Disneyland and Autism?

[friedela]

We did DW about a year ago and while it was an amazing trip, the waiting in lines and crowds part was difficult for my high-functioning autistic daughter. I have heard that DL offers help to autistic kids, just wondering if anyone has utilized it? What do they offer exactly (their website info is vague) and did it make a difference for your LO?

 

[DLgal]

We did DW about a year ago and while it was an amazing trip, the waiting in lines and crowds part was difficult for my high-functioning autistic daughter. I have heard that DL offers help to autistic kids, just wondering if anyone has utilized it? What do they offer exactly (their website info is vague) and did it make a difference for your LO?

Yes, we use the DAS (Disability Access Service). We have 2 autistic sons and get the DAS for one of them and it helps immensely. Basically, it is a system whereby you can avoid waiting in the traditional line. You get a return time to come back (equal to the standby wait time) and you use the Fastpass line or enter through an alternate entrance (it's ride dependent). This allows you to hold your place in line while not needing to actually stand in line. You can do other things while you wait (eat, rest, ride another ride, etc). You can only have one active return time at a time. Its an open ended window, not a set hour lime Fastpass. Example: Big Thunder Mountain has a 45 min wait and it is 1pm You get a return time. You are told you can come back and ride ANYTIME after 1:45. Once that time hits, you can return to the ride and you will get to use the Fastpass line. It is all done electronically by scanning tickets. You will scan in at the ride, same as a Fastpass.

In order to obtain a return time, you will go to any of the several kiosks set around the parks, staffed by Guest Relations "Plaids." You need the ticket of the DAS holder (although that person does not actually need to go with you to the kiosk). You tell them which ride you would like a return time for and they will issue it.

In order to obtain the DAS, you must visit guest relations inside either park to inquire about it. Your daughter will need to be present, as they will take her picture. They will ask you how waiting in line is difficult for your daughter. They do not want to hear her diagnosis or condition, but they need to know why the traditional lines don't work for her and what kinds of things happen when she is subject to them. The DAS, once issued, is linked to the entire party's tickets (so make sure you have all of them with you). It is good for length of stay.

FWIW, WDW also offers this service.

 

[Aladora]

DLgal covered just about everything I was going to say but if you have any other questions and prefer to chat privately, please feel free to send me a pm. We have been taking our 13 year old to DL and WDW since he was 6 and have used the DAS (as well as the previous version, GAC) since his first trip.

 

[Lauren in NC]

Also check out the disAbilities forum, too, if you have other questions! My son is high functioning, so we actually managed to do everything with MaxPass on our last trip and only used the DAS once. We also have a system of taking breaks in quiet areas and letting him recharge, but all of that is going to be specific to your kid.

Instead of waiting at Guest Relations, I've been able to get the DAS at any of the plaid-staffed kiosks. I'm not sure if that's just because we were renewing it, or if they'll do it all the time, but it might save you a wait in line!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... Instead of waiting at Guest Relations, I've been able to get the DAS at any of the plaid-staffed kiosks. I'm not sure if that's just because we were renewing it, or if they'll do it all the time, but it might save you a wait in line!

For a first time DAS request, I would suggest going to City Hall or Chamber of Commerce. Lately, CMs have been sending guests there even for renewals, not sure why. I've been able to renew at the kiosks, but only after CMs have tried to send me to either CH or CoC first. And recently I've seen them send first time requesters to CC and COC more than once, so it would probably be safer to just start there first. Chamber of Commerce tends to have a shorter line.

 

[friedela]

Thanks everyone! We were not planning on buying the maxpass system, if we have this Disability pass will we be ok in terms of DD having to wait in long lineups? I want to do the maxpass system because it's what we are used to at DW, but it's hard to justify the cost, especially because we are paying even more with the exchange.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Thanks everyone! We were not planning on buying the maxpass system, if we have this Disability pass will we be ok in terms of DD having to wait in long lineups? I want to do the maxpass system because it's what we are used to at DW, but it's hard to justify the cost, especially because we are paying even more with the exchange.

Before making your decision, make sure to read through this thread carefully: Maxpass/Fastpass: an overview and some strategy. There is very good information there. The FP/MP system at DLR is not the same as the system at WDW (most people agree that the system at DLR is much better). The DLR FP system can work together with DAS so you can hold two different return times simultaneously. The difference is that FP/MP has a set return window and DAS allows you to return any time after your return window opens. And you don't have to purchase MP to use FP. Non-digital FP is still free at DLR. All that is explained in the above thread. Occasionally there will be somewhat of a wait at the FP return line (sometimes a longer wait, e.g. RSR if the ride has been down and has just come back up). Be aware of this and keep an eye on the lines. Usually the return lines move pretty quickly. You may want to try the free FPs for a day to see how they work together with DAS, then purchase MP for one of your busiest days. That could be an option for you.

 

[Aladora]

Thanks everyone! We were not planning on buying the maxpass system, if we have this Disability pass will we be ok in terms of DD having to wait in long lineups? I want to do the maxpass system because it's what we are used to at DW, but it's hard to justify the cost, especially because we are paying even more with the exchange.

I hear ya on the exchange, we're in BC so I know the pain of US-CAD exchange.

The Maxpass system and FP+ are really quite different. We've used both and IMHO Maxpass blows FP+ out of the water in every way with the exception of having to pay for it.

It is really hard to justify the extra cost, especially after adding in the extra 35% exchange but having done DL before and after Maxpass in combination with using the DAS, I was amazed at how much we were able to get done and how infrequently we had to use our son's DAS.

One thing you may want to try is to do your first day with just the DAS and regular paper FP. If you find that your DD is still having a lot of issues with waiting then the next day you can buy Maxpass and compare. Since you don't seem to be buying maxpass in advance, you add it on a day at a time on the day of so you are not locked into having to get it for every day of your trip.

 

[pixarmom]

Also check out the disAbilities forum, too, if you have other questions! My son is high functioning, so we actually managed to do everything with MaxPass on our last trip and only used the DAS once. We also have a system of taking breaks in quiet areas and letting him recharge, but all of that is going to be specific to your kid.

Instead of waiting at Guest Relations, I've been able to get the DAS at any of the plaid-staffed kiosks. I'm not sure if that's just because we were renewing it, or if they'll do it all the time, but it might save you a wait in line!

Same here for us. Youngest son is high functioning autism and uses DAC at WDW. But at DL, maxpass was perfect and absolutely worth the cost. We decided not to request additional assistance at DL because maxpass was just that great. The DL system with maxpass worked for him because he could see the choices on the app and didn’t need to go to the kiosk or attraction. It helped him to sit in a quiet place and we could determine what he could tolerate in terms of additional maxpass. On the other hand, he rarely does more than 3 or 4 rides in a park on a visit before needing a resort break, so he may be different from others in that regard.