DAS and questions at attractions

[DCDisney]

I have an invisible disability and qualify for a DAS. I remember being questioned at line entrances with my GAC about why I had it and what I needed. When I have used a DAS it was only for 1 day and 1 ride and I just can't remember if they asked me those types of questions. I'm taking a trip soon with a nosy friend and I would really like to use it on the 1 or 2 rides per day I need it and I know I can sneak away to get the card signed but will I get outed at the ride entrance? I was planning on just telling her I had a special pass and not explaining further about the medical neccessity.

 

[lanejudy]

You shouldn't be questioned at the ride when you return after the appropriate time. You will need to show the card and have the time crossed off. The only reason you might have to discuss needs at the entrance is if you need accommodations other than the DAS -- such as avoiding stairs, seating near the front, hearing assistance, etc.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Mrsjvb]

while I respect your wish for privacy, I am afraid that this will create a false impression/expectation for your friend and she may question why you use it on one ride , but not another, even with similar wait times or 'issues' that mean you cannot wait in the line. you could end up with more embarrassing questions overall.

that being said I have no idea how they handle the return times as my disability does NOT qualify for a DAS.

 

[aaarcher86]

The card will have your picture and say disability on it.

If you're friend is nosey you're probably not going to get buy with 'I just have a special pass.'

 

[mshanson3121]

You're also forgetting about the fact that when you first arrive to the park, you will have to immediately go to guest services to even get your card, and they will need to take your photo. It's not a pop in/pop out thing. How are you going to explain that to your friend? If she's a good enough friend to go away with, I would assume she deserves honesty?

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

If you want her to ride with you on the rides you use the pass for, I don't know how you will keep her from seeing that it is a DAS.

 

[memakwed]

Your question is will you be outed.....I don't think so. I too have invisible issues and last trip it was not an issue. They know the card is yours because your picture is on it and it has been predetermined by getting the card you need it so it won't be a big conversation. just looking at the card or crossing off the time ect.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Why not just be honest with your friend?

 

[DCDisney]

I will already have my card as she arrives after me. I prefer to keep my medical information private except the closest of friends. She hasn't been to WDW for 10 years and knows I go often so I can't imagine her not accepting that I got a special pass for this ride. Heck I've gotten those type of instant access ride coupons numerous times for WDW goofs like serious ride break downs, cancelled tours, etc. I know this comes up for others too who don't want to have to talk about their kids issues in front of them constantly.... If it came out it wouldn't be devastating but I would prefer that it didn't if possible.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I will already have my card as she arrives after me. I prefer to keep my medical information private except the closest of friends. She hasn't been to WDW for 10 years and knows I go often so I can't imagine her not accepting that I got a special pass for this ride. Heck I've gotten those type of instant access ride coupons numerous times for WDW goofs like serious ride break downs, cancelled tours, etc. I know this comes up for others too who don't want to have to talk about their kids issues in front of them constantly.... If it came out it wouldn't be devastating but I would prefer that it didn't if possible.

You don't think she'll ask why you're having to get return times for the rides? You don't think she'll wonder why you have a card that says "Disability" in big letters?

Your choice, obviously, but I wouldn't be comfortable lying to a friend about a special pass. YMMV.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I will already have my card as she arrives after me. I prefer to keep my medical information private except the closest of friends. She hasn't been to WDW for 10 years and knows I go often so I can't imagine her not accepting that I got a special pass for this ride. Heck I've gotten those type of instant access ride coupons numerous times for WDW goofs like serious ride break downs, cancelled tours, etc. I know this comes up for others too who don't want to have to talk about their kids issues in front of them constantly.... If it came out it wouldn't be devastating but I would prefer that it didn't if possible.

Instant access? Or flexible return times? Instead of lying, why not just get FastPasses?

 

[Yoshiandi]

The card says Disability Access Service right on the card. How are you going to hide it when you have to hand it over to the CM to cross off and stamp the card? You do realize if she asks right there what it is, the CM may blurt out it's a disability card and out you.

Lying isn't probably going to work.

 

[HopperFan]

We have found that on most uses the CM will open the card and look at the picture and look up at us to see if DS is with us. Many times they even have said "Hi XXX" and of course like others say you can't miss what it says above your picture. And you have to show the card twice at most attractions. If you truly don't want her inquiring as to "how did you get that?" "why does it say Disability" etc - and since it's clearly not some kind of FP but unusual - I wouldn't use it. I truly understand you wanting the privacy, I think I would be inclined to not use it and rather skip some attractions than deal with a nosy friend. Good luck.

