Guests with disabilities ride access

[LuvOrlando]

Hi there, so I just called Disney to inquire about a trip around Christmas time with my family. My sister-in-law went in spring and told me that they changed all the fast pass features which made things very hard on her father-in-law, so I thought I'd ask if disabled access was changed too.

The way the girl described to me it sounded like you can get a fast pass then leave and wait for your time and go back to the ride. That doesn't sound any different from what it always was. When they first introduced fast passes resort guests didn't have any limits , so it sounded to me like the new disability program was exactly like the original fast pass setup.

Anyway, I thought I would check other peoples real life experiences here before I write off Disney as a vacation choice. Last year I went and although I was very slow I was able to get to what I wanted to go to see. I if I did understand the woman right and they did change that way it will be a help to know in advance. If its not for me anymore its not for me, I got 20 years out of the place so if I need to wait until the kids go to college so I could go during off-season so be it

 

[ArielRae]

Here is the link to the sticky thread that gives all the information on how they are running things for those with disabilities.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3178976

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . The way the girl described to me it sounded like you can get a fast pass then leave and wait for your time and go back to the ride . . .

1) True.
2) But, not the full story.
3) It makes it sound like immediate access at the proper time.
4) The way it actually works is
. . . you get the Fast Pass
. . . you report to the attraction at the designated time
. . . you wait in the Fast Pass line for admittance (typically 10-20 min)

 

[lanejudy]

I think you are mixing up 2 different things -- FP+ and the DAS.

FastPass as you remember it (pulling at ticket at the ride, returning at the time stated) is a thing of the past. WDW now has FP+. All guests are allowed to pre-select 3 FP+ rides/times each park day. You will plan these up to 30 or 60 days prior to arriving at WDW. More can be scheduled onsite after the first 3 have been used each day.

DAS is the new Disability Access Service card program. A PP directed you to the info thread. This replaced the former GAC program. Those with a DAS will get a card at Guest Relations, go to the ride and get a return time noted, then come back at that time and enter the FP+ line. Generally speaking, strictly mobility issues are not included in the DAS program. Whether you qualify depends on your needs. Check out the sticky and feel free to ask specific questions you have.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Aladora]

The way the girl described to me it sounded like you can get a fast pass then leave and wait for your time and go back to the ride. That doesn't sound any different from what it always was. When they first introduced fast passes resort guests didn't have any limits , so it sounded to me like the new disability program was exactly like the original fast pass setup.

Not quite, the one big difference is that if you get a DAS, you can only have one return time on the card at a time. Unlike the way they used to do fast passes where you could collect multiple ones over the day and use them whenever you wanted, you can only have one time active.

The sticky that was linked will have a ton of info about the system but I wanted to make sure that you were aware of this one thing.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Thank you all for the helpful responses.

OK, so please tell me if I understand this properly or if I am missing the mark.

Reg guests are limited to 3 Fast Passes a day otherwise they wait on reg lines

Guests with Disabilities still have use of the 3 per guest Fast Passes per day plus they are also able to use the DAS card, for the fast passes I could send my son on to get my Fast Pass. In order to use the DAS card the disabled guest must make their way to the ride in question (not allowed to send my healthy 16 year old son) and then find out how long the wait is and a place to wait the time out. Once the time comes up the guest with disabilities will be put onto the Fast Pass line along with everyone else.

Are there any good apps-services which help guests with disabilities figure out how long the waits are? Off the top of my head I'm thinking that if I come in EPCOT by the Boardwalk entrance around noon (lets say after using my 3 FP's at AK in the AM) and then think I might want to do Soarin, well that's a long walk to find out entry times are are 9pm. I only have so many steps in me on non-perfect day so knowing I might want to skip even trying to get into Soarin and send my family on without me while i enjoy a boat-ride around World showcase could be the difference between a good day and a bad one; for me anyway.

Wondering if people who are disabled notice the difference, has it made things better for you? Disney is usually so good at accommodating people with disabilities, last year I barely noticed I was different from before. I really wanted to do WDW at Christmas before my kids go off to college soon & since it's the busiest time of year I'm a bit nervous it could be a mistake, even if the gingerbread houses are lovely

 

[OurBigTrip]

OK, so please tell me if I understand this properly or if I am missing the mark.

Reg guests are limited to 3 Fast Passes a day otherwise they wait on reg lines- wondering if it's 3 per day per park (if using hopper) or just 3 per day no matter what.

3 per day can be made in advance at My Disney Experience, or you can make them at kiosks. All 3 must be in the same park, and it is 3 per day, not 3 per day per park.

