experience getting DAS at HS?

[MadameMim]

I've read some nightmare stories of shameful treatment of guests trying to get DAS at Epcot. Does anyone know how it is at HS? We are scheduled to be at HS on our first day of our upcoming trip.
I have only dealt with getting the old GAC at MK. We will be at MK on our 2nd day, so if the service/treatment of guests at HS is close to what I've read happening at Epcot we might just wait until day two and just rely on our FP+ for day one.

Also: is it at all helpful to take our old GAC to guest services when asking for a DAS? Does that speed things up? I ask because on our first trip getting a GAC it seemed we were questioned heavily (not rudely, but having to discuss my son's difficulties and struggles in such detail brings me to tears every single time). But on our last trip I took our GAC from the prior year and they just took one glance at it and reissued a new one with the same accommodations w/o one word. I don't know if this is a ymmv situation, but i'd like to be prepared either way.

 

[SueM in MN]

I've read some nightmare stories of shameful treatment of guests trying to get DAS at Epcot. Does anyone know how it is at HS? We are scheduled to be at HS on our first day of our upcoming trip.
I have only dealt with getting the old GAC at MK. We will be at MK on our 2nd day, so if the service/treatment of guests at HS is close to what I've read happening at Epcot we might just wait until day two and just rely on our FP+ for day one.

We got our daughter's DAS and renewal of her DAS at Epcot. We had no difficulty whatsoever.
Our daughter has a wheelchair because of not bring able to walk, but she also has significant other invisible disabilities that are not related to mobility.
We explained that she had disabilities that were an issue in line that were not solved by having her wheelchair in line. We did not have to go into great detail, just basically explained she has needs other than those readily visible ones.

Many of the people who reported having difficulty had primarily mobility related needs, expected they would get a DAS, and were not prepared to discuss other needs.

Also: is it at all helpful to take our old GAC to guest services when asking for a DAS? Does that speed things up? I ask because on our first trip getting a GAC it seemed we were questioned heavily (not rudely, but having to discuss my son's difficulties and struggles in such detail brings me to tears every single time). But on our last trip I took our GAC from the prior year and they just took one glance at it and reissued a new one with the same accommodations w/o one word. I don't know if this is a ymmv situation, but i'd like to be prepared either way.

It would not hurt to take your child's old GAC with, but may not be helpful either.
Even though at the end, most people seemed to be getting the same stamp on their GACS, there were multiple stamps available and some of the questions were needed to know which stamp/ stamps would be most helpful.

DAS is a much different program, so having had a GAC doesn't really have a lot of bearing on getting DAS.
You don't need to go into great detail about difficulties and stuggles; you do need to be able to talk about what he needs.

 

[Toffeewoffy]

HS was the first park we visited this year, so we got DD's DAS there. Luckily there was no queue. She went in, I started the conversation, and then the CM directed his questions to DD. Within a couple of minutes he took her photo with his iPad and then went to the back to print out her card, and that was it.

I've heard it will help to take an expired DAS with on future trips, especially as it's not a GAC card. DD is still keeping her card safe, so we'll take it on the offchance it'll speed things up. DD has Asbergers. Sometimes she makes total sense, other times it's as if someone has flicked a switch and she reverts in behaviour to a small child. She growls a lot, swears and has been known to kick walls when she's 'lost it'!!

DD wants to go off on her own a bit next year. While that's fine if OH and I want to go shopping instead, if we're going to the same park on a purely selfish note I want to be with her otherwise I can't take advantage of going on rides with her with the DAS card! Also, while she's not bothered about 'sharing the experience' (Asbie children tend to keep themselves to themselves), I certainly don't feel comfortable sitting next to strangers - especially on a ride like Test Track where you want to sit and scream!!! Also, with absolutely no argument about whether it's fair or not, isn't it just typical that the minute I become eligable to get a GAC card (ie loss of mobility) they change it so that you can't get one for that anymore. Not arguing, just sayin'!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I've read some nightmare stories of shameful treatment of guests trying to get DAS at Epcot . . .

