Disability Access Pass Question

[Golden Rose]

My son is autistic, albeit fairly high functioning, and he can manage only short days in Disney Parks before the press of people becomes too overwhelming for him. He loves the parks, he just can't stay in them for very long. He doesn't do thrill rides, he just wants to ride a few favorites. We have his pattern figured out at WDW, but we don't know DLR as well. (He went once 3 years ago, and got sick.)

The DAS works fine for us at WDW, but I'm really worried about DL. This is a teen who probably only wants to ride It's A Small World, the Jungle Cruise, the Nemo Submarines, and a couple of other tame, slow rides... and I don't think any of those have FP at DL. Do they have any way to accommodate kids with a DAS on the non FP rides?

I honestly don't know how we're going to make our trip work. We're used to WDW, and know how to plan for it. We'll have two kids in our group who want to do thrill rides, one who is iffy, and then my son, who just wants to ride the rides the other kids will consider almost too tame.

Also, this may sound ridiculous, but is there any place one can watch the night time shows/parades without crowds of people pressing into you? We've given up on parades entirely at WDW. Should we plan to do dining package after dining package? That's how we have handled WDW when we want a nighttime show.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

DAS should work fine for your son. You will go to City Hall in DL, Chamber of Commerce in DCA, or to an Information Kiosk (look for the CMs wearing plaid) to ask about getting a DAS pass for your son. The CM will ask you a few questions, then take a photo of either you or your son (whichever works better) to attach to the DAS, have you affirm that you've read the rules and sign the e-form. For the rest of your family, paper FP or MP may work very well for the rides that are on the FP system. (And remember that DAS and FP/MP work together since they are separate systems.) As for places to watch the parades and nighttime shows, we've found that getting away from the Hub and castle help to get you away from the most pressing crowds. For the parade, try to view from IASW or the mall area near there. Another good spot is the area by the Alice in Wonderland restrooms -- viewing is only on one side there, restrooms are nearby, and the parade performers will all be focused on your direction only. Plan to be early to hold your viewing spots so that you can be in the first row with no one in front of you, if that helps. For fireworks, definitely plan to be away from the Hub and/or castle. IASW can have more room (and there will be projections on the IASW building facade). If you don't need to see the projections at all, getting a table on the terrace at the Galactic Grill in TL can be nice or even a table on the patio at Plaza Inn (by the rockets). When are your trip dates? The WOC Dessert Party is an expensive treat, but worth it for the guaranteed seating (chairs!) and non-crush viewing. PTN has a long parade route in DCA, so it shouldn't be too hard to find good viewing spots that aren't hemmed in if you get your spots early enough. We walked by last night an hour before the first parade, and there were still good spots aplenty in the second and third rows along the parade route. Keep reading this forum as more reports come in regarding the new Pixar Fest entertainment for tips on parade and fireworks viewing. For F!, definitely do a dining package. You might want to look into the premium package at RBT that comes with actual seating (chairs!) and dinner on the patio during the show. That would be the least crowded viewing.

 

[DLgal]

The DAS can be used on all rides, not just FP rides. It's way easier to use it at DL vs. WDW. There are kiosks set up around the parks where you go to get the return time for ANY ride in either park, so you don't have to go to every ride.

Watch the parade and fireworks near Small World. Do a meal package or dessert party for Paint the Night and World of Color.

Buy MaxPass for the people who want to do the thrill rides.

 

[figment_jii]

Also, this may sound ridiculous, but is there any place one can watch the night time shows/parades without crowds of people pressing into you? We've given up on parades entirely at WDW. Should we plan to do dining package after dining package? That's how we have handled WDW when we want a nighttime show.

I do think it depends a lot on when you're going and what the general crowd levels will be. If you going when the parks are likely to be busy, it'll be hard to find a spot to view the nighttime shows where there won't be a lot of other guests unless you're willing to to only see part of the show(s). I think it also depends on what level of crowd density he can handle...

For WoC, I think the only option is the dessert party...at least that one comes with a seat, so there is some room between guests. The dining package viewing areas are just like the FP viewing areas, just more centrally located. It's still standing room only and people tend to bunch up. I suppose you might be okay if you're willing to be in the very back of the viewing area, but even then it's possible that the area might be pretty full all around you (and a walkway behind you).

For F!, the RBT premium package is again probably your best bet. You remain at your table for the show, but the view isn't the best. The other dining package viewing area has a better view, but it can be pretty high density, especially towards the front. The back of the viewing area is where the ECVs/wheelchairs and behind them is the walkway. You could try being back there, but I don't think they'll be a lot of empty space.

