Denied Accommodation with DAS told to speak to cast member at every ride to ask for accommodation

[stink]

A friend of mine, who usually travels solo, was denied accommodation with DAS pass and was told she had speak to a cast member at every attraction to ask (beg-my word) for accommodation every time she rode every single attraction.

Her question is.....Has anyone actually done this ? How has it worked ? The phone chat CM had no clue how it would work for a solo traveler and was scripted to say "rides are architecturally different ". You don't say, rides are different . I have a complete rant composed about her denial and the "medical person employed by Disney" (what sound does a duck make? ) that the receptionist CM put on the chat. But I will save it for a latter post, as I want to have a productive dialogue for one of my BFFs and her upcoming trip to what once was a very Magical Place for her.

 

[jennab]

Well the accommodation could be different at every ride based on a number of factors. She doesn’t need to explain her disability to the CM at the attraction but instead can say things like “I may need to leave the like part way through due to a disability, what should I do if this happens”? Or “I can’t wait in this outdoor queue as I have a disability that causes heat intolerances, what are the alternatives”?

Is your friend traveling alone? If not, her traveling companions could wait in the standby line while she sits elsewhere then call her when they get to the merge point and she can go through the LL to meet up with them. If doing this, I suggest still talking to the ride CM ahead of time so they are aware you friend will be waiting outside of the line. Again, no need to go into details about the disability.

 

[stink]

Travelling alone, upcoming solo trip.

 

[Lucien Franciosa]

I wonder what you or your friend were hoping they would say? As a person who has had to experience the parks on an ECV (accident) every ride WAS different in how they handled my situation. I didn't feel like I was begging, just asking for instructions which they were happy to give. It wasn't a big deal. I know, not quite the same, but similar enough that I think if your friend just presented her pass they would instruct her on the next step... which.. is outlined on Disney's web site. Have you read this? Not meaning to sound snarky... just confused on what is your question.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/disability-access-service/

 

[jennab]

Travelling alone, upcoming solo trip.

Then I’d have her ask at every ride what options she has. Again, no need to go into details about her disability unless it’s helpful like, can make it 20min or heat issues and an outdoor queue. She can also buy LLMP in addition, which is what I would do just to make things easier!

 

[Belle1962]

Can she write her issue down on an index card and just show that? Start it with something like I’m not comfortable discussing this verbally with others around but my issue is… (laminate it if possible)

 

[OurBigTrip]

Can she write her issue down on an index card and just show that? Start it with something like I’m not comfortable discussing this verbally with others around but my issue is… (laminate it if possible)

She doesn’t have to discuss her issues.

 

[Belle1962]

She doesn’t have to discuss her issues.

My apologies I misspoke what I meant was to infer was that since basically she’d be having the same conversation at each attraction it might help to write it down.

 

[lanejudy]

I know, not quite the same, but similar enough that I think if your friend just presented her pass they would instruct her on the next step... which.. is outlined on Disney's web site. Have you read this? Not meaning to sound snarky... just confused on what is your question.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/disability-access-service/

It sounds like the friend was denied the Disability Access Service, and thus needs to request accommodations at each attraction. But you are correct that it shouldn't need to be a big issue -- just a simple "what do I do if I need to leave the queue?" and the CM will instruct accordingly.

The accommodation may differ from one attraction to another based on queue situation, position when leaving the queue, party size (solo), etc.

 

[stink]

She doesn’t have to discuss her issues.

This is where she is confused, as the CM on the DAS line indicated that she has to ask for accommodation based for her issues at each que, but if she is not discussing her issues with each CM than how will they know what accommodation she needs for each architecturally different ride ?

 

[Lucien Franciosa]

This is where she is confused, as the CM on the DAS line indicated that she has to ask for accommodation based for her issues at each que, but if she is not discussing her issues with each CM than how will they know what accommodation she needs for each architecturally different ride ?

Read Disney's Web Site. Disney's approach to DAS is a very specific service with a very specific response (which is they tell you when to come back for essentially the lightening lane or whatever its called today), which is to notify the attendant you are on a DAS pass, and they take it from there. You don't have to go into any other details.

It sounds like you are asking how she can get DAS treatment if turned down for a DAS pass. I would pattern it after what they know anyway, use the language of DAS, do as someone else recommended, and put the description on a laminated card and let the cast member do their thing. I have seen others do it.

