FP+ questions for DAS holders

[ElliePixie]

Hi all, I am planning a trip for next month, we are renewing our seasonal passes, so we go to the park every month or two.
I am a DAS holder and I had a positive experience using the DAS in combination with FP+. It required more planing than the DAC, but I'm good at planning
My question is what is your experience arriving late at your PF window if you are indeed a DAS holder. I remember sometime reading that some people were allowed to go in thru the PF line even though their returning time was over.
In my opinion, since you can return anytime after you DAS return time, when you were issued one, I don't think why it would be a problem to allow that with the PF reservation as well, but since I was never actually late to one of my reservation, I can't tell the way they have been proceeding in these cases.
Thank you.

 

[2tinkerbell]

My DD and I have not been late for a FP time, but, I assume that the FP times would be enforced as you are utilizing a FP time and not a DAS return time. They are 2 different things. When we use FPs, we don't even show our DAS card because it is for a different attraction and has a different time on it.

I could see where that would be nice as there are times when things happen (reasons why you need the DAS card) and you can't make your FastPass time in that window.

 

[Sparkly]

I believe DAS return times aren't enforced but FP ones are.

 

[dis-happy]

We had an experience 2 days ago where we were held to a DAS return time.

Usually we are fine with regular FP+ and standby lines using our stroller as wheelchair in line. But I wanted to do Jungle Book and the 30 min standby line wasn't an option due to accessibility. We were given a return time ticket and the CM made it exceedingly clear the return time window was for one hour ONLY. She marked it as such on the ticket as well.

Nt sure if this is a policy change but it was my experience on 10/12/14.

 

[lanejudy]

We had an experience 2 days ago where we were held to a DAS return time.

Usually we are fine with regular FP+ and standby lines using our stroller as wheelchair in line. But I wanted to do Jungle Book and the 30 min standby line wasn't an option due to accessibility. We were given a return time ticket and the CM made it exceedingly clear the return time window was for one hour ONLY. She marked it as such on the ticket as well.

Nt sure if this is a policy change but it was my experience on 10/12/14.

Was this on the DAS? Or were you given a "wheelchair return time" ticket?

DAS is open-ended, there is only one time noted -- a return AFTER time; you may return at any time after that (in the same day). You just cannot obtain another DAS return time until you have either used or crossed off the prior one.

FP+ has a one-hour window, with presumably a 5-minute before and 10-minute after grace period. Meaning essentially a 1 hour and 15 minute window. While I have heard reports of some CMs not allowing the before or after grace period, most of the time the Mickey turns green and it's no problem.

"Wheelchair return times" are like old paper FP tickets. My understanding is these DO have a 1-hour window or it becomes void; I have not heard if there is a grace period before and/or after the window. Wheelchair return times may or may not be in use on any given day, depending on how crowded the accessible entrance is. They apparently are much more common at DLR than WDW.

OP -- if you have a FP+ scheduled for something, I would plan to return during that window and not expect an extended grace period simply because you also have DAS. You have the option to get a DAS time for that ride if you need an open-ended return.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[OurBigTrip]

Hi all, I am planning a trip for next month, we are renewing our seasonal passes, so we go to the park every month or two.
I am a DAS holder and I had a positive experience using the DAS in combination with FP+. It required more planing than the DAC, but I'm good at planning
My question is what is your experience arriving late at your PF window if you are indeed a DAS holder. I remember sometime reading that some people were allowed to go in thru the PF line even though their returning time was over.
In my opinion, since you can return anytime after you DAS return time, when you were issued one, I don't think why it would be a problem to allow that with the PF reservation as well, but since I was never actually late to one of my reservation, I can't tell the way they have been proceeding in these cases.
Thank you.

There may be CMs that offer a bit of pixie dust and let you in later, but I'm guessing they would be few and far between, and not something I would ever count on, especially for a "must ride" attraction.

Referencing the bolded above, the difference is that they are two different systems, and while the DAS works best when utilized with FP+, the return time on the FP+ is unrelated to the DAS, and as such, the DAS should not be a consideration when returning to ride via FP+.

 

[aaarcher86]

FP return times are enforced, regardless of being a DAS user.

 

[dis-happy]

It was the stroller as wheelchair pass, which falls under the DAS program in my mind, but I can see how others might make a differentiation.

We've been given the pass a few times in the past (since the new system came into place) but this was the first time I've been told there is a 1 hour limit to use it. Honestly, not a big deal, but different than I expected. I assume it's policy now.

For those who travel in a wheelchair/stroller as wheelchair setting, it could make a difference in planning. My ds has ongoing physical issues and for the most part we can work around FP+ and standby lines that are w/c accessible. I know when the new changes were originally made it was difficult (for me) to find specific info re the wheelchair as stroller. We have learned mainly from experience (27 park days this calendar yr).

 

[OurBigTrip]

It was the stroller as wheelchair pass, which falls under the DAS program in my mind, but I can see how others might make a differentiation.

We've been given the pass a few times in the past (since the new system came into place) but this was the first time I've been told there is a 1 hour limit to use it. Honestly, not a big deal, but different than I expected. I assume it's policy now.

For those who travel in a wheelchair/stroller as wheelchair setting, it could make a difference in planning. My ds has ongoing physical issues and for the most part we can work around FP+ and standby lines that are w/c accessible. I know when the new changes were originally made it was difficult (for me) to find specific info re the wheelchair as stroller. We have learned mainly from experience (27 park days this calendar yr).

Using a stroller as wheelchair, your return tickets do have and end time that is pretty tightly enforced, as it is completely separate from the DAS.

How fun that you're getting so many park days though!

 

[lanejudy]

It was the stroller as wheelchair pass, which falls under the DAS program in my mind, but I can see how others might make a differentiation. ...

