Do I need a DAS?

[smitch425]

I'm sure Disney employs plenty of lawyers that are well versed in ADA compliance, so Im sure they know what they are doing. If you choose not to use a mobility device at their suggestion, that is on you, not them. Take things at your own pace and utilize FP and rope drop when possible. Any way you choose to tour the parks, will include some combination of walking, sitting or standing still. There is no way to avoid that. You might not get everything accomplished, but that's just how life is when you have physical limitations.

 

[livndisney]

But that's not the situation that *I* was describing. My problem is standing still for long periods of time. Yes, the OP is concerned with people in a "cattle corral" type area and balance issues, but I'm talking about the physical act of standing still. The 40 minutes I spent in the single rider line at Rip Ride Rockit, for example, caused much more pain than spending 18 straight hours walking around IoA/USF/HHN and not waiting in lines due to the Express Pass and lines for stuff I wanted to see not being long in general (except for RRR, and 40 min is by *FAR* the longest I've ever waited for a single rider line). A wheelchair would do nothing for me, because I wouldn't be able to roll it myself, and an ECV is an expense that I can't afford. The Universal trip (as well as this upcoming Disney trip I'm taking with the two people with vision disabilities) are through our college, so there's not an option of "shortening the trip" by a night, and TS was *NEVER* a consideration for us (we're all on board the "eat cheap I'm getting kid's meals" plan). The trip is going to be $375 for the weekend, plus food. Adding $150 (40% of the cost of the trip itself ... and $150 is probably more than I would spend on food the entire weekend) for an ECV for 3 days is more than just "skipping a TS meal", and is considerably more than a "drop in the bucket for a Disney vacation". Even $80 for an offsite one for 3 days is more than just one TS meal. I would think a DAS to allow me to sit on a bench near the loading platform for x amount of time equal to the queue wait time would be a reasonable accommodation, too. Apparently I have a *HUGE* misconception about the ADA.



The way I understand that, requesting a reasonable accommodation (access to a bench) from Disney and being told "no, you have to rent one of our wheelchairs/EVCs" as similar to going to an airport and being told "you can't bring your scooter in here, but you can rent one of our wheelchairs", or getting a hotel room and being charged extra because they only have certain rooms available that the service animal would be allowed in. Access to a bench would *NOT* "fundamentally alter the nature of the good, service, facility, privilege, advantage, or accommodation being offered or would result in an undue burden" to Disney.



Again, to me, that means that *ANY* "aid", if available, must be provided. Since a bench/seated waiting area would be readily available, I understand it to mean that the bench could not be denied, since in my situation it would be the best option.

I don't see being told that a wheelchair is the only option is any different from being provided the assisted listening devices or the verbal description devices to deaf/blind people. They aren't charged to rent them, they only pay a deposit that gets refunded at the end of the day. Same thing with providing a sign language interpreter; by your logic, if they needed one that badly, they should have either brought one with them or just dealt with not having one.

Found this on an ADA law Q&A section:


Again, from this, it seems to me if a wheelchair is the only option that they are willing to entertain, they shouldn't require me to pay for it.

I'm not trying to be obstinate about it, just trying to understand why Disney would say "my way (and you pay) or the highway", rather than making an accommodation that doesn't put any strain on their systems or cost anyone anything at all.

I'm sorry, are you asking that WDW provide you with a bench to sit on in every line as a reasonable accommodation?

 

[JillyBean1899]

I'm sorry, are you asking that WDW provide you with a bench to sit on in every line as a reasonable accommodation?

Not *IN* the line, no. I'm not completely stupid. I've worked in theme parks for 5 years and know what types of accommodations are available, even if some are on a ride by ride/discretion of the employee basis. Even the ability to sit on a bench somewhere near the attraction until the wait time is over, or something similar to the area where they would allow guests with sensory disorders to wait outside of the physical queue, heck even the baby swap area would be fine.

Yeah, I know, people would abuse it because they just don't want to stand. That's going to happen any time you aren't required to provide proof of a diagnosis/letter from your doctor stating why you need the accommodation. But if I took a wheelchair, I'd feel like I'm abusing the system, because a wheelchair is for *TRANSPORTING* people, which I don't need.

 

[smitch425]

a wheelchair is for *TRANSPORTING* people, which I don't need.

Seriously? Wheelchairs are needed for more than just transport.

