Das help?

[alaskanabbott]

We will be in DL Dec 2-5. Our 17 yr old daughter has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and her hips are very affected, though she still is active, it's hard for her walk long distances or stand for long periods. 3 years ago we tried to do DL, and after 5 hours she was in so much pain we had to just leave, and she was useless for several days after. What a punch to my heart...and wallet. We usually do Disney Cruises, she can completely control her sitting, standing, walking, but that's not happening this year so we are trying DL again. She had hip surgery on one side, and will soon have her other side as well.
I want to get her a wheelchair- hubby and daughter don't want that, but I think their minds will change once we're there. My questions:
1. Are we able to rent a wheelchair at Disneyland if she gets to a point she can't really walk anymore (I mean, obviously I'll make sure we do it well before that)
2. Should we get a DAS? I know it's about not being able to stand in line, not sure that applies?

 

[cdoc29]

I have a son with Autism and we use the DAS every visit, He can tolerate a 15-20 minute wait, after that it's a usually a no go for him and he is typically unable to tolerate the longer waits. However there are times when he is having a good day and the longer wait is not problem (and we take advantage of those times to help build his tolerance standing in line) Thats what is great about DAS, you can use it when you need it and not use when you don't. I would recommend signing up, your daughter can start out not using the DAS system but as time goes on if she needs it, it is available.

As for wheel chairs I know from first hand they have them in Walt Disney World at every park for rent first come first serve. I would think they would have them at Disneyland and I am sure someone on here knows definitively.

 

[alaskanabbott]

Thanks! She just reminded me of her other "issue" which is her need to use the restroom every 30ish minutes. That one is a real bummer!!

 

[lalasmama]

We will be in DL Dec 2-5. Our 17 yr old daughter has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and her hips are very affected, though she still is active, it's hard for her walk long distances or stand for long periods. 3 years ago we tried to do DL, and after 5 hours she was in so much pain we had to just leave, and she was useless for several days after. What a punch to my heart...and wallet. We usually do Disney Cruises, she can completely control her sitting, standing, walking, but that's not happening this year so we are trying DL again. She had hip surgery on one side, and will soon have her other side as well.
I want to get her a wheelchair- hubby and daughter don't want that, but I think their minds will change once we're there. My questions:
1. Are we able to rent a wheelchair at Disneyland if she gets to a point she can't really walk anymore (I mean, obviously I'll make sure we do it well before that)
2. Should we get a DAS? I know it's about not being able to stand in line, not sure that applies?

Great dates! I'll be there those same days!

Wheelchairs and scooters are first come, first served. Generally, for mobility issues, DLR will say "just use a wheelchair" instead of doing a DAS. Basically, the wheelchair acts as the DAS. For what it's worth, I have psoriatic arthritis, and it's mainly my lower body, and by half way through the day, I can't manage stairs. They haven't issued me a DAS in ages; I just go to the exit of rides with stairs and they'll usually give me a time to come back at the appointed time.

If you're staying nearby, there's a few rental agencies that will bring a wheelchair to your hotel so you'll have it to/from the parks as well.

 

[alaskanabbott]

Great dates! I'll be there those same days!

Wheelchairs and scooters are first come, first served. Generally, for mobility issues, DLR will say "just use a wheelchair" instead of doing a DAS. Basically, the wheelchair acts as the DAS. For what it's worth, I have psoriatic arthritis, and it's mainly my lower body, and by half way through the day, I can't manage stairs. They haven't issued me a DAS in ages; I just go to the exit of rides with stairs and they'll usually give me a time to come back at the appointed time.

If you're staying nearby, there's a few rental agencies that will bring a wheelchair to your hotel so you'll have it to/from the parks as well.

Thanks! I also have RA, and sitting is my issue, she would be pretty ok if her hips would just co-operate!

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Yes, they will issue a DAS for that. The people in line to get one issued in front of us were dealing with that same diagnosis. My DD has Crohns and has the frequent bathroom trip issue and that is why we get one.

Of course if she needs a wheelchair, you should get one. But mobility alone wouldn’t be enough for a DAS. From experience, the frequent bathroom trips is.

 

[bondgirl007]

Hi, I use a walker that has a seat on it. That way I can still walk around(no one has to puch me) and I can sit anywhere/anytime I need to. It really is the best. I watched people last week at Disneyland struggling and in so much pain and I know how that feels. The walker makes everything so much easier.

 

[Geemo]

We will be in DL Dec 2-5. Our 17 yr old daughter has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and her hips are very affected, though she still is active, it's hard for her walk long distances or stand for long periods. 3 years ago we tried to do DL, and after 5 hours she was in so much pain we had to just leave, and she was useless for several days after. What a punch to my heart...and wallet. We usually do Disney Cruises, she can completely control her sitting, standing, walking, but that's not happening this year so we are trying DL again. She had hip surgery on one side, and will soon have her other side as well.
I want to get her a wheelchair- hubby and daughter don't want that, but I think their minds will change once we're there. My questions:
1. Are we able to rent a wheelchair at Disneyland if she gets to a point she can't really walk anymore (I mean, obviously I'll make sure we do it well before that)
2. Should we get a DAS? I know it's about not being able to stand in line, not sure that applies?

