DAS before 8am reservation?

[Weedy]

Are you going the first day/week it opens or later in the month?
If it’s not the first few days you should look at this board and others and see what the wait times are and how they are doing DAS so you will have an idea of what to expect.
I hope it all works out for your family and your Dad gets a great experience.

 

[muffyn]

I would not expect to get a first ride Return Time for the SWGE attractions when getting DAS.
Even now, nearly 2 years after opening, we’ve been told that the CMs at Guest Relations are not able to give a first DAS Return Time for the Pandora World of Avatar attractions.

when we were there in december, our partys 1st DAS was at flight of passage, & then they gave us another return time after we rode the ride (at the ride). or did you mean something else?

 

[gap2368]

when we were there in december, our partys 1st DAS was at flight of passage, & then they gave us another return time after we rode the ride (at the ride). or did you mean something else?

I have gotten a DAS for FOP when renewing my DAS at GR too

 

[DisneyOma]

Thank you, however his medical issues require the ability to walk in large spaces outside of line. When I say he cannot sit or stand for more than 15- 20 minutes maximum, it means even when alternating between sitting and standing, that is the very maximum before needing to walk. It’s the reason I’ve sent an email to Disney to make sure no ride times last longer than that and we’ve also asked some specific questions regarding other areas or rides that could be difficult. I’ve even had to book private transport from the airport that will accommodate rest stop so that he can walk and I’ve cleared his needs with the airline. We are considering a wheelchair anyway, he will not be able to sit in it for long, but then at least there will be a place to sit when he needs to do it. We have consulted his doctor (specialist) about it who actually told us to get DAS because he has had more than one patient utilize it with the same medical issue. He said he would happily write a note, however he told us that apparently they will not read the notes... which seems odd to me, but I’ll go with whatever we’re supposed to do.

I honestly didn’t really want to go into this much detail about his medical condition, nor will I go into further detail, simply because this has been quite hard on my family and it’s still upsetting for me. Crying in my car in the parkade is not a good look for me. I understand the requirements for DAS, it’s just the location and timing I’m requesting a little help with.

You do realize that it's going to be crazy crowded when you are there, and there might not be any place for your father to go walking in large spaces out of line?

 

[gypsy_at_heart]

Thank you to everyone who was helpful with my question, really appreciate it. I think I have a good grasp of where to go now

 

[kaytieeldr]

It’s the reason I’ve sent an email to Disney to make sure no ride times last longer than tha

Some are. You might want to pick up (or borrow) a recent Unofficial Guide to DisneyLand.

and I’ve cleared his needs with the airline.

Probably helpful to know that despite the airline being advised of his needs, turbulence etc., may cause the seatbelt sign to remain active for long periods of time, potentially the entire flight. No exceptions.

however he told us that apparently they will not read the notes... which seems odd to me,

Reading a diagnosis will mean nothing.

 

[lanejudy]

We have consulted his doctor (specialist) about it who actually told us to get DAS because he has had more than one patient utilize it with the same medical issue. He said he would happily write a note, however he told us that apparently they will not read the notes... which seems odd to me, but I’ll go with whatever we’re supposed to do.

I just wanted to comment on this - for OP or anyone else who comes across this thread with similar questions. This comment comes up frequently.

1. Notes can be easily forged and Disney has no way to verify authenticity.
2. Doctors know the patient and his/her needs. But doctors do not always understand Disney Parks operations. What may seem logical to the doctor and patient to accommodate one individual, is not feasible when considering the hundreds/thousands of people requesting accommodations at Disney each day.
3. Only Disney knows park operations, which can vary by day or even by hour. Disney does need to weigh accommodations for disabilities with overall impact to the general public and park operations. Safety trumps all needs requests.
4. If the need can be accommodated in another manner, Disney is within rights to insist on that rather than DAS. Even if the other accommodation is less preferable to the guest. I always recommend guests have a “plan B” in the event a DAS is denied.

 

[lanejudy]

his medical issues require the ability to walk in large spaces outside of line. When I say he cannot sit or stand for more than 15- 20 minutes maximum, it means even when alternating between sitting and standing, that is the very maximum before needing to walk. It’s the reason I’ve sent an email to Disney to make sure no ride times last longer than that

How much “large space” does he require? Depending on crowds, I would think anything more than 8-10 sq ft can’t be promised anywhere. And 8-10 sq ft is possible by leaving a buffer between your party and the one in front; large enough for some pacing and movement. You said you are going at SWGE opening and I believe record-breaking crowds are expected. Set your expectations accordingly.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[SueM in MN]

when we were there in december, our partys 1st DAS was at flight of passage, & then they gave us another return time after we rode the ride (at the ride). or did you mean something else?

I have gotten a DAS for FOP when renewing my DAS at GR too

We were there during Spring break. That might have been the difference.

 

[DLgal]

Probably helpful to know that despite the airline being advised of his needs, turbulence etc., may cause the seatbelt sign to remain active for long periods of time, potentially the entire flight. No exceptions.

The seatbelts sign being illuminated at cruising altitude is a request for people to remain seated, not a requirement. Unless the plane is taking off or approaching final descent, passengers can still leave their seats while it is on, although it will be strongly discouraged. The FA may, in fact, get on the PA system and "call out" passengers as they get up and say "as a reminder, the seat belt sign is illuminated and the pilot has asked that passengers remain in their seats at this time." However, it is not an absolute rule.

On the other hand, I have NEVER been on a flight that takes less than 20 minutes to reach cruising altitude after pushing off from the gate, nor have I ever been on a flight that takes less than 20 minutes to make its final descent and arrive at the gate, fully stopped. So, not sure how the OPs father plans to handle these parts of a flight because NO ONE may walk around or stand up during those times.

