DAS

[TimeToPack]

I have a friend whose son and daughter in law are arriving in October. My friend told me last night that they intend to get a doctors note stating she has anxiety and can not wait in lines. The Daughter in law said one of her co-workers did this last week and told her to do it so they can skip all the lines. They are taking their six year old son. Now I went in July with my 88yo mother in a scooter who can not walk and the guy gave us a hard time getting it for her for the few days she was with us. What is up with this? These people are healthy and trying to scam the system, my mother actually can not walk two feet, they have to stop the ride for her to get on. I can not believe a doctor would give you a note for this, this girl is not handicapped. I suffer from anxiety and have for the last 30 years. What do you guys think of this?

 

[MomOTwins]

I have a friend whose son and daughter in law are arriving in October. My friend told me last night that they intend to get a doctors note stating she has anxiety and can not wait in lines. The Daughter in law said one of her co-workers did this last week and told her to do it so they can skip all the lines. They are taking their six year old son. Now I went in July with my 88yo mother in a scooter who can not walk and the guy gave us a hard time getting it for her for the few days she was with us. What is up with this? These people are healthy and trying to scam the system, my mother actually can not walk two feet, they have to stop the ride for her to get on. I can not believe a doctor would give you a note for this, this girl is not handicapped. I suffer from anxiety and have for the last 30 years. What do you guys think of this?

The world is full of all kinds of dishonest and otherwise crummy people. Some people use DAS to skip lines. Others physically cut in the lines. You can’t stop them all, just express your disappointment and let your friend know that the DAS pass is for people with disabilities, just like boarding early at the airport or using handicap parking spaces (both of which are also frequently misused by unscrupulous people). She may have a word with her son once she realizes how morally bankrupt it is or she might not in the name of family harmony. Nothing to fo about it but lament the selfishness of some.

 

[Debbie Jean]

BTW, CMs will not look at a doctor’s note. This is a misconception people unfamiliar with the program make.

They will have to explain to the CM exactly why the individual in question is unable to wait in a line. The CM will make the determination whether a DAS is appropriate.

And, of course, those who understand how it works recognize it does not give immediate access to an attraction… only an alternate place to wait. The return time will be for however long the standby wait time is minus 10 minutes. And they can only have one return time at any given time.

I think many people really do not understand what getting and using a DAS really involves. For those who truly need it, it is a godsend.

 

[Monykalyn]

For those who truly need it, it is a godsend.

Yes it is. Husbands oldest daughter uses it, about the only way she can experience the parks. Still in pain by end of day most times but without DAS at both universal and Disney don’t think she’d be able to do much. And yeah-it is not a free for all fastpass-you wait the time just don’t need to stand in the physical line. Even then you might wait a bit in a line -last time we went to Disney FoP fast pass lane got backed up, we almost had to bail even with DAS (we had a FP for it for everyone in party already but she used the DAS to physically cut standing in line time).

 

[TwoMisfits]

I have a friend whose son and daughter in law are arriving in October. My friend told me last night that they intend to get a doctors note stating she has anxiety and can not wait in lines. The Daughter in law said one of her co-workers did this last week and told her to do it so they can skip all the lines. They are taking their six year old son. Now I went in July with my 88yo mother in a scooter who can not walk and the guy gave us a hard time getting it for her for the few days she was with us. What is up with this? These people are healthy and trying to scam the system, my mother actually can not walk two feet, they have to stop the ride for her to get on. I can not believe a doctor would give you a note for this, this girl is not handicapped. I suffer from anxiety and have for the last 30 years. What do you guys think of this?

DAS is not for mobility needs, so they probably should not have issued your mother one.

As for your friends' kids, DAS is now changing, so their ability to "cheat" and "game" the system will likely be caught and bar them from future use of the DAS and possibly even future use of the parks. I'd give them the new policy and highlighted warning and ask if it's really worth cheating the system knowing the new very publicized guidance.

 

[TimeToPack]

So my mother should not have received it and fallen down like she almost did a few times trying to get on the ride, she is all bent over and has heart problems at 88, but a healthy person in their 30s with ANXIETY should. That is CRAZY!!!!! If U saw my mother, she is in a scooter, cant walk two feet, if u bumped her lightly she would fall over. She has to have a cane to stand up and is out of breath after a few steps. What goes around comes around, I guess that's how I have to look at it.

 

[Selket]

Now I went in July with my 88yo mother in a scooter who can not walk and the guy gave us a hard time getting it for her for the few days she was with us. What is up with this? These people are healthy and trying to scam the system, my mother actually can not walk two feet, they have to stop the ride for her to get on. I can not believe a doctor would give you a note for this, this girl is not handicapped. I suffer from anxiety and have for the last 30 years. What do you guys think of this?

