DAS versus Stroller as a Wheelchair?

[br200305]

The last time we went to Disney, we used the GAC and a "stroller as a wheelchair" pass both for my son. Using the stroller as a wheelchair saved our trip...my son's special needs make it very difficult to wait in lines, navigate crowds, etc., but as long as he can be contained in a stroller, he can usually keep it together. He's 8, but he's very small for his age, so we will be able to take the stroller along again this trip.

My question is...what is the difference between getting a return time using the DAS or getting a return time for a wheelchair? He is ambulatory and it isn't a mobility issue, but I'm not sure we could make it without...he had a hard time in the 20-30 minute fast pass lines the last time that we went if we didn't take the stroller with us. He's a little older and more able to control himself this time, but it's still going to be rough. I'm just trying to figure out if we are going to need to request both or if one would be enough?

 

[lanejudy]

Very few attractions at WDW utilize wheelchair return times, since the vast majority of queues there are mainstreamed accessible. Also, wheelchair return times may or may not be offered at any given time of any given day -- it all depends on how many people require the accessible entrance. Wheelchair return times are a specific window (like a FP+ between x:xx and y:yy), whereas DAS return times are open-ended (return anytime after x:xx).

If your son's needs are met by the stroller-as-wheelchair tag, he won't be issued a DAS. If he has other needs that go beyond the use of the stroller in lines, then you should be prepared to explain to Guest Relations specifically why the stroller alone does not accommodate those needs when you request a DAS.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[br200305]

Thanks, this is helpful! The stroller helps...on a great day it might be all we needed, if we only did a couple of attractions...but it sounds like we need to get the DAS again. Thanks again.

 

[SueM in MN]

Just to clarify - the stroller as wheelchair tag is completely separate from DAS.
If the guests needs are met by having the stroller in lines, then all they will need is that tag.

Guests who need the stroller AND still have issues waiting in lines will have both the tag and the DAS.

 

[PatMcDuck]

One thing that seemed different at DL (and perhaps now at WDW, since they are using Magic bands for the DAS?) is that you could not have both a WC return time and a DAS return time, at the same times. Before with the paper return times, you could, there was no way for the CMs to know. At DL, they were scanning the passes of the whole group traveling together, for both DAS return times and WC return times.

Not that you were asking that at all, and not that you were implying that was related to the OP original question, I just found it interesting. I am not sure of WDW is scanning the magic bands of the whole family/group for WC return times, does anyone know?

 

[CoopTroop6]

It is possible to use both the stroller as wheelchair and the DAS. We have done this before w/DS6. He has asperger's, adhd and anxiety issues and the stroller gives him a "safe space", even in the relatively short FP ques. We don't always need the stroller, but depending on his mood, time of day, ride and position of the moon (jk, but it feels like t sometimes ) i has been a lifesaver. Having the stroller as wheelchair tag doesn't mean you have to use t, it just gives you the option. I'd say we use is about 40% of the time. Good luck and enjoy your trip!

 

[LaurenDis]

We used both the DAS and Stroller as a Wheelchair. Most times we got a DAS return time and used the stroller in lines. If the ride line was not wheelchair accessible and we felt he needed to be in the stroller, we went through the wheelchair entrance (but usually got a DAS time anyway).

 

[Katholicchik]

We plan on getting the DAS and stroller as wheel chair both as well. Helpful info -- thanks.

 

[Nennie]

We use both as well. My little guy actually does better walking through the lines, than he does in his stroller. When his stroller stops (b/c the line has stopped) he freaks out, but if he stops in line while walking, he is perfectly fine. Last year, it was the opposite, and the stroller was needed for the lines...so hoping things stay the way they are right now, as I prefer that he walks when possible!

We use the wheelchair tag for Fantasmic and the stunt show, as he doesn't do well in bleacher type seating, but does great just sitting there in his stroller.