DAS Question

[Ziscka]

Hello all!!

We will be going to DLR next month and will be bringing our DS who is Autistic and is visually and audio impaired. This will likely be the last trip he will be able to see, so I want to make the most of it. I have read everything I can find on the new DAS program in DLR, but my question is, what do they do with those who can't see well and the shows/parades, if anything?

I know they have the audio description device, but he is only 7 and because of his other disABILITIES he wouldn't be able to understand nor get enjoyment out of this device. I know if we arrive early enough, we can get closer spots for shows and parades, but he isn't going to be patient enough to wait that long.

I just want him to get full enjoyment out of this trip, so he isn't missing out on the visual wonder and magic that is Disney.

Has anyone had experience with this at DLR? What options are there for my situation?

Thanks

 

[MakiraMarlena]

For some shows you may be able to get closer seating if he has a visual impairment.

Even if the DAS applies to parades (not sure it does) you can get one if you can explain that your child needs to wait somewhere other than the regular line (and there aren't any lines for parades and at DLR there are no fastpasses for parades so I'm not sure it would help you.) It wont help you get through the lines faster, they will just give you a return time so you can wait elsewhere.

 

[2tinkerbell]

My DD has visual impairments and other issues for which she gets a DAS card.

The DAS card is only given for ride type attractions at DLR. For shows, such as Aladdin, we arrived early and mentioned her visual impairments to the CM who instructed us which line to stand in. The DAS card didn't help at all with this. Also the DAS card didn't help with WOC.

For the parades, there is seating for individuals in a wheelchair. Other than that, the DAS card doesn't help.

The 2 hardest shows are WOC and Fantasmic! However, like the parades, we just get there early enough to make the necessary accommodations ourselves. I take along drinks, snacks, a blanket (you would be surprised how much that help deter others from getting in "our" space") and activities. We use this time as our "down time" and often will sit and play UNO. At the age of your child, I also took along glow sticks or some light up toy.

WOC and (I understand) Fantasmic! are now FP. Just get your FP's first thing in the morning.

The DAS is very helpful for us and we used it along with FP (Disneyland has the paper Fastpasses). Aladora has made several trips using the DAS card for her son and she has some very helpful tips (I don't know how to link). I also like DLR because you get your return times at a kiosk. The only problem with that is there needs to be a few more kiosks.

Have fun!

 

[SMD]

Fantasmic is changing to a WoC style viewing options with premium FP with prix fixe meals and a general FP available as well. Laying out a blanket and waiting for a waterfront seat will no longer be an option. Also, from the info Disney has released it seems like the ground seating in front may be reserved for Blue Bayou dining packages only.

For Nemo subs I'd recommend the alternative experience. Instead of riding the sub, you watch in a room with the ride video on screen. It would probably only be your party, so your son could get close to the screen if necessary. If you think he can navigate the spiral staircase into the subs, do the alternative viewing first, so he'll know what's happening on the ride.

 

[ttintagel]

The most you can do is tell a CM (for shows, start with the very first CM you encounter outside the attraction) what your needs are, and hope they have enough sympathy to let you sit where you need to in order to see.

A lot of people have reported this working for shows. I have my doubts it would work at a parade, because of how the audience is set up (not in individual seats, but in one big mob). Probably the best chance you have of getting a good view of a parade of you're not able to stake out a spot early is to view it from Frontierland or Liberty Square, where it tends to be less crowded than Main Street.

 

[Malcon10t]

For the parades, there are a couple handicap areas that you can use that may help. The one by the Showcase, he could sit on the curb. Just get there early and explain.

For Fantasmic! and WoC, just get a FP and get there early.

Aladdin, the new Frozen show, and Disney Jr., get there early and explain what you need. CM are usually very helpful.