I have questions about the DAS card and how queues work with people on ECVs

laurajetter

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My family of nine, ranging in age from 8 to 77, will be going to Disney from 6/19-6/23. Two of the eldest members will be using ECVs primarily because they each have difficulty being on their feet for great lengths of time. One has painful arthritic feet and recent knee surgery, the other has been going through chemotherapy and just doesn't have the energy to be on his feet very long. They can both walk though when needed, however steps are something that are very difficult for them, especially the one who has foot and knee issues so steps really are out of the question if any queues have them.

We have already planned out the exact schedules for each day and have booked our FPs, but we have been wondering how exactly it will work when we get to each queue. Here are some questions I have:

1. How do we know if there are steps in a queue? Is there a resource I can check beforehand which rides have steps?

2. If there are steps, are there other ways those on ECVs can bypass them or are they just not able to go on the ride?

3. Can the ECVs be ridden into the queue lines? I think I remember seeing someone mention you might need to transfer to a manual wheelchair... if so, do they have wheelchairs available to borrow right there at every ride?

4. We just heard about the DAS card and are kind of confused how it works. Do you still use that if you've already booked FPs? What exactly is the process to use them when you arrive at each ride? I read something about getting a return time, but I don't really understand what that means or how that would even work with the touring schedules we've worked out for the parks.

I'm really hoping to just stick to the schedule we already have planned, and somehow find out beforehand if those on ECVs will be able to go on all the rides we are hoping to and not find out the day we get there that they can't go.

Help with any or all of the above questions is greatly appreciated!
 
For most of your questions, just ask a CM at the entrance of the ride. They will be able to direct you to either the queue itself (most are mainstreamed) or let you now if you need to transfer to a wheelchair (and yes, they have them available) or if you will need an alternate entrance. For some of the rides with an alternate entrance, you may be given a return time (Big Thunder Mountain and Jungle Cruise come to mind). There is no need to change your plans!!

DAS is for disabilities that have difficulty with a regular line environment. If your party's needs are met by the ECV (which is sounds like they are) you would not need a DAS. You definitely use it with a fast pass, but if mobility and fatigue are the only issues, a DAS will not address that.

Also - most rides that load with the moving walkway can be slowed or stopped, with the exception of the People Mover and Peter Pan. You may also want to note the rides that require a transfer but are notoriously difficult to get in and out of, especially with knee issues (Space Mountain, the Frozen Ride, Pirates of the Caribbean).
 
1. How do we know if there are steps in a queue? Is there a resource I can check beforehand which rides have steps?

2. If there are steps, are there other ways those on ECVs can bypass them or are they just not able to go on the ride?
There are bypasses for all attractions that have stairs.

Follow the link in my signature or look near the top of this board for the disABILITIES FAQs thread. It has most of the information you are looking for.
Posts 18-22 will be helpful regarding access.
Post 28 is about attractions with stairs or moving walkways.

Guests using a mobility device (wheelchair, ECV, etc. will be routed in a different way or load in a different place to avoid those things.

3. Can the ECVs be ridden into the queue lines? I think I remember seeing someone mention you might need to transfer to a manual wheelchair... if so, do they have wheelchairs available to borrow right there at every ride?
Most of the lines are accessible to both wheelchairs and ECVs. Those are marked with a wheelchair icon at the entrance and on park maps. For those, the ECV can be brought to the boarding area. You would leave it there and you will either get off in the ssme place or a CM will bring it to the unload area for you.
The ones that are not are marked with an icon of a person getting out of an ECV and into a wheelchair.
Talk to the CM at the entrance if the line is not ECV accessible and they will need to bring a wheelchair into line.
All of those attractions do have loaner wheelchairs. It’s possible (but not likely) that you might have to wait if all the wheelchairs are in use - not very likely though.
4. We just heard about the DAS card and are kind of confused how it works. Do you still use that if you've already booked FPs? What exactly is the process to use them when you arrive at each ride? I read something about getting a return time, but I don't really understand what that means or how that would even work with the touring schedules we've worked out for the parks.
As was already mentioned, if the needs are met by using an ECV or other mobility device, you don’t need and will not be issued DAS. Guests don’t need anything to use a mobility device in queues / attractions and if the issues are related to stamina, inability to stand or walk in line, a mobility device is the best option.
Post 6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread has information about DAS.
The basic information is that DAS is meant to be used with Fastpass.
DAS allows guests with disabilities to wait outside of the regular queues if they are unable to wait in the queue (for example, the queue is too loud or stimulating, they don’t tolerate waiting among other guests, etc.)

I'm really hoping to just stick to the schedule we already have planned, and somehow find out beforehand if those on ECVs will be able to go on all the rides we are hoping to and not find out the day we get there that they can't go.