 

[Amanda999]

Keep in mind that you not only have to get the return time (and wait a bit at the fp cm to get it - won't she wonder about that: why your three fp preselected choices were done on the phone/kiosk, but now you get another one in writing?) but then when you return for the ride, the first cm will look at the card photo, look at you, open it, look at the time, ask you how many people in your group, look at the number on your card, then say ok. Then, you need to tell your friend not to scan her magicband - despite the fact she did that for the cell phone selected fp's. Then, at the second fp check point, that cm will also look at your card, open it, find a pen, ask you how many in your group, then cross off the time....

And, both times the cm open the card, to look at or cross off the return time, the cover of it will be facing you and your friend - with the disability word.

You stand out a bit in the fp line during the two cm interactions (because you aren't simply scanning your magicbands or tickets like everyone else).

It sounds stressful to me to have to think about keeping a secret from a travel companion at wdw. I'd just skip using the DAS, and do rope drop and fp solely. I wouldn't enjoy it otherwise. Good luck.

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree with the others. You are not likely to be able to hide it.
You will likely not be questioned, but you will have to take it out twice to use it in line each time when you return to use it.
At some point(s), the front of the card with your name and the words "Disability Access Service" will be pointed where it is visible you your friend.

 

[stitchlovestink]

I think I get what the OP is saying....
If the "friend" is really a "true friend", they would have enough respect not to ask questions or need explanations as honestly it really is not any of their business. And some people are "talkers" and don't respect other people's rights to privacy and not having their personal business discussed with others (which sometimes turns into gossip) especially not by the person to which the info applies.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I think I get what the OP is saying....
If the "friend" is really a "true friend", they would have enough respect not to ask questions or need explanations as honestly it really is not any of their business. And some people are "talkers" and don't respect other people's rights to privacy and not having their personal business discussed with others (which sometimes turns into gossip) especially not by the person to which the info applies.

True, but the OP comes across much less about not wanting her friend to know the details of the disability, and more about not wanting her friend to know she's using a Disability Access Card. JMO.

 

[Laura66]

I think I get what the OP is saying....
If the "friend" is really a "true friend", they would have enough respect not to ask questions or need explanations as honestly it really is not any of their business. And some people are "talkers" and don't respect other people's rights to privacy and not having their personal business discussed with others (which sometimes turns into gossip) especially not by the person to which the info applies.

Baloney! If you are close enough to travel together I see nothing wrong with a friend being curious and asking what the card is for and what your disability is. If she asks- you just reply politely - something like you appreciate her concern but it's something you need but aren't comfortable discussing the specifics right now.
Curious, nosey, concerned - whatever. If this is such an issue for you then don't use it. I know I would be curious if a friend out of the blue used such a card and would expect my friends to be surprised and ask if it was me.

 

[stitchlovestink]

True, but the OP comes across much less about not wanting her friend to know the details of the disability, and more about not wanting her friend to know she's using a Disability Access Card. JMO.

I guess I misread your post. I interpret her post that she is more concerned that by using the card it will cause her friend to ask questions about why she is using one and what the disability is and details regarding the disability which is what she does not care to discuss. That is the impression I am getting and quite frankly other than spouses and certain family members, we don't "owe" anyone any explanations about our private affairs/business. If someone wants to keep their medical business personal that is certainly their right 100%.
Like I have told my children, once you tell ONE person you have given up control over that information. You cannot guarantee that at some point they will not share it even if it is out of concern. So be very careful about what and with whom you share anything you want to be considered confidential.
It is the right of the OP to keep anything she wants confidential. It is a right we all have.
But I disagree a nosey friend should not keep someone from using a tool that makes their life easier. The DAS is a tool. If crutches made her life easier but caused her friend to ask questions should she not use them because her friend is nosey and can't mind her own business??

 

[OurBigTrip]

Yes that is exactly the impression I am getting and quite frankly other than spouses and certain family members, we don't "owe" anyone any explanations about our private affairs/business. If someone wants to keep their medical business personal that is certainly their right 100%.
Like I have told my children, once you tell ONE person you have given up control over that information. You cannot guarantee that at some point they will not share it even if it is out of concern. So be very careful about what and with whom you share anything you want to be considered confidential.
It is the right of the OP to keep anything she wants confidential. It is a right we all have.

Sure she has the right to her privacy - but if she's going to use a disability card, it's unreasonable to expect that a traveling companion would ask why she has one. She certainly has the right to not disclose why, of course.