gac to das needs- sorry many questions - multi issue family

[mackay_j]

last visit I got a GAC card, I also use a ECV for mobilty reasons- GAC issue was for non mobility problems- I am looking for advice regarding the change to the DAS.

1. I got the card for the whole stay 14 nights- is DAS the same or do I have to get it each day. The medical reason I got it hasn't changed so should I still get it -or have the requirements changed (reasons are not mobility/ stamina related - but think I am meant to say what I got it for on here )

2. most of the time I didn't need the GAC as I was just directed to an alternate entrance anyway before showing the card - has that changes since our disney world 2012 visit. .

3. I have made lunch reservations to get me out of the heat and have a rest between 1.30-2.30. What happen if I turn up for a ride at 12 and they say return while I am at lunch - can I ask for a later time instead.

4. My eldest DD has never had the card as she has always been with me so not needed it. I think this time I will probably not last the pace of the day and may have time out if I can find a shady cafes in the afternoon. My DD is diabetic on a pump- (old kind that cannot be used near strong magnets- so she will have to remove it for certain rides - but can only stay off it for 1hr max- and that's pushing it- not sure can a DAS help with this also if anyone can tell us which rides use magnets that would be great). A previous pump stopped working and the manufacture said that it was because she had been near strong magnets.

5. Other DD has a different autoimmune diseases- granuloma annular which means she has to avoid sunlight as its one of her triggers (yip we have 5 different autoimmune deceases between 3 of us- lucky or what ). Is it possible to obtain DAS for something like that, in case she wants to go something that I cant manage. Has anyone come across light weight clothing that is good at blocking sun- She is 17 there is no way I will get her in the swimming costume type tops as she gets way too hot in them and feels too self conscious as they are so tight. - Too much sun is not a problem we face very often living in Scotland

 

[lanejudy]

If you haven't yet, I suggest you check out the WDW Disability Access Service Card... sticky thread near the top of this forum. It is long, but the first page of posts have the specifics of the new DAS. DAS has some considerable differences than the GAC.

1. DAS is available for the length of your trip

2. See the sticky... with DAS you will get a "return time" equivalent to the standby minus 10 minutes; when you return at or after the designated time you'll be admitted through the FP+ line

3. DAS return times have no end, it's "return anytime after x:xx" so taking a break is fine

4a. two people in the same party may each have a DAS if you expect to split up, however the full party will then be split across 2 DAS cards (i.e. 3+2 for a party of 5)
4b. as to your daughter qualifying for a DAS, that would depend on her needs, not the diagnosis of diabetes -- you will have to explain why she can't wait in a regular queue environment
4c. as to the pump and magnets, I would check the documentation provided by the pump manufacturer, and there are several posts here on DIS about people who use insulin pumps

5. see 4a above about 2 people in the same party having a DAS

I suggest an Internet search for SPF clothing, there are lots of options out there. Also, judicious use of sun screen and a big hat will be helpful. Try to alternate indoor/outdoor activities to limit sun exposure -- most will occur outside of ride lines so the DAS would not help at all at such times.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[SueM in MN]

I only have a few minutes to answer right now, but want to point you toward the WDW DAS thread near the top of this board.
The first post in the thread is a DAS FAQ and should be able to answer most of your questions.

 

[1 DISNEY FAN]

Hi don't know most of the answers to your questions but I do know that the return time on the das can be used at any time after the one wrote on the card it doesn't expire like a fp. It is good to get a a ride wait time before going for lunch so you can ride straight away when you finish eating.
https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me...bilities-services/wdw_cognitive_guide_rev.pdf
This guide tell you about what to expect from rides but nothing about magnets....I would phone the disability help line.

 

[lanejudy]

Here are some recent posts about insulin pumps, there are others if you search this forum:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3276967&highlight=insulin+pump

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3244355&highlight=insulin+pump

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3195584&highlight=insulin+pump

It does sound like it could be brand-specific so you'd need to check recommendations for your daughter's pump.