A few things:
- I love that your mom is going to Disney - I hope I'm still going when I'm 88! She sounds amazing! Many who use a scooter or WC cannot walk far or walk at all and they are not issued a DAS for this reason alone since a DAS is not for mobility needs. The CM at the attraction can assist getting your mom as close to the boarding area as possible. Some attractions allow you to take an WC on board so she never has to get up. You might take a look at that option if she is planning another trip. It's also possible to get a walker attachment for some rental ECV's (at least off-site rentals) which could be another option? It sounds like her problem is when she gets up out of the mobility device so whatever would help her stay IN the device and get on the ride could be most helpful?
- the same diagnosis doesn't mean the same accommodations always. Someone with (actually real) anxiety issues like yourself may be able to wait in lines most of the time, all of the time, almost never, etc. Same with other conditions. It sounds like you've found a way to adapt over the past 30 years or perhaps are able to wait in lines. Just noting that some people with anxiety issues have different levels of it, different triggers, etc. as I'm sure you well know!
- of course if the friend's DIL does not actually have anxiety and is just getting a note or plans to request a DAS for a condition she does not have, then that is definitely scamming the system. Whether you bring this up with your friend is really optional - kind of depends on your friendship and it's not her fault for what they plan to do. I think if you feel comfortable you can let her know that the DAS system is changing in October and Disney has said those caught cheating will be banned from the parks (although in this case I think it's hard to prove cheating). Even if she shares this info with her son/DIL I don't think it will change what they do and really....it is up to Disney to worry about this sort of thing in the end. I think we'd all like to nudge people in the right direction but in the end we really don't know what is going on. Any chance the DIL actually HAS anxiety issues and they told the MIL some other story? You might also bring up the new Genie+ system in case they are unfamiliar since it may actually allow faster access to more rides.

 

[lanejudy]

So my mother should not have received it and fallen down like she almost did a few times trying to get on the ride, she is all bent over and has heart problems at 88, but a healthy person in their 30s with ANXIETY should.

DAS provides access to the queue, not necessarily access into a ride vehicle. Age has nothing to do with it. As PP mentions, diagnosis also doesn't matter. What is considered are the person's needs related to being in a standard queue environment.

Most people using a mobility device can use the mainstream queues, therefore DAS is not needed or given. Needing to pull the wheelchair/ECV right up next to the ride vehicle, slow or stop a moving walkway, seating in a theater near the exit, etc. is handled at the attraction and none of these require DAS to get the accommodation.

DAS is granted for largely "invisible" disabilities that preclude the person from even going through a standard queue. A person using a mobility may or may not also have such needs. The discussion with Guest Relations should focus on the non-physical needs related to waiting in a standard queue environment.

OP, it's great your mom still enjoys going to the parks! In the future with the coming changes, your mom may be denied DAS. Keep in mind that you/she can still ask for those same boarding accommodations at the ride even without a DAS.

 

[DWillowBay]

Dear Friends...
My son is an adult with autism. His joy is found at Disney World. That being said, do any of you know how much I wish that he would NEVER have to use a DAS. He does. For those of you who take advantage....I just truly hope you never have a legitimate reason to need it. I don't wish ill on anyone, but if you are caught and Disney imposes their 'banned' consequence.... I'll have a hard time feeling badly for you. Take time to be thankful for what you have and stop lamenting what you don't have. You may not want it, if you get it.

 

[MomOTwins]

Dear Friends...
My son is an adult with autism. His joy is found at Disney World. That being said, do any of you know how much I wish that he would NEVER have to use a DAS. He does. For those of you who take advantage....I just truly hope you never have a legitimate reason to need it. I don't wish ill on anyone, but if you are caught and Disney imposes their 'banned' consequence.... I'll have a hard time feeling badly for you. Take time to be thankful for what you have and stop lamenting what you don't have. You may not want it, if you get it.

I would second this. How would DAS make it easier for someone in a wheelchair or scooter? It doesn’t—the standby queues are either wheelchair accessible or they will let you on the ride an alternate route—different needs, different system. But for someone who actually needs DAS it is not actually possible to wait in the line. We did try last october before my son was diagnosed and it was a disaster—even for his very favorite rides he would start screaming and sobbing if he was in a line too long and we left many queues midway. He also likes to do things in a very specific order which means we can’t tour based on wait times/strategy—DAS gives him flexibility. Even with DAS he often needs to be held with his face buried in my or DH’s chest to make it through the fastpass queue, and we still have bad moments (getting stuck on a disabled ride was a nightmare—he was hysterical and couldn’t be calmed, and other guests rather than being sympathetic were complaining). But he loves disney and begs to go back almost every day. I don’t think anyone (ourselves included) really understands what DAS is for until they have a need for it, and if you need it, you wish you didn’t.