I would NOT rent from Disney. Use an off-site vendor to rent from. There are many in the area that will deliver to your hotel.
This way she will have it to use going to and from the parks. Which I always found painful at the end of the day.

When I began to have trouble walking for the entire day at DL, I found renting a scooter from an off-site location to be a lifesaver. It was greatly appreciated at the end of the day returning to the hotel. Plus no one is pushing a wheelchair, which can be exhausting for them by the end of the day.

I like Select Scooter Rental (714) 644-8057.
They are located in the lobby of the Best Western Park Place Inn on Harbor. They deliver to most hotels and if the don't, it's easy for me to drop in to BWPPI and pick up a scooter.

Deckert Surgical Co. (714) 542-5607 is another popular one people will mention for scooter rentals.

Having a scooter will also give your daughter independence of moving through the parks. This might be a plus when it's time for a bathroom break.

One tip I will share with you whether you get a scooter or wheelchair, "mark it" for easy spotting if it gets moved.
I have a bright yellow ribbon I tie to the handlebars. It makes it easy to spot in the sea of parked scooters and strollers.

Have a fun trip!!

 

[Epicnemesis]

I 100% think you should take advantage a wheelchair and/or DAS. That’s what it’s there for.

If I were in your shoes I would do everything possible to mitigate her symptoms and maximize your day. As you said, it‘s an expensive day, don’t let physical limitations get in the way of anything and the systems are there specifically for that.

We aren’t a DAS family but I’m so happy it exists.

 

[DisSurfer878]

Officially, having trouble walking or standing does not qualify for the DAS. Disney will tell you that is a mobility issue and that they meet that by suggesting guests get a wheelchair.
In Disneyland Park, most ride lines are NOT wheelchair compatible so you'll be given a time to come back through the wheelchair entrance.

This is NOT THE CASE in DCA, where almost all lines are ADA compliant. She will wait in line in her wheelchair and can sit in it or stand and push it.

Disney may grant you a DAS for the bathroom thing. But it's not a total garauntee, will really depend on the CM you get.

i would not get the wheelchair from Disney. I would rent using a third party company.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Officially, having trouble walking or standing does not qualify for the DAS. Disney will tell you that is a mobility issue and that they meet that by suggesting guests get a wheelchair.
In Disneyland Park, most ride lines are NOT wheelchair compatible so you'll be given a time to come back through the wheelchair entrance.

This is NOT THE CASE in DCA, where almost all lines are ADA compliant. She will wait in line in her wheelchair and can sit in it or stand and push it.

Disney may grant you a DAS for the bathroom thing. But it's not a total garauntee, will really depend on the CM you get.

i would not get the wheelchair from Disney. I would rent using a third party company.

From our experience over multiple trips, the bathroom thing does qualify. Especially on rides where leaving & rejoining the line isn’t easy/doable. Not that they ask, but we have shared it’s the result of an autoimmune disease.

 

[DisSurfer878]

From our experience over multiple trips, the bathroom thing does qualify. Especially on rides where leaving & rejoining the line isn’t easy/doable. Not that they ask, but we have shared it’s the result of an autoimmune disease.

most of the time, it's usually fine. I just know people from personal experience and their accounts shared on line that they have received pushback on the bathroom thing before. It's a perfectly legitimate reason if you ask me, but just for example someone in another Disney group online shared that they weren't granted one for their severe IBS. Which is why I mentioned that they might get a CM who gives them a difficult time

 

[Wesley815]

most of the time, it's usually fine. I just know people from personal experience and their accounts shared on line that they have received pushback on the bathroom thing before. It's a perfectly legitimate reason if you ask me, but just for example someone in another Disney group online shared that they weren't granted one for their severe IBS. Which is why I mentioned that they might get a CM who gives them a difficult time

Great point, sadly its those who try to come up with any 'line cutting' excuse which cause the CM's to question things. I fully agree IBS and other digestive issues are a good reason to qualify for a pass.

DAS is such a touchy subject (ask too may questions it's discrimination, yet don't ask enough questions it allows line cutting.) I think Disney is doing the best they can with thousands of requests per day. The front line hourly CM's aren't doctors for every disability known to mankind, yet some guests act as if they are.

 

[StormyCA]

Yes, they will issue a DAS for that. The people in line to get one issued in front of us were dealing with that same diagnosis. My DD has Crohns and has the frequent bathroom trip issue and that is why we get one.

Of course if she needs a wheelchair, you should get one. But mobility alone wouldn’t be enough for a DAS. From experience, the frequent bathroom trips is.

That's very interesting. I have a condition that can result in similar issues and was denied a DAS for it. I specified the symptoms and how DAS could help me and was told "That doesn't meet the criteria for DAS". I didn't push it, I guess I should have. I use an ECV now so it's sort of a moot point now, I guess.

 

[DisSurfer878]

That's very interesting. I have a condition that can result in similar issues and was denied a DAS for it. I specified the symptoms and how DAS could help me and was told "That doesn't meet the criteria for DAS". I didn't push it, I guess I should have. I use an ECV now so it's sort of a moot point now, I guess.

And this^ right here is why I said the bathroom thing isn't a guarantee and can depend on the CM. I am just trying to be open with OP about the realities of their situation so as to not get OPs hopes up