 

[Michigan]

But that's not the situation that *I* was describing. My problem is standing still for long periods of time. Yes, the OP is concerned with people in a "cattle corral" type area and balance issues, but I'm talking about the physical act of standing still. The 40 minutes I spent in the single rider line at Rip Ride Rockit, for example, caused much more pain than spending 18 straight hours walking around IoA/USF/HHN and not waiting in lines due to the Express Pass and lines for stuff I wanted to see not being long in general (except for RRR, and 40 min is by *FAR* the longest I've ever waited for a single rider line). A wheelchair would do nothing for me, because I wouldn't be able to roll it myself, and an ECV is an expense that I can't afford. The Universal trip (as well as this upcoming Disney trip I'm taking with the two people with vision disabilities) are through our college, so there's not an option of "shortening the trip" by a night, and TS was *NEVER* a consideration for us (we're all on board the "eat cheap I'm getting kid's meals" plan). The trip is going to be $375 for the weekend, plus food. Adding $150 (40% of the cost of the trip itself ... and $150 is probably more than I would spend on food the entire weekend) for an ECV for 3 days is more than just "skipping a TS meal", and is considerably more than a "drop in the bucket for a Disney vacation". Even $80 for an offsite one for 3 days is more than just one TS meal. I would think a DAS to allow me to sit on a bench near the loading platform for x amount of time equal to the queue wait time would be a reasonable accommodation, too. Apparently I have a *HUGE* misconception about the ADA.



The way I understand that, requesting a reasonable accommodation (access to a bench) from Disney and being told "no, you have to rent one of our wheelchairs/EVCs" as similar to going to an airport and being told "you can't bring your scooter in here, but you can rent one of our wheelchairs", or getting a hotel room and being charged extra because they only have certain rooms available that the service animal would be allowed in. Access to a bench would *NOT* "fundamentally alter the nature of the good, service, facility, privilege, advantage, or accommodation being offered or would result in an undue burden" to Disney.



Again, to me, that means that *ANY* "aid", if available, must be provided. Since a bench/seated waiting area would be readily available, I understand it to mean that the bench could not be denied, since in my situation it would be the best option.

I don't see being told that a wheelchair is the only option is any different from being provided the assisted listening devices or the verbal description devices to deaf/blind people. They aren't charged to rent them, they only pay a deposit that gets refunded at the end of the day. Same thing with providing a sign language interpreter; by your logic, if they needed one that badly, they should have either brought one with them or just dealt with not having one.

Found this on an ADA law Q&A section:


Again, from this, it seems to me if a wheelchair is the only option that they are willing to entertain, they shouldn't require me to pay for it.

I'm not trying to be obstinate about it, just trying to understand why Disney would say "my way (and you pay) or the highway", rather than making an accommodation that doesn't put any strain on their systems or cost anyone anything at all.

They aren't required by law to even provide you with a wheelchair to rent.

If you need a bench buy one of these canes with a seat and you can sit in the line while you wait for $37 http://www.walmart.com/ip/Revolutio...bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&findingMethod=p13n

 

[smitch425]

They aren't required by law to even provide you with a wheelchair to rent.

If you need a bench buy one of these canes with a seat and you can sit in the line while you wait for $37 http://www.walmart.com/ip/Revolutio...bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&findingMethod=p13n

Those are not allowed in the parks. They are a tripping hazard.

 

[Michigan]

Those are not allowed in the parks. They are a tripping hazard.

As an annual pass holder that goes at least once a week during the six months we live down here I see them all the time.

 

[smitch425]

As an annual pass holder that goes at least once a week during the six months we live down here I see them all the time.

I have seen CMs deny guests from using them multiple times, including my own family members. They may not be strict about them all of the time, but they cannot be relied on being able to be used, and folding chairs are listed as a prohibited item. I will say that the times I have seen them denied have been at night for the parade, so it is possible that they are less strict about them during daylight hours.

 

[married2mm]

They aren't required by law to even provide you with a wheelchair to rent.

If you need a bench buy one of these canes with a seat and you can sit in the line while you wait for $37 http://www.walmart.com/ip/Revolutio...bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&findingMethod=p13n

Are these allowed in the parks or not?
Can you buy in-store or only online?

 

[I Love Pluto]

The DAS will not provide what you are expecting. You will have to find some way to wait in line.

Example - After using a DAS - we still waited 35 minutes in the FP+ line. It does not cut out lines. It places those with disabled needs further apart - making it much easier for the CMs.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Those are not allowed in the parks. They are a tripping hazard.

I believe that they (canes with seats) are allowed at Disneyland.

 

[Schmeck]

Sounds more like a "sensory issue" which is one of the code words for a CM to grant you a DAS. Based on what you have posted, you have no business being in the regular queue.

