Mobility Question

[camper06]

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.

I am sure you are right, and it does make sense that at the busier times, they need to have even more control over the line situation.

Bottom line, it is what it is and folks will need to do what is best for them!

 

[lanejudy]

... Kind of like you can enjoy WDW but at an extra cost while we accommodate other disabilities at no extra cost. ...

I've seen this type of comment numerous times, so I'd like to point out that there are many needs other than mobility where guests incur costs. Off the top of my head, I've come up with the following:

mobility aid -- wheelchair, ECV, walker/rollator, cane, etc.
sun-protective clothing
allergy safe foods
ear muffs to block sensory input
stroller for older children
cooling vests, Frogg Toggs and such
Frio wallets
medical equipment for use at the resort
re-usable water bottles
hearing aids
glasses and/or sunglasses
white cane
deluxe resort/monorail resort
table service meals

As with wheelchairs/ECVs/walkers/canes for mobility aids -- some guests may use such items on a regular basis as part of everyday-life, while others may only need such items when on vacation. As a PP mentions, whether the guest borrows, buys or rents is the guest's choice. An ECV is probably one of the most expensive "accommodations" listed, but a less expensive option may be a wheelchair.

All guests have a personal responsibility to help themselves with whatever their needs may be -- disability or not. Even for those guests who qualify for the DAS it is frequently recommended they provide for some needs in a different manner, often one of the items listed above. DAS in and of itself is rarely a "complete and total" accommodation for anyone.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[asta]

OP here. Thanks for all the responses without attacking me too much. This is just a recurring question that occurs to me. I am not fishing for a DAS and have never used one. This policy also seems to be less of an issue to those who have their own ECV/wheelchair for daily use and don't have to pay the additional cost for just a vacation.

Thanks for the wishes but I don't have a vacation coming right away. I love WDW but it just doesn't make sense at this stage of my life. I had so-so results from my first knee replacement and am trying to postpone a second.

 

[SMD]

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.

I agree that ideally guests would plan their trips at times of the year that are feasible for their touring needs. For example, if you are sensitive to heat or sun exposure, maybe July is not ideal.

Your first post mentioned nothing about the cost of a wheelchair. You said that a guest might need a DAS because their doctor said to walk and not use a wheelchair. I responded that using a wheelchair or rollator does not preclude walking, and then you responded that a guest may need a place to sit. Look at that from the GS perspective.

"I need to use the FP lines because I can't stand for long periods."

GS suggests wheelchair or mobility aid

"I can't use a wheelchair because I am supposed to walk. I need a place to sit and wait so I can then go through a shorter line."

Seriously? I stand by my previous statement that it comes off as fishing for the accommodation that a guest wants.

 

[camper06]

I agree that ideally guests would plan their trips at times of the year that are feasible for their touring needs. For example, if you are sensitive to heat or sun exposure, maybe July is not ideal.

Your first post mentioned nothing about the cost of a wheelchair. You said that a guest might need a DAS because their doctor said to walk and not use a wheelchair. I responded that using a wheelchair or rollator does not preclude walking, and then you responded that a guest may need a place to sit. Look at that from the GS perspective.

"I need to use the FP lines because I can't stand for long periods."

GS suggests wheelchair or mobility aid

"I can't use a wheelchair because I am supposed to walk. I need a place to sit and wait so I can then go through a shorter line."

Seriously? I stand by my previous statement that it comes off as fishing for the accommodation that a guest wants.

My first post was in response to someone asking what Disney could do for mobility issues for FREE. So I was just suggesting that maybe a DAS would be a free alternative if someone had the kind of mobility problem I described and didn't necessarily require a wheelchair/ecv.

It does sound a bit bizarre the way you phrase it. But that wasn't the gist of what I was saying. I didn't say he can't use a wheelchair, it just seems unnecessary to rent one just to have a place to sit while in line when he could easily walk/sit elsewhere while he waits his turn.

I am not quite sure what fishing for accomodation means, but we manage without any accomodation so I know that wasn't directed at me.

