DAS Is It For Me?

[OurBigTrip]

a scooter does not need to be pushed but if you could pass out while driving it is not a good fit and that doe not have anything to do with stamina

Her problem is with standing

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Her problem is with standing

I would not want anyone who could pass out using ECV and I am not talking about over heating. she also said heart racing and other things which to me is not just standing problems

 

[married2grumpy]

I think a couple of people responding here are being rude. To me it’s not lack of stamina. I am not too weak to stand. I am not so fatigued that I need to sit. It’s a different issue entirely. I do not feel I should have to list what my medical conditions are to justify my need for a DAS. I explained I can’t stand still for long and what happens when I do. Why on earth should I pay to rent a scooter or wheelchair when my issue is not with walking. I would think on a board about disability there would be less judgment but I’m feeling very judged at this very moment. I have legitimate medical issues. I’m not trying to pull the wool over anyone’s eyes or take advantage of a loophole. Thankfully only once I needed a wheelchair in Disney and that entire day I felt judged because I don’t look disabled. It’s the same look I get when I park in a handicapped spot. I have the answers I needed and I will go to guest services to inquire about the pass.

 

[TCRAIG]

Just an FYI - most parks don’t really have a place to sit and wait for your return time...

 

[married2grumpy]

Just an FYI - most parks don’t really have a place to sit and wait for your return time...

I have never had an issue finding a spot to sit in any of the parks. I’m not expecting a special section. Anywhere is fine with me. I can sit and have a snack until my return time.

 

[SteveMouse]

The DAS pass is intended to help address symptoms of a medical condition, not the condition itself. In my case, I have a pretty complex situation that includes a very, very limited ability to walk (and no walking without an assistive device, in part due to balance and in part due to stamina) along with time other problems. I cannot stand for very long

My mobility/stamina issues are not addressed by a DAS. If I asked (I don’t need to), Disney would recommend a wheelchair, ECV, or rollator. They are not required to provide one. How I meet my need is mine to solve. I can rent one from Disney, offsite, or bring my own. It used to be I would rent one, it as my condition has progressed I’ve needed to have more customization and bring my own.

The device I use gives me a seat when I need it. I don’t have to look for one. As I mentioned earlier, Disney has removed many benches and, as part of Covid-19 response, it may not be easy to find a seat in a dining area when and where you want it. You should consider what your sitting needs are.

There is no guarantee that Disney will issue a DAS to you. It is not automatically issued to anyone who asks. You need to have a plan if you ask and one is not issued.

 

[married2grumpy]

The DAS pass is intended to help address symptoms of a medical condition, not the condition itself. In my case, I have a pretty complex situation that includes a very, very limited ability to walk (and no walking without an assistive device, in part due to balance and in part due to stamina) along with time other problems. I cannot stand for very long

My mobility/stamina issues are not addressed by a DAS. If I asked (I don’t need to), Disney would recommend a wheelchair, ECV, or rollator. They are not required to provide one. How I meet my need is mine to solve. I can rent one from Disney, offsite, or bring my own. It used to be I would rent one, it as my condition has progressed I’ve needed to have more customization and bring my own.

The device I use gives me a seat when I need it. I don’t have to look for one. As I mentioned earlier, Disney has removed many benches and, as part of Covid-19 response, it may not be easy to find a seat in a dining area when and where you want it. You should consider what your sitting needs are.

There is no guarantee that Disney will issue a DAS to you. It is not automatically issued to anyone who asks. You need to have a plan if you ask and one is not issued.

My plan if I do not get a DAS is to treat it as I do any other trip, skip the long lines. I’m fortunate enough to visit WDW quite often so I do not need to ride all of the rides. Next trip will be with someone who does not go often so she will want to go on the more popular attractions which means more standing in lines than I can do. A DAS pass will address the symptoms of my medical condition. Even during covid times I’ve found spots to sit and have discovered new places that I didn’t know existed! I normally stop and sit often and we go at a slow pace. Thank you for your suggestions!

