Mobility Question

[asta]

I fully support what WDW has done with the new DAS policy. I think the change was needed. Not trying to be argumentative but I do have one question in regards to mobility challenged guests. If no accommodation is given and those guests are told to rent a wheelchair or ECV, is that not putting an extra financial burden on those guests? Kind of like you can enjoy WDW but at an extra cost while we accommodate other disabilities at no extra cost.

I know there are some very knowledgeable people here who understand ADA rules and have had to deal with mobility issues much longer than I have. Your insight will solve my curiosity.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I fully support what WDW has done with the new DAS policy. I think the change was needed. Not trying to be argumentative but I do have one question in regards to mobility challenged guests. If no accommodation is given and those guests are told to rent a wheelchair or ECV, is that not putting an extra financial burden on those guests? Kind of like you can enjoy WDW but at an extra cost while we accommodate other disabilities at no extra cost.

I know there are some very knowledgeable people here who understand ADA rules and have had to deal with mobility issues much longer than I have. Your insight will solve my curiosity.

The question is, what accommodation, other than a wheelchair or ECV, would work for a mobility issue? There really aren't other options for someone that has a mobility problem.

 

[DavidG1966]

Exactly what would you suggest that Disney do for Free for mobility challenged guests.

 

[asta]

The question is, what accommodation, other than a wheelchair or ECV, would work for a mobility issue? There really aren't other options for someone that has a mobility problem.

My question comes from reading others comments, not from first hand experience. I have never used a GAC or DAS but the impression I have from reading is that with the old way the mobility challenged could sometimes take advantage of shorter lines. The wait may have been long in that place but shorter lines would mean less walking.

I know that I am just being stubborn but I have resisted a wheelchair or ECV and have chosen to grit my teeth through the pain. In that shape every extra step hurts.

 

[geek+nerd]

My question to you is why choose to suffer when your pain could be taken away or at least reduced by using a mobility device? No one should feel shame because they need to use a mobility device just like no one should feel shame for having to wear glasses.

Additionally, most of the walking done at Disney is not done in lines; it's in between attractions.

There is no need for a DAS if your needs can be met with the use of a mobility device.

 

[OurBigTrip]

My question comes from reading others comments, not from first hand experience. I have never used a GAC or DAS but the impression I have from reading is that with the old way the mobility challenged could sometimes take advantage of shorter lines. The wait may have been long in that place but shorter lines would mean less walking.

I know that I am just being stubborn but I have resisted a wheelchair or ECV and have chosen to grit my teeth through the pain. In that shape every extra step hurts.

What specifically, for you, do you feel that Disney should do to accommodate your specific needs?

 

[POOHsie]

My question comes from reading others comments, not from first hand experience. I have never used a GAC or DAS but the impression I have from reading is that with the old way the mobility challenged could sometimes take advantage of shorter lines. The wait may have been long in that place but shorter lines would mean less walking.

I know that I am just being stubborn but I have resisted a wheelchair or ECV and have chosen to grit my teeth through the pain. In that shape every extra step hurts.

You're not alone in resisting the step into a wheelchair or ECV. But there isn't one person who posted here who finally relented to getting one, who wasn't amazed and happy with their pain-free days. There isn't a way around your situation except a mobility aid. If someone were to push you in a WC for a whole trip, that is quite energy-sapping for them. Recommend you rent an ECV. Renting off-site is the cheapest. Disney ECVs are big and s-l-o-w.

 

[camper06]

Exactly what would you suggest that Disney do for Free for mobility challenged guests.

I think there are some people who do not need a wheelchair/ecv but due to issues from certain back injuries, they have problems standing in long lines (standing still for longer periods can cause burning and numbness in feet and legs). Based on what I have read on these boards, the answer from Disney would be to rent a wheelchair/ecv. People with this kind of problem probably could benefit from using the DAS (waiting outside the line, free to walk, sit, etc), but it seems that Disney is labeling them mobility/stamina issues and the standard response is rent a wheelchair/ecv.

My DH has this very issue. His doctor does NOT recommend he use a wheelchair/ecv because walking is the ONLY exercise he can manage. We go at a slower time of year, and he doesn't ride any of the coasters/headliners due to his condition so the standby lines are very manageable for him. But I could see it helping him during a busier time of year.