I will also point out that we have used a DAS for years and very frequently are standing still or moving forward very slowly for 20+ minutes in fastpass lines.

I have never heard of a condition that has these kinds of requirements to move around every 15-20 minutes. It must be exhausting for this man.

 

[OurBigTrip]

The seatbelts sign being illuminated at cruising altitude is a request for people to remain seated, not a requirement. Unless the plane is taking off or approaching final descent, passengers can still leave their seats while it is on, although it will be strongly discouraged. The FA may, in fact, get on the PA system and "call out" passengers as they get up and say "as a reminder, the seat belt sign is illuminated and the pilot has asked that passengers remain in their seats at this time." However, it is not an absolute rule.

On the other hand, I have NEVER been on a flight that takes less than 20 minutes to reach cruising altitude after pushing off from the gate, nor have I ever been on a flight that takes less than 20 minutes to make its final descent and arrive at the gate, fully stopped. So, not sure how the OPs father plans to handle these parts of a flight because NO ONE may walk around or stand up during those times.

I will also point out that we have used a DAS for years and very frequently are standing still or moving forward very slowly for 20+ minutes in fastpass lines.

I have never heard of a condition that has these kinds of requirements to move around every 15-20 minutes. It must be exhausting for this man.

I would add that I’ve only rarely been on flights that get from boarding to takeoff in less than 20 minutes.

 

[DLgal]

I would add that I’ve only rarely been on flights that get from boarding to takeoff in less than 20 minutes.

For sure! Boarding takes at least 20 minutes then push off. You can't really walk around during boarding, although I suppose the OPs father can board last.

 

[SueM in MN]

Regarding the airplane and remaining seated, this article seems pretty good:
https://viewfromthewing.boardingare...hroom-seat-belt-sign-definitive-legal-answer/

The gist of the article is that if the light is on and the flight attendant just states “the captain has turned the seatbelt sign on,” you are probably safe. Although there is a law that says passengers must comply with the seatbelt sign, it’s not been enforced. If a crew member says passengers must stay in their seats, you really should. The law does state passengers must comply with instructions from Flight Staff, which would be announcements.
I’d add that if the flight attendants are seated and strapped in, you should be too - even if you didn’t hear an announcement, there probably was one.

Takeoff, landing and taxiing (both before takeoff and after your plane has landed) are all times when the Flight Attendants usually do make a specific announcement that says passengers must stay seated.
I’ve on planes where someone got up while the plane was taxiing after landing. That brought an immediate “return to your seat. We can’t taxi if anyone is out of their seat.” We stopped, the pilot got on the intercom and we lost our gate, which meant an extra 15 minutes the get another gate assigned. That was pretty unpopular.

 

[gypsy_at_heart]

As I said, I really don’t want to go in to detail about my father’s condition. I wish I hadn’t tried to explain any of it at all because people seem to latch on to it with a dog with a bone without understanding the complexities. Yes, it is exhausting for him, but he always keeps going and he never complains. He’s pretty amazing. And we’re hopeful that after a procedure scheduled later this year he will get some relief. Quite frankly, I’m surprised at the amount of confrontation and negativity I’m receiving. Some people have been great, thank you for that, but I certainly won’t be posting in the disabilities section any longer. I can’t say this has been my best experience on disboards.

As I have expressed previously in this thread, I have spent many many hours speaking with people at the airline, with his doctor, with many people. Which is why I wasn’t seeking input on it. Accommodations have been made, the correct class of tickets have been purchased.

Our expectations are not to do everything and if we have to adjust when we’re there, we will. We haven’t planned full park days because we know my dad will need to lay down and rest - I think he’ll be thrilled if he just gets to see SWGE and get his picture with Mickey. I have zero intention to try to trick any systems, I will express what my father’s issues and needs are accurately and let Disney decide about the DAS - which is one of the reasons I didn’t ask about ‘does he qualify’. If they decide he doesn’t need one, great, I’m happy for other options. I’m not one to go on a rant at a CM over DAS if they don’t feel my father qualifies. It’s their job to make that determination and I trust them to do it. I’ve already purchased MaxPass so maybe that’s enough. And now that I’m looking into it, a private guide may be the best option - for the non SWGE days.

I’m going to be my hopeful self and assume that every post that seems critical is really just attempting to be helpful in a way that just didn’t come out quite right. So thank you, but please... stop. As I posted previously, I think my question has been answered. If I knew how to close this thread, I would, but I don’t. So instead I’ll just post this an hope it ends further discussion.

 

[SueM in MN]

I can close the thread for you.
I really don’t think anyone was asking for or expected more medical information- some of the posts were added in response to things other posters mentioned.

I just wanted to add one piece - if he needs to lie down for a while, you can go to First Aid in any of the Parks. They have private and semi private rooms with cots. Some have a door and are an actual room, some are individual cubicles and some are 2 cots in one area separated by a privacy curtain.
You/he will be asked to sign in - just for record keeping of how many guests use the facilities per day. They may ask what you need, but it doesn’t have to be in detail. They just use the information to determine what type of room is needed and whether or not the guest needs assistance from First Aid staff.
We usually just say our daughter needs to lie down and rest for a while or I need a private place to give her medication.
First Aid is open whatever hours there are guests in the park.

Another option in case the park is too crowded is to go to a nearby resort. They have lobbies - usually with some chairs where guests can get their feet up.

I’m not sure about DL, but for WDW:
MK is convenient to Contemporary- you can walk there or any of the monorail resorts. Epcot and the Studio are convenient to Boardwalk, Beach Club and Yacht Club by walking path or boat.
The only thing to be aware of is that guests need to thru security again before getting back into a park. This may be at the park entrance or before getting on transportions that goes into the park.