After those 3 are gone, you can obtain additional FP+ at kiosks located in each park. You can make these one at a time.

Guests with Disabilities still have use of the 3 per guest Fast Passes per day plus they are also able to use the DAS card, for the fast passes I could send my son on to get my Fast Pass. In order to use the DAS card the disabled guest must make their way to the ride in question (not allowed to send my healthy 16 year old son) and then find out how long the wait is and a place to wait the time out. Once the time comes up the guest with disabilities will be put onto the Fast Pass line along with everyone else.

You can send your healthy 16 year old to get your DAS return time. The DAS holder has to be there for the ride, but not to obtain the return time. The return time will be the current stand-by wait time minus 10 minutes. You can wait wherever you want, or you can ride other rides using FP+ or stand-by during your wait. You can return any time after your DAS ride time occurs. FP+ has a one hour return window. When you return to the ride with your DAS at or after your appointed time, you enter the FP+ line with other guests using FP+ or DAS.

Are there any good apps-services which help guests with disabilities figure out how long the waits are? Off the top of my head I'm thinking that if I come in EPCOT by the Boardwalk entrance around noon (lets say after using my 3 FP's at AK in the AM) and then think I might want to do Soarin, well that's a long walk to find out entry times are are 9pm. I only have so many steps in me on non-perfect day so knowing I might want to skip even trying to get into Soarin and send my family on without me while i enjoy a boat-ride around World showcase could be the difference between a good day and a bad one; for me anyway.

The My Disney Experience app has wait times, as does TouringPlans.com (their app is called "Lines")

Wondering if people who are disabled notice the difference, has it made things better for you? Disney is usually so good at accommodating people with disabilities, last year I barely noticed I was different from before. I really wanted to do WDW at Christmas before my kids go off to college soon & since it's the busiest time of year I'm a bit nervous it could be a mistake, even if the gingerbread houses are lovely

Many people have had great success with it, others not so much. My sister had no problems using it, and by integrating it with FP+, she spent very little time actually waiting in lines.

IMO, the people that have had the greatest success are those that went into it realizing that it is a very different system than the GAC, and they adjusted their plans/expectations accordingly. In other words, they didn't use the DAS to try to tour as they did with the GAC.

Also, not to pry, but since you didn't talk about what your challenges are, you should be aware that if your issue is one of mobility only, Disney will most likely recommend a wheelchair or ECV. If you have challenges in addition to mobility, you need to be prepared to explain what your needs are (vs. diagnosis), and how waiting outside of the stand-by line will make it possible for you to access the attractions.

Best of luck and enjoy Christmas at WDW!

 

[lanejudy]

Reg guests are limited to 3 Fast Passes a day otherwise they wait on reg lines- wondering if it's 3 per day per park (if using hopper) or just 3 per day no matter what.

FP+ is available to all guests. It is 3 scheduled per day, plus more available after those first 3 are used or expire. They are scheduled for specific times. If you are park hopping, the first 3 FP+ must be at one park, additional can be obtained at the 2nd park, again only after the first 3 are used or expired. As with the old FP, there is a one-hour window in which to use the FP+.

Guests with Disabilities still have use of the 3 per guest Fast Passes per day plus they are also able to use the DAS card, for the fast passes I could send my son on to get my Fast Pass. In order to use the DAS card the disabled guest must make their way to the ride in question (not allowed to send my healthy 16 year old son) and then find out how long the wait is and a place to wait the time out. Once the time comes up the guest with disabilities will be put onto the Fast Pass line along with everyone else.

Guests who qualify for the DAS card are recommended to use it in conjunction with FP+. As noted above, FP+ are scheduled in advance -- you won't be sending a runner for these anymore. You CAN send a runner with the DAS card to obtain a return time; the DAS holder only needs to be present when you return to the ride. You may ride shorter lines, eat, shop, people-watch or whatever while you wait for the return time. There is end on the return time window for DAS -- it can be used any time that day once the time comes around -- but you can only hold 1 active return-time at a time. The previous one needs to be (or will be) crossed off to get a new one.

Are there any good apps-services which help guests with disabilities figure out how long the waits are?

There are several apps that show wait times, including My Disney Experience. I'd suggest a touring plan app like easywdw or touringplans, even if you don't create a specific plan it helps to know which parks and which areas of the park are lower crowds throughout the day.

For Soarin' I'd suggest making that one of your scheduled FP+. You do not have to use your FP+ at the first park, if you plan to hop to EP you could do standby at AK, especially if arriving at rope drop, and have your FP+ planned for later in the day at EP.

