First trip to DL. Questions.

[daughtersrus]

We've been to WDW a few times but we're taking our first trip to DL. Our youngest DD is both cognitively and physically disabled. Her disease has unfortunately progressed and she now needs the use of a battery operated oral sections machine to help clear her mouth.

We have decided to stay off property at the Candy Cane Inn. It seems walkable.

Do we get a DAS for her at guest relations when we enter the park or is there a way to do that before so that we don't have to wait in the long line?

We're also looking for recommendations for a shuttle that is wheelchair accessible from LAX to the hotel.

DD wears diapers. Can we use first aid to change her like we did last year in WDW ?


We're arriving on a Saturday and heading to San Diego on Tuesday afternoon. We will need to rent a van at that point but it doesn't have to have a lift. We are bringing her car seat and will take her wheelchair apart for the trip.

Any suggestions or advice is appreciated.

 

[Aladora]

We've been to WDW a few times but we're taking our first trip to DL. Our youngest DD is both cognitively and physically disabled. Her disease has unfortunately progressed and she now needs the use of a battery operated oral sections machine to help clear her mouth.

We have decided to stay off property at the Candy Cane Inn. It seems walkable.

Do we get a DAS for her at guest relations when we enter the park or is there a way to do that before so that we don't have to wait in the long line?

We're also looking for recommendations for a shuttle that is wheelchair accessible from LAX to the hotel.

DD wears diapers. Can we use first aid to change her like we did last year in WDW ?


We're arriving on a Saturday and heading to San Diego on Tuesday afternoon. We will need to rent a van at that point but it doesn't have to have a lift. We are bringing her car seat and will take her wheelchair apart for the trip.

Any suggestions or advice is appreciated.

I can help you with two of these questions.

You can get a DAS at either City Hall in DL or at the Chamber of Commerce in DCA but you cannot get the DAS outside the park. We have always gone first thing in the morning and there has rarely been a huge wait. We prefer The Chamber of Commerce in DCA since it is always quieter.

Yes, you can use First Aid to change her, just like at WDW.

Hope others can help with the rest of your questions!

 

[SMD]

One difference is the number of attractions in DL that are not WC accessible. If you have a DAS return time you cannot double dip and get a WC return. That means that if you're holding a DAS and want to ride something that is issuing WC returns you'll have to use the DAS first or go to a kiosk to get the DAS removed before you can get the WC return at the other attraction.

 

[Nevada Jen]

The poster above is correct about only being able to have one return time. But you do not need to go back to the kiosk, giving you a new time at a ride with WC return times automatically cancels the DAS time. Truth be told, a decent amount of rides do not give WC return times, they just say "give me 5 minutes." Be prepared to explain why your DD cannot wait in the regular cue. At Epcot, they just took one look at my DD and gave me a DAS card. A couple of months ago at DCA, I had to go on and on to satisfy the guy. I finally said, how much personal information do you need about her because the list of needs is a mile long, so tell me when I pass the threshold. First aid in DCA is awesome. It is right by guest services. If you go in with your DD and say you need to change a diaper, they will hand you a chuck and direct you to a unisex stand alone bathroom that has a cot in it. You don't even need to sign in. Bring one lanyard per two people with you. DL puts the return times on your plastic tickets. You have to show them all to get the return time and then again to ride. It is easier to put two back to back in a lanyard than anything else. Use fast pass along with the DAS pass. TAKE A GOOD PHOTO OF EVERY TICKET BEFORE YOU GET THROUGH THE GATE!!! If you are lifting DD on and off rides all day, there is a decent chance you will lose a lanyard in the process. Not sure what your plans are in San Diego but word of advice, the zoo is not fun for someone in a wheel chair with brain issues. They are big on animals in their natural habitats. That means, kid in wheel chair can see high enough to see into the habitat and can't think/track quick enough to find the animal hiding in the camoflague. At least that has been our experience. The beaches on the other hand, way better than expected. They have free sand/surf wheelchairs to are an amazing experience. They make the sand accessible and they can go in the water. We always stay on site at disney, so I can't help you with offsite stuff, but I seem to recall that candycane might not have elevators, so be sure to call ahead and make sure they have an appropriate room for you. The rides are accessible but most of the lines are not at DL and DCA. Finally, you might find it cheaper to rent a van or SUV from the airport and just park it at your hotel until you need it. We go to DL frequently with my medically complex wheelchair bound DD. If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me.

 

[daughtersrus]

Thank you or the suggestions. We have requested first floor rooms at Candy Cane Inn

 

[SMD]

I have never used a DAS and WC together, but as recently as this week I've seen people sent back to the kiosk to have DAS times removed. They can't and don't do it at the ride. Also, I've been given WC return times for as short as 5 or 10 minute waits. If the waiting area is full, you will get a return time. It is somewhat dependent on how crowded the parks are, but generally since DAS started you'll get a WC return on any ride where they both use the same alternative entrance. Anything else is pixie dust and you'll just be setting yourself up for disappointment if you expect CMs to make any exception to procedures.