would suggest that you write out what you want to say and read it to the CM. Tell the CM exactly why she needs to wait outside the line and exactly what happens to your wife and how she acts during a panic attack.

 

[bopper]

I would actually say to get a DAS if possible...it may help your wife to know that she has it IF she needs it and that may help the anxiety.

 

[bedogged]

I would actually say to get a DAS if possible...it may help your wife to know that she has it IF she needs it and that may help the anxiety.

I think this is a very thoughtful, kind and sensitive suggestion.

 

[Schmeck]

Of course it could happen anywhere, but the DAS allows guests who can't wait in the lines to find a more comfortable waiting place outside of the line, so it would at least solve that one issue for the guest. If we're telling people not to get a DAS because they can't avoid crowds in other areas, what exactly is the purpose of the DAS?

I was thinking that they would have to go find an uncrowded area - and there's no guarantee that there will be one, KWIM? If you have to avoid crowds, then where would you suggest someone go? There are crowded restaurants, crowded shops, people are reporting about crowds all around the FP queue area. I'm just wondering where they will go when there are no uncrowded places?