Help with any or all of the above questions is greatly appreciated!
As long as those on ECVs can walk a few feet and transfer to a wheelchair or ride car, there is no reason they need yo miss anything.
 
My family of nine, ranging in age from 8 to 77, will be going to Disney from 6/19-6/23. Two of the eldest members will be using ECVs primarily because they each have difficulty being on their feet for great lengths of time. One has painful arthritic feet and recent knee surgery, the other has been going through chemotherapy and just doesn't have the energy to be on his feet very long. They can both walk though when needed, however steps are something that are very difficult for them, especially the one who has foot and knee issues so steps really are out of the question if any queues have them.

We have already planned out the exact schedules for each day and have booked our FPs, but we have been wondering how exactly it will work when we get to each queue. Here are some questions I have:

1. How do we know if there are steps in a queue? Is there a resource I can check beforehand which rides have steps?

2. If there are steps, are there other ways those on ECVs can bypass them or are they just not able to go on the ride?

3. Can the ECVs be ridden into the queue lines? I think I remember seeing someone mention you might need to transfer to a manual wheelchair... if so, do they have wheelchairs available to borrow right there at every ride?

4. We just heard about the DAS card and are kind of confused how it works. Do you still use that if you've already booked FPs? What exactly is the process to use them when you arrive at each ride? I read something about getting a return time, but I don't really understand what that means or how that would even work with the touring schedules we've worked out for the parks.

I'm really hoping to just stick to the schedule we already have planned, and somehow find out beforehand if those on ECVs will be able to go on all the rides we are hoping to and not find out the day we get there that they can't go.

Help with any or all of the above questions is greatly appreciated!
as Sue said most rides you can ride all the way to ride car. some of rides with steps will have a bypass which your whole group will be sent example of this is Splash Mountain. and a ride where you change to wheelchair which are there you could have to wait if all are in line already is Pirates. and again as Sue said you just ask the CM at the ride how things are done at that ride. they are there to help you and remember you guys will not be the only ones with ECVs that day. Jungle Cruise is a ride where even with FP you could be given a return time when you get there as there is only so much room to store wheelchairs/ECVs while people ride and there are other rides that do this also. a ride you could be split at is Spaceship Earth as there is a special loading area and only so many people can be loaded there at a time and I do not know that number. hope this helps and not confuse you more
 

Wow, thank you all so much! These answers are extremely helpful and I'll be sure to check out the FAQs thread. I was finding some information here and there but I couldn't envision the big picture of how it all works. All your answers are so thorough; I know my mom will be happy to read them too! :thanks:
 
Wow, thank you all so much! These answers are extremely helpful and I'll be sure to check out the FAQs thread. I was finding some information here and there but I couldn't envision the big picture of how it all works. All your answers are so thorough; I know my mom will be happy to read them too! :thanks:
one other thing that I have found useful for the person with foot and knee problems was my folding cane for getting off rides esp the ones with a moving ramp. it allowed me to steady myself before trying to walk for and for getting myself up and out of the boat rides like Small World. only ride that I would love to be able to do now that I cant is Space Mountain as I can no longer get out and up anymore. as I said earlier you just ask the CM how things work at that ride and they will tell you as that is part of their job. I am an older theme park person who still loves to ride. tell mom to enjoy her tripand ride what she wants with you guys. take lots of pictures
 
1. How do we know if there are steps in a queue? Is there a resource I can check beforehand which rides have steps? the CM at the ride entrance( or further in) will direct you to the stair-less accesss. this could mean going in through the exit.

2. If there are steps, are there other ways those on ECVs can bypass them or are they just not able to go on the ride? again, if you are unable to do stairs there is a HA access point. ( this also works if you are all walking in the line.. just tell the CM that you can't do stairs

3. Can the ECVs be ridden into the queue lines? I think I remember seeing someone mention you might need to transfer to a manual wheelchair... if so, do they have wheelchairs available to borrow right there at every ride? only a few roads require you to transfer. there may or may not be enough WC available for your party when you arrive. the turn radio can be VERY small so if they are not familiar with riding/controlling one, the lines may be an issue.

4. We just heard about the DAS card and are kind of confused how it works. Do you still use that if you've already booked FPs? What exactly is the process to use them when you arrive at each ride? I read something about getting a return time, but I don't really understand what that means or how that would even work with the touring schedules we've worked out for the parks. a DAS is ONLY given out to a person if they are unable to wait in a line at all. stamina issues are not covered..you are told to use an WC or ECV. a DAS can only have one return time . it can be used with FP+ .

I'm really hoping to just stick to the schedule we already have planned, and somehow find out beforehand if those on ECVs will be able to go on all the rides we are hoping to and not find out the day we get there that they can't go.