1) At any location, getting a DAS could be a "nightmare".
2) It all depends upon the handicap and the problems it/they cause.
3) Many folks still try to get a DAS, just as they did with the GAC.
4) However, there are many GAC symptoms that no longer qualify for a DAS.
5) As an example, mobility issues no longer qualify,
. . . they can rent an ECV or wheelchair
. . . they can take frequent breaks from walking or standing
. . . sounds harsh, but mobility can easily be overcome in these ways
. . . so, a special privilege (ie. DAS) is not necessary
6) Thus, CM's have to "do battle" daily with folks not entitled to DAS.
. . . sometimes "battle" is the appropriate phrasing
. . . in many cases, guests still think they should get a DAS card
. . . they even think they should get immediate access without any waiting
. . . and, the guest(s) put up quite a fight
7) In some cases, being stern might be misinterpreted by a guest as rudeness.
8) I cannot comment whether the CM's might have thought your case did not qualify.

NOTE: MAW-type guests automatically qualify for DAS, and get even more
benefits than DAS guests (ie. immediate access, without waiting in any line).

 

[Kellykins1218]

I've read some nightmare stories of shameful treatment of guests trying to get DAS at Epcot.

We've always found Epcot to be the quickest and easiest place to get our cards. I love the CMs there & think they are very friendly and helpful. We received our DAS cards in just a few minutes on the last trip with no hassle at all.

 

[limabeanmom2003]

Our party had no problem getting our DAS cards at HS. Anyone who found it to be a "nightmare" probably did not require a DAS or did a poor job explaining why they required one.

 

[SueM in MN]

HS was the first park we visited this year, so we got DD's DAS there. Luckily there was no queue. She went in, I started the conversation, and then the CM directed his questions to DD. Within a couple of minutes he took her photo with his iPad and then went to the back to print out her card, and that was it.

I've heard it will help to take an expired DAS with on future trips, especially as it's not a GAC card. DD is still keeping her card safe, so we'll take it on the offchance it'll speed things up. DD has Asbergers. Sometimes she makes total sense, other times it's as if someone has flicked a switch and she reverts in behaviour to a small child. She growls a lot, swears and has been known to kick walls when she's 'lost it'!!

DD wants to go off on her own a bit next year. While that's fine if OH and I want to go shopping instead, if we're going to the same park on a purely selfish note I want to be with her otherwise I can't take advantage of going on rides with her with the DAS card! Also, while she's not bothered about 'sharing the experience' (Asbie children tend to keep themselves to themselves), I certainly don't feel comfortable sitting next to strangers - especially on a ride like Test Track where you want to sit and scream!!! Also, with absolutely no argument about whether it's fair or not, isn't it just typical that the minute I become eligable to get a GAC card (ie loss of mobility) they change it so that you can't get one for that anymore. Not arguing, just sayin'!

You do want to keep the DAS card and bring it with you.

There is a QR code on the back of the card - looks like a square with a bunch of black shapes in it . CMs at Guest Relations are able to read that QR code, access the file that goes with that card and re-issue the card when someone comes in to renew it.
This speeds things up a lot because they don't have to get much information and can usually use the picture from the previous DAS.

 

[JelloBelle]

My first trip to Disney was this past April.

Very, very looooong story short: Trying to get a DAS Card at HS was a nightmare that ended up with me in tears and wanting to go home. However, my little brother (Who is now all grown up and a full foot taller than me) saved the day and I eventually got a DAS Card.

We are going back in October and I'll be bringing April's DAS Card with me, just in case I have to deal with another cast member making me cry.

 

[aaarcher86]

My first trip to Disney was this past April. Very, very looooong story short: Trying to get a DAS Card at HS was a nightmare that ended up with me in tears and wanting to go home. However, my little brother (Who is now all grown up and a full foot taller than me) saved the day and I eventually got a DAS Card. We are going back in October and I'll be bringing April's DAS Card with me, just in case I have to deal with another cast member making me cry.

