experience with DAS at DL

[pixieprincess13]

My husband and kids really wanted to go to DL, and I finally booked the trip for June, but as time gets closer, I am getting really nervous about the lines because I have severe anxiety issues and that's one of the reasons we haven't gone. I am not trying to "jump in front" of any lines, but trying to minimize time in lines especially if crowded. I want my kids to enjoy themselves but I can't deal with crowds very well

 

[nikkislaght]

Hi there and I hope you can enjoy your trip.

I have in the past used the GAC and then this year the DAS. I use it for physical reasons not anxiety . So Im not sure if I can help ..
What info are you after exactly ?
When you go to city hall , they will ask you how they can help you. When you tell them you would like to get a DAS, and say you suffer with high anxiety, and need to avoid long lines and tight crowds ... This may not be enough for you to get the pass, but if you do they will load a first return time onto the card .. You will go off and do your thing and then at the appointed time will go back to the ride and enter via the fast pass line...
IN DL I believe you would enter the exits on non fast pass line rides,, someone can correct me if I'm wrong...

Take advantage of the fast passes, these will help reduce some contact with people. But be aware that even in these lines you will have contact... The fast pass lines don't seem to be as busy , now that they are enforcing the return times. So that should cut down on some of your issues but there is still await. I under that you said you don't want to " cut the line" but saying that to give you an idea that there will be times when you still have a good wait on your hands.. Some of the rides this will happen to are Pirates.... It's a small world.... Splash mountain ... Basically the slow to load rides. ...

I think if you play it by ear, you would know by looking at the crowd how you will react .., don't push yourself... Or beat yourself up if you can't do something... I have accepted my limitations and Sit one out every so often.. If there is something I really want to do .. I do it first thing when I am not tired and cranky. We spilt up too. No point in me holding them back if I am not going on the ride at all. They go ahead while I make my way to them via the ice cream carts or a fast pass machine , or the green guest relations umbrellas for my new return time.. I take photos , or just find a nice spot to watch and wait..

Hope this has been of some help.. Take care and have fun

 

[rtfelt]

It's not the way it used to be. I don't use one myself, but I have a few friends who do with whom I have gone. You simply go to a Guest relations kiosk at each land. They check on an iPad how long the current wait is then fill in your DAS card with the return time which is the current time plus the expected wait minus 15 minutes (to compensate for the extra walking time). You can sit and relax or do something else until your scheduled time. You will either enter through the exit on non-FP rides or through the FP line. Your wait should not be more than 15 minutes on most rides--usually much less.

 

[Stitch35]

You can look at the Disneyland DAS sticky on the DISabilities board. There is a lot of good info on there. We will be using the new DAS card for the first time Memorial Day weekend for my son who has used the GAC before. Although this doesn't work exactly the same, it should still work for your situation. You'll go get a return time for the ride you choose. While waiting you can ride rides with shorter lines or use a FP you gathered earlier. Once your time opens up, you use it like the old GAC. It seems using the DAS with FP and rides with shorter lines should help your situation. It will take more planning then with the GAC, but should work just as well.

 

[pixieprincess13]

I looked through it, but it seemed that CM have issues with issuing them. I am taking my Xanax with me. With just over 30 days to go and knowing that it is crowded is not doing me good and my OCD gets worse under stress. DH jokes that I should make schedules for everyone at DL to follow and I just look at him and say I would if everyone would follow them and I would be at the gates giving them out. Breathe, breathe

 

[Stitch35]

They no longer issue for mobility issues. That is one of the biggest issues that people are running into. If you explain your situation, what happens to you not your diagnosis, you shouldn't have a problem. If you do, you can always ask for a lead you will have a great time no matter what, your at Disneyland! Even in crowds there are quiet areas to relax and decompress throughout both parks. Just know your limits and act accordingly. And yes, breathe!!

 

[Disney Dreams]

I looked through it, but it seemed that CM have issues with issuing them.

What does this mean?

- Dreams

 

[nikkislaght]

It means that with all the trouble that arose from the abuse of the GAC, that CM aren't as generous as they used to be in issuing the DAS..
You will have a CM give a GAC to someone in front of you, and refuse the next person for the same issue..
If you are asking for a GAC because you cant walk far.. then they will tell you to get a wheelchair.
With anxiety issues its a different matter, and will be looked at as such,
its hard to say relax to someone with anxiety,, so all I can say is,, you would have things that you do to calm yourself down? remember to do them.

 

[SMD]

Did anyone notice that OP asked about getting a DAS for a mobility issue, then changed to anxiety?

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=51349846#post51349846

I think that rather than giving people specific tips for getting a DAS it would better to move the post to DISabilities. The mods there offer good tips without providing a script, which tends to happen when this question gets answered on this board.

 

[brittainy]

Did anyone notice that OP asked about getting a DAS for a mobility issue, then changed to anxiety? http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=51349846#post51349846 I think that rather than giving people specific tips for getting a DAS it would better to move the post to DISabilities. The mods there offer good tips without providing a script, which tends to happen when this question gets answered on this board.

We'll, that's...disheartening

 

[Malcon10t]

Did anyone notice that OP asked about getting a DAS for a mobility issue, then changed to anxiety?

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=51349846#post51349846

I think that rather than giving people specific tips for getting a DAS it would better to move the post to DISabilities. The mods there offer good tips without providing a script, which tends to happen when this question gets answered on this board.

Sad... Thanks for the catch...

 

[pixieprincess13]

Not that it is any of your concern, but I do have several issues. I had surgery on both my knees at 16 and arthritis has set on both my knees. I was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety at 26. So I do more than one medical problem. You really shouldn't jump to conclusions if you don't know the whole story. Thanks. If it would make you feel better I can post pics of X-rays and my prescriptions too.

 

[pixieprincess13]

ps. Thanks for jumping to conclusions and assuming the worse