Help with any or all of the above questions is greatly appreciated!

what rides in particular are you worried about?
 
what rides in particular are you worried about?
We have a bunch we need to know, but I found a list of rides on the Disney website and there is a link you can click on each one that gives info about disability access. The only one that I'm wondering about now is TTA... it is the only one that says you must be ambulatory. I'm not picturing there to be much of a line for TTA, so my mom is probably fine walking to it but do you know if there are steps involved, and if so, is it just a few or quite a bit? It's definitely not a deal breaker if we can't go on it, it's more for nostalgia and a break from walking.
 
The only one that I'm wondering about now is TTA.

There are no steps, but it is an inclined moving walkway from ground level up to the boarding area on what is essentially a “2nd floor” level. Then another moving walkway to board the cars. I don’t believe either walkway can be slowed or stopped.

Enjoy your vacation!
 
We have a bunch we need to know, but I found a list of rides on the Disney website and there is a link you can click on each one that gives info about disability access. The only one that I'm wondering about now is TTA... it is the only one that says you must be ambulatory. I'm not picturing there to be much of a line for TTA, so my mom is probably fine walking to it but do you know if there are steps involved, and if so, is it just a few or quite a bit? It's definitely not a deal breaker if we can't go on it, it's more for nostalgia and a break from walking.
This is post 28 from the disABILITIES FAQs thread regarding stairs and moving walkways.

Attractions with moving walkways: Guest with wheelchairs, ECVs and mobility devices do NOT need a Disability Access Service (DAS) card to board in the accessible area. Guests without a visible disability would need to explain their need to a CM.

MK

Haunted Mansion - The moving walkway can be slowed or stopped, but only if you are boarding at the unload area and the CMs are only able to completely stop it on a certain doombuggy. When we ride, it is stopped at our request so that DD can board. It is also stopped for exiting when we were finished. (We have been on it many times in the past and have always had it stopped - I added this recent info because some people have posted in the past that it did not stop). There is a transfer car with a wider opening that makes transferring in easier for some guests, but no wheelchair accessible car.

Tomorrowland Transit Authority - there is a steep ramped moving walkway to get to the second floor station. There is also a moving walkway to board and exit and a moving ramp to get back down to the ground after riding. I would not recommend this attraction for anyone with trouble on moving walkways. These moving walkways can NOT be stopped and are sort or slippery and very steep metal ramps if they are not working and are stopped for any reason.

Buzz Lightyear - Can be slowed or stopped, but only if you board at the unload area. They will normally slow it and only stop if slowing is not enough. There is a special wheelchair accessible ride car that a wheelchair can be rolled onto. Some of the CMs are so efficient at getting a wheelchair into the car that they can load it with just a slight slowing of the moving walkway.

Pirates of Caribbean - steep moving walkway to get back from the underground exit to ground level (like an escalator without steps). There is an elevator to the left of the moving walkway, down a short hall. It brings you out into a sort of deserted looking semi-backstage area near the restrooms. Pirates has a very low boat that is a big step down to get into and a big step up to get back out.

Space Mountain - steep moving walkway at the exit. There should be a way to avoid this with a wheelchair, but I have not ridden it with DD and her wheelchair, so I don't know for sure how.

Peter Pan - can only be stopped in emergency, and stopping requires an evacuation of the attraction.
Sometimes, it is possible to have the CMs stop this attraction for the very first or very last ride of the day. Because of how this ride operates, they can only stop it for boarding if there are no other guests on the ride. For the first ride of the day, they would load guests with disabilities with only a small number of other guests on the attraction (the number who would fit in the cars on the stopped walkway) before starting the walkway. At the end of the ride, they would stop the ride and all guests get out before re-starting the moving walkway. (This information is from an area supervisor at MK).

Voyage of the Little Mermaid - the moving walkway csn be stopped or slowed and there is a wheelchair accessible ride car. Guests with mobility devices or who need extra time board at the unload part of the moving walkway. This is much longer than the regular loading part and allows much more time for getting into the ride clamshell.

Epcot

Spaceship Earth - you enter at the exit; there is a waiting area for people with wheelchairs, ECVs and special needs. The wait is sometimes long and they tend to load people with special needs in 'batches', so keep your group together while you wait. They usually slow the walkway, but it can be stopped completely if absolutely needed.

Where's Nemo - does have a moving walkway. It can be slowed way down and stopped completely. They will usually only slow it, but can stop it on request. There is a special wheelchair accessible ride car.

The Land Building - the building is on a hill and you enter on ground level on the top of the hill. There is a long steep ramp down to get to the level where you will find escalators or stairs to get down to ground level where the rides are. There is also an elevator on the far left side of the building. Look for the Garden Grill restaurant and head left, around a corner. This thread explains access for the rides in The Land (page 2).

American Adventure - does not have any moving walkways, but the access to the building is on ground level and the access to the theater is on 2nd floor. If not using a wheelchair, there are stairs or an escalator to get upstairs. With a wheelchair or other visible mobility need, you can use the elevator to the right of the building entrance. (see the thread I linked in The Land).