 

[stink]

I wonder what you or your friend were hoping they would say? As a person who has had to experience the parks on an ECV (accident) every ride WAS different in how they handled my situation. I didn't feel like I was begging, just asking for instructions which they were happy to give. It wasn't a big deal. I know, not quite the same, but similar enough that I think if your friend just presented her pass they would instruct her on the next step... which.. is outlined on Disney's web site. Have you read this? Not meaning to sound snarky... just confused on what is your question.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/disability-access-service/

Not mobility related, although she does navigate with a rolling walker, her DAS accommodation is not related to mobility and she has never had to use an ECV.

What pass are you referring to ? She was denied DAS pass so not sure what you mean by presenting her pass ?

If a CM was to visually profile her from appearances, she would not appear or look like she needs a DAS . Her accommodation in the past and what she needs now is not obvious from visual profiling.

Yes, we have read the Disney website and are confused and we have come to the DIS boards seeking help and to see what other people have experienced with DAS pass denial, when formerly accommodated with DAS, especially those travelling solo.

Her confusion and mine is that the CM on the DAS line indicated that she has to ask for accommodation for her issues at each que, but if she is not discussing her issues with each CM as others have indicated, than how will they know what accommodation she needs for each architecturally different ride ?

How does a solo guest exit the line and re-enter the line, as there will be no party to meet at a place in the que ? There is no party to re-join at some convergence point in the que ?

How does she manage her accommodation needs if in a very long line ? When in a long que, how does she exit, as there are not CMs readily available to guide you to an exit ? She will be surrounded by strangers.

From prior experiences, under the old DAS system, she has had negative interactions in lines when there has been an unexpected delay (it happens) and she could not wait in line and had to exit, (negative experiences from other guests & CMs) , this is adding to current stress of what used to be a Magical Time.

 

[Ursula J]

I'm sorry for your friend. I know others are quoting the rules, but the policies simply don't make sense and result in exactly the kind of anxiety/frustration your friend is experiencing. Plus, she has to rely on every single cm being understanding and accommodating. I wish I could offer some help or advice, but I do offer my empathy.

 

[gottalovepluto]

...notify the attendant you are on a DAS pass, and they take it from there.

No. The whole thing OP is discussing is their friend is NOT on a DAS pass, they were denied DAS. They are now like any other person who might need to leave a line at Disney. Different rides have different procedures for leaving the line and that is what they are to ask the CMs about.

OP, your friend needs to anticipate waiting in all the lines. The CMs will tell them how to leave the line in case they have an issue. There is an extremely slim chance they may be offered a return time to use the LL instead but these are very rarely issued. If your friend tries waiting and leaving lines and it doesn't work in park they can contact DAS services again and explain what didn't work.

My advice to them would be re-plan their approach to the park. That's what I had to do. My issues are too serious to me to risk getting stuck in a line and having issues getting out (but I know everyone isn't in the same boat). I will be buying LLs on some days, using early entry and end of night for low wait times and I've got a touring plans sub to see if that helps me better plan my day.

 

[Lucien Franciosa]

Not mobility related, although she does navigate with a rolling walker, her DAS accommodation is not related to mobility and she has never had to use an ECV.

What pass are you referring to ? She was denied DAS pass so not sure what you mean by presenting her pass ? If a CM was to visually profile her from appearances, she would not appear or look like she needs a DAS . Her accommodation in the past and what she needs now is not related to mobility and not obvious from visual profiling.

Yes, we have read the Disney website and it is not helpful and we have come to the DIS boards seeking help and to see what other people have experienced

Her confusion and mine is that the CM on the DAS line indicated that she has to ask for accommodation for her issues at each que, but if she is not discussing her issues with each CM, than how will they know what accommodation she needs for each architecturally different ride ?

How does a solo guest exit the line and re-enter line, as there will be no one to save a place in the que or not party to re-join at some point in the que.

How does she manage her accommodation needs while in a very long line ? When in a long que, how does she exit, as there are not CMs readily available to guide you to an exit ? I have never observed this. She will be surrounded by strangers.

From prior experiences, under the old DAS system, she has had negative interactions in DAS lines when there has been an expected delay and she could not wait in line and had to exit, this is adding to current stress of what used to be a Magical Time.

Thank you for the more complete explanation. I think you have gotten good suggestions on how to address the accommodation at each ride issue...I think CM in general are there to help and will do what they can. She may not be able to enter and re-enter a line, but sounds like they do put people in shorter lines at specific times (like the lightening lane). I brought up my mobility experience not as a literal comparison but as an example of how one can go about getting help.

