Easter week DAS experience

[mjr0483]

So my family of 4 used the DAS for the first time this past Easter. Some things worked great even with the holiday crowds and some things did irk me.

Getting the card was no problem based upon my sons needs and they were able to do it for us at guest services outside the MK. They did save us a trip inside as we needed to exchange our vouchers outside anyway.

The DAS is certainly not the old GAC but it did work exactly as advertised. Using the DAS in tandem with FP+ was just OK. The reason being trying to book FP+ 30 days in advanced with a son on the spectrum is hit or miss. I honestly have to say we probably missed or just plain skipped 30 to 40% of our FP+.

The one improvement I would like to see is being able to obtain return times at other locations around the park.

Onto the things that did bother me. A few days in after being at MK for RD a couple of times we had used the DAS probably 6 or 7 times and I handed the card over for a return time and the CM looked at the card and said some comment like wow, your really putting this to use. Really?

Then on our last day we were returning for a DAS time at Barnstormer and the CM at the FP+ return was refusing to give another guest a return time saying sorry you have already received too many and wouldn't give them another. I didn't know CM at the ride could determine that?

After a week of going I had 1 and a half pages filled in so I am unsure of how many is too many. But why would a CM want to initiate a confrontation like that. If a guest is playing by the rules. Gets a return time, crosses it off and gets another, who is to say they are getting too many?

The old GAC they checked the name and the number of people and waved you through, now every time I had the card over I feel like I am being judged. Not how I want to feel on my vacation. I hope this improves.

 

[RubySlippers]

Thank you for posting this! I host a group for parents with Autistic children and these types of posts are very helpful to them.

One thing I struggle with when this subject comes up in the group is ...How to help them figure out what their needs ARE?

Most of them are first time visitors and all of them are within six months of diagnosis. So trying to explain to a CM what their child needs for accommodations is an overwhelming prospect for them.

Thanks!

 

[Kellykins1218]

Then on our last day we were returning for a DAS time at Barnstormer and the CM at the FP+ return was refusing to give another guest a return time saying sorry you have already received too many and wouldn't give them another. I didn't know CM at the ride could determine that?

After a week of going I had 1 and a half pages filled in so I am unsure of how many is too many. But why would a CM want to initiate a confrontation like that. If a guest is playing by the rules. Gets a return time, crosses it off and gets another, who is to say they are getting too many?

The old GAC they checked the name and the number of people and waved you through, now every time I had the card over I feel like I am being judged. Not how I want to feel on my vacation. I hope this improves.[/QUOTE





It might have been that they already had a return time for another attraction
and were trying to double up. We saw a couple people try this while we were there and they were also turned away.

We have two in our family that use the DAS and never had a single problem. For us, it worked great in conjunction with our FP+. We didn't have any bad experiences and never felt judged at all. CMs were friendly & helpful the whole trip. I am a huge fan of the DAS and FP+. I've heard horror stories about both but our experience with both have been awesome.

 

[stitchlovestink]

So my family of 4 used the DAS for the first time this past Easter. Some things worked great even with the holiday crowds and some things did irk me.

Getting the card was no problem based upon my sons needs and they were able to do it for us at guest services outside the MK. They did save us a trip inside as we needed to exchange our vouchers outside anyway.

The DAS is certainly not the old GAC but it did work exactly as advertised. Using the DAS in tandem with FP+ was just OK. The reason being trying to book FP+ 30 days in advanced with a son on the spectrum is hit or miss. I honestly have to say we probably missed or just plain skipped 30 to 40% of our FP+.

The one improvement I would like to see is being able to obtain return times at other locations around the park.

Onto the things that did bother me. A few days in after being at MK for RD a couple of times we had used the DAS probably 6 or 7 times and I handed the card over for a return time and the CM looked at the card and said some comment like wow, your really putting this to use. Really?

Then on our last day we were returning for a DAS time at Barnstormer and the CM at the FP+ return was refusing to give another guest a return time saying sorry you have already received too many and wouldn't give them another. I didn't know CM at the ride could determine that?

After a week of going I had 1 and a half pages filled in so I am unsure of how many is too many. But why would a CM want to initiate a confrontation like that. If a guest is playing by the rules. Gets a return time, crosses it off and gets another, who is to say they are getting too many?

The old GAC they checked the name and the number of people and waved you through, now every time I had the card over I feel like I am being judged. Not how I want to feel on my vacation. I hope this improves.

If a CM made an inappropriate comment and you were following the rules, If I were you, I would have to report that CM's comment/behavior. Those types of comments are absolutely not acceptable.

 

[lanejudy]

... The DAS is certainly not the old GAC but it did work exactly as advertised. Using the DAS in tandem with FP+ was just OK. The reason being trying to book FP+ 30 days in advanced with a son on the spectrum is hit or miss. I honestly have to say we probably missed or just plain skipped 30 to 40% of our FP+.

You should be able to change your FP+ choices if you realize what you have planned isn't going to fit your schedule. That is subject to availability, so not sure what might have been available during Easter week for last-minute changes.

... Onto the things that did bother me. A few days in after being at MK for RD a couple of times we had used the DAS probably 6 or 7 times and I handed the card over for a return time and the CM looked at the card and said some comment like wow, your really putting this to use. Really?...

