DAS Pass Questions

[montreid]

There's an entire section here on DISBoards -- disABILITIES!! that has a wealth of information on DAS and its workings.

https://www.disboards.com/forums/disabilities.20/

 

[theluckyrabbit]

At DLR, the process of requesting a DAS usually goes something like this:
Guest (or parent/guardian) must request the DAS on the day of the visit (not beforehand), usually at City Hall in DL or Chamber of Commerce in DCA. The DAS can be requested at an Information Kiosk, but be prepared to be sent back to CH or CoC -- we've seen that happen before. You just never know, so it helps to be prepared. The CM is allowed to ask 2 questions: What is the problem with standing in lines? How will having a DAS help with that problem? The CM is not allowed to ask about any medical diagnosis or ask to see any doctor's notes. Based on the answer to the above two questions and any further discussion stemming from those questions, the CM will decide whether a DAS or something else would be the best solution for this particular situation for this guest. If the CM feels that the best solution would be a mobility device, that is what will be recommended. Each situation is individually dealt with for each guest requesting a DAS.
In my experience, I've never requested a return time at the ride itself under normal circumstances. I've always gone to City Hall, Chamber of Commerce, or an Information Kiosk for my return times. In the unusual circumstance when I've had to leave a ride line before using my return time, a CM at the FP scanner has been able to reissue my time.
By the way, MaxPass works great with DAS, so brush up on your MP skillz and ask any questions here: Maxpass/Fastpass Superthread: an overview and some strategy

 

[JJ2017]

At DLR, the process of requesting a DAS usually goes something like this:
Guest (or parent/guardian) must request the DAS on the day of the visit (not beforehand), usually at City Hall in DL or Chamber of Commerce in DCA. The DAS can be requested at an Information Kiosk, but be prepared to be sent back to CH or CoC -- we've seen that happen before. You just never know, so it helps to be prepared. The CM is allowed to ask 2 questions: What is the problem with standing in lines? How will having a DAS help with that problem? The CM is not allowed to ask about any medical diagnosis or ask to see any doctor's notes. Based on the answer to the above two questions and any further discussion stemming from those questions, the CM will decide whether a DAS or something else would be the best solution for this particular situation for this guest. If the CM feels that the best solution would be a mobility device, that is what will be recommended. Each situation is individually dealt with for each guest requesting a DAS.
In my experience, I've never requested a return time at the ride itself under normal circumstances. I've always gone to City Hall, Chamber of Commerce, or an Information Kiosk for my return times. In the unusual circumstance when I've had to leave a ride line before using my return time, a CM at the FP scanner has been able to reissue my time.
By the way, MaxPass works great with DAS, so brush up on your MP skillz and ask any questions here: Maxpass/Fastpass Superthread: an overview and some strategy

Thank you. I am assuming my son will be asked these questions? He’s 9.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Thank you. I am assuming my son will be asked these questions? He’s 9.

The CM can ask your son, but will probably ask you. It totally depends on who wishes to answer -- either you or your son!

 

[bcla]

The CM can ask your son, but will probably ask you. It totally depends on who wishes to answer -- either you or your son!

Of course not all children can adequately explain what the issue is. And in many cases if there's some sort of anxiety issue with long wait times, a child isn't going to admit to it.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Of course not all children can adequately explain what the issue is. And in many cases if there's some sort of anxiety issue with long wait times, a child isn't going to admit to it.

Some parents on the DIS have said that they are working with their children to help answer the questions. Some kids actually want to answer the questions themselves. And, of course, some children don't want to/can't answer the questions. As I said to the OP, it's all up to them who answers and it won't matter to the CM one bit.

 

[kristensideaoffun]

Thank you. I am assuming my son will be asked these questions? He’s 9.

My daughter (12) has never been initially prompted to answer the questions. We are AP holders, so I usually go up to an information kiosk (I haven’t gone to City Hall or the Chamber of Commerce for years for DAS) and ask for a return time. The DAS is only good for 60 days and, because I don’t keep track of when we last renewed hers, the CM will begin asking me the questions that if her DAS has expired. My daughter now wants to answer the questions on her own, so she now chimes in on days when she isn’t feeling shy.

I agree with the above poster about studying how MaxPass works. We use MP more than the DAS. My daughter primarily needs the DAS for lines where she is out in the sun uncovered. Most rides have indoor or covered queues, so MP has worked out really well for us and we only have to use DAS now for a few of rides.

 

[JJ2017]

My daughter (12) has never been initially prompted to answer the questions. We are AP holders, so I usually go up to an information kiosk (I haven’t gone to City Hall or the Chamber of Commerce for years for DAS) and ask for a return time. The DAS is only good for 60 days and, because I don’t keep track of when we last renewed hers, the CM will begin asking me the questions that if her DAS has expired. My daughter now wants to answer the questions on her own, so she now chimes in on days when she isn’t feeling shy.