Mind elaborating?

 

[PatMcDuck]

You do want to keep the DAS card and bring it with you.

There is a QR code on the back of the card - looks like a square with a bunch of black shapes in it . CMs at Guest Relations are able to read that QR code, access the file that goes with that card and re-issue the card when someone comes in to renew it.
This speeds things up a lot because they don't have to get much information and can usually use the picture from the previous DAS.

Will it help to bring my son's DAS card from DL, to WDW? We are going to WDW in OCtober, and have a DAS from DL from February of this year.

Thanks.

 

[ttintagel]

1) At any location, getting a DAS could be a "nightmare"...

2) It all depends upon the handicap and the problems it/they cause.

From what I've read and heard, it also heavily depends on which individual CM happens to be manning the counter that day/hour.

 

[JelloBelle]

Mind elaborating?

I have disability that most people don't know about and you can't tell (yet) that there's something wrong with me just by first glance. I work full-time, get through my day best as I can, and most people I work with have no idea I'm not 100% as I used to be. I've had to deal with two long-term periods of not being able to work in the past, but for now, it's going as best as it can.

My brother just knew that I had been diagnosed a few years ago, but didn't know anything else about it until this trip.

I had been warned by my doctor that I should "rent a scooter and maybe get one of those cards" if I was going to Disney, but I didn't do that until the halfway through the second day. (I know, I know, but I just wanted to do my first time at Disney like I was still "normal")

We were at AK in the morning when I got really bad and was ready to go home, just get out, end the trip, and get on a plane. My brother was a great help during this part. My brother explained the situation to a CM. This helpful CM told us about ECV rentals and the DAS Card, in case we wanted to salvage the trip - in hindsight, we should've taken up the offer to get the DAS Card at AK, but I wanted to just go back to the hotel.

After a break, we went to HS late afternoon. My brother half-carried me to Guest Services, then went to get me an ECV. As I was getting my words out, trying to not stumble/stutter, the CM kept interrupting me. She said "But you look fine", "Not being able to speak isn't an excuse to get a card", "I don't understand what you are saying. Can you speak English?" (By the way, The CM herself was not a native English speaker), and my favorite "Maybe you should go home" and moved to show me the door. I was by then, leaning against the window/wall, since they had no chairs, and had turned to leave. I started to cry (Which I hate doing, let alone in public) and that's when my brother came in, with a wheelchair (no ECVs left). He's been to Disney more times than I can count, so he calmly, yet sternly asked for a supervisor. We told her what happened, and when we were done, she turned to the original CM and said "You need to give her one NOW!"

According to my brother (He had a watch, I just had my phone in my bag), it took about 8 minutes from when he dropped me off to when he came back and another 5 after he got there before I got the DAS.

Afterwards, we heard some snide remarks from other guests about why I was in a wheelchair, but whatever.

Now that he's more knowledgeable about what's going on: when we go back, I'm renting an ECV from a preferred vendor, and my brother is planning a less stressful itinerary.

I've been reading that people with ECVs don't get DAS cards, so if I can't get a DAS in October, we'll tweak the itinerary and make do without it.

 

[dreaming4disney]

