Here now & need a little advice, please!

[mtnprotracy]

So, this is our first time visiting since WDW went away from the Guest Assistance Card--I think that's what it used to be called....and it's been more difficult than I anticipated, especially in the Magic Kingdom. So, are there any tips that could make this experience better?

We are also doing MVMCP tonight--the FIRST one this year, and we haven't done this event in several years. I'm hoping the crowds won't be too bad. Do any of you have any suggestions to make the experience better for our 17 year old non-verbal, severely autistic son? He loves everything in Fantasy Land, and we'd pretty much stay there in Fantasy Land if I could figure out how better to do the new assistance system. Also.....how about parade sitting? We don't have a clue on that process. Where is the best handicapped seating that we won't have to sit there for an hour to an hour and a half to get? There are 6 of us all together, and our fellow will LOVE the parade .

Thanks for your help!

Tracy

 

[lanejudy]

Sorry your trip started off rocky. There have been a lot of changes in recent years. Do you have FP+ planned? DAS works best when also making use of FP+. What also helps us is to be at the least busy park (or section of a park) based on some of the planning sites, though if your plans and FP+ are already set that may be hard to change at this point. You can also do shorter-wait attractions while waiting for the DAS return time. What exactly are the challenges you are finding with the DAS? Maybe we can help.

As to parades... the only "handicapped" reserved sections are those with the wheelchair symbol. I'm not sure if they'll allow others to use that space if nobody in the party has a wheelchair, but you can ask. However, you do usually have to arrive fairly early and it's doubtful they would allow all 6 of you (even if 1 has a wheelchair). Towards Frontierland can be lower crowds for the parade rather than trying to get onto Main Street or near the Castle. My family tries to make use of that time for a snack and rest break while waiting.

I hope your trip improves!

 

[Bete]

DAS replaced the guest assistant card. Go to guest services to get this card. You explain your situation and hopefully they will issue you one.

Fastpass plus replaced fastpass. Through your computer or other similar device you can make advance reservations for rides and shows ahead of time. If you are an onsite guest you get to do it 60 days ahead. If you are offsite then it's 30 days ahead of time. You are allowed to do three advance ride/show reservations per day. Once you use up the three you can try for a 4th and so forth. You can connect all of your party to have the same fastpass plus.

 

[redberyl]

1. Get das time for a ride, while you wait ride a fast pass ride. Come back ride das ride. 2. Get das time, do something with a short line, go back and ride das. 3 get das time, get something to eat, return to use your das. 4. Get das time, shop a bit, go back and ride das. 5. Repeat. It helps if you have a loose plan to avoid crisscrossing the park, though to an extent that can't be avoided. Always have a DAS time waiting, and schedule all your fast-passes. We did a maw trip with instant access to everything, and another trip using das. It took more planning with the das, and we had to wait for or skip some characters, but we were able to get almost as much done with das and a good touring plan as we did with the genie pass.

 

[gap2368]

as fair as the party tonight would a wheel chair help your son to have a little bubble while waiting in lines ( the DAS only works for a very few thing at the party 7DMT has been one of them) dose he like to play games on your phone that he could do while sitting. If you are worried about your batterie dining they do sell fuel rods at the MK they are $30 and it will charge most phones and when the battery dies you just get a new one.( they sell them some where on Main Street opposite of the emporium

as fair as the parade I think the area infant oaf county bears is a good spot.since you have 6 people I would have 3 people or 2 go find a spot may be 45minutes- an hour before hand and stake out a spot and then 15-20 the rest of you show up. of the party tonight if you can watch the second parade it is less crowded and you only need to fine a spot 30 wish minutes early ( I fond a spot for MNSSHP with last year and this year and last years MVMCP about 20 minutes in town square I had front row.)

as other have said using the DAS and FP is a great idea

I hope you have a good trip