 

[lanejudy]

... Thanks for all the responses without attacking me too much. This is just a recurring question that occurs to me. ...

I certainly didn't mean to come off as "attacking."
I quoted your post because it's the one asking that question in this thread. However, I have seen that same complaint before, so I thought it was worth addressing the "expenses" associated with any number of things people do on their vacation -- be it by choice or necessity.

 

[Michigan]

I've seen this type of comment numerous times, so I'd like to point out that there are many needs other than mobility where guests incur costs. Off the top of my head, I've come up with the following:

mobility aid -- wheelchair, ECV, walker/rollator, cane, etc.
sun-protective clothing
allergy safe foods
ear muffs to block sensory input
stroller for older children
cooling vests, Frogg Toggs and such
Frio wallets
medical equipment for use at the resort
re-usable water bottles
hearing aids
glasses and/or sunglasses
white cane
deluxe resort/monorail resort
table service meals

As with wheelchairs/ECVs/walkers/canes for mobility aids -- some guests may use such items on a regular basis as part of everyday-life, while others may only need such items when on vacation. As a PP mentions, whether the guest borrows, buys or rents is the guest's choice. An ECV is probably one of the most expensive "accommodations" listed, but a less expensive option may be a wheelchair.

All guests have a personal responsibility to help themselves with whatever their needs may be -- disability or not. Even for those guests who qualify for the DAS it is frequently recommended they provide for some needs in a different manner, often one of the items listed above. DAS in and of itself is rarely a "complete and total" accommodation for anyone.

Enjoy your vacation!

One very expensive one where someone with or without a mobility issue you didn't think of is someone who is either tube fed or on liquid diet has to pay full price for a buffet just to be with their family while they eat.

 

[asta]

It does sound a bit bizarre the way you phrase it. But that wasn't the gist of what I was saying. I didn't say he can't use a wheelchair, it just seems unnecessary to rent one just to have a place to sit while in line when he could easily walk/sit elsewhere while he waits his turn.

I am not quite sure what fishing for accomodation means, but we manage without any accomodation so I know that wasn't directed at me.

I think you captured the essence of what I was trying to say. Instead of WDWs only option requiring you to spend for a wheelchair/ECV (if you don't already own one) some guests could be accommodated at no extra cost by having a place to sit and wait for their turn. Since this accommodation is done for some guests why force some to spend extra when a no cost option exists.

 

[asta]

I certainly didn't mean to come off as "attacking."
I quoted your post because it's the one asking that question in this thread. However, I have seen that same complaint before, so I thought it was worth addressing the "expenses" associated with any number of things people do on their vacation -- be it by choice or necessity.

I did not take your post as attacking at all. I think I was treated gently by almost all of the replies

 

[aaarcher86]

I think you captured the essence of what I was trying to say. Instead of WDWs only option requiring you to spend for a wheelchair/ECV (if you don't already own one) some guests could be accommodated at no extra cost by having a place to sit and wait for their turn. Since this accommodation is done for some guests why force some to spend extra when a no cost option exists.

Because it overwhelms the system. There's no other way to accommodate someone that isn't capable of handling the line. There is another way to accommodate a mobility issue. Everyone would start getting a DAS instead of using a mobility aid and the DAS would quickly become the GAC. Could they allow it? Yes. Do they have to? No. And that's really what it comes down to.

Legally, they could tell someone they don't qualify for the DAS and offer no wheelchair or ECV at all. They don't have to offer the actual device for rent. They aren't forcing people to rent anything. You could decline and take more breaks, stay in the park less, etc.

This is just in the same vein as any other helpful equipment. A child with autism won't be given the iPad that keeps them from melting down - the parent will have to buy one and bring it. They may not require noise canceling headphones at home, but need them at Disney. They'll have to spend for that, Disney won't provide it.

 

[camper06]

Because it overwhelms the system. There's no other way to accommodate someone that isn't capable of handling the line. There is another way to accommodate a mobility issue. Everyone would start getting a DAS instead of using a mobility aid and the DAS would quickly become the GAC. Could they allow it? Yes. Do they have to? No. And that's really what it comes down to.