Note that if your needs are mobility-related (you mention only have so many steps in you on a non-perfect day) -- you will not qualify for the DAS. Please check out the WDW Disability Access Service Card thread near the top of this forum. The first post has all the details, you do not need to read the whole thread.

Wondering if people who are disabled notice the difference, has it made things better for you? Disney is usually so good at accommodating people with disabilities, last year I barely noticed I was different from before. I really wanted to do WDW at Christmas before my kids go off to college soon & since it's the busiest time of year I'm a bit nervous it could be a mistake, even if the gingerbread houses are lovely

Many do find the combination of FP+ and DAS to work quite well. Obviously, there are some people who do not feel the new program works for them. As to how well it works at Christmas time -- that's the busiest time of year anyway and nobody should expect to get a lot of rides done then. I think it all comes down to expectations and recognizing that it's a special time of year.

Enjoy your vacation!

Oops! I guess OurBigTrip and I were posting at the same time! Nearly identical info...

 

[LuvOrlando]

Thanks! I have used apps before for wait times so I know they are around, I meant for something strictly associated with the DAS cards or are they the same waits timetable as FP.

I have a severe Rheumatoid Arthritis so my disability isn't something anyone would notice with a once over. Anyway, unlike with other disabilities I'm actually supposed to avoid being stationary, things get worse the longer I am still but I can't move too much or too quickly either so you see why the chair is not for me but neither are long waits. Anyway, I have a state assigned parking tag & persons with disabilities card. When I was there last year the clerks at both Universal & Disney gave me a bit of a hard time because I don't 'look' like I need help but when I handed them my card and Dr notes they relented. I notice that the clerks aren't supposed to challenge guests but I suppose it's human nature to be suspicious, I'm glad I had everything with me for proof or I don't think they would have given me anything.

 

[OurBigTrip]

Thanks! I have used apps before for wait times so I know they are around, I meant for something strictly associated with the DAS cards or are they the same waits timetable as FP.

The DAS wait times will be standby minus 10 minutes.

I have a severe Rheumatoid Arthritis so my disability isn't something anyone would notice with a once over. Anyway, unlike with other disabilities I'm actually supposed to avoid being stationary, things get worse the longer I am still but I can't move too much or too quickly either so you see why the chair is not for me but neither are long waits. Anyway, I have a state assigned parking tag & persons with disabilities card. When I was there last year the clerks at both Universal & Disney gave me a bit of a hard time because I don't 'look' like I need help but when I handed them my card and Dr notes they relented. I notice that the clerks aren't supposed to challenge guests but I suppose it's human nature to be suspicious, I'm glad I had everything with me for proof or I don't think they would have given me anything.

My understanding is that Disney CMs will not look at doctor's notes or other documentation.

As it seems that your challenge is mobility related, it may be very difficult, if not impossible, to obtain a DAS card. You really need to be able to explain the non-mobility reasons why you can't wait in a standby line.

 

[lanejudy]

... I have a severe Rheumatoid Arthritis so my disability isn't something anyone would notice with a once over. Anyway, unlike with other disabilities I'm actually supposed to avoid being stationary, things get worse the longer I am still but I can't move too much or too quickly either so you see why the chair is not for me but neither are long waits. ...

You can certainly ask at Guest Relations about a DAS. However, be prepared for them to suggest a mobility device. This doesn't mean you have to sit and be stationary all day -- with a wheelchair you can push it or ride, swapping positions frequently; with an ECV you can park and walk at times, even sharing if another member of your party is at least 18 yrs old. Another mobility device is a "rollator" which is a walker with a seat. You push when you walk and you have a seat whenever it's needed. Some people have started to use cane-seats as well -- a cane that folds out to a 3-legged stool. You may also do some moving/pacing while in line -- have the other members of your party spread out in front and in back of you, allowing you some extra space to keep moving.

Not trying to discourage you, but hopefully giving you some alternative suggestions. Disney has tried to relieve the congestion caused by too many people in the FP lines, and in making most queues accessible to mobility devices and changing to the DAS their first response to anything that remotely sounds like a mobility need is to suggest a mobility aid rather than the DAS. CMs likely will not look at any documentation you provide, unless it is your own notes regarding your needs. You will have to explain your needs as related to waiting in a queue environment, and also be prepared to further explain why a mobility device would not work. You need no other "proof" other than clear and concise explanation of needs -- a parking permit or doctor's note has no value to Disney CM's when it comes to requesting a DAS.

Good luck with your planning and enjoy your vacation!