I agree with the above poster about studying how MaxPass works. We use MP more than the DAS. My daughter primarily needs the DAS for lines where she is out in the sun uncovered. Most rides have indoor or covered queues, so MP has worked out really well for us and we only have to use DAS now for a few of rides.

Thank you. My son recently started a new medication and it made us realize that it is time to talk more open with him. He understands why he sees his doctors, but he still goes back to - "why do I take these meds?" One of his main issues is blurting out/overtalking so I'm sure he will be interrupting any question the CM asks me! Thanks everyone....I'll start to research the disABILITIES board and as we get closer, try to understand the mix and matching of DAS and Maxpass (which is pretty new to me beyond my 1 solo trip last summer). Love these boards!

 

[brad813]

You can’t do it before arriving, it can only be done in the parks.

at City Hall in Disneyland or the Chamber of Commerce in DCA

and there is nothing you need to have with you, Disney can’t look at notes or doctors notes or medical records. You’ll explain your reason and they will accept or not

It is actually illegal for any private business to ask for medical records or proof for disability accommodations, but any organization that receives public(government) funding, including public colleges, has the authority to do so in making determinations. There is a very clear line on who and who cannot ask for records under law.

Coincidentally, I am considering applying for a DAS pass myself due to my epilepsy and gastrointestinal problems, , but my first day will be in Disney's California Adventure, so I am not going to have to get in a hurry.

Unless something has changed since June 2018 when we last went, you could not get return times from ride CMs, just at the information kiosks throughout the park.

My son was approved at one of the kiosks. The CM asked a few questions (about how a pass would help our situation, not specific medical or diagnosis questions) and interacted with my son just a bit before approving the pass.

I've read a bit where people were upset with changes that were made to the program and how it made it inconvenient to use, but honestly, I thought it was great! It made such a huge difference in our ability to enjoy the parks with our special needs kiddo.

I understand why Disney made those changes. There was rampant abuse by people without disabilities in the old system, something unfair to disabled individuals. My own disabilities are medical in nature, and could be a lot worse, so I try not to ask for any more than I need to mitigate the effects of my disability(or any effects caused by treating them), since I know those resources have to be made available for everyone who needs them.

 

[brad813]

My daughter (12) has never been initially prompted to answer the questions. We are AP holders, so I usually go up to an information kiosk (I haven’t gone to City Hall or the Chamber of Commerce for years for DAS) and ask for a return time. The DAS is only good for 60 days and, because I don’t keep track of when we last renewed hers, the CM will begin asking me the questions that if her DAS has expired. My daughter now wants to answer the questions on her own, so she now chimes in on days when she isn’t feeling shy.

I agree with the above poster about studying how MaxPass works. We use MP more than the DAS. My daughter primarily needs the DAS for lines where she is out in the sun uncovered. Most rides have indoor or covered queues, so MP has worked out really well for us and we only have to use DAS now for a few of rides.

Or 14 days for standard tickets. I have issues related to my disabilities caused by sun and heat as well. How does that work to get the pass, if I may ask, if that is all you need?

 

[bcla]

It is actually illegal for any private business to ask for medical records or proof for disability accommodations, but any organization that receives public(government) funding, including public colleges, has the authority to do so in making determinations. There is a very clear line on who and who cannot ask for records under law.

There’s no law that says that. A private company can’t ask for detailed medical records or ask for a specific medical disagnosis, but a doctor’s note that says that a specific accommodation would help the patient is legal to ask for.

Six Flags parks ask for a doctor’s note. I looked up the Cedar Fair policy and they’re similar to Disney parks in that they don’t ask for a doctors not but ask a pass would help. They call theirs “Boarding Pass”.

​

https://www.sixflags.com/magicmountain/plan-your-visit/guests-with-disabilities​

Attraction Access Pass​

Six Flags offers an Attraction Access Pass for guests who are unable to wait in ride lines due to a disability, mobility impairments, or certain qualifying impairments. Effective November 7, 2015 any guest requesting use of one of these special passes will need to provide a doctor’s note at Guest Services at the time they pick up the pass. This new program replaces our old Equal Access Pass program.​

​

https://cdn-cloudfront.cfauthx.com/...ation/help/guest-assistance-guide-4.13.19.pdf​

Here’s How It Works​

The guest with a mobility impairment or ASD should visit the Information Center upon his/her arrival at the park to express his/her inability to wait in the regular line. Some questions are asked to ensure that the rider has the required physical criteria in order to safely experience attractions, and a Boarding Pass is issued for the guest in question and up to four riding companions.​

For attractions that do have lines, the Boarding Pass will be required. The rider (or a member of their party) obtains a boarding time from - the Guest Service Associate at the Alternate Access Entrance, equivalent to the length of the ride line.​

The guest listed on the Boarding Pass must be present as a rider when a Boarding Pass is being utilized.​

Guests may not accumulate more than one boarding time at a time.​

 

[brad813]

Six Flags parks ask for a doctor’s note. I looked up the Cedar Fair policy and they’re similar to Disney parks in that they don’t ask for a doctors not but ask a pass would help. They call theirs “Boarding Pass”.