One of these days Disney is going to realize that their parks are physically demanding and those with physical disabilities need special attention passes like the DAS whereas those who have no physical disabilities yet are receiving special treatment, would actually benefit from experiencing the challenges of a queue.

Seriously? Giving hints on how to milk the system, sounds like something that is banned on the DIS.

Balance does not mean sensory in the way you are insinuating. The OP talked about legs giving out, getting bumped into, etc.

And are you really serious about the physically demanding aspect of the park? Walking to and from the attractions is the most physically demanding part of WDW, and no DAS covers any of that. Or are you just being sarcastic? I'm tired, so my sarcasm meter is a bit wonky.

 

[Schmeck]

B
Found this on an ADA law Q&A section:


Again, from this, it seems to me if a wheelchair is the only option that they are willing to entertain, they shouldn't require me to pay for it.

I'm not trying to be obstinate about it, just trying to understand why Disney would say "my way (and you pay) or the highway", rather than making an accommodation that doesn't put any strain on their systems or cost anyone anything at all.

You are applying an education situation to an entertainment one - apples vs. oranges.

 

[smitch425]

I believe that they (canes with seats) are allowed at Disneyland.

Yes, they are. They are listed as acceptable for Disneyland, but that wording is not listed for Disney World parks.

I also remember someone trying to use one in the PPF queue during the day, and the CM told them it needed to be folded.

 

[Mrsjvb]

Those are not allowed in the parks. They are a tripping hazard.

incorrect they ( and rollators) are permitted and are everywhere.

Jillybean if your issue is standing still then NOTHING will fix it at any theme/amusement park. you will stand still for anywhere from 5 minutes to over an hour. furthermore there are places that a 'bench to sit at during the waiting time' will not be an option.. in line for a character greeting(* DAS does not apply) nor for lines at QS dining locales. or shopping or watching the parades or fireworks.

I too cannot stand rock still for long periods of time. Ironically I just spent 10-15 minutes at the DMV counter getting my Handicapped placard. the one I got because I cannot stand for long periods of time or walk more than a few feet before feeling it. you know how I got 'round it? I shifted, I took a step, I flexed a knee at a time.

just because you are not willing to use a WC does not mean Disney is in violation of anything. Just because the accommodations offered incur a cost does not mean the law is being broken.

just because you are on a budget does not mean you are entitled to any special consideration.

 

[Gracie09]

But that's not the situation that *I* was describing. My problem is standing still for long periods of time. Yes, the OP is concerned with people in a "cattle corral" type area and balance issues, but I'm talking about the physical act of standing still. The 40 minutes I spent in the single rider line at Rip Ride Rockit, for example, caused much more pain than spending 18 straight hours walking around IoA/USF/HHN and not waiting in lines due to the Express Pass and lines for stuff I wanted to see not being long in general (except for RRR, and 40 min is by *FAR* the longest I've ever waited for a single rider line). A wheelchair would do nothing for me, because I wouldn't be able to roll it myself, and an ECV is an expense that I can't afford. The Universal trip (as well as this upcoming Disney trip I'm taking with the two people with vision disabilities) are through our college, so there's not an option of "shortening the trip" by a night, and TS was *NEVER* a consideration for us (we're all on board the "eat cheap I'm getting kid's meals" plan). The trip is going to be $375 for the weekend, plus food. Adding $150 (40% of the cost of the trip itself ... and $150 is probably more than I would spend on food the entire weekend) for an ECV for 3 days is more than just "skipping a TS meal", and is considerably more than a "drop in the bucket for a Disney vacation". Even $80 for an offsite one for 3 days is more than just one TS meal. I would think a DAS to allow me to sit on a bench near the loading platform for x amount of time equal to the queue wait time would be a reasonable accommodation, too. Apparently I have a *HUGE* misconception about the ADA.



The way I understand that, requesting a reasonable accommodation (access to a bench) from Disney and being told "no, you have to rent one of our wheelchairs/EVCs" as similar to going to an airport and being told "you can't bring your scooter in here, but you can rent one of our wheelchairs", or getting a hotel room and being charged extra because they only have certain rooms available that the service animal would be allowed in. Access to a bench would *NOT* "fundamentally alter the nature of the good, service, facility, privilege, advantage, or accommodation being offered or would result in an undue burden" to Disney.



Again, to me, that means that *ANY* "aid", if available, must be provided. Since a bench/seated waiting area would be readily available, I understand it to mean that the bench could not be denied, since in my situation it would be the best option.

