Disability Pass - advice requested

[AnnM45]

Hi everyone, I hope you can help me. We have travelled to WDW from Ireland every 2nd year since 2012. Our daughter is on the Autism Spectrum and we have always gotten a DAS for her to help with her anxiety in lines. In 2012 the pass worked a dream, but since they changed the pass requirements and since she has gotten older it has become more difficult to use. In 2014,16, and particularly in 2018, we faced difficulties with Cast Members accessing the rides. She finds it difficult to go through the registration process where “everyone is looking” at her. She is very aware and self conscious of her disabilities. On each of the previous visits at AK, Epcot, and worst of all MK when we were in line and got to the check in place the CM would say in a loud voice various things such as - who in your party has The disability - where is Abby, she’s the one with the disability - Abby has to go first, she’s the disabled one - etc etc. she has been brought to tears on several occasions on each of our last 3 vacations. She’s mortified by the way she is spoken about in public, and feels totally humiliated. On each of these occasions I’ve complained to Guest Services but didn’t really get any satisfaction.

So my question is this - we go again this year at Easter and I’m wondering is there a way to register her with Guest Services but to have the cast member look for me when we’re in line. Otherwise I think she will,decline to use the card because of past experiences and he anxiety won’t permit her to wait in line, so she will lose out on all of her beloved rides.

Any advice greatly appreciated - it’s my first pos so please be kind - thank you

 

[lanejudy]

I would make sure Abby scans first when you return to ride. The DAS-holder must scan first to use the DAS return time, so having her do that should prevent further questions.

When first requesting DAS at Guest Relations, she can wait off to the side while you speak with the CM and explain her needs as well as her anxiety obtaining DAS. She would only need to join you for her picture.

To obtain a DAS return time, she doesn’t need to be present. Any other person in your party can do that.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[gap2368]

I would talk to GS about your daughter needs and let them know what happened in the pass when she went to use her return time ( she should scan first) but you can ask at GR if they will take your picture instead ( they do this for little ones and might for her) just know you will have to do the rides since it will be your picture

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

What I would do if it were me, would be to get the DAS in my name or my husbands. I would explain my child’s needs as my own (or his) and have them use our picture. That way the CM is calling to someone other than my child. BUT I am a strict rule follower and wouldn’t do anything shady other than make it so my child doesn’t feel singled out.

 

[Lilsia]

I have never had them call out the name. I have never even had them bring up the word disability or talk in a loud voice when assigning a DAS. I am sorry if this happened to you because I really don't think that is normal for them to do. Always have the DAS holder scan the band first. This will eliminate 90% of what the problem was. At guest services, someone else can talk to the cast member to get her the DAS. Since she has had it in the past, it should be a much easier process. They will probably want to retake her picture but there is no avoiding that. I would just be very pro active with your group to make sure that she scans her MB first at the rides where you have the DAS. No one will be able to tell that you are in the FP line because of a DAS or just a regular FP if you do it that way. Have a great trip.

 

[jeal]

There is great information on Disney’s site. Search for Guests with Disabilities Frequently Asked Questions.
I hope you have a better experience this time.

 

[Sandisw]

I am really sorry this has happened to you. I have never experienced it like that. I just walk up to a ride and say, I need a DAS return time, scan my band, they verify how many are in my party and off we go,

When we return, I scan first and then the rest, The CMs have never even said anything to me so I think if you have her scan first, with you directing her, it should be fine,

At GR, if she has had one before, there is probably a record of it and they will set it up. I don’t even explain anymore, just say I need to set up my DAS. A few trips ago, the CM did ask if I had it before, and I said yes, but in October, they just took a new picture and that was it!

Good luck!

 

[5kidsmommy]

I'm really sorry she had that experience. Your experience doesn't sound like what we had. I only had one issue once when I went to get a return time and there was an issue DAS no being recognized. We had used it earlier in the day. The CM wrote out a hard copy pass for us. We found everyone to be very accommodating on our last trip even though we only spent a couple hours in the parks each day.

 

[gap2368]

As other have said I too have not had a problem when going back for a ride but most of the time I am alone so I scan first. The most any CM has said when the light goes blue is. They start to say “ you don’t” as they walk or look at the screen followed by “ your good” this might happen once every 30 times I use my DAS so not that often As others have said just make sure for the DAS she goes first
You can always talk to GE about her needs and concerns and see if they can do something like late one of you have your picture taken

 

[montreid]

Setup for success.

1. DAS holder scans first eliminates most issues.
2. DAS ride.buddy stands right next to the DAS holder in between the CM and scanner announce DAS rider right when the blue hue shows up. CM training usually kicks in without issue.
3. We have the last rider make sure to tell CM to clear anyone not riding that ride to make sure. I issues with next return time

This pattern works best for us . Hope this new system works better for you this time around