DAS changes coming WDW May 20/ DL June 18, 2024

[lanejudy]

I thought cane seats weren’t allowed?

We don’t want to be split as a family. Our time together at Disneyland is precious.

Cane seats are now allowed. It was one of the changes that came out in April when the DAS changes were first announced.

I'd like to say the family won't be split...but there have been enough reports that I don't feel at all certain they won't feel you can be split at least at for some attractions.

 

[jo-jo]

I thought cane seats weren’t allowed?

We don’t want to be split as a family. Our time together at Disneyland is precious.

This is from the disney site
In a theme park environment that requires additional walking or standing, bring a mobility device such as a wheelchair, ECV, walker with a seat or a cane chair.

 

[Disturbia]

Thanks for moving my post Mods!

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

@maleficent55 - you can say that your husband won’t use a wheelchair and that you won’t let your family be split, but at some point those are your decisions, not requirements. Disney does not have to provide the accommodation that YOU want. They will provide the accommodation that they think is appropriate, and it is up to you whether you want to try to make do with it or spend your vacation somewhere else. I don’t mean to be harsh, but the adjustment from
DAS to new DAS means that not everyone will get what they want (or think they need).

 

[lanejudy]

Thanks for moving my post Mods!

I moved the whole conversation (several posts) since it wasn't based on an actual approval/denial.

 

[maleficent55]

@maleficent55 - you can say that your husband won’t use a wheelchair and that you won’t let your family be split, but at some point those are your decisions, not requirements. Disney does not have to provide the accommodation that YOU want. They will provide the accommodation that they think is appropriate, and it is up to you whether you want to try to make do with it or spend your vacation somewhere else. I don’t mean to be harsh, but the adjustment from
DAS to new DAS means that not everyone will get what they want (or think they need).

I hear you, but he is using an accommodation for his disability already. He is using prosthetics.

You don’t sound harsh, and I’m not new here.
Also, of course we will make do, we are choosing to go to Disneyland.

 

[maleficent55]

Based on the criteria, I would be shocked if he is approved, so I don’t see any choice but to make a plane in case he is denied.

It’s more than just his amputation/prosthetics, but we explain that to the cast members each time

 

[lanejudy]

I hear you, but he is using an accommodation for his disability already.

And sometimes we need to use multiple tools to help us with our disabilities. A second tool can be complementary to the first.

His prosthetics allow him to walk unassisted while a mobility device (cane seat, rollator, etc.) allows him to sit instead of standing still. In that case, the mobility device is not duplicative of the first, it's providing additional accommodation for a different shorter-term need.

Similarly, a person who wants too avoid a lot of stimuli may use earmuffs, sunglasses, hat and/or hoodie, a device to focus their attention -- and for some young ones even a stroller with a large canopy pulled down. Multiple tools being used together.

Just some things to consider with a plan B.

 

[mistysue]

I hear you, but he is using an accommodation for his disability already. He is using prosthetics.

You don’t sound harsh, and I’m not new here.
Also, of course we will make do, we are choosing to go to Disneyland.

When you add in that you don't want to be split, and that you don't want to walk to the rides and return, those are things nobody has to accommodate. Nobody wants to walk to all the rides. Everyone gets sore and tired from that, as does a person with prosthetics as I believe I saw you mention. The appropriate accommodation for that is not a special pass that lets you skip lines and book rides from long distance, it's sitting down - such as in an ECV, chair, on a cane chair, etc.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I hear you, but he is using an accommodation for his disability already. He is using prosthetics.

You don’t sound harsh, and I’m not new here.
Also, of course we will make do, we are choosing to go to Disneyland.

Some people need multiple supports or devices to be able to do something. If he needs more than his prosthetics, that’s ok.

 

[Hippomom]

I am nervous about my husband getting DAS again. He's gotten it on every trip but for a mobility issue
He is a double leg amputee and walks on prosthetics

he can walk fine but its that standing for a long period and shifting his weight back and forth that gets him. He can't and doesn't use a wheelchair, he has PTSD from when he was amputated and couldn't walk on prosthetics and felt stuck in a chair. Lots of anxiety/PTSD if ever faced with using a wheelchair in public. Plus a wheelchair is just another medical device, he is already using one....his prosthetics.
The join the party thing won't work for us, we stick together. I carry a bag with water and his towels, he has to drain his leg sleeves and dry his legs off a lot because regulating body heat is also a thing with lower limb loss.
I'm hoping they still see this as a good reason for him, a return to line time is crucial for him.
we shall see but I'm nervous for him

I dont know if his situation is similar but there was a double amputee in the news who wasdenied at first and later approved if you google double amputee wdw hou will probably find her story and see if her situation is similar. I dont want to give false hope but every situation is unique and even people with autism are being denied. So maybe it will help you to read her story. but i sgree having a plan b is a good idea too. Good luck hope you have a great trip

 

[OurBigTrip]

I dont know if his situation is similar but there was a double amputee in the news who wasdenied at first and later approved if you google double amputee wdw hou will probably find her story and see if her situation is similar. I dont want to give false hope but every situation is unique and even people with autism are being denied. So maybe it will help you to read her story. but i sgree having a plan b is a good idea too. Good luck hope you have a great trip

That was months before the changes took effect.

 

[Hippomom]

That was months before the changes took effect.

oh i didn’t realize sorry trying to help

 

[OurBigTrip]

oh i didn’t realize sorry trying to help

Totally understand!!!