 

[DisneyOma]

I can walk fine and mobility is not my issue. I carry no bags in the park. I have stick on wallet attached to my phone to carry my ID. That’s all I bring to the parks. Thankfully I do not need a wheelchair or ECV. I take frequent breaks to sit. My issue is a high heart rate and dizzy faintness when standing still. Having the option to get a return time and sit somewhere or even walk around sounds like it would be helpful to me. I will look into it next trip.

You might want to bring a rollator just in case - you could be stuck in a FP queue (which is still being used for DAS and a few other situations) right before a cleaning, and then you'd have to stand there. It's better to be fully prepared, isn't it? Even with a DAS, you may get stuck someplace. Also, DAS only works for attractions, not queues for food or buses.

 

[TCRAIG]

I have never had an issue finding a spot to sit in any of the parks. I’m not expecting a special section. Anywhere is fine with me. I can sit and have a snack until my return time.

I wasn’t talking of any type is special section - I’m saying they have removed many of the benches that used to be around the parks - and with Covid, QS seating is also limited - I was just trying to help

 

[Lilsia]

I think a couple of people responding here are being rude. To me it’s not lack of stamina. I am not too weak to stand. I am not so fatigued that I need to sit. It’s a different issue entirely. I do not feel I should have to list what my medical conditions are to justify my need for a DAS. I explained I can’t stand still for long and what happens when I do. Why on earth should I pay to rent a scooter or wheelchair when my issue is not with walking. I would think on a board about disability there would be less judgment but I’m feeling very judged at this very moment. I have legitimate medical issues. I’m not trying to pull the wool over anyone’s eyes or take advantage of a loophole. Thankfully only once I needed a wheelchair in Disney and that entire day I felt judged because I don’t look disabled. It’s the same look I get when I park in a handicapped spot. I have the answers I needed and I will go to guest services to inquire about the pass.

I agree that you could probably benefit from a DAS. My concern is that, depending on what cast member you get, they will hear "can't stand still" and will automatically come to the same conclusion as some on these boards have, that a mobility device would be best for you. They are not medical professionals and are just told to advise a mobility aid for those who "can't stand". It's not right but they have so many people that ask for a DAS. I know that there is a big difference between being able to walk/sit, and standing still for any length of time. How long you can actually stand still for? Having a DAS does not mean that you will be able to walk strait onto the ride. You will still have to stand still at times, sometimes for longer then 10 -15 minutes. There is no way to know before getting into the line how long you will have to just stand there. I think that is why people are pushing for you to have someplace to sit if needed. Good luck to you and have a fun trip. Edit to say, please don't be concerned what others may be thinking. I know you said that you felt judged, but honestly, people may look at you as they pass, but quickly forget that they saw you.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

My plan if I do not get a DAS is to treat it as I do any other trip, skip the long lines. I’m fortunate enough to visit WDW quite often so I do not need to ride all of the rides. Next trip will be with someone who does not go often so she will want to go on the more popular attractions which means more standing in lines than I can do. A DAS pass will address the symptoms of my medical condition. Even during covid times I’ve found spots to sit and have discovered new places that I didn’t know existed! I normally stop and sit often and we go at a slow pace. Thank you for your suggestions!

you can always go back a second time if refused if it is not working out for you without and try again. have known some who had different outcome when it does not work out to begin with

 

[disneydreamer1980]

I think a couple of people responding here are being rude. To me it’s not lack of stamina. I am not too weak to stand. I am not so fatigued that I need to sit. It’s a different issue entirely. I do not feel I should have to list what my medical conditions are to justify my need for a DAS. I explained I can’t stand still for long and what happens when I do. Why on earth should I pay to rent a scooter or wheelchair when my issue is not with walking. I would think on a board about disability there would be less judgment but I’m feeling very judged at this very moment. I have legitimate medical issues. I’m not trying to pull the wool over anyone’s eyes or take advantage of a loophole. Thankfully only once I needed a wheelchair in Disney and that entire day I felt judged because I don’t look disabled. It’s the same look I get when I park in a handicapped spot. I have the answers I needed and I will go to guest services to inquire about the pass.

