I have a DD who utilizes the
DAS at
Disneyland. I actually found it very easy and it worked out great for us. I also believe that Aladora posted her experience and how she worked the DAS for her child.
We did a combination of DAS return times and FP's. In Disneyland, there are kiosks where you receive your return times - I believe there are 3 per park.
The thing to keep in mind is to always have an active return time. For example, we decided what ride to go on, got a return time for that and then had lunch. When leaving the park for an afternoon break, we got a return time for like California Screamin. Another thing to keep in mind is that you can get a return time for an attraction across the park and the time is spent walking over to the attraction.
I still did the morning run for a FP for RSR, which at the time they were not connected to anything else, so I also got a FP for Soarin'
Yes, it took a little more planning, but, no more than anyone else does.
Before we left, I had my DD write a list of what attractions she wanted to experience. She decided using videos online, Disneyland.com, and the official guide book. She had a great time with her planning. When in the parks she decided what she wanted to do next. A lot of times it was asking the return times at the kiosk and deciding. They were extremely patient with my DD as she decided from her list. Once she had either a DAS return time or a FP, my DD kept track of the time when she could ride. This worked great once she realized that a DAS return time didn't end. The first day she seemed obsessed at being at the ride at the exact time but she soon caught on.
Also keep in mind that while you can go to the ride any time after your return time listed on the card, you can't get another return time until the orginal is crossed off. For example, if you have a return time for Splash at 10:20am and your child decides they don't want to ride Splash at 10:20am, you have to go to a kiosk to get that time crossed off and you can then receive another return time for another attraction. The time you waited for Splash will not be transferred to the other attraction.
When you approach the attraction with your DAS card, I have my DD hand it to the CM that is where you first approach the attraction. Under the GAC, I made my DD establish eye contact and tell them that she wanted to ride and ask where she should line up. The DAS is no different to me. My DD approaches the CM establishes eye contact, says that she has a return time and hands the CM her card. The CM's have been very good about directing us where we should go.
I try really hard to use places like Disney as teachable moments for social interactions and other things. I am not sure what level your DS is at, but, I give my DD a gift card with XX amount loaded on it. She has a notebook with the amount and she uses it to purchase things and has to keep track of her total. This also used up some time while waiting for our return times. I have her calculate tips at restaurants, etc. This was the norm in our family when I was growing up, each child had a day and the budget, the map, etc. So that is normal for my DD. Disney is a great, safe place for learning. Adding the DAS return times was and is just natural.
I noticed that you will be there during Halloween and MHP. Keep in mind that the DAS return times are not used during the time of the party - at least that is what I've been told. We are going to be there during that same time and are planning on attending the party. My plan is to not ride any attractions, but, focus on the parade, fireworks, trick-or-treating, and the extra things that aren't available during the day.
Good luck! You will find a way to have the DAS work for your family. Go with a flexible, open mind. I found it was a much more enjoyable trip and we were much more relaxed. There was time to breathe and not be running from attraction to attraction.