I don't see being told that a wheelchair is the only option is any different from being provided the assisted listening devices or the verbal description devices to deaf/blind people. They aren't charged to rent them, they only pay a deposit that gets refunded at the end of the day. Same thing with providing a sign language interpreter; by your logic, if they needed one that badly, they should have either brought one with them or just dealt with not having one.

Found this on an ADA law Q&A section:


Again, from this, it seems to me if a wheelchair is the only option that they are willing to entertain, they shouldn't require me to pay for it.

I'm not trying to be obstinate about it, just trying to understand why Disney would say "my way (and you pay) or the highway", rather than making an accommodation that doesn't put any strain on their systems or cost anyone anything at all.

The Ada is very specific that a place of public accommodation does not have to provide a personal aid such as a wheelchair, reading glasses, hearing aid etc. but a school is under an obligation to provide auxiliary aids such as note takers, oral reading of exams etc. it's apples and oranges.

 

[smitch425]

Regarding canes with seats, my comments are based on my family's experiences. Others have had different experiences and that is great. As mentioned on page 1, my husband now tours with his cane. If he thought a cane with a seat was acceptable, he would probably buy one, but given our experience, it is not something we would buy. YMMV.

 

[Carnie]

But that's not the situation that *I* was describing. My problem is standing still for long periods of time. Yes, the OP is concerned with people in a "cattle corral" type area and balance issues, but I'm talking about the physical act of standing still. The 40 minutes I spent in the single rider line at Rip Ride Rockit, for example, caused much more pain than spending 18 straight hours walking around IoA/USF/HHN and not waiting in lines due to the Express Pass and lines for stuff I wanted to see not being long in general (except for RRR, and 40 min is by *FAR* the longest I've ever waited for a single rider line).all.

I'm not trying to be difficult here, but if you can't stand in a line without pain, how can you ride on a hardcore roller coaster without issues?

I am in pretty decent health and I don't go on thrill rides like this because I always end up getting so banged up, I ache for days after.

 

[livndisney]

Not *IN* the line, no. I'm not completely stupid. I've worked in theme parks for 5 years and know what types of accommodations are available, even if some are on a ride by ride/discretion of the employee basis. Even the ability to sit on a bench somewhere near the attraction until the wait time is over, or something similar to the area where they would allow guests with sensory disorders to wait outside of the physical queue, heck even the baby swap area would be fine.

Yeah, I know, people would abuse it because they just don't want to stand. That's going to happen any time you aren't required to provide proof of a diagnosis/letter from your doctor stating why you need the accommodation. But if I took a wheelchair, I'd feel like I'm abusing the system, because a wheelchair is for *TRANSPORTING* people, which I don't need.

Now I really don't understand. Disney DOES offer benches in the parks. Schedule your ride times either before you get to the park or at a kiosk and then sit on a bench until your return time. Then you go thru the fastpass entrance.

How is the training going for your first runDisney event?

 

[JillyBean1899]

I'm not trying to be difficult here, but if you can't stand in a line without pain, how can you ride on a hardcore roller coaster without issues?

I am in pretty decent health and I don't go on thrill rides like this because I always end up getting so banged up, I ache for days after.

Again, moving doesn't bother my joints. Standing in one place does. I spent 18 hours walking around IoA and USF and riding everything in both parks; it wasn't until I stood basically in one place for 40 minutes in line for Rip Ride Rockit that I was in pain. After riding and walking around for a few minutes, my hip and knee loosened up, and I was fine again. It's only the standing still that causes a problem.

Now I really don't understand. Disney DOES offer benches in the parks. Schedule your ride times either before you get to the park or at a kiosk and then sit on a bench until your return time. Then you go thru the fastpass entrance.

Yes, which will work for the 3 rides per day where I get a FP+ (assuming there are some available for the rides I'll most likely need them on, since we don't get our MB until we arrive on property). And someone else mentioned that the DAS doesn't help for characters or for standing in QS food lines ... well, we don't really care about characters (except I want a pic of the SD with Pluto, just because I think it would be cute) enough to stand in long lines. If we see one with a short/no wait, we'll go get a picture, but other than that we really don't care. And if the line is really *THAT* long at a QS restaurant (I'm OK for a few minutes, it's not like my hip locks up if I stand still for 10 seconds), we'll just go to another one.

How is the training going for your first runDisney event?

Pretty good, actually. I'm down to a 17 min/mile jog in spurts, but still don't quite have the stamina to jog the full 5K at that speed. But since I have 3 more months, I'm sure I'll be able to meet the 16 min/mile target before then, as long as I keep working at it. Thanks for asking.