No offense, but you came on here asking for information. And you were the rude one, replying with a “rolling eye” emoji to someone who offered you the advice you came on here asking for. And FYI the definition of stamina is “the ability to sustain prolonged physical effort”. So not being able to stand in line but you’d be fine sitting is literally a lack of stamina. And Disney’s position is if you just can’t physically stand in line due to a stamina issue (which is what’s going on) that you don’t qualify for a DAS. No judgment at all, just telling you how the pass works.

 

[SteveMouse]

One does not necessarily get the choice of several accommodations and there is no requirement under the ADA that multiple options be offered. Disney’s usual accommodation to someone who cannot stand in line or has difficulty walking is to suggest the use of a device such as a wheelchair, ECV, or rollator

 

[theFoof]

Thank you! If I am an annual Passholder will it be automatically added to my pass for every visit or do I need to go to guest services each trip?

It stays active for 60 days if I remember right.

 

[mamabunny]

My plan if I do not get a DAS is to treat it as I do any other trip, skip the long lines. I’m fortunate enough to visit WDW quite often so I do not need to ride all of the rides. Next trip will be with someone who does not go often so she will want to go on the more popular attractions which means more standing in lines than I can do. A DAS pass will address the symptoms of my medical condition. Even during covid times I’ve found spots to sit and have discovered new places that I didn’t know existed! I normally stop and sit often and we go at a slow pace. Thank you for your suggestions!

Just want to make sure; Do you feel like you have sufficient strategies in place if the CM you work with at GR does not offer a DAS for your situation?

I realize you can't push anything (so pushing a Rollator or an empty wheelchair would not work for you; often around here we recommend that, so that the person always has a place to sit whenever needed) and so most likely your next best solution would be an ECV/scooter.

I know that it can feel very conspicuous - especially if you have a hidden disability, and you use a mobility device, or a handicapped parking placard, and someone appears to be judging you for that. I have experienced that, as have many others here. And while I understand that discomfort of feeling like you stand out if you use a device, I can assure you that you (or me, or anyone else here) with a personal mobility device of any kind at WDW is a total non-event. And if someone should say anything? (They won't - but if they do?) You just give them your biggest smile, and your very best "Oh, bless your heart!" and go on. The vast majority of Guests at WDW won't care - they are too busy posting to Instagram or Facebook, or taking selfies, or watching TikTok, or... who knows. We literally have to counsel scooter newbies to watch out for them because they will walk right into you (accidentally, because they are WWI - Walking While Impaired by their phone)

You are a Disney regular, so you already know that many, many Guests every day at WDW use a mobility device; but what you may not know is that many of those people never use a mobility device at home, in their "regular" daily life. Because the average Guest can walk between 3 & 10 miles per day at Disney World, there are a LOT of people who visit that find they need an assist - in the form of a mobility device - to make the most of their time at Disney World.

I was shocked the first time I had to rent a scooter at WDW. First of all, I thought the world would end, people would point and laugh (or point and shame me) and that I would bring nothing but misery on my family and myself. Instead, the opposite happened: Not only was I suddenly able to keep up with my family, and we were no longer constantly searching for a place for me to stop and sit for "just a minute" every few minutes, but at the end of that first day, I was ready to keep going, and they were trying to figure out who pulled my chain and wound me up, because I was *never* able to go as long at the Parks, or be as cheerful, or still be ready to go and have Adult Beverages at the Resort hotel. The next morning, I woke up, and didn't hurt nearly as much - had less swelling, and felt better than I had the day before. By the end of the vacation, I felt like - for once - I had actually had a vacation, because I arrived home in better condition than I had for years.

That's just my experience.

Nowadays, I have to drive a gorgeous purple wheelchair (he's sparkly, and I named him Figment for my favorite EPCOT friend LOL) because it turned out that my condition was degenerative. I'm not happy about that, but I view my chair as a tool, that lets me get things done - nothing more. It restores my personal freedom and autonomy.