 

[Starwind]

5. Other DD has a different autoimmune diseases- granuloma annular which means she has to avoid sunlight as its one of her triggers (yip we have 5 different autoimmune deceases between 3 of us- lucky or what ). Is it possible to obtain DAS for something like that, in case she wants to go something that I cant manage. Has anyone come across light weight clothing that is good at blocking sun- She is 17 there is no way I will get her in the swimming costume type tops as she gets way too hot in them and feels too self conscious as they are so tight. - Too much sun is not a problem we face very often living in Scotland

For sun protective clothing, I have had very good experience with Coolibar ( http://www.coolibar.com ). Although they are in the US, they ship overseas for reasonable rates. All of their sun protective clothing is rated UPF 50+ and they have an extensive collection, which means a lot of options, in types, styles and colours. they also have a range of fabric options, for very lightweight to heavier fabrics.

An example of what I have worn at Disney (all products sold by coolibar unless noted):

Vanicream SPF 50+ sunscreen on exposed skin (one of only a couple sunscreens I do not get bad reactions to).

Featherweight Bucket Hat. (it has a wide 3 1/4" brim, dark underbrim, chin strap, and handles being smushed well when packed)

Short sleeve t-shirt of my choosing from any retailer (this actually functionally becomes an underlayer when outside) (could be long sleeve in cooler weather).

Shoreline Cover-up. worn over the tshirt. (mine is in pewter grey. It is a VERY light-weight fabric with a silky feel. It has a hood that I will sometimes use. It has a zipper that I can open or close to regulate temperature. it is long sleeve, but I can shove the sleeves up or down a bit to regulate temperature, usually when in shade/indoors. )

For pants I have a few that are all UPF 50+; lightweight pants designed for hiking-type activity. Exoficcio, REI, and LLBean brands, bought from the respective brand manufacturer. they all have buttons that allow them to be rolled into capri-length, though I rarely wear them that way. They also all have discrete cargo pockets, which come in handy.

I also have a couple heavier-weight long-sleeve UPF 50+ shirts from LLBean that I will wear as standalone tops instead of the above in cooler weather (like January). Both have buttons that allow the sleeves to be rolled up to a kind of short sleeve length, if desired.


Even if you do not buy from them, on Coolibar's website they have a very good explanation of what the UPF 50+ certification means. Look for it when choosing sun protective clothing. There is an actual international standard. There are reputable retailers who sell clothing that meets the standard.

You will quickly learn that sun protective clothing is not cheap. That is why I took the layering approach. I can wear the single sun protective coverup multiple days in a row, changing out the under tshirt each day. Much cheaper than a different sun protective shirt each day.

I also made sure to only buy sun protective clothing that was machine washable and dryable, because realistically, I am not willing to be hand washing bulky things like that while travelling. I will concede that I will have to do laundry while travelling -- but I can put a load in and go do something else (eat, swim, nap, resort explore, shop) with the timer on my phone set for just before when the cycle will end.

Good luck !

-SW

 

[katiefried]

2. most of the time I didn't need the GAC as I was just directed to an alternate entrance anyway before showing the card - has that changes since our disney world 2012 visit.

We were at MK two weeks ago and got a DAS for my son as well as a tag to use our stroller as a wheelchair (he has autism and the stroller is sort of a comfort/safe haven). We were directed to other entrances and thus a very short wait for the teacups and carousel and in addition were able to keep him in his stroller on the train and raft to Tom Sawyer island. Between our fast passes and the stroller tag we ended up never needing to use the DAS in the 5 hours we were there. I would still get one though as I believe some rides might not have separate wheel chair entrances, but many do.

 

[mackay_j]

thank you so much for the info so far especially the cloths link - I think I can see a few things she might actually wear without her nearly crying.

 

[njpyro]

I have sensitivity to the sun as well and I have found great uv protective clothing at uniqlo. They are a japanese company, but there are some stores in the US. You should be able to ship worldwide from their website. Everything is very current and fashionable. I found a much bigger selection in store than on the website, but you may not be able to find a store in your area.

 

[clanmcculloch]

3. I have made lunch reservations to get me out of the heat and have a rest between 1.30-2.30. What happen if I turn up for a ride at 12 and they say return while I am at lunch - can I ask for a later time instead.

Unfortunately the answer is "it depends".

If you're getting a return time on a DAS then there is no end time so you can just go back after lunch.

If you're getting a return time for the accessible queue (this is only done at attractions that have an alternate entrance because the regular and FP queues are not accessible, ex Jungle Cruise) then I'm not sure what they'll do since those return time passes to have an end time. I'd probably just tell the CM the truth, that you have an ADR because you need to mid-day get out of the worst of the sun and that you'll miss that RT because of it. You then just have to see what the CM does.