DAS at Disneyland

[tweak89]

Wife and I are heading to back to Disneyland in September and it's our first trip (but not our first trip to Disneyland) since her dealing with and beating cancer. She has lingering effects from her radiation treatments which could definitely crop up and affect our ability to wait in line for long periods of time. This falls squarely into their "non-apparent" category and would not be helped with a scooter/wheelchair. The longer the wait, the odds increase of her issues cropping up and affecting our ability to stay in line.

From what I've read, Disneyland is a little more stringent with the qualifications for issuing a DAS, and we'd bring a statement from the Doctor who is in charge of her after care. For those that have recently gone through the process at Disneyland/CA, how did it go for you? We're going in mid-September which should see moderate crowds (according to all the crowd calendars we looked at) so we're hoping it won't even be necessary, but if it turns out to be more crowded, I want her to be able to enjoy herself without worrying about having issues through out the day.

 

[Magnum44]

Following - My in-laws are coming for a few days on our trip next month and my FIL is coming off of treatment for CML (leukemia). Also hoping it won't be necessary, but want to be prepared.

 

[Malcon10t]

First, they will not look at a doctor's note. Second, they are going to ask about how standing in a line will affect her differently than walking for an hour. My thoughts are they are going to recommend a scooter/wheelchair. I personally suggest MaxPass, as that will help with many of the lines. If a scooter would help, I highly recommend one.

 

[Indiana Scott]

Since standing for a long time is the issue, I would skip the DAS and just get a scooter or wheel chair.

 

[tweak89]

I though I was pretty clear that standing in line is not the actual issue("This falls squarely into their "non-apparent" category and would not be helped with a scooter/wheelchair. "). That's why I used "wait" instead of "stand". During her treatments we did utilize a chair to help her deal with fatigue, but that is not the issue here it's long term side effects, that while physical, cannot be solved with a mobility device. I won't describe what it is as she's embarrassed enough about it, but it could have a direct effect in out ability to WAIT for more than an hour in line. Believe me, we know how to attack the parks to get the most out of Fastpass, but sometimes a long wait can't be avoided, and it's only these situations where we would want some relief.

 

[lizardlife]

I'm going to start off by saying I used to work in Guest Relations at DLR and have issued many a GAC card under the old system. Since leaving DLR, I had a kid with a heart condition which makes waiting in crowded lines rather risky for him and have used the newer DAS system on every trip with him since we've started going.

Having said that, based on the information provided, I can't really advise you what to say or do in regards to getting help through a DAS pass mainly because your issues aren't any more specific than "she can't handle long wait times".

Now don't get me wrong, I'm sure this being an open platform on the internet contributes to the vagueness (if you want to PM me, I am more than happy to talk you through how to approach the GR CMs) but I want to make it clear for you and anyone else: telling the CMs "you cannot wait in line" is not going to help you. It is Disneyland. No matter who you are (and we're talking about the Queen of England down) waiting is part of the game. There is no magical pass that can prevent it, even if you have a Make-a-Wish pass, you will STILL have to wait a few minutes for the attractions cast members to clear their vehicles and accommodate. (there are lots of reason for this, but #1 is always going to be safety)

And yes, that's a very literal interpretation, but that's usually how it's handled.

Having said that, that doesn't mean the CMs won't help you. It's just you're going to have to go in a few more specifics. Namely what happens to the person affected in your party while waiting in line. And be aware, they may or may not be able to help you and yes, most likely their first answer will be: get a wheelchair. Not necessarily to wheel someone around IN but so that a person has somewhere to sit when they're in line.

Anyways, that's kind of a basic run through. Again, feel free to PM me with anything more specific. Cheers.

Also there's a whole forum on the subject I would recommend looking into: https://www.disboards.com/forums/disabilities.20/

 

[tweak89]

We're quite prepared to give specifics, and why we are having her doctor write up a document detailing the issue. Again, it's not waiting in general, but the longer waits mean that the odds increase that she will have an issue. If she doesn't qualify, we'll just have to do our best to time things right so we're not counting on it. It's part of the reason we went with 4 days in the parks so we can ride everything, this our first real travel since she was declared cancer free. We're just grateful that of the laundry list of long term residual side effects, hers are much less invasive than what others might experience.