I have disability that most people don't know about and you can't tell (yet) that there's something wrong with me just by first glance. I work full-time, get through my day best as I can, and most people I work with have no idea I'm not 100% as I used to be. I've had to deal with two long-term periods of not being able to work in the past, but for now, it's going as best as it can. My brother just knew that I had been diagnosed a few years ago, but didn't know anything else about it until this trip. I had been warned by my doctor that I should "rent a scooter and maybe get one of those cards" if I was going to Disney, but I didn't do that until the halfway through the second day. (I know, I know, but I just wanted to do my first time at Disney like I was still "normal") We were at AK in the morning when I got really bad and was ready to go home, just get out, end the trip, and get on a plane. My brother was a great help during this part. My brother explained the situation to a CM. This helpful CM told us about ECV rentals and the DAS Card, in case we wanted to salvage the trip - in hindsight, we should've taken up the offer to get the DAS Card at AK, but I wanted to just go back to the hotel. After a break, we went to HS late afternoon. My brother half-carried me to Guest Services, then went to get me an ECV. As I was getting my words out, trying to not stumble/stutter, the CM kept interrupting me. She said "But you look fine", "Not being able to speak isn't an excuse to get a card", "I don't understand what you are saying. Can you speak English?" (By the way, The CM herself was not a native English speaker), and my favorite "Maybe you should go home" and moved to show me the door. I was by then, leaning against the window/wall, since they had no chairs, and had turned to leave. I started to cry (Which I hate doing, let alone in public) and that's when my brother came in, with a wheelchair (no ECVs left). He's been to Disney more times than I can count, so he calmly, yet sternly asked for a supervisor. We told her what happened, and when we were done, she turned to the original CM and said "You need to give her one NOW!" According to my brother (He had a watch, I just had my phone in my bag), it took about 8 minutes from when he dropped me off to when he came back and another 5 after he got there before I got the DAS. Afterwards, we heard some snide remarks from other guests about why I was in a wheelchair, but whatever. Now that he's more knowledgeable about what's going on: when we go back, I'm renting an ECV from a preferred vendor, and my brother is planning a less stressful itinerary. I've been reading that people with ECVs don't get DAS cards, so if I can't get a DAS in October, we'll tweak the itinerary and make do without it.

My husband had a bad time at Epcot thus past January - we went to the back entrance through Epcot. They were rude and not helpful, actually insulting. Went to MK the next day to voice concerns. The cm recommended to come to MK next time.
I also found out later that the back entrance to Epcot is a training area and the CMs there are newer.
My husband has a condition that isn't common and he doesn't look like he would have any issues.

 

[SueM in MN]

The other things to keep in mind are that:
- for many people, mobility is their primary issue. If the disability is primarily mobility related, an ECV or wheelchair is going to be the best solution. Since DAS is not required to use a mobility device in lines/attractions, most people using mobility devices will not need DAS.

- when you talk about your needs to Guest Relations CMs, many people use medical terms or the names of medical conditions that most people are not familiar with.
For example, one person posted early on after the change to DAS that she had difficulty getting a DAS.
She posted that she told CMs she had POTS, and that she told the CM she needed a DAS because POTS can cause syncope, orthostatic hypotension, arrythmias, tremulousness, palpitations and that she also had joint hyper mobility which could cause joint subluxation.
All of it made perfect sense to her because she was familiar with her condition and she had difficulty understanding why the CM could not understand why she was asking for DAS.
If you needed to have the term defined when you got your diagnosis because it's not common English, the CMs won't understand it. Even if they do, they need to know how those things relate to you - what needs do you have?

- DAS is designed for guests who have difficulty waiting in traditional lines, so keep your discussion/list of needs to things related to waiting in line.
What are your needs/issues while waiting in line?

There may be some CMs who are less than helpful, but CMs are not, in general, out to cause issues for guests. Guest Relations CMs rotate thru different Guest Relations locations.
There have been reports of really positive and really negative at all locations, so there is no one 'best' location to go to or one 'worst' location to avoid.
If you feel you are having issues with the CM you are talking to, ask for a Supervisor.
In some cases, the individual CM is not authorized to provide what the guest is asking and needs a Supervisor to authorize it.

 

[lanejudy]

Will it help to bring my son's DAS card from DL, to WDW? We are going to WDW in OCtober, and have a DAS from DL from February of this year.

Thanks.

It won't hurt to bring the DAS from DL when you go to WDW. I'm not sure the 2 systems "talk" to each other (yet - presumably some day), but it might help.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[SueM in MN]

It won't hurt to bring the DAS from DL when you go to WDW. I'm not sure the 2 systems "talk" to each other (yet - presumably some day), but it might help.

Enjoy your vacation!

I agree.

I also don't think the 2 systems 'talk' to each other, but it have seen a couple of posts where people did bring their DAS card from the other park and felt it was helpful. If nothing else, it made them feel more confident asking for one.