I see. Stroller-as-wheelchair did used to require both a GAC and the stroller tag; now only the stroller tag is required. Essentially, it means just as it sounds -- the stroller is considered a wheelchair, as if the guest had entered the park in a manual wheelchair. Wheelchair users are not necessarily granted DAS accommodations, so the stroller-as-wheelchair is not part of the DAS program. Guests with mobility devices use the standby queue unless they have FP+, or in a few instances will be directed to an alternate accessible entrance -- which might use the wheelchair return cards. If your son also requires accommodations regarding waiting in standard queues, you need to request the DAS in addition to the stroller tag.

Enjoy all your days in the parks! How wonderful!

 

[Mrsjvb]

Hi all, I am planning a trip for next month, we are renewing our seasonal passes, so we go to the park every month or two.
I am a DAS holder and I had a positive experience using the DAS in combination with FP+. It required more planing than the DAC, but I'm good at planning
My question is what is your experience arriving late at your PF window if you are indeed a DAS holder. I remember sometime reading that some people were allowed to go in thru the PF line even though their returning time was over.
In my opinion, since you can return anytime after you DAS return time, when you were issued one, I don't think why it would be a problem to allow that with the PF reservation as well, but since I was never actually late to one of my reservation, I can't tell the way they have been proceeding in these cases.
Thank you.

two entirely different programs. they are VERY strict on the FP+ return time window.

miss it, and you do not get to use it. they only issue so many FP+ per time frame to minimize the wait in that line.

 

[Mrsjvb]

We had an experience 2 days ago where we were held to a DAS return time.

Usually we are fine with regular FP+ and standby lines using our stroller as wheelchair in line. But I wanted to do Jungle Book and the 30 min standby line wasn't an option due to accessibility. We were given a return time ticket and the CM made it exceedingly clear the return time window was for one hour ONLY. She marked it as such on the ticket as well.

Nt sure if this is a policy change but it was my experience on 10/12/14.

JC has a special return ticket for WC users. there is only one( or is it two?) boat that can handle them, and only one at a time. there is a 20 minute or so wait between trips. they cannot just willy nilly let the line stack up with a bunch of wheel chairs.

 

[SueM in MN]

Other posters explained it well. Stroller as a wheelchair tag is completely separate from DAS. Some people will have both, some will have only one.

JC has a special return ticket for WC users. there is only one( or is it two?) boat that can handle them, and only one at a time. there is a 20 minute or so wait between trips. they cannot just willy nilly let the line stack up with a bunch of wheel chairs.

Even if you are using a DAS and a wheelchair, they do issue wheelchair return cards for those attractions like Jungle Cruise and Small World - not always if it's not busy, but most of the time.
And, they have a specific return window, for the reason the quoted poster mentioned.
This is not new; it started out that way. I assume they may be emphasizing it now because too many pepeople were coming back late.

Even for people who are just using DAS, there are some situations where they give a DAS Return Time with a window to come back. Mostly used for shows, your Return Time is for a specific show, so you need to arrive before it is filled.

Wheelchair return times, DAS and Fastpass Plus are 3 different things. You can only have one DAS Return Time active at a time, but the DAS holder can have a wheelchair return time, DAS Return Time and Fastpass Plus all at the same time.

 

[ElliePixie]

Thank you everybody for your help

 

[ElliePixie]

Other posters explained it well. Stroller as a wheelchair tag is completely separate from DAS. Some people will have both, some will have only one.
Even if you are using a DAS and a wheelchair, they do issue wheelchair return cards for those attractions like Jungle Cruise and Small World - not always if it's not busy, but most of the time.
And, they have a specific return window, for the reason the quoted poster mentioned.
This is not new; it started out that way. I assume they may be emphasizing it now because too many pepeople were coming back late.

Even for people who are just using DAS, there are some situations where they give a DAS Return Time with a window to come back. Mostly used for shows, your Return Time is for a specific show, so you need to arrive before it is filled.

Wheelchair return times, DAS and Fastpass Plus are 3 different things. You can only have one DAS Return Time active at a time, but the DAS holder can have a wheelchair return time, DAS Return Time and Fastpass Plus all at the same time.

So you're saying that I can get a wheelchair return time in addition to the DAS return time? We have a stroller tag, so if my DAS is waiting
on an specific ride, can I go and ask for a wheelchair return time on one that gives those out?
Also, if I get a wheelchair return time, can we still transfer or do we have to ride with the stroller on the ride?
One more thing, I know there was a thread with a list of the rides that offer the return, you guys have a link?
Thank you so much!!!

 

[lanejudy]

So you're saying that I can get a wheelchair return time in addition to the DAS return time? We have a stroller tag, so if my DAS is waiting
on an specific ride, can I go and ask for a wheelchair return time on one that gives those out?
Also, if I get a wheelchair return time, can we still transfer or do we have to ride with the stroller on the ride?
One more thing, I know there was a thread with a list of the rides that offer the return, you guys have a link?
Thank you so much!!!

Wheelchair return times may or may not be in use during your visit; they may be used one day and not another, may be in use at one point during the day but not earlier/later, may be in use at one attraction but not another. In other words -- it's not a given that you'll be handed a wheelchair return time. You may be simply directed to the accessible entrance when you approach the attraaction. The rides with alternate accessible entrances are listed in the disABILITIES FAQ sticky. If wheelchair return times are in use, yes you may have one of those in addition to an active DAS return time for another ride and any FP+ scheduled.

He may certainly transfer from the stroller for rides, even if using an accessible entrance with or without a wheelchair return card. We've never taken DD's stroller on a ride, she always transfers.

Enjoy your vacation!