 

[Sandisw]

I would second this. How would DAS make it easier for someone in a wheelchair or scooter? It doesn’t—the standby queues are either wheelchair accessible or they will let you on the ride an alternate route—different needs, different system. But for someone who actually needs DAS it is not actually possible to wait in the line. We did try last october before my son was diagnosed and it was a disaster—even for his very favorite rides he would start screaming and sobbing if he was in a line too long and we left many queues midway. He also likes to do things in a very specific order which means we can’t tour based on wait times/strategy—DAS gives him flexibility. Even with DAS he often needs to be held with his face buried in my or DH’s chest to make it through the fastpass queue, and we still have bad moments (getting stuck on a disabled ride was a nightmare—he was hysterical and couldn’t be calmed, and other guests rather than being sympathetic were complaining). But he loves disney and begs to go back almost every day. I don’t think anyone (ourselves included) really understands what DAS is for until they have a need for it, and if you need it, you wish you didn’t.

In June, we went with my cousin who had a stroke 11 years ago. She had a scooter and we thought things would be fine. The problem was that given that her arm extends and she has to move every so often or leg numbs up, it held up the standby line quite a bit when she did need to get up and walk while someone else navigated the scooter.

Yes, we did let people through but for several rides, it added quite a bit of time for us not to mention people being rude in trying to get by when we didn’t move out of the way fast enough.

So, we went to GR the next day, explained the issue and then got her DAs. What a difference for her. She was able to walk into the ride via FP lane without feeling as though she was impacting others but had the scooter to navigate the parks.

Again, it really is an individual situation and dont think we can ever generalize things.

 

[gap2368]

I have a friend whose son and daughter in law are arriving in October. My friend told me last night that they intend to get a doctors note stating she has anxiety and can not wait in lines. The Daughter in law said one of her co-workers did this last week and told her to do it so they can skip all the lines. They are taking their six year old son. Now I went in July with my 88yo mother in a scooter who can not walk and the guy gave us a hard time getting it for her for the few days she was with us. What is up with this? These people are healthy and trying to scam the system, my mother actually can not walk two feet, they have to stop the ride for her to get on. I can not believe a doctor would give you a note for this, this girl is not handicapped. I suffer from anxiety and have for the last 30 years. What do you guys think of this?

Welll if the CN did not give your mother a DAS pass good for them. Mobility problems do not need a DAS your friend might need one but they will not look at dr note

 

[tinkerbelllacey]

Welll if the CN did not give your mother a DAS pass good for them. Mobility problems do not need a DAS your friend might need one but they will not look at dr note

My daughter has CHARGE Syndrome , is DeafBlind, medically involved, seizure disorder uses a wheelchair and always gets a DAS but she has other needs besides being in a wheelchair and that’s why she gets the DAS. Some people may use a wheelchair but may have other needs that they qualify for a DAS

 

[CBMom01]

I have a friend whose son and daughter in law are arriving in October. My friend told me last night that they intend to get a doctors note stating she has anxiety and can not wait in lines. The Daughter in law said one of her co-workers did this last week and told her to do it so they can skip all the lines. They are taking their six year old son. Now I went in July with my 88yo mother in a scooter who can not walk and the guy gave us a hard time getting it for her for the few days she was with us. What is up with this? These people are healthy and trying to scam the system, my mother actually can not walk two feet, they have to stop the ride for her to get on. I can not believe a doctor would give you a note for this, this girl is not handicapped. I suffer from anxiety and have for the last 30 years. What do you guys think of this?

I think this is apocryphal and that no one involved knows what they are taking about

 

[Ember]

Sadly, this abuse happens frequently. Any hint that Disney might monitor or control abuse is met with immediate resistance, and of course, no proof can be asked for so it makes it nearly impossible to show someone is faking. If misused, DAS absolutely gives an advantage, so people will abuse the system. Eventually DAS will go the way of GAC, when the abuse becomes well known and extremely wide spread (probably with the ability to pre-book attractions), and a new program will be introduced, making it harder for the people who actually need it. People who abuse things like this are pathetic, but that won’t stop them.