Be prepared to explain the needs again and you should be fine.

 

[becd]

Will it help to bring my son's DAS card from DL, to WDW? We are going to WDW in OCtober, and have a DAS from DL from February of this year.

Thanks.

I would say yes, definitely bring it. Despite being a WDW vet, my first experience with the DAS was on our first trip to DLR last Christmas. We got my son's card at California Adventure, where the CM could not have been nicer or more helpful. I brought it with us on our annual Mardi Gras trip to WDW last March thinking that it could not hurt to show it. GS at AK essentially looked at the card from DLR and issued us a new one for WDW. I do not recall them even asking me a lot of questions other than basic ones. Cannot guarantee that this is the case in all parks, but it was a huge time saver for us.

 

[Random Ninja]

I just got back from a trip to DLR and they were able to scan the QR code on my WDW DAS card but I had to have a new picture taken. Definitely bring your previous card, even if it's from the other coast. Having the card already makes it so much easier to get a new one.

 

[25eels]

I've read some nightmare stories of shameful treatment of guests trying to get DAS at Epcot. Does anyone know how it is at HS? We are scheduled to be at HS on our first day of our upcoming trip.
I have only dealt with getting the old GAC at MK. We will be at MK on our 2nd day, so if the service/treatment of guests at HS is close to what I've read happening at Epcot we might just wait until day two and just rely on our FP+ for day one.

Also: is it at all helpful to take our old GAC to guest services when asking for a DAS? Does that speed things up? I ask because on our first trip getting a GAC it seemed we were questioned heavily (not rudely, but having to discuss my son's difficulties and struggles in such detail brings me to tears every single time). But on our last trip I took our GAC from the prior year and they just took one glance at it and reissued a new one with the same accommodations w/o one word. I don't know if this is a ymmv situation, but i'd like to be prepared either way.

I brought an old GAC to Guest Services on our trip last week. Right away I told them I knew the system had changed and was only showing this card as a shortcut to the types of accommodations that we have needed in the past. The CM must have been on auto pilot because she immediately began a tirade about how the GACs are no longer used, etc. I (pleasantly) told her I knew of the change, was requested a DAS, and was only trying to expedite the process by providing the old card because the accommodations were what she has always needed. Even so she asked what my daughter's challenges were. At that point I was flustered and just said "autism," which I don't usually say -- it is more helpful to spell out the individual's specific needs than the diagnosis -- and the CM proceeded with no further comment. That surprised and disappointed me.

So, long story short, it doesn't seem like bringing an old GAC really helps. I hope you have a good trip!

 

[nydancemom]

Just got back from a ten day trip to WDW. I have an anxiety and panic disorder with significant claustrophobia issues as well as social anxiety issues. I have never asked for a GAC or DAS before because I never knew they existed until I read about them here on the DISboards. What a help it was to have a DAS card this trip! Having read about the procedure here, I wrote down a short (3 bullet point) list of why I have difficulty in lines and how an alternate wait location would help me, took it to HS at closing the night before we were going to start our park visits at MK the next morning, so I wouldn't have to wait in line at MK while trying to get to a very early BBB appt. with my granddaughter and the rest of our family. I told the CM I wrote a note because I get flustered explaining myself. He read it quickly and immediately took my photo and issued the DAS card. He asked how many in my party and I said 11 thinking that would be a problem, but he issued it for 11 people without any question.

We only used the DAS card about 5 times over the course of seven park days but combined with FP+ we managed to ride enough for us.

I had never ridden Toy Story Mania before. I used the DAS and got a return time for it, but unfortunately the way that ride is set up for handicapped (I also use an ECV) it took quite a long time to actually get a ride car, and I had a panic attack in line and had to leave before I actually got to ride. They did let my family ride after I freaked out and left in tears, even though technically if I didn't ride they weren't supposed to. So the DAS isn't always the perfect answer. But overall, I felt it was definitely a help. And all the CMs were very nice.