That's our plan, at this point, along with all of our usual tricks (stroller as a wheelchair to prevent elopement and giving him a set "space" that's his, noise-cancelling headphones, his tablet, etc.). He got kicked out of his daycare last month after a particularly rough couple of weeks with daily meltdowns, so I think a lot of my anxiety is being fueled by leftover panic from that situation.
I can’t speak to advocating for a child, but for myself as an ADHD adult I was never asked about a diagnosis, the CM I got was just sort of straightforward and asked me about any accommodations I get at work, how I cope in lines otherwise, etc which I was able to explain and I was approved.No, we can't, we Disney on a budget and our "extras" budget actually just had to go to putting a new roof on our houseIt is what it is, it's way too late to cancel at this point and we'll do what we can, I was just really wanting to see if this was a normal experience.
This is unfortunately so true. We've gotten DAS since the changes, but were denied for the first time in June since we didn't have an autism diagnosis and were told unless we had a diagnosis they couldn't give us DAS. Never had been asked for a diagnosis prior to that call, but since then we've tried again after the accommodations didn't work for us on our June trip, and once again were told we had to have an autism diagnosis to qualify. I wonder if they made a note on our file to just keep saying that since the most recent CM asked about real life examples and agreed DAS would benefit us, but still ran with the we need an autism diagnosis to qualify line. At least the most recent CM seemed genuinely sorry she couldn't give it to us.
One thing I learned from the CMs (a couple of entertainment managers) who helped me recover from the incident at the end of my July trip that made me break down and finally apply for DAS is nearly every attractions CM has quick access to a huge supply of foam ear plugs. It’s because many of them are stationed in areas that are loud and it’s a safety/comfort measure. She brought me some because I had forgotten my Airpods Pro in the room that morning, which was one of the contributing factors (I usually wear them in the parks in lieu of my Bose QCs because they’re small and easy to slip into my pocket). But they will give ear plugs out no charge. They have tons of them and it’s no big deal to ask.
They also have them at first aid.
The poster I was replying to mentioned that first aid was hit or miss for them, and there are many many more attractions CMs than first aid locations in the parks.
I'd also agree with this being a good solution given the situation. DH and I went that route in June. Some queues we managed just fine, but a few were no-go for us. (Peter Pan was the one that sent us "over the edge" and to Guest Services because not only was it crowded and over-stimulating, but there was no way to leave when he started having issues- no CM in the queue until the merge point.) After that, we were able to request a return to queue for lines that were problematic. My advice if you decide that could be an option is to ask before you get in to the line what options there are to leave once you are in there- especially if you are on the verge of a meltdown. And if the response isn't one that will work for your family, let the CMs know that (nicely) answered see if there are any other options.
I’d say another bad queue is Frozen. We were able to bail after waiting 45 min of a 45 min posted wait time and had just gotten inside and we’re heading into the part of the queue where there is no escape. With 2 scooters in our party, we quickly flagged a CM down and explained the queue was much longer than posted and needed tones e. Asked if there was a different accommodation we could use and they ended up giving us a “LL” pass for after a certain time. I think if we had gone during a more busy time, we would’ve visited GS and explained our difficulties
Yes, although there are CMs within sight when you are inside there to flag down. The queue winds around by the load/unload area. PP, ROTR, FOP, POC, MMRR are a few off the top of my head that are long and can get crowded but lack access to CMs until the merge point. This is something we have emailed GS about a couple times- and the interactive area in PP really NEEDS someone in there!
Queues like this (7Dwarfs is the worst for me as I can't ride PP, not allowed on the conveyor) are why they need an accommodation for people that need to exit line but cannot reasonably do so. In my personal case, I can't get around the inevitable scooter that is between me and the exit so there are certain rides where I am well and truly trapped at a certain point. I guess telling us to speak to the CM at the beginning of each line is technically an accommodation but what a waste of time for the CM and the guest. Disney knows which lines are problematic, or if they don't I'd be happy to make them a list. I've talked to the DAS folks many many times and now their suggestion is very literally a secret password of sorts (I wish I was kidding).
Smugglers Run is another really bad one. That narrow twisty corridor after the Hondo preshow is where I got stuck and completely lost it in July.
Yes! I really had to focus on some deep breathing exercises--that corridor is completely awful!
There seems to be a lot of queues like that- endless corridors with no CMs and guests who don't know how to behave or keep some personal space in a line...
It’s an interesting puzzle trying to figure out how to build queues that do not feel overly claustrophobic (“endless corridors”) but a the same time are space-efficient, and what the optimal way is to stage cast members along the way.
Although I personally was excluded from DAS after the changes, and it’s made planning harder in some ways, I do agree that lines are more manageable in the LL— by early 2024, I was having to leave certain LL lines more often than not because it could be 40m+ even with the LL— now I can’t do my favorite rides more than once with paid LL, but at least I am able to tolerate the lines 90% of the time (Cosmic Rewind still gets crazy on days it has operational issues).
Wait, so you were pointedly asked to prove a specific diagnosis?
Yup, prior to June we had only been asked why we couldn't wait in line and usually asked to give some real life examples, but the CM we got in June asked about the diagnosis instead. She was adamant that without providing an autism diagnosis, they could no longer offer us DAS. I still think it depends on the CM you end up with which is unfortunate. Unfortunate, but it is what it is. We still have fun, just do fewer rides.
There is no change in policy and a diagnosis is NOT required. Most CMs will comment they don't want to know a diagnosis.
Agree. Unfortunately I think you may have gotten a new or poorly trained CM. I'm glad your family was still able to enjoy your visit.