 

[2tinkerbell]

I have been somewhat anxious regarding the changes. My DD is neurodivergent but without a “definitive diagnosis.” It has been easy in some regards because we are very needs oriented. She has always advocated very well for herself and we accommodate a lot of her needs ourselves. Disneyland is our choice of parks.

My DD has learned a lot of coping skills and doesn’t put herself in situations where she knows she can’t handle. She will look and decide the LL is too long, we know when to schedule meals so it isn’t too crowded and ask for a seat off to the side, rope drop and have ann afternoon break (or a break whenever needed), etc. We also use Genie+ along with the DAS. There are certain queues that are just hard to accommodate.

I guess we will see when we call for the DAS. It is kind of a double edge sword too. While my DD has learned to accommodate herself well and we know how to use Genie+, I am still worried how we will manage those difficult queues (switch backs, tight spaces, and dark) with just the 2 of us. Genie+ doesn’t eliminate many of those queues.

It will be an interesting trip to say the least. My DD attended a private special education school that was 2,000 miles from home. She ran cross country. My DD decided she would like to run the 10k at the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon weekend. I will be recovering from a total knee replacement so I am not able to run with her. We are trying to figure things out for her with her vision issues in the dark, where to be in a crowded carrel so she doesn’t get symptomatic before the race, etc. Then add coming up with Plan B through Z if she doesn’t get the DAS.

But like most people with disabilities, we are creative and can certainly adapt. We have learned to go without if something doesn’t work.

 

[DiznyDiva]

Remember diagnosis isn't what they are looking for. No two pole/children who have Autism, ADHA, OCD or even anxiety are the same. Their presentation of symptoms is as unique as the how they handle the stress of the Disney environment. Explain in detail how your child reacts, not will react but reacts in the present, what it does to her and what accomedatiosn she has at school or anywhere else in her life, if she has them. Let her speak, but be on the call with notes to help. Help her use her experiences at school and even explain about RUNDIsney. Go into detail about the dark and navigating once it's night at Disney...

Honestly, I think that's the main point many of the denied are missing. They believe they can say I have this and this and because another person has this and this, I would be accepted to. Or I am am accepted as disabled by the goverment so that means I am disabled enough not to stand in lines.

I also think that many of them are not being realistic, for example if you have to be Iin air conditioned all the time to not have your MS or another issue get worse, then even with DAS, Disney is not going to be able to help you. The lines and cues are many times more then twenty minutes even with DAS, and that is not counting breakdowns or LL delays/back-ups.

Be honest and sincere and trust the CM's to care. I believe there are far more that care than don't. Dom't believe the stories on Facebook and the web. You got this. That she can advocate for herself is already half the battle.....

 

[Justrose]

I have been somewhat anxious regarding the changes. My DD is neurodivergent but without a “definitive diagnosis.” It has been easy in some regards because we are very needs oriented. She has always advocated very well for herself and we accommodate a lot of her needs ourselves. Disneyland is our choice of parks.

My DD has learned a lot of coping skills and doesn’t put herself in situations where she knows she can’t handle. She will look and decide the LL is too long, we know when to schedule meals so it isn’t too crowded and ask for a seat off to the side, rope drop and have ann afternoon break (or a break whenever needed), etc. We also use Genie+ along with the DAS. There are certain queues that are just hard to accommodate.

I love hearing stories about older kids/young adults - gives me hope for my daughter. She is just starting to be able to advocate for herself (anxiety, OCD with trichotillomania).

 

[mommy2paisley]

I have been somewhat anxious regarding the changes. My DD is neurodivergent but without a “definitive diagnosis.” It has been easy in some regards because we are very needs oriented. She has always advocated very well for herself and we accommodate a lot of her needs ourselves. Disneyland is our choice of parks.

My DD has learned a lot of coping skills and doesn’t put herself in situations where she knows she can’t handle. She will look and decide the LL is too long, we know when to schedule meals so it isn’t too crowded and ask for a seat off to the side, rope drop and have ann afternoon break (or a break whenever needed), etc. We also use Genie+ along with the DAS. There are certain queues that are just hard to accommodate.

I guess we will see when we call for the DAS. It is kind of a double edge sword too. While my DD has learned to accommodate herself well and we know how to use Genie+, I am still worried how we will manage those difficult queues (switch backs, tight spaces, and dark) with just the 2 of us. Genie+ doesn’t eliminate many of those queues.

It will be an interesting trip to say the least. My DD attended a private special education school that was 2,000 miles from home. She ran cross country. My DD decided she would like to run the 10k at the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon weekend. I will be recovering from a total knee replacement so I am not able to run with her. We are trying to figure things out for her with her vision issues in the dark, where to be in a crowded carrel so she doesn’t get symptomatic before the race, etc. Then add coming up with Plan B through Z if she doesn’t get the DAS.

But like most people with disabilities, we are creative and can certainly adapt. We have learned to go without if something doesn’t work.

I am glad your daughter has figured out ways to accommodate herself! I hope one day my twins will be better able to meet their needs as they get older, but we will have to wait and see.

One thing I am confused about your post is the bolded. The Genie+ line is the same as you go through with das, so how does das help you avoid the queues you say Genie+ won’t eliminate?

 

[2tinkerbell]

Genie+ is not available on every ride, especially at Disneyland. The DAS helps with the queues that does not have Genie+ that cause my DD difficulties.

 

[jennab]

Genie+ is not available on every ride, especially at Disneyland. The DAS helps with the queues that does not have Genie+ that cause my DD difficulties.

I don’t know much about DL. Do they have rides that do not have a lightening lane? Or you just mean some of the rides aren’t on G+ and you have to purchase a LL for them? If the second, that is the same at WDW.