For fireworks, I agree your best option is down by IaSW (compared to Main Street and the Rivers of America). Usually there is less people there, but it doesn't mean that it'll be empty. Just note, that if he's sound-sensitive, the explosions are very loud (louder than on Main Street). Another option, if you only want to see the high fireworks, is to watch from the Esplanade. It's a popular location, but there is usually room to move around (i.e., space around you) as long as you aren't trying to watch from the middle (we watched once closer to the DCA side and the view was good). You can't hear the music or see any of the projections, but it's a less crowded option outside the park. You can also see some of the bursts (again, no projections or music) from over in Critter Country.

For parades, in addition to the other advice, I think your best bet is to aim for the second showing whenever possible. It's usually a little less busy than the first showings.

 

[tzeitel]

The DAS can be used on all rides, not just FP rides. It's way easier to use it at DL vs. WDW. There are kiosks set up around the parks where you go to get the return time for ANY ride in either park, so you don't have to go to every ride.

Watch the parade and fireworks near Small World. Do a meal package or dessert party for Paint the Night and World of Color.

Buy MaxPass for the people who want to do the thrill rides.

This! We have used DAS at both WDW and DLR and it is much easier at DLR (although I do love the Magic Bands). Super easy to get a return time, super easy to use at non FP rides (Peter Pan, Alice, etc). We always seem to stumble upon parades and fireworks and the best spot has always been (for us) near Small World. Even when it was the 60th and ppl were camping out for hours we watched PtN twice with very little wait (like 10-15 minutes) and were standing behind the ppl sitting on the curb. For WoC I highly recommend the dessert party.

 

[Golden Rose]

Thanks for the helpful responses. We'll get MaxPass for the whole crew, except possibly me and DS (since he can't stand being left alone). I'll plan to book dining packages to give him space at evening shows. Doing the second show for evening performances/parades isn't an option for us; we're coming from Texas and the younger kids will be exhausted too early.

I am starting to think all we will have is character meals and dining package meals! So be it.

 

[tzeitel]

Thanks for the helpful responses. We'll get MaxPass for the whole crew, except possibly me and DS (since he can't stand being left alone). I'll plan to book dining packages to give him space at evening shows. Doing the second show for evening performances/parades isn't an option for us; we're coming from Texas and the younger kids will be exhausted too early.

I am starting to think all we will have is character meals and dining package meals! So be it.

I am a big fan of the DLR dining packages. We have done the WoC dessert party and the dining package, for the 60th we did the PtN package. This May we are doing the F! BB package, the PtN Sonoma Terrace reception. DD and I have a day by ourselves and we are doing the Plaza Inn Pixar parade package and the F! HB package. Really wish there was a package for the Together Forever fireworks. Those are a life saver for families with kids with disabilities - heck I think I would still do them if DD was neurotypical, I hate to wait too long for parades and fireworks!

 

[Bigrob37]

Just a FYI about the Nemo subs, if you didnt actually want to go down on the subs they have an outpost. There is a private room that simulates everything that you see on the sub with out actually riding them. All you have to do is go to the entrance and ask to visit the outpost. Usually no waiting.

 

[gottalovepluto]

On the dining packages: careful, we have many different kinds and some just include a better view while standing & the crowds surround you. WOC Dessert party will be great for him, very removed from the crowds & seating. Fantasmic Riverbelle Terrace seating package would do something similar. Sonoma Terrace is supposed to have some sort of dessert party for PTN, reviews are just trickling in for that so read those to learn about the crowds & views. Fireworks are a no go for you at the castle imho. Idk what the view is like from Riverbelle Terrace but crowds watching Fantasmic are encouraged to stay after the first showing of Fantasmic to see the fireworks show & Rivers of America is supposed to have some special effects with it.

 

[Golden Rose]

Ok, no fireworks front and center... I'm going to try to book the Riverbelle Terrace for Fantasmic, and hope we can see something, anything, of the fireworks from our seats. BB package will be our backup, if we can't get it, I suppose, and hope we can find a spot in the reserved seating area that isn't too crowded?

For Paint the Night and WOC, is it possible to do both on the same night? WOC should be back open by the time we go (July), if rumors are correct. Could we actually do something like go from the Paint the Night reception to a WOC dessert party? Or is that ridiculous? We only have two full park days, plus a morning. (My friend has family in the area, so we won't be just doing Disney.) My son's list of rides he wants to do is fairly short, so I'm hoping we can knock those out and then let him go back to the resort for downtime after lunch, then go back at night for the nighttime entertainment.