 

[LuvOrlando]

OurBigTRip & LaneJudy, thanks for that, that's a sobering thought. Without any help (DAS) the parks would be a complete waste of money & time for me. I can't do what other people can do & that's all there is to it. If that's how WDW does things now I don't think I will even bother, we usually spend thousands on these trips and since I am the biggest fan if I'm not having a nice time it will just ruin everyone's trip. If the chances of getting a card are that small then I may just have to accept that the annual WDW part of my life is over & switch to beach vacations & such. oh well

 

[scootch]

Can it be used for Fantasmic and other shows like Lion King?

 

[SueM in MN]

Can it be used for Fantasmic and other shows like Lion King?

Yes

At this point, almost all WDW attractions have Faspass plus.
In most cases, with DAS you will get a return time and when that time arrives, you will enter the Fastpass line.

 

[LuvOrlando]

The thing that i've been wondering about all day is whether or not there is a way to address this before a guest shows up at the gates? Its an awful lot of $ to throw out there dependant on the whim of a CM in guest services who might be having a bad day. It all seems very subjective to me. If its a yes then fine or if its a no, thats ok too; i just think spending thousands for time off work & airfare & tickets & rental car & room rates is a lot to not know what a fanily is getting itself into. I would also hate to wash my hands of a favorite vacation needlessly. As they say, when in doubt, don't; but what if the concern is unnecessary

 

[OurBigTrip]

The thing that i've been wondering about all day is whether or not there is a way to address this before a guest shows up at the gates? Its an awful lot of $ to throw out there dependant on the whim of a CM in guest services who might be having a bad day. It all seems very subjective to me. If its a yes then fine or if its a no, thats ok too; i just think spending thousands for time off work & airfare & tickets & rental car & room rates is a lot to not know what a fanily is getting itself into. I would also hate to wash my hands of a favorite vacation needlessly. As they say, when in doubt, don't; but what if the concern is unnecessary

To the best of my knowledge, they will not tell you in advance whether or not you will receive a DAS.

I've not personally heard of anyone that was able to obtain a DAS when mobility was the only challenge, as there are mobility aids available and most of the lines are accessible.

Speaking ONLY for myself, if my only challenge was mobility, and I wasn't willing to use a rollator, wheelchair or ECV if the DAS were denied, *I* would not take the trip. Again, this is if it were me; I'm not trying to tell you that you should or shouldn't - that is a personal choice.

 

[aaarcher86]

The thing that i've been wondering about all day is whether or not there is a way to address this before a guest shows up at the gates? Its an awful lot of $ to throw out there dependant on the whim of a CM in guest services who might be having a bad day. It all seems very subjective to me. If its a yes then fine or if its a no, thats ok too; i just think spending thousands for time off work & airfare & tickets & rental car & room rates is a lot to not know what a fanily is getting itself into. I would also hate to wash my hands of a favorite vacation needlessly. As they say, when in doubt, don't; but what if the concern is unnecessary

The basic guideline is that if your needs can be met using a mobility aid, you will probably not get a DAS. If you have additional issues that can not be aided by a mobility device that keep you from waiting in a traditional line, if you share them, we could let you know the experience of past guests. In trying to get the FP lines fast again, they aren't putting additional people in that line unless there are no other options. Since they don't have to offer multiple options, just one that works for the problem, this is how,they've chosen to do it.

They won't set anything up in advance, however. It's all done in person at GR. Obviously if you felt you weren't being treated fairly you could ask for a supervisor at GR to get a fresh, and more influential person to deal with.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Am I missing something or are you all saying its WDW's policy to assign anyone with mobility issues to wheelchairs or walkers or treat them as if they are fine because thats what is coming across. If so thats not vague, that should be made public to help families make choices

 

[jmartinez1895]

Am I missing something or are you saying its WDW's policy to assign anyone with mobility issues to wheelchairs or walkers or treat them as if they are fine because thats what is coming across.

Yes. If your only needs are mobility related Disney will tell you to use a wheelchair or ECV. Unlike with the old GAC, it is my understanding that the new DAS will not be give if the needs are mobility related.

 

[SMD]

Am I missing something or are you all saying its WDW's policy to assign anyone with mobility issues to wheelchairs or walkers or treat them as if they are fine because thats what is coming across. If so thats not vague, that should be made public to help families make choices

I wouldn't expect them to release a statement that says something like, "If you expect to skip lines, and only want to experience attractions that require a line, please reconsider." First, I think it's implied that if you want to go on a ride there is a wait and/or a queue to pass through. Second, Disney has made the queues accessible, they shouldn't be expected to make information public on how people who don't want to help themselves cycles those queues skip them. And third, Disney is not going to admit that rides and shows with queues are the only reason to come to their resort. Plenty of people find value in activities around their resort, DTD, dining, park atmosphere, etc.