​

https://www.sixflags.com/magicmountain/plan-your-visit/guests-with-disabilities​

Attraction Access Pass​

Six Flags offers an Attraction Access Pass for guests who are unable to wait in ride lines due to a disability, mobility impairments, or certain qualifying impairments. Effective November 7, 2015 any guest requesting use of one of these special passes will need to provide a doctor’s note at Guest Services at the time they pick up the pass. This new program replaces our old Equal Access Pass program.​

​

https://cdn-cloudfront.cfauthx.com/...ation/help/guest-assistance-guide-4.13.19.pdf​

Here’s How It Works​

The guest with a mobility impairment or ASD should visit the Information Center upon his/her arrival at the park to express his/her inability to wait in the regular line. Some questions are asked to ensure that the rider has the required physical criteria in order to safely experience attractions, and a Boarding Pass is issued for the guest in question and up to four riding companions.​

For attractions that do have lines, the Boarding Pass will be required. The rider (or a member of their party) obtains a boarding time from - the Guest Service Associate at the Alternate Access Entrance, equivalent to the length of the ride line.​

The guest listed on the Boarding Pass must be present as a rider when a Boarding Pass is being utilized.​

Guests may not accumulate more than one boarding time at a time.​

Hmmm......was unaware of that. Thank you for the correction.

 

[bcla]

Hmmm......was unaware of that. Thank you for the correction.

I don’t believe anyone is allowed to ask for a specific medical diagnosis, but asking for documentation of a medical need is another matter. That’s what Disney asks anyways, although they don’t require a doctor’s note.

 

[brad813]

I don’t believe anyone is allowed to ask for a specific medical diagnosis, but asking for documentation of a medical need is another matter. That’s what Disney asks anyways, although they don’t require a doctor’s note.

The laws are certainly complicated on the matter. Not really my expertise when it comes to law(law enforcement student, graduate this semester), but I have picked up a few things over the years because of my disability.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

As I stated above, CMs can only ask two basic questions when a DAS is requested: What is the problem with standing in lines? And how will having a DAS help with that problem? Any further questions will stem from the answers to the first two questions. Remember that most CMs have no medical training and may have no personal experience with disabilities (and you'll know immediately when you find a CM who does have experience -- those CMs are a blessing!), so try to be clear and simple with your explanations. They really do want to help, so doing whatever you can to facilitate communication will work in everyone's favor. If discussing the issue out loud is a problem in and of itself (e.g. embarrassment, delicate issues, etc.), you can type/write out a note with a basic explanation which answers the above two questions and hand that to the CM. Just explain that you find the situation a bit embarrassing. CMs will understand.

 

[kristensideaoffun]

Hmmm......was unaware of that. Thank you for the correction.

They can ask for a doctor’s note confirming the need for accommodations, but cannot require the note to state and/or describe the patient’s disability. The Six Flags website specifically states that doctor’s notes can NOT contain that information.

Or 14 days for standard tickets. I have issues related to my disabilities caused by sun and heat as well. How does that work to get the pass, if I may ask, if that is all you need?

The accommodations my daughter receives may not be the same as the accommodations offered to you. You will just need to explain your issues with heat and the sun when standing in line to CM helping you and how the DAS will help resolve that problem.

 

[brad813]

They can ask for a doctor’s note confirming the need for accommodations, but cannot require the note to state and/or describe the patient’s disability. The Six Flags website specifically states that doctor’s notes can NOT contain that information.




The accommodations my daughter receives may not be the same as the accommodations offered to you. You will just need to explain your issues with heat and the sun when standing in line to CM helping you and how the DAS will help resolve that problem.

I understand that.......I was just trying to get an overall idea of the process and how complicated it is. I leave in 11 days.

 

[bcla]

The accommodations my daughter receives may not be the same as the accommodations offered to you. You will just need to explain your issues with heat and the sun when standing in line to CM helping you and how the DAS will help resolve that problem.

All of the information kiosks I recall had shade canopies. Probably more for the CMs than anything else. They were still wearing trench coats and long sleeves even when it started getting warm.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I understand that.......I was just trying to get an overall idea of the process and how complicated it is. I leave in 11 days.

The process is usually not complicated and takes about 10 minutes or so. If you decide to make your request at City Hall or Chamber of Commerce, don't worry if the line looks long. There are CMs who go along the line, weeding out guests who only want maps or birthday buttons.

 

[TikiTikiFan]

If it helps ease the stress, I found the CMs to be really friendly even when I was turned down for DAS on our first trip. My issue is with standing for long lengths of time and they recommended a scooter. Which is unrealistic to do when I’m the only adult with a child in the park and when I told her that she spent some time running through MaxPass with me and helped me strategize. I’ve found MaxPass to be a blessing and we just rope drop any rides that don’t offer FPs. Based on what I know about DAS, I think MaxPass works even better (at least for me) because I don’t have to walk to extra kiosks,etc. and can do it from my phone.