Thanks for the advice! I'm feeling a little less nervous.

 

[az4boys]

We've really enjoyed watching fireworks from the Rivers of America, near the area of Haunted Mansion and the train station. They have the soundtrack playing and they might have projections on the water screen.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Ok, no fireworks front and center... I'm going to try to book the Riverbelle Terrace for Fantasmic, and hope we can see something, anything, of the fireworks from our seats. BB package will be our backup, if we can't get it, I suppose, and hope we can find a spot in the reserved seating area that isn't too crowded?

For Paint the Night and WOC, is it possible to do both on the same night? WOC should be back open by the time we go (July), if rumors are correct. Could we actually do something like go from the Paint the Night reception to a WOC dessert party? Or is that ridiculous? We only have two full park days, plus a morning. (My friend has family in the area, so we won't be just doing Disney.) My son's list of rides he wants to do is fairly short, so I'm hoping we can knock those out and then let him go back to the resort for downtime after lunch, then go back at night for the nighttime entertainment.

Thanks for the advice! I'm feeling a little less nervous.

We've watched the fireworks from the BB viewing area -- it's not super crowded (nothing like the castle area). For F!, the seating is on the ground, if that's all right with your family. For fireworks, the CMs asked us all to stand, and everyone moved toward the water. Depending on the night, the BB area can get relatively (but not densely) crowded. If your family will be able to make a circle/buffer area around your son, that should help make more space for him to watch F! and fireworks. I don't know what the fireworks view is like from RBT. Maybe someone who's watched from there will post here.

It should be possible to watch PTN and WOC on the same night, especially if both shows are running twice. Someone recently posted that he watched the first PTN, then went immediately to check in for the WOC Dessert Party after the parade had ended. He didn't have tons of time in between, but it was possible, especially since he viewed the parade right by the WOC check in area (very smart!).

 

[agamble]

Since you mentioned character meals I'm going to suggest you go with an early seating to help with crowds. We've done Minnie's breakfast at the earliest time and it is very mellow compared with the times we've done it later.

 

[Golden Rose]

We've watched the fireworks from the BB viewing area -- it's not super crowded (nothing like the castle area). For F!, the seating is on the ground, if that's all right with your family. For fireworks, the CMs asked us all to stand, and everyone moved toward the water. Depending on the night, the BB area can get relatively (but not densely) crowded. If your family will be able to make a circle/buffer area around your son, that should help make more space for him to watch F! and fireworks. I don't know what the fireworks view is like from RBT. Maybe someone who's watched from there will post here.

It should be possible to watch PTN and WOC on the same night, especially if both shows are running twice. Someone recently posted that he watched the first PTN, then went immediately to check in for the WOC Dessert Party after the parade had ended. He didn't have tons of time in between, but it was possible, especially since he viewed the parade right by the WOC check in area (very smart!).

That is a great idea!

How loud are the fireworks if you are watching near F! ? Should I bring him ear plugs and noise canceling headphones? We watch WDW fireworks from nearby resorts most of the time because being too close to the fireworks is difficult for him. (They used to be impossible, and he would have panic attacks/meltdowns, but he can manage now if he has room to pace and do deep breathing exercises. )

 

[Golden Rose]

Since you mentioned character meals I'm going to suggest you go with an early seating to help with crowds. We've done Minnie's breakfast at the earliest time and it is very mellow compared with the times we've done it later.

Minnie's breakfast is one of the ones we are looking at. We were sort of hoping to do it later in the morning after we had a chance to do some rides during EMH. Do you think it is a bad idea to put it off? Do you feel like it is generally a good use of your time?

We're planning on Goofy's Kitchen on the last day. We thought we'd probably have breakfast at Goofy's and let the kids swim, then pack up and head out. Or maybe leave the bags with bell services and spend some time in Downtown Disney. (We're not currently planning to go to a park on the last day. If we're paying that much for a resort, we should all get a chance to enjoy it!)

 

[gottalovepluto]

That is a great idea!