I would have taken that as a positive comment. That the CM thought you were having a good vacation with lots of opportunities to ride. Of course, I wasn't there to hear the voice inflection.

... Then on our last day we were returning for a DAS time at Barnstormer and the CM at the FP+ return was refusing to give another guest a return time saying sorry you have already received too many and wouldn't give them another. I didn't know CM at the ride could determine that?...

As a PP indicated, unless you heard the full conversation, it could be this family was trying to get a 2nd return time without using the one active on the DAS. CMs should not be "deciding" who gets to ride based on how many times the DAS has been used, as long as each ride/return was used in the proper fashion (one active at a time). If anyone was denied access, I certainly hope it was reported.

Thank you for sharing your experience and I'm glad it was generally positive. Personally, I wouldn't allow one or two odd comments make me feel I'm being judged by all CMs. You do what is right and best for your family's needs, and if that means using a DAS you are within your right to use it for as many rides as you wish.

 

[01spirit750]

When my daughter and I were at Disneyland last February and using the new DA. We went to the DAS CM new tomorrowland and I asked "Can I have a return time for Star Tours", well apparently the CM heard "This is our third time for Star Tours" and made the comment "are you bragging"?

To which I responded "What". She said "Oh I thought you were bragging". I said no, I was asking for a return time.

It was a very odd exchange.

 

[dsdeleon]

I also used the DAS for the first time through Easter. I feel that the CMs now have been giving carte Blanche to judge those of us touring with guests with disabilities. Very uncomfortable to say the least!

On the plus side - Universal was very welcoming! Years ago I would have never in a million years preferred their customer service over Disney's but this harsh judgement of us with people who truly have different needs is ridiculous!

 

[mjr0483]

As a PP indicated, unless you heard the full conversation, it could be this family was trying to get a 2nd return time without using the one active on the DAS. CMs should not be "deciding" who gets to ride based on how many times the DAS has been used, as long as each ride/return was used in the proper fashion (one active at a time). If anyone was denied access, I certainly hope it was reported.

I was standing there and heard the conversation pretty clear. There was no explaining to the guest about sorry you have to use your previous before I give you another.

It was semi quoted - "You have used this more than the average guest." Basically you fished your limit today.

 

[mjr0483]

I also used the DAS for the first time through Easter. I feel that the CMs now have been giving carte Blanche to judge those of us touring with guests with disabilities. Very uncomfortable to say the least!

I based my feelings on direct interaction I have had with CMs.

What was your experience?

Please note I am not judging the system. It works and I feel is equitable and something had to be done to stem abuse.

I also didn't mean to paint all CM with a broad brush. I know there are some wonderful folks and we met some. But these are direct experiences I have had.

 

[mjr0483]

You should be able to change your FP+ choices if you realize what you have planned isn't going to fit your schedule. That is subject to availability, so not sure what might have been available during Easter week for last-minute changes.

Totally understood. It wasn't a lack of inability to change choices and probably not 100% attributed to any disability issues. More of a FP+ functionality.

You try to book your FP+ for later in the afternoon or evening with guessing on when the lines would be longest. Along with the fact that three choices require 3 hours in the park and if you time it right can can get the tail end of the first choice and the front end of the last choice to minimize wait.

Sometimes you know when enough is enough.

 

[mjr0483]

Thank you for posting this! I host a group for parents with Autistic children and these types of posts are very helpful to them.

One thing I struggle with when this subject comes up in the group is ...How to help them figure out what their needs ARE?

Most of them are first time visitors and all of them are within six months of diagnosis. So trying to explain to a CM what their child needs for accommodations is an overwhelming prospect for them.

Thanks!

Guest services certainly is cracking down but it was an easy conversation with the CM.

My son loves Disney and loves the rides but doesn't do well with the lines. Walking through the park in crowds is ok with him as he can keep moving, but once he gets penned up he gets very anxious and his ticks come right out. His hands usually go right to his head and he starts to pick.

Using the new DAS requires a bit more coordination and a bit more walking, but doable. We would grab one as soon as we got in and then plan breaks and meals around longer wait times.

The one thing I did notice was that not all of the CM were consistent about return times. Some took off 0, 10 & 15 minutes from the posted wait. Nothing worth arguing about as it was time out of the line.

I also don't envy them in doing the math. Someone needs to come up with a slide rule for them to figure out the return times.

It's 2:37 PM and the wait time is 75 minutes. Quick do the math.
It takes some brain power.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I also don't envy them in doing the math. Someone needs to come up with a slide rule for them to figure out the return times.

It's 2:37 PM and the wait time is 75 minutes. Quick do the math.
It takes some brain power.

Wait time minus 10 minutes is 65 minutes. 60 minutes is 3:37. Plus 5 more minutes is 3:42. It doesn't take that much math.

 

[aaarcher86]

I was standing there and heard the conversation pretty clear. There was no explaining to the guest about sorry you have to use your previous before I give you another. It was semi quoted - "You have used this more than the average guest." Basically you fished your limit today.