PM sent.

First, they will not look at a doctor's note. Second, they are going to ask about how standing in a line will affect her differently than walking for an hour.

If we're not waiting in a line and just walking around when the issue crops up, it can easliy be dealt with. It's not something that can be 'done" in line.

 

[cmpeter]

Don’t bother with the drs note. They will not read it.

You will need to explain to the CM why waiting in a traditional line is challenging. There is a great FB group (Tips for Special Needs at Disney) that has a pinned post that goes into more detail. It was so helpful the first time I helped my sister-in-law take her special needs son to DL.

With the DAS pass, you will still need to wait, it’s just that your wait time will take place outside of the traditional lines.

 

[smartlabelprint]

They won’t look at your dr note.

For my kiddo we give specifics. Sensory processing disorder. Dysregulation & resulting tantrums with waiting around people. Kiddo is visually distracted and overstimulated in crowds.

Issues with noise. We wear headphones.

No one here knows you. If you give specifics we could help you better. Will she wet herself? The answer would be depends.

 

[DLgal]

Without specifics, no one here can tell you whether or not the DAS will help.

Just be aware, the DAS primarily uses Fastpass return lines. Sometimes, they can be VERY long. I have experienced 45 min FP return times for a few rides. Soarin is usually at least 15 min in FP line plus ride time. So, you need to be aware of that possibility.

 

[Butterfly123]

I just wanted to say that I'm very happy that your wife beat her cancer. I hope your trip is a wonderful celebration.

 

[Indiana Scott]

I though I was pretty clear that standing in line is not the actual issue("This falls squarely into their "non-apparent" category and would not be helped with a scooter/wheelchair. "). That's why I used "wait" instead of "stand". During her treatments we did utilize a chair to help her deal with fatigue, but that is not the issue here it's long term side effects, that while physical, cannot be solved with a mobility device. I won't describe what it is as she's embarrassed enough about it, but it could have a direct effect in out ability to WAIT for more than an hour in line. Believe me, we know how to attack the parks to get the most out of Fastpass, but sometimes a long wait can't be avoided, and it's only these situations where we would want some relief.

I'm sorry I misread your post. Plz disregard my response b ut you will have to explain to guest services why she cannot wait.
Very glad your DW beat the cancer, mine has had a similar scare.

 

[Malcon10t]

Without specifics, no one here can tell you whether or not the DAS will help.

Just be aware, the DAS primarily uses Fastpass return lines. Sometimes, they can be VERY long. I have experienced 45 min FP return times for a few rides. Soarin is usually at least 15 min in FP line plus ride time. So, you need to be aware of that possibility.

Another thing to consider is getting stuck on rides. The last time my daughter got stuck on Matterhorn, it was 40 mins before she was able to exit. Someone recently posted about a 35 min stick time on IASW. In the spring we were stuck on Pirates in the cave for 40+ mins. And years ago, we were stuck for 30 min on Pooh, where we were just feet from the exit, but they were unloading cars from the entry area first. That was probably the worst!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

While I have been told that CMs aren't supposed to ask for too many specific details when you request a DAS, the past few CMs at City Hall have asked me very specific questions (in a friendly manner), so be prepared to answer if necessary. Again, no doctor's note will be needed or even accepted. Your wife will need to explain why she cannot wait in lines and how having a DAS will help her -- these are the two main points the CMs need to know. The CM will then decide whether having a DAS will actually be useful to her. If another option might be of more use, the CM will suggest it. CMs have been very willing to help, but the more information your wife can give (and she doesn't have to go into embarrassing detail, but she does need to be as clear as she can be so that CMs can understand the situation -- they're not medical professionals after all and may not have much/any experience with cancer treatments and recovery). As other posters have said above, sometimes MP is a better option on rides on the FP system. You will have a one hour return window and can cancel the MP if you find you won't be able to use it. We use both MP and DAS, depending on the ride and on what's going on healthwise on a given day.
Whatever your wife chooses to do, I hope that you both enjoy your trip to DLR.