How loud are the fireworks if you are watching near F! ? Should I bring him ear plugs and noise canceling headphones? We watch WDW fireworks from nearby resorts most of the time because being too close to the fireworks is difficult for him. (They used to be impossible, and he would have panic attacks/meltdowns, but he can manage now if he has room to pace and do deep breathing exercises. )

“Room to pace.” I’m gonna say it: skip BB Fantasmic package EVEN IF IT’S YOUR ONLY WAY TO SEE IT. 100% skip it. “Room to pace” cannot be guaranteed even in the B.B. reserved area. (Also, DON’T try to watch Fantasmic/fireworks from the train station. The flood of people that hit the train station as it starts to finish is insane, it sounds like your kid could have serious problems with that much crowd coming at him.) Doom & gloom aside I think you’ll be fine because you should be able to get Riverbelle Terrace if you book the week your window opens. We’re not WDW, stuff doesn’t book out the first hour it opens out here. It doesn’t even book out in the first week.

Saw a review on the Carthay PTN package. They set up directors chairs next to the parade route from which to view the parade so that might be another nice option.

YES on the noise cancelling headphones/ear plugs. Our fireworks are just as loud as any good fireworks show (admittedly WDW Park-surrounding fireworks is a level up from ours!) and the park is small so they’re loud everywhere in DL (unless you’re in a ride at the time). Best to have what you might need on hand just in case. The restaurant might provide you an extra level of safety here where if he can’t handle it you could take him inside.

Fantasmic is loud imho (I’m sensitive to noise & crowds too) so you may find he needs the earplugs for that and if he’s happiest watching fireworks from nearby resorts at WDW you will need the noise cancelling headphones for the fireworks show, even from the Terrace.

 

[gottalovepluto]

...We're planning on Goofy's Kitchen on the last day. We thought we'd probably have breakfast at Goofy's and let the kids swim, then pack up and head out. Or maybe leave the bags with bell services and spend some time in Downtown Disney. (We're not currently planning to go to a park on the last day. If we're paying that much for a resort, we should all get a chance to enjoy it!)

Sounds like the perfect way to cap off your trip!! Check out is 11am FYI, I did once get a noon check-out but I had to call first thing check-out morning and ask.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

The noise cancelling headphones and/or earplugs are a good idea. I am sensitive to loud noises and carry earplugs with me at all times -- they get used a LOT at DLR (for all rides, all shows and parades -- fireworks, F!, PTN, & WOC are LOUD, and in many restaurants).
If room to pace is a necessity, I would book the RBT Premium F! Dining Package (seated at tables on the RBT Patio for dinner during the first show -- this can only be booked by phone) and ask specifically for a back row table. Then your family will be able to stand to see the show (no one will be behind you) and your son will be able to pace behind or beside the table without disturbing anyone. Same for the WOC Dessert Party -- ask for a back row table that isn't near the bar. There will be room behind for pacing without disturbing anyone. Just mention to a CM that you might need a little space and why. Make sure the CMs know why you need the extra space so that they can place your family where pacing won't disturb/distract other guests or be a safety issue.

ETA:
One option for watching fireworks: when our youngest was going through his difficulty-with-fireworks phase (loved the fireworks, but was so afraid of many things connected to the show), we used to watch from inside Plaza Inn (from the solarium, on the TL side by the rockets). You can still see the castle, the lights are on, you are inside, seated at a table there is plenty of room, there is some buffer from the noise, and chocolate cake helps soothe a multitude of ills.

 

[tzeitel]

DD uses her headphones for fireworks. Have not done F! at DLR so not sure how loud it is - she doesn't need them at WDW's F! but I will have them with us when we see F! on our upcoming trip jic.

She also doesn't need them on the rides, but she has gone to DLR enough that she is comfortable with the rides and knows what to expect. First trip the only other thing that freaked her out (noise wise) was Mr. Potato Head outside TSM

 

[agamble]

Minnie's breakfast is one of the ones we are looking at. We were sort of hoping to do it later in the morning after we had a chance to do some rides during EMH. Do you think it is a bad idea to put it off? Do you feel like it is generally a good use of your time?

We're planning on Goofy's Kitchen on the last day. We thought we'd probably have breakfast at Goofy's and let the kids swim, then pack up and head out. Or maybe leave the bags with bell services and spend some time in Downtown Disney. (We're not currently planning to go to a park on the last day. If we're paying that much for a resort, we should all get a chance to enjoy it!)

Minnies gets crowded and they also have outside seating. If he's ok at a table of your own with crowds you can do any time but the earliest seating is pretty empty. If you go closer to last seating it will become less crowded over time, but you might feel rushed or miss some characters. Morning is prime ride time, so you'll have to choose what's most important. We've never been to Goofys so I'm not sure of the crowd situation there.