So I guess my answer to your question would be to issue a DAS if a disabled person feels that accommodation would work for them.

 

[asta]

What specifically, for you, do you feel that Disney should do to accommodate your specific needs?

I really don't have a solution. I was just asking a question about something that has bugged me when thinking about the accommodations made by WDW. It just doesn't seem fair for some issues to require an extra cost.

I am sure that WDW has greater minds than mine that work on this, I just wondered if this thought has occurred to anyone else.

 

[geek+nerd]

To be honest with you, FP+ should take care of those issues. Even with a DAS, you still have to wait in the FP+ line, which can be anywhere from 5 minutes on. We've waited almost half an hour in FP+ lines.

If he rents a wheelchair, he doesn't have to use it the whole time. You can park it in an area and walk around doing the attractions in that area and go back when you need it. He can take it in line and if he needs to sit, he can sit.

Lines aren't stopped dead for a whole lot of time. There's at least some movement.

 

[camper06]

To be honest with you, FP+ should take care of those issues. Even with a DAS, you still have to wait in the FP+ line, which can be anywhere from 5 minutes on. We've waited almost half an hour in FP+ lines.

If he rents a wheelchair, he doesn't have to use it the whole time. You can park it in an area and walk around doing the attractions in that area and go back when you need it. He can take it in line and if he needs to sit, he can sit.

Lines aren't stopped dead for a whole lot of time. There's at least some movement.

Back to the OP's question, why should someone have to pay to rent a wheelchair/ecv to push it around and sit in just in line, when there is a free accommodation that would accomplish the same thing?

And I agree about the FP+ lines. They can get very long. Last year, we had a scheduled FP+ for buzz lightyear and the fastpass line was out the door and around the corner! Needless to say, we didn't get in the line, but I hear what your saying.

 

[SteveMouse]

On the costs....Disney does not require you to rent a wheelchair or ECV from them. You are welcome to bring the one you own, borrow one from a friend, or rent offsite.

 

[bidnow5]

I think the problem is if you can walk the park and power thru the pain then you can do the same in line

 

[aaarcher86]

I fully support what WDW has done with the new DAS policy. I think the change was needed. Not trying to be argumentative but I do have one question in regards to mobility challenged guests. If no accommodation is given and those guests are told to rent a wheelchair or ECV, is that not putting an extra financial burden on those guests? Kind of like you can enjoy WDW but at an extra cost while we accommodate other disabilities at no extra cost. I know there are some very knowledgeable people here who understand ADA rules and have had to deal with mobility issues much longer than I have. Your insight will solve my curiosity.

The ADA doesn't require Disney to offer wheelchairs or EVCs as a rental option. The fact that they do is a courtesy in regards to ADA requirements.

http://www.ada.gov/reachingout/lesson13.htm

There is no cost when allowing someone to wait somewhere else. A charge doesn't have to exist if you bring your own mobility aid.

 

[OurBigTrip]

So I guess my answer to your question would be to issue a DAS if a disabled person feels that accommodation would work for them.

And in no time, the DAS would be as big as mess as the GAC was.

 

[HopperFan]

I really don't have a solution. I was just asking a question about something that has bugged me when thinking about the accommodations made by WDW. It just doesn't seem fair for some issues to require an extra cost.

I am sure that WDW has greater minds than mine that work on this, I just wondered if this thought has occurred to anyone else.

I suppose you could look at it many ways. Spending more for the ECV/WC allows you to potentially stay a full day in the parks getting quite a bit done. There are many who even with the DAS are not able to handle staying in the parks all day but they are paying full price for their tickets - spending more than others considering time spent in the parks. So while they get the assistance of waiting their turn outside the line where it is safer for them and other guests - they may also be heading out the gate much earlier than others or spending substantial time in the parks in quiet places enjoying nothing.

There are those who are for whatever reasons not going on rides, who sit on benches all day, but they are also paying full price for their tickets. I know we have stayed for ten day trips because we could only be in the parks about half that time. Our hotel costs were much higher in relation to what we could do plus we had to buy extra park days even though only using half days. Unfortunately some of us have family members whose needs will dictate many aspects of our trips which will include added costs no matter where we go. In the end Disney is a luxury trip for everyone, not a necessity, and we just have to budget for all our needs.

