Lupus and DAS question

[humormeeee]

I have lupus and this will be the first time going to Disney World as an adult with my children. We went to land a few years ago but it was before lupus... different times. I will be getting a scooter because I just cannot do the walking necessary although I am somewhat mobile, not mobile enough to do the kind of walking and standing necessary to enjoy a park day. But I have other problems that I think require the need for for a DAS card, including that I am immunocompromised due to medications I take and since the measles outbreaks at the parks in California I am getting quite paranoid about being in close quarters in lines with people over long periods of time, seeing as I pick up illnesses very easily. I also have some issues with sun sensitivity, and other issues that I think might necessitate a DAS card. I am concerned about when to get one. Can I get one at the hotel or do I have to wait until I go into the park? We are going at a very peak season and in the morning is the time to beat the rush and get to some long wait rides. I am concerned if I have to spend my time first thing going to guest services haggling over a DAS card at the park opening instead of going with my family along to the morning rides I am going to miss out. Any suggestions? I have never gotten a DAS card before.

 

[aaarcher86]

You can only get a DAS card at the parks. There isn't really a tip that can help with that, unfortunately.

As far as the measles paranoia, you've really got the same chance of catching something being in the stores, watching shows, lined up for parades, etc. Nothing to be super concerned about.

If you have a sun sensitivity I'd recommend taking a break during the afternoon and coming back in the evenings/night time.

 

[lanejudy]

Welcome to the disABILITIES Forum!

As PP mentions, a DAS can only be obtained at Guest Relations at one of the 4 major theme parks at WDW. You *MAY* be able to get one at the outside the gate Guest Relations window -- though if they are busy with ticket issues or don't have the equipment available, you'll be sent to the inside location. If you have time the evening you arrive, you might try, but no guarantees.

I agree that you are just as likely to be exposed to germs/illness in other areas of the park as you are in queues, especially during peak times when the parks are quite crowded. That said, you certainly may ask at Guest Relations about a DAS. I also suggest being prepared -- that may mean using a mask if you are overly concerned.

Some planning can help you with sun avoidance as well -- in addition to sunblock, there is SPF clothing available, a hat with a large brim, and taking mid-day breaks to avoid the hottest/sunniest time of day.

Information about the DAS card is in the thread titled "WDW - Disability Access Service Card" pinned near the top of this forum. The first post has all the details.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[kaytieeldr]

The thing with sun sensitivity is that most of your sun exposure will come from moving between attractions, going to/from transportation, things like that. The vast majority of attraction queues are shaded, if not entirely indoors.

 

[mukorasirish]

I have Lupus and RA and my 14year old has Lupus as well. We have gone to Disney World once a year for the past five years and have had no serious problems. Here is what we learned:

If you are flying you are MUCH more likely to get sick on the plane than at the park. I buy a canister of disinfectant wipes and put them in my carry on. When we get on the plane I wipe down the arms, open and completely clean the tray table and anything else we may touch. I bring masks but we only wear them if we hear someone coughing.

We carry multiple things of germ gel and use it constantly during the day. After each ride we wipe down.

I purchase spray on sunscreen and prior to leaving the hotel I spray us and focus on our hands and feet as those are difficult to get with lotion.
We reapply sunscreen hourly.

We bring and wear hats.

We go into the parks at opening and leave at lunch. We spend the hottest part of the day at the hotel and go back to the parks in the evenings.

Good luck and I hope you have a great time!!!

 

[jmartinez1895]

. I am concerned if I have to spend my time first thing going to guest services haggling over a DAS card at the park opening instead of going with my family along to the morning rides I am going to miss out. Any suggestions? I have never gotten a DAS card before.

even though it is easier to go first thing so that you'd not ave to back track, you do not have to. If there is something that you really want to do at rope drop I would do that first and then head over to GS.

 

[imama]

I also have Lupus, both SLE and discoid. I am also very immuno compromised. I have been to Disney twice since my diagnosis almost two years ago. I agree completely with the antibacterials. I carry both the gel and wipes in my park bag and use them frequently. I also make it a habit (snd this applies to anywhere I am) not to touch my face with my hands until I have washed appropriately. And don't lick handrails.

As far as sun exposure goes, the ques are easy...most of them are shaded. It is the traveling around the park that is tricky for me. I use tons of sunscreen and apply frequently, but the best thing I have found is my uv umbrella. I stared using a large one at home when I was first diagnosed (like a huge golf size one) and then bought a smaller, travel size one for Disney. It fits nicely in my park bag, provides me with the shade I need, AND is kind of handy for the pop up rain showers. the only que I have ever had to use it in (aside from character meets) was the a Little Mermaid que.

I am still mobile, but do deal with a lot of joint and muscle issues. We try to take a break mid day, which helps my energy levels. I worried about the past two trips and how I would handle them, but both times I was so excited to be in Disney that I got by just fine. But BOY did I crash when I got home. Lol! It really did take me a while to recover. But hey, I would be Disney Depressed anyway, so might as well add that to the mix. At least I had Minnie mouse bake shop cookies to drown the pain in.

 

[CoriM48]

Our son has a problem with sun exposure. In the past, the old GAC had a stamp for that which allowed us to wait in the covered area, usually the wheelchair access. We went back last November under the new DAS and we were told that they no longer view sun exposure concerns as a reason for the DAS because most of the lines are covered and the time between rides is where most of the sun exposure occurs anyway (basically, they said the best place to avoid the sun WAS the ride lines). That wasn't our son's main need, so it wasn't a big deal to us that they no longer have a stamp for that, but I share only that it is no longer an "issue" they accommodate in and of itself with a DAS.

Good luck and have a wonderful trip! If you end up feeling very overheated, the family care rooms are kept VERY cool and were a wonderful place for us to just go to sit down and cool off throughout the day. The quick cool rags that you add water and shake dry were also really great to cover our son's neck and even his legs.

 

[ttintagel]

When talking to Guest Relations about your needs, I would probably only discuss the needs that are not related to mobility or stamina. Since mobility and stamina are covered by your ECV, the CM might get confused or hung up on them and not fully understand your other needs.

 

[tinkerpea]

I want to add that like pp I wouldn't actually even mention the mobility issues.
I would only concentrate on anything that a mobility device would not help with, I've seen and personally know of too many times where mobility issues was mentioned,and the conversation for a Das went down hill rapidly from there.
Good luck.