DAS better at WDW or DL?

[Southerndisney]

We are trying to decide between going to WDW or DL. With FP+ at WDW and return times being given out at different places in DL and WDW, we are trying to decide which would work best for a family with a teen using a DAS. We know it will be different than using a GAC and we will need to plan well and make rope drop. Has anyone experienced DAS at both WDW and DL?

 

[PatMcDuck]

It's a good question. I am headed to DL in a few weeks, and will likely have a DAS for my adult son. It's our first DAS visit. But our trip after this, in the fall, will be to WDW.

DL, has the return times given at various kiosks in the park, and you can supplement with regular FPs. WDW requires walking up to the ride you wish to ride, getting a return time there, and you can supplement with 3 FP+ in advance (assuming you are at a Disney hotel) and at the park the day you visit otherwise.

I tend to think the kiosk return time set up at DL will be better for us. My son will not understand walking up to ToT, for example, and leaving again and not riding. He will yell, but not cry or go completely nuts (I hope). I prefer not to deal with this at all, however. And the WDW approach seems like it will involve more walking, which is fine for ME, I can walk forever. But I will be pushing him around in a Convaid chair (just me) and it gets tiring. When I think about doing that at parks like AK and Epcot, it worries me. Although we might just do the 3 FP+ rides and leave the park, I guess.

Can't wait to hear the opinion of others who have already been to both parks.

 

[Kay1]

It seems it would have to be better at DL due to the centrally located kiosks. Having to walk to an attraction for a return time is a problem for many disabled people, including those who are intellectually handicapped and don't understand the concept of time.

 

[lanejudy]

I think in some ways the question of "which is better" may depend on each guest's individual needs and preferences. Some like the kiosks such as they have at DL, others have no issue sending a runner to the ride itself such as WDW. WDW has the ability to advance-schedule FP+, DL is still running on legacy FP which aren't limited to 3 per day in the same park. WDW has more accessible lines so if using a mobility device in addition to the DAS there is little impact; DL has many more non-accessible lines and seems to be an added confusion with wheelchair return cards and DAS. DL is a much smaller resort but could seem more crowded, particularly on holidays. Both have their pros and cons.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[2tinkerbell]

I can only speak for DL, as that has been our only experience. I actually like the kiosks. It does mean more walking, however, we use some of our wait time.

We actually enjoyed the alternate wait place and used it to our advantage. For example, California Screamin had a 50 minute wait. We got it on our DAS card in DL, had lunch, and then walked over to California Adventure and walked right into the FP line for California Screamin. We arranged the attractions with the longest times around either a show, a meal, or rest times. Not a big deal.

I am sure you will do figure out what works best for your family. I was extremely nervous before our trip, but, it worked better for us than I anticipated.

Oh, just a tip: the line at GR at DL was extremely long in the morning. One thing that worked for us was me standing in the line and texting my DD when I moved up on the steps. My DD stayed around - visiting with Character's and at one point went and looked in the Eporium. My DD is older and this seemed to be okay. If that is not possible, have a member of your party stand in the line. Also GR in California Adventure doesn't seem as long a line. You could also send a runner for FP to World of Color and Radiator Springs.

Another tip: It was not worth it to get a DAS time if the standby time was less than 20 minutes.

 

[Southerndisney]

Thanks for the replies. Our teen does not use a mobility device, so that does make things a little simpler for us. I am really just trying to figure out which one would seem to have a better flow for us. 2tinkerbell thanks for the tips. We have never been to DL and I am trying to decide if this Dec. would be a good time to try it or if we would be better off to stick with WDW.