 

[SMD]

I think there are some people who do not need a wheelchair/ecv but due to issues from certain back injuries, they have problems standing in long lines (standing still for longer periods can cause burning and numbness in feet and legs). Based on what I have read on these boards, the answer from Disney would be to rent a wheelchair/ecv. People with this kind of problem probably could benefit from using the DAS (waiting outside the line, free to walk, sit, etc), but it seems that Disney is labeling them mobility/stamina issues and the standard response is rent a wheelchair/ecv.

My DH has this very issue. His doctor does NOT recommend he use a wheelchair/ecv because walking is the ONLY exercise he can manage. We go at a slower time of year, and he doesn't ride any of the coasters/headliners due to his condition so the standby lines are very manageable for him. But I could see it helping him during a busier time of year.

So I guess my answer to your question would be to issue a DAS if a disabled person feels that accommodation would work for them.

How does having a wheelchair or rollator to sit when he can't stand still preclude him from walking at times when standing still is not required? It's not like renting a wheelchair requires you to only sit, so I don't see how a DAS is the only solution. It just seems like it's the solution people want when they frame things in such an absolute black and white way.

 

[camper06]

How does having a wheelchair or rollator to sit when he can't stand still preclude him from walking at times when standing still is not required? It's not like renting a wheelchair requires you to only sit, so I don't see how a DAS is the only solution. It just seems like it's the solution people want when they frame things in such an absolute black and white way.

It would not preclude him from walking at times, but I was just responding that using a DAS would provide him a place to sit while waiting (for free) while renting a wheelchair would cost $$. It is not something he has/uses in everyday life, so we would have to spend the money to rent one, whether from Disney or an outside vendor.

I am also not saying that DAS is the only solution. As I stated, we go at a slow time of year, so the lines for the rides my DH can ride are very manageable for him. We used FP+ for a few of the more popular rides (peter pan, buzz lightyear, etc) and it was fine. We did not request a DAS last year and do not plan to request one this year.

I just think it may be a good option for people who are there at busier times.

 

[aaarcher86]

It would not preclude him from walking at times, but I was just responding that using a DAS would provide him a place to sit while waiting (for free) while renting a wheelchair would cost $$. It is not something he has/uses in everyday life, so we would have to spend the money to rent one, whether from Disney or an outside vendor. I am also not saying that DAS is the only solution. As I stated, we go at a slow time of year, so the lines for the rides my DH can ride are very manageable for him. We used FP+ for a few of the more popular rides (peter pan, buzz lightyear, etc) and it was fine. We did not request a DAS last year and do not plan to request one this year. I just think it may be a good option for people who are there at busier times.

Unfortunately, since the DAS has an affect on the lines themselves, if there is another option to meet someone's needs that does not affect lines they're going to use it. They don't have to offer the most desirable option, just one that has the ability to meet their needs.

Busier times are a period when they definitely don't want to be putting unaccounted for people through the FP line. I think they've taken a more black and white stance on mobility issues to help avoid the DAS becoming what the GAC did. We all know out limitations, and we all know what things we will encounter at an amusement park, so it's up to us to plan accordingly with any aids we might need.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Unfortunately, since the DAS has an affect on the lines themselves, if there is another option to meet someone's needs that does not affect lines they're going to use it. They don't have to offer the most desirable option, just one that has the ability to meet their needs. Busier times are a period when they definitely don't want to be putting unaccounted for people through the FP line. I think they've taken a more black and white stance on mobility issues to help avoid the DAS becoming what the GAC did. We all know out limitations, and we all know what things we will encounter at an amusement park, so it's up to us to plan accordingly with any aids we might need.

This is the best post I've seen explaining why they try to limit DAS distribution.

I've already seen people fishing on this and other boards for what to say to get one, because they want to use it as an extra FP. It's really disgusting, but it's happening. And it does have an impact on both the FP and standby lines if you have hundreds or even thousands of extra people using the FP line a day that aren't part of the FP allocation. They have done a lot of calculations to figure out how many FP's they can give per hour to maximize the program but not paralyze the standby lines.