Disney's Hollywood Studio
Has no attractions with moving walkways.

AK

Kali River Rapids - has a circular moving walkway for entry and exit. There is a separate loading area for guests with wheelchairs/ECVs/special needs. You wait in the 'regular' line until just before getting to the boarding area, when you are sent to a different boarding area. In this area, they can 'trap' a boat for boarding; the boat stays in place and you don't use the moving walkway.

List of attractions with STAIRS: Guests with ECVs, wheelchairs and other mobility devices do NOT need a DAS to use the accessible areas that bypass these stairs. Guests without a visible disability would need to talk to the CM.

MK
Splash Mountain - there is an accessible bypass just before the stairs that sends guests to a waiting area near the exit

WDW Railroad at Frontierland and Main Street- there is a ramp at both stations, but it is steep and winding

Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse - stairs are winding, steep and narrow

Tom Sawyer’s Island - the island is not considered accessible. There are narrow spots and places with stairs in the fort. A very narrow child's chair may be able to get around.

Big Thunder Mountain RR - has no stairs, but has some very steep ramps, which I think people remember as stairs.

Epcot
American Adventure - stairs to get to the 2nd floor for the show. By the stairs, there is an escalator, so you can avoid the stairs. There is a small elevator for guests with wheelchairs, ECVs and other mobility devices. See a CM to use it.

O Canada - there are stairs to reach the 2nd floor level shop area and the entrance to the movie. You can avoid that by following the path thru the garden on the right side of Canada as you face the shops from the front of Canada

At DHS
Beauty and the Beast - show is in a theater with stairs to get down to the seats. Most of the wheelchair/ECV accessible seating is in the back rows. Guests without mobility devices can sit in the rear to avoid the stairs. To get down to the wheelchair accessible seating in the front rows, there is a very steep ramp with many switchbacks.

Toy Story Mania - There are 2 queues that split at the Fastpass merge point; one has stairs just after the point where guests pick up their 3D glasses. The other queue does not contain stairs. There is also a ramped area just beyond Fastpass merge that bypasses the stairs. The ramped area is where the wheelchair accessible ride car loads. Guests who can't do stairs, but do not need the wheelchair accessible ride car may be sent to the ramped area or to the queue without stairs.

Fantastmic - stairs in the amphitheater to go down to the seating. Very back row is for wheelchairs and ECVs. Several rows ahead are for guests with special needs. There is very limited accessible seating for guest with wheelchairs in the front row; access is by a steep ramp.
There is a ramp all the way from front to back on the far right as you face the stage. This area may be the Fantasmic dinner package seating or Fastpass and guests who are not part of that ‘program’ are not allowed in that area before the show. The specific areas assigned for these programs change from time to time.

For Animal Kingdom

Dinosaur - stairs in the boarding area. Guests who can’t do the stairs use an elevator just to the left as you leave the preshow area.

Festival of the Lion King - theater has stadium seating with some seats up many stairs. Much of the ground level seating is for guests with special needs.

Nemo - stairs in theater to get down to seating or sit in stadium seating in the very rear of the show. Back row is for guests with wheelchairs and ECVs, but you can sit in the front row of the stadium seating. There is a small amount of accessible seating for wheelchairs and ECVs in the middle and very front of the theater with access via a ramp.
 
There are no steps, but it is an inclined moving walkway from ground level up to the boarding area on what is essentially a “2nd floor” level. Then another moving walkway to board the cars. I don’t believe either walkway can be slowed or stopped.

Enjoy your vacation!
Here is a picture of the inclined moving walkway that lanejudy mentioned.
It’s like an escalator with no steps and there is one to go up and another to go down. Those can’t be slowed - I’ve been on them when they were stopped for an emergency and they can be slippery when stopped.

In the other picture, the moving walkway is right in front of the people who are waiting to get on. It can be slowed, but usually is not.
9B72D0D5-8B2B-4569-868E-FAFB067673BB.jpeg 8AE2CF41-81D4-4A92-B0A8-EC53080FEEAE.jpeg
 
We have a bunch we need to know, but I found a list of rides on the Disney website and there is a link you can click on each one that gives info about disability access. The only one that I'm wondering about now is TTA... it is the only one that says you must be ambulatory. I'm not picturing there to be much of a line for TTA, so my mom is probably fine walking to it but do you know if there are steps involved, and if so, is it just a few or quite a bit? It's definitely not a deal breaker if we can't go on it, it's more for nostalgia and a break from walking.
think of the ramp as more of an ramp up to second floor of a store would your mom be able to ride that up then step onto another moving ramp to the car. I was allowed to use my cane on this one last trip which I would not have been able ton ride if I couldn't use it. ramps up and down are steep. my guess is you will have to make that call when mom sees the ride
 












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