Legally, they could tell someone they don't qualify for the DAS and offer no wheelchair or ECV at all. They don't have to offer the actual device for rent. They aren't forcing people to rent anything. You could decline and take more breaks, stay in the park less, etc.

This is just in the same vein as any other helpful equipment. A child with autism won't be given the iPad that keeps them from melting down - the parent will have to buy one and bring it. They may not require noise canceling headphones at home, but need them at Disney. They'll have to spend for that, Disney won't provide it.

I understand what you're saying about overloading the system. Really, I do.

But as far as the examples in your last paragraph, the difference is they are not telling those parents that INSTEAD of a DAS, they can purchase and ipad or headphones to deal with their issues.

I agree that the line has to be drawn somewhere. And I think from what I have read, the DAS is working quite well for all involved. So hopefully, they will be able to keep it from getting out of control.

 

[anonymousegirl]

I am thinking of a different analogy. Instead of Magic Kingdom, let's say the mobility challenged person heads to the local grocery store. Now quite a few chains offer free scooters with large baskets for their customers that need them. Why couldn't Disney do this? Well, primarily because the local grocery will see at most 1000-2000 shoppers a day, shopping for a few minutes to a few hours each, while Mk sees upwards of 40,000 visitors a day staying all day.

So WDW just cannot offer mobility devices at no charge. Nor can they build waiting areas at every ride to allow seating for hundreds of DAS holders hourly. So Disney opted to offer mobility devices for rent.

I have three special needs nieces and nephews. One's needs are handle by a wheelchair. The other two are developmental. One is a high functioning teen who did not need any special accommodation last time we went, while the youngest needed the GAC (as it was then). He may qualify for the DAS next time depending on his development, or he may not.

I guess in the perfect world, everyone would have an appointment time at each ride, an air conditioned place to wait with seating, and hey, why not, a long cool drink. Now that would be Fantasyland

 

[camper06]

I guess in the perfect world, everyone would have an appointment time at each ride, an air conditioned place to wait with seating, and hey, why not, a long cool drink. Now that would be Fantasyland

Love it!!!

 

[asta]

I understand what you're saying about overloading the system. Really, I do.

But as far as the examples in your last paragraph, the difference is they are not telling those parents that INSTEAD of a DAS, they can purchase and ipad or headphones to deal with their issues.

I agree that the line has to be drawn somewhere. And I think from what I have read, the DAS is working quite well for all involved. So hopefully, they will be able to keep it from getting out of control.

Can you imagine the outcry if WDW refused to make accommodation for ADHD or autism and instead offered iPads or headphones for rent? Not what you wanted but something at a price. This is what they are doing for mobility issues.

 

[aaarcher86]

I understand what you're saying about overloading the system. Really, I do. But as far as the examples in your last paragraph, the difference is they are not telling those parents that INSTEAD of a DAS, they can purchase and ipad or headphones to deal with their issues. I agree that the line has to be drawn somewhere. And I think from what I have read, the DAS is working quite well for all involved. So hopefully, they will be able to keep it from getting out of control.

Fair enough. It wasn't meant to be a hard line comparison, more so,showing that there's costs everywhere to people who need extra assistance.

 

[aaarcher86]

Can you imagine the outcry if WDW refused to make accommodation for ADHD or autism and instead offered iPads or headphones for rent? Not what you wanted but something at a price. This is what they are doing for mobility issues.

That doesn't solve the immediate problem of someone with autism not being able to physically be in the line. The better analogy is a parent of an autistic child needing an iPad or headphones, not having it, and Disney offering to let them rent one. They have the choice - rent it or don't.

If you have a mobility issue, why would a mobility aid be something that shouldn't be offered? If someone can't stand for long periods of time, why wouldn't a permanent/mobile seat be the best remedy? The problem is that Disney doesn't have to do anything aside from what the law requires. And the law requires that Disney be wheelchair/ECV accessible for those who choose to use a mobility aid for their mobility issue. That's it. They don't have to provide the mobility aid. I'm sure the 'outcry' would be just as substantial if Disney stopped offering them for rent at the parks as a courtesy.