 

[Lilsia]

So my mother should not have received it and fallen down like she almost did a few times trying to get on the ride, she is all bent over and has heart problems at 88, but a healthy person in their 30s with ANXIETY should. That is CRAZY!!!!! If U saw my mother, she is in a scooter, cant walk two feet, if u bumped her lightly she would fall over. She has to have a cane to stand up and is out of breath after a few steps. What goes around comes around, I guess that's how I have to look at it.

I feel that you, and many others, do not understand what DAS actually does for a person. Nothing that Disney has to offer, would help your mom from getting in and out of rides. You should bring with you some strong people to help her, especially since she is medically fragile and a fall could kill her at that age. DAS ONLY lets you wait outside of the line. So if the posted wait time for a ride is 60 minutes, they would have you come back in 50 minutes and go through the fast pass line. You would still have to get in and out of the rides yourself. It would not have helped your Mom at all.

 

[Debbie Jean]

I feel that you, and many others, do not understand what DAS actually does for a person. Nothing that Disney has to offer, would help your mom from getting in and out of rides. You should bring with you some strong people to help her, especially since she is medically fragile and a fall could kill her at that age. DAS ONLY lets you wait outside of the line. So if the posted wait time for a ride is 60 minutes, they would have you come back in 50 minutes and go through the fast pass line. You would still have to get in and out of the rides yourself. It would not have helped your Mom at all.

Exactly!

I think often people assume it is a general "disability pass". It's not. The DAS really has very limited applications... it's not for the transportation system, it's not for restaurants or resorts... it's for attractions within the theme parks. And it only relates to wait times. Nothing else.

If you need other assistance, you need to provide it. They can sometimes stop an attraction so you can get in it more easily... just ask... they sometimes provide ride vehicles that accommodate wheelchairs or other mobility devices... again, ask. But most CM's will not assist you in getting in... for what I have to assume is liability issues. As someone who travels solo, I plan my steps carefully when I approach an attraction! I understand that CM's aren't being mean... they are following their directives.

DAS is for those individuals who are unable to remain in line... by providing an alternate waiting arrangement.

 

[TimeToPack]

So, let me get this straight. This pass is for children or adults with Autism, anxiety and impulse control, and believe me I understand what many parents go through with children who are handicapped. I have two handicapped nephews on my husbands side, so I understand completely. But for an 88 yo or ANY elderly person who is in a wheelchair or scooter and in fragile health, ( I take care of my parents and in laws, they are not put in a nursing home for anyone wondering why we would take someone that old to Disney, she's old not senile) they must wait in line in 95 degree, maybe pass out due to the heat and humidity in July because they would not qualify.

On the other hand, I would qualify because I suffer from anxiety and panic disorder, even though I am a healthy 55 year old and get along fine most of the time because overall I have learned to control it. So I could lie, which I would not do, because I would not want to cheat the system and the people in line who PAID just as much as I did to enjoy the parks.

As far as I'm concerned and I know some will not agree, but elderly people should be able to go and enjoy the parks just as much as anyone else. And if this pass can let them sit in a cool spot waiting for their time to ride, I think they should be allowed.

 

[TwoMisfits]

So, let me get this straight. This pass is for children or adults with Autism, anxiety and impulse control, and believe me I understand what many parents go through with children who are handicapped. I have two handicapped nephews on my husbands side, so I understand completely. But for an 88 yo or ANY elderly person who is in a wheelchair or scooter and in fragile health, ( I take care of my parents and in laws, they are not put in a nursing home for anyone wondering why we would take someone that old to Disney, she's old not senile) they must wait in line in 95 degree, maybe pass out due to the heat and humidity in July because they would not qualify.

On the other hand, I would qualify because I suffer from anxiety and panic disorder, even though I am a healthy 55 year old and get along fine most of the time because overall I have learned to control it. So I could lie, which I would not do, because I would not want to cheat the system and the people in line who PAID just as much as I did to enjoy the parks.

As far as I'm concerned and I know some will not agree, but elderly people should be able to go and enjoy the parks just as much as anyone else. And if this pass can let them sit in a cool spot waiting for their time to ride, I think they should be allowed.

In your own words, you would not qualify. It would take lying to qualify.

And with Disney putting out their warning, they are going to probably get stricter on oversight of the DAS pass. What that means in practice is anyone's guess, but I'd assume it means "more".

 

[OurBigTrip]

Being elderly isn’t in and of itself a disability, and if your elderly mother isn’t passing out as she’s pushed around in the sun and heat throughout the park, I doubt she’ll pass out while sitting in lines that are mostly out of the sun.