But she might want to try another video interview for DAS. I would hope they gave her a reason she was denied, and perhaps in the heat of the moment she didnt have a response. Apparently you both have reasons she qualifies for DAS, maybe a note from her treating doctor would help? I would go back and try again with the knowledge you gained from the first attempt.

 

[jennab]

Not mobility related, although she does navigate with a rolling walker, her DAS accommodation is not related to mobility and she has never had to use an ECV.

What pass are you referring to ? She was denied DAS pass so not sure what you mean by presenting her pass ?

If a CM was to visually profile her from appearances, she would not appear or look like she needs a DAS . Her accommodation in the past and what she needs now is not obvious from visual profiling.

Yes, we have read the Disney website and are confused and we have come to the DIS boards seeking help and to see what other people have experienced with DAS pass denial, when formerly accommodated with DAS, especially those travelling solo.

Her confusion and mine is that the CM on the DAS line indicated that she has to ask for accommodation for her issues at each que, but if she is not discussing her issues with each CM as others have indicated, than how will they know what accommodation she needs for each architecturally different ride ?

How does a solo guest exit the line and re-enter the line, as there will be no party to meet at a place in the que ? There is no party to re-join at some convergence point in the que ?

How does she manage her accommodation needs if in a very long line ? When in a long que, how does she exit, as there are not CMs readily available to guide you to an exit ? She will be surrounded by strangers.

From prior experiences, under the old DAS system, she has had negative interactions in lines when there has been an unexpected delay (it happens) and she could not wait in line and had to exit, (negative experiences from other guests & CMs) , this is adding to current stress of what used to be a Magical Time.

No one is going to care about someone trying to leave the line. Just say “excuse me I need to get out of line” and people will move out of the way. She should approach the CM BEFORE getting on the ride if she thinks she may need to leave the line. She can say something like “I may need to leave this line due to my disability, what should I do if that happens” and the CM can give more info. It may vary by ride and the current wait time. That’s why there is no one size fits all answer.

Theres another post in here where people have shared what happened to them. I believe on one ride the CM just let the a person go through the LL since wait was fairly short (I wouldn’t depend on this happening often), another time a CM gave a return time to the person, and another ride someone was told to take a pic of where they were if they needed to leave then see the CM after leaving the line. So realistically the answer will vary based on the ride and other factors.

 

[stink]

BELOW IS FROM DISNEY's WEBSITE


"There may be times when a Guest must briefly step out of the standby queue and then rejoin their party. Every attraction has a defined process to support this option based on a person’s disability while the rest of the party remains in the queue."

How does this work as a solo guest ? She does not have a party to wait or remain in the que.

Also above explanation form Disney, it states it is based on the person's disability (hers is not visible), so we are back to her having to explain or as another suggested flashcards (better idea than the verbal) with her disability in writing to every CM on every ride. Terribly intrusive.

 

[jennab]

But she might want to try another video interview for DAS. I would hope they gave her a reason she was denied, and perhaps in the heat of the moment she didnt have a response. Apparently you both have reasons she qualifies for DAS, maybe a note from her treating doctor would help? I would go back and try again with the knowledge you gained from the first attempt.

I absolutely would not call back until she has tried the accommodations that were suggested. If nothing has changed and she explained her all her issues the first time, she will be denied again and it will be a waste of time.

 

[jennab]

BELOW IS FROM DISNEY's WEBSITE


"There may be times when a Guest must briefly step out of the standby queue and then rejoin their party. Every attraction has a defined process to support this option based on a person’s disability while the rest of the party remains in the queue."

How does this work as a solo guest ? She does not have a party to wait or remain in the que.

Also above explanation form Disney, it states it is based on the person's disability (hers is not visible), so we are back to her having to explain or as another suggested flashcards (better idea than the verbal) with her disability in writing to every CM on every ride. Terribly intrusive.

You are overthinking it. She doesn’t need to go into every detail about her disability. If it would help she can say “may need to leave the line due to bathroom emergency, heat, blood sugar, etc.”. Disney is not going to give detailed info because situations are different based on party size, ride, wait times, etc.

 

[gottalovepluto]

BELOW IS FROM DISNEY's WEBSITE


"There may be times when a Guest must briefly step out of the standby queue and then rejoin their party. Every attraction has a defined process to support this option based on a person’s disability while the rest of the party remains in the queue."

It will be different at every ride even though she is solo. Nobody can give you any more info than you already have as Disney isn’t sharing it. Even if someone said “Remy did X, Y, Z for solo me” that was only that day it could become “L,M,N” the next day.