Like I said before - they could allow the DAS for mobility issues. They don't have to. And they've decided not to because there are other ways if dealing with those issues that do not hinder line operations in a detrimental way.

 

[asta]

That doesn't solve the immediate problem of someone with autism not being able to physically be in the line. The better analogy is a parent of an autistic child needing an iPad or headphones, not having it, and Disney offering to let them rent one. They have the choice - rent it or don't.

If you have a mobility issue, why would a mobility aid be something that shouldn't be offered? If someone can't stand for long periods of time, why wouldn't a permanent/mobile seat be the best remedy? The problem is that Disney doesn't have to do anything aside from what the law requires. And the law requires that Disney be wheelchair/ECV accessible for those who choose to use a mobility aid for their mobility issue. That's it. They don't have to provide the mobility aid. I'm sure the 'outcry' would be just as substantial if Disney stopped offering them for rent at the parks as a courtesy.

Like I said before - they could allow the DAS for mobility issues. They don't have to. And they've decided not to because there are other ways if dealing with those issues that do not hinder line operations in a detrimental way.

I have no problem with a mobility aid be offered (even though these come at a cost, they are not just being offered). The problem is that mobility issues come at very different levels and need to be addressed differently. Saying that anyone with any degree of mobility problems has to be in a wheelchair/ECV is just wrong. To insist on that seems punitive.

 

[aaarcher86]

I have no problem with a mobility aid be offered (even though these come at a cost, they are not just being offered). The problem is that mobility issues come at very different levels and need to be addressed differently. Saying that anyone with any degree of mobility problems has to be in a wheelchair/ECV is just wrong. To insist on that seems punitive.

I don't disagree that the strict black and white of it can be difficult with some ailments. But I think they just had to draw the line.

Their first go to is a mobility aid. If that is something that'll work, then that's what is offered.

If it doesn't, they'll move onto the DAS or something different. But if mobility aids can work (whether the guest wants them or. It) that's what they're going to go with for the benefit if park operations. If a mobility device won't help, explain why and explain why your situation is unique, etc. But if the only reason is 'I would rather' then it's still probably going to be the only option. I would say most of the mobility issues I've seen are easily fixed with a mobility aid, but the guest is resistant (which is understandable, but that doesn't make it a poor suggestion).

I understand there is a cost to the mobility aid. My point was they don't have to offer them at all to be compliant.

 

[POOHsie]

I have no problem with a mobility aid be offered (even though these come at a cost, they are not just being offered). The problem is that mobility issues come at very different levels and need to be addressed differently. Saying that anyone with any degree of mobility problems has to be in a wheelchair/ECV is just wrong. To insist on that seems punitive.

If one had mobility problems but didn't want to use a WC or ECV, you're saying WDW should allow them a shorter line to stand in for rides and shows. I'd bet you that within an hour of Disney having a policy like that, the number of people with "mobility issues" would increase 100-fold. Per the ADA, Disney can't ask for Dr's reports. And Dr's reports can be faked, anyway. So if Disney should put anyone claiming a bad knee, foot, ankle, back, circulation, arthritis, etc. in a short line, there'd be few people in the regular line. There are people who love to take short-cuts, and are willing to fib to get an advantage.

 

[charmed59]

If one had mobility problems but didn't want to use a WC or ECV, you're saying WDW should allow them a shorter line to stand in for rides and shows. I'd bet you that within an hour of Disney having a policy like that, the number of people with "mobility issues" would increase 100-fold.

I would think if one wanted to cheat the system it is just as easy to claim anxiety issues in crowded spaces. I don't think requests would jump that much.

That said, as long as one is able to ride more rides with a DAS, people will try all sorts of things to get them. So I suspect that the number of DAS cards will only go up.

The good thing is Disney understands no one likes to stand in line, and seems to be working toward a future that everyone has a return time (FP+) and no one will have long wait lines. So eventually the only people that will want a DAS are those that need them.