If there is any way we can help you brainstorm some alternate strategies to have in hand - just in case that DAS does not materialize (because no one here wants to set the false expectation that the DAS will be automatically granted - that's not fair to you, or anyone who asks about it) I bet we can help you come up with some ideas.

I hope you and your companion have a truly Magical trip to WDW, and that you have the best time possible!

 

[Karin1984]

I think you have to take a look at yourself and think why you are resistent to the use of a scooter. If it is about staring and getting looks, more likely other guests will stare more at a person with a hidden disability using a DAS pass than at a person using a scooter. Based on what you told us, you sound prejudice. And that is understandable, as a scooter seems like a much bigger deal than a pass you can hide in your pocket, but both are the same to get used to mentally.

 

[Meglen]

I don't think anyone was trying to be rude here. Just stating what the CMs might say and yes they will lump you in with the lack of stamina group. Even tho you can walk all day no issues just telling them you can't stand still long will trigger the evc or scooter option. Maybe try to re word how you explain your issue? I don't know the ins and outs of your condition but unless there is more to it I can see most CM turning you away saddly. I do hope you have a great trip tho. !

 

[Blondie58]

As long as we had our three fast passes I never thought about any type of disability pass or scooter etc. BUT the long standing is an issue for a lower back problem. If I can sit there is no issue. We hope fast passes return.

 

[married2grumpy]

I came on to ask if DAS could be used for someone like me. I gave a bit of a description of how I feel physically when I’m standing still for too long. Maybe I didn’t word it correctly or maybe some of you don’t think I’m disabled enough. I already make accommodations for my illnesses when I’m at the parks. Reading through this all, it sounds like a DAS could be for me and I will find out when I get to guest services. I may or may not even try. I just like that it is an option if I feel I need it. WDW is my happy place. If I get the DAS for when I feel I need it, I will not feel guilty using it. My legs work fine for now thankfully. There was a time they didn’t and I couldn’t walk in the parks. That was a stamina issue. My muscles fatigued after only a few steps and my lungs burned as if I ran a marathon. Heck I couldn’t even get up off of the toilet or lift my arms to do my hair. Luckily I do not need a scooter or wheelchair and my resistance to using mobility devices doesn't need to be understood by this group. I don’t want to use one until it is absolutely my last resort.

My rude eye roll was because I would never tell someone they have a stamina issue that I do not know and I felt like it was a personal attack. I also don’t need the definition of the word stamina. I know what stamina means. I’m offended at the suggestion that the illnesses that have robbed me of my old life could be summed up in that one word by a stranger. I guess I’m more easily offended than I though I was.

I know someone who is a travel agent who mentioned the DAS pass to me. She gets one and lies at guest services. Says she has a problem that does not exist. I’m not a liar and would never do that. She also suggested in the past to say one of my kids had diabetes so I could bring snacks and drinks into places. My son is a type 1 diabetic so I didn’t appreciate her tip. I’m not here to abuse the DAS. I appreciate anyone who gave me great suggestions and showed me some support!

 

[Selket]

As long as we had our three fast passes I never thought about any type of disability pass or scooter etc. BUT the long standing is an issue for a lower back problem. If I can sit there is no issue. We hope fast passes return.

That's a good point. We've always relied on fast passes to avoid some of the longer lines and I had very good luck pulling additional passes all day long after I used the first 3. The current system, if the park is busy, probably causes some to look for a DAS that didn't need one before (perhaps like the OP, etc). I'm hoping the FP system returns because it worked well for us.

Also @married2grumpy, I hope in the end you've gotten some good info on all the options and indeed only YOU really know what your needs are and so on. I think many of us (me included) will mention the ECV or wc because it can work for so many things but definitely everyone has a unique situation even with the same diagnosis and it is not a good option for them. Perhaps with the questioning on stamina you may be better prepared to explain to guest services why a mobility device wouldn't work for you if they suggest it. I also agree with the person who suggested that if the accommodation they give you doesn't work, you can always go back and explain to them why. Also one of my kids has type 1 diabetes so ... yeah I wouldn't appreciate someone suggesting to lie about it - it is definitely offensive to think some would lie to be able to carry some food around!