I almost wonder if this is something they look for to catch people writing in their own times. If someone uses the DAS 15x in a semi short period of time when lines wouldn't allow that, I could see it raising a red flag.

Doesn't make complete sense with the sentence you have, but neither does the notion that you run out of DAS times since we know that's to not the case.

 

[mjr0483]

Well I am going back for two weeks in August so I can see us doing some damage on the card.

 

[aaarcher86]

Well I am going back for two weeks in August so I can see us doing some damage on the card.

Of course. I meant something out of the ordinary, such as 10 rides in 2 hours over Christmas or something. People were getting caught writing in their own times, so I'm sure there are things put in place to help catch that.

There's no limit to the amount of DAS return times you use, so damage away.

 

[SueM in MN]

Guest services certainly is cracking down but it was an easy conversation with the CM.

My son loves Disney and loves the rides but doesn't do well with the lines. Walking through the park in crowds is ok with him as he can keep moving, but once he gets penned up he gets very anxious and his ticks come right out. His hands usually go right to his head and he starts to pick.

Using the new DAS requires a bit more coordination and a bit more walking, but doable. We would grab one as soon as we got in and then plan breaks and meals around longer wait times.

The one thing I did notice was that not all of the CM were consistent about return times. Some took off 0, 10 & 15 minutes from the posted wait. Nothing worth arguing about as it was time out of the line.

I also don't envy them in doing the math. Someone needs to come up with a slide rule for them to figure out the return times.

It's 2:37 PM and the wait time is 75 minutes. Quick do the math.
It takes some brain power.

Some people have noticed wait times being adjusted down a bit by CMs who are aware that the wait time is actually less than what is posted.
If you look at the signs for the Standby Line, it says something to the effect of "wait from this point" which is where the entrance to the separated off part of the line is.
If guests are waiting to that point in the Standby line, they would be waiting that long. But, sometimes the line is actually 20 or more feet farther inside (sometimes not even visible). I have seen CMs making allowances for that.

We actually noticed some of the attractions that typically have long waits had a tool to help them. It was a printed guide where the CM found the current wait and the current time. The intersection of those gave the time to write on the card as the Return Time.

Of course. I meant something out of the ordinary, such as 10 rides in 2 hours over Christmas or something. People were getting caught writing in their own times, so I'm sure there are things put in place to help catch that.

There's no limit to the amount of DAS return times you use, so damage away.

There have been people writing in their own times, which may be what the CM was trying to figure out. And, not having seen the card, it may have had some big thing out of the ordinary, like aaarcher wrote.

WDW and DL recently (like last week) started using stamps at attractions instead of initials in the last column of the DAS to help combat this type of abuse.

 

[DVCJones]

I also used the DAS for the first time through Easter. I feel that the CMs now have been giving carte Blanche to judge those of us touring with guests with disabilities. Very uncomfortable to say the least! On the plus side - Universal was very welcoming! Years ago I would have never in a million years preferred their customer service over Disney's but this harsh judgement of us with people who truly have different needs is ridiculous!

I also used a DAS for the first time over Easter and was completely appalled by the way I was treated. I had a really rude CM at the MK refuse me a DAS because SHE was confused about my DD disability. I went in and explained that my DD has nerve damage on the left side of her body and that it causes her to fatigue.... And that us when I got rudely cut off and was told to get her a wheelchair and that all lines were accessible. She actually raised her voice and leaned over the counter to 'explain' to me what I already knew. Had she let me finish, I would have continued to explain that she is unable to sweat on 1/2 her body and has a hard time regulating her body temp as result. I honestly was so taken aback by the rude nature of this CM and the way she looked at my DD as if I was lying, that I just left and went to another park and got one there. I was able to explain my DDs need to wait in a cool place while we waited for our return time. That CM was more than accommodating and pleasant.

The thing that really irks me is that even though we had a DAS card for the majority of our 7 day vacation. We used it only once towards the end when the temp outside reached the high 80's low 90's. We didn't abuse it at all and only used it for it's intended use.

 

[Disneylvr]

Some people have noticed wait times being adjusted down a bit by CMs who are aware that the wait time is actually less than what is posted.
If you look at the signs for the Standby Line, it says something to the effect of "wait from this point" which is where the entrance to the separated off part of the line is.
If guests are waiting to that point in the Standby line, they would be waiting that long. But, sometimes the line is actually 20 or more feet farther inside (sometimes not even visible). I have seen CMs making allowances for that.

We actually noticed some of the attractions that typically have long waits had a tool to help them. It was a printed guide where the CM found the current wait and the current time. The intersection of those gave the time to write on the card as the Return Time.


There have been people writing in their own times, which may be what the CM was trying to figure out. And, not having seen the card, it may have had some big thing out of the ordinary, like aaarcher wrote.

WDW and DL recently (like last week) started using stamps at attractions instead of initials in the last column of the DAS to help combat this type of abuse.

We were in WDW last week and all of our return times were stamped with initials. The Splash CM made fun of the Mermaid CM from the previous day because she had stamped it upside down. We experienced nothing but pleasant and helpful CM's although some had trouble calculating the return time even with their "cheat sheet." Some were standby minus 10 and others only subtracted 5 minutes.