Multiple DAS questions for end of October trip

[helenm29]

How do you defined "a short amount of time?" That is somewhat subjective -- 20 minutes? 30 minutes? 45 minutes? You can look at MDE for attraction wait times, but depending on when you plan to visit I would expect many to be 45 minutes or more.

However, whether a DAS would best help may depend on why you can only wait a short time. That's why you should be prepared to explain your needs, explain what it is about waiting in a standard queue environment that is challenging for you.

Both my knees are literally bone on bone and I have severe arthritis in both knees..my legs from the knee down point the other direction and give out on my constantly. I can stand maybe 10 minutes in one place. So, I guess I need to do DAS....will that be enough to qualify me? otherwise, I'll just be sitting in my ECV all day.

 

[gap2368]

Both my knees are literally bone on bone and I have severe arthritis in both knees..my legs from the knee down point the other direction and give out on my constantly. I can stand maybe 10 minutes in one place. So, I guess I need to do DAS....will that be enough to qualify me? otherwise, I'll just be sitting in my ECV all day.

Das is not normal for mobility problems

 

[SueM in MN]

If I can stand for a short amount of time, do you think I need a DAS?

If your issue is that you can’t stand for more than a short amount of time, that’s a different situation then not being able to wait in line for other reasons.
As lanejudy mentioned, be ready to explain your needs. If they only involve standing, a mobility device might be a better or additional option. This is what Disney’s website has to say about mobility devices and DAS.
“If a Guest’s disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter, are they eligible to receive DAS?
No. A Guest whose disability requires them to use a wheelchair or scooter does not need DAS. Depending on the experience, the Guest will either wait in the standard queue or receive a return time at the attraction based on the current wait time. If a Guest requires additional assistance, they should go to Guest Relations.”

Using a mobility device (ECV, wheelchair, walker) doesn’t mean guests can’t also get DAS; they need to be ready to explain their other needs that are not met by the mobility device.

Reasons a mobility device may be helpful:
Guests are not usually standing still in most lines - even long ones. In most circumstances, lines are steadily moving forward or the line may stop for a minute or two, then move, then stop again for a minute or 2.

Some attractions are in theaters and guests need to wait for the previous show to end before they can go in. Others have preshows or load guests in ‘batches; those involve standing for up to 10 minutes for all guests without having a place to sit.

There is also always the possibility of a ride issue or temporary breakdown causing a longer wait. When I was at Animal Kingdom in June, the Na’vi River ride had a posted wait time of 25 minutes with the line stopping for about 30 seconds at a time, then moving forward a few feet before stopping again.
I was almost to the boarding area, the lights went off for a fraction second and the line totally stopped. Once it started again, I did ride, but my total wait time was nearly an hour, with over half of it just standing.

 

[tobikaye]

I will second that leaving a mobility device outside of a line thinking it might be quick could backfire. I was in WDW at the end of June/early July with 2 individuals with EVC, one also with a DAS. Even with the DAS, many of our waits in the FP line was about 10-15 minutes from entry to ride and that was without anything like rain or ride issues. When you added in those, we waited once or twice about 20 minutes. My cousin left her EVC outside of Jungle Cruise, but my sister needed the boat she could load on with her EVC. It was at least 10 minutes before that boat arrived and then a few minutes to load my sister before my cousin and I loaded. My cousin was wishing she had brought her EVC to at least sit on until loading.

 

[helenm29]

If your issue is that you can’t stand for more than a short amount of time, that’s a different situation then not being able to wait in line for other reasons.
As lanejudy mentioned, be ready to explain your needs. If they only involve standing, a mobility device might be a better or additional option. This is what Disney’s website has to say about mobility devices and DAS.
“If a Guest’s disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter, are they eligible to receive DAS?
No. A Guest whose disability requires them to use a wheelchair or scooter does not need DAS. Depending on the experience, the Guest will either wait in the standard queue or receive a return time at the attraction based on the current wait time. If a Guest requires additional assistance, they should go to Guest Relations.”

Using a mobility device (ECV, wheelchair, walker) doesn’t mean guests can’t also get DAS; they need to be ready to explain their other needs that are not met by the mobility device.

Reasons a mobility device may be helpful:
Guests are not usually standing still in most lines - even long ones. In most circumstances, lines are steadily moving forward or the line may stop for a minute or two, then move, then stop again for a minute or 2.

Some attractions are in theaters and guests need to wait for the previous show to end before they can go in. Others have preshows or load guests in ‘batches; those involve standing for up to 10 minutes for all guests without having a place to sit.

There is also always the possibility of a ride issue or temporary breakdown causing a longer wait. When I was at Animal Kingdom in June, the Na’vi River ride had a posted wait time of 25 minutes with the line stopping for about 30 seconds at a time, then moving forward a few feet before stopping again.
I was almost to the boarding area, the lights went off for a fraction second and the line totally stopped. Once it started again, I did ride, but my total wait time was nearly an hour, with over half of it just standing.

Thanks for the info! I will be using an ECV so that won't be a problem.....I just wasn't sure if I needed a DAS or not. I'm fine without it. DAS should certainly be for people who have more severe issues. Like you all say, lines don't usually stand still and I can stand a little longer if I'm moving....I can check with the CM's on that one. Thanks again!

 

[SirDuff]

Thanks for the info! I will be using an ECV so that won't be a problem.....I just wasn't sure if I needed a DAS or not. I'm fine without it. DAS should certainly be for people who have more severe issues. Like you all say, lines don't usually stand still and I can stand a little longer if I'm moving....I can check with the CM's on that one. Thanks again!

Not so much (in my opinion) for those with more *severe* issues but for those with *different* issues.

 

[DisneyOma]

Both my knees are literally bone on bone and I have severe arthritis in both knees..my legs from the knee down point the other direction and give out on my constantly. I can stand maybe 10 minutes in one place. So, I guess I need to do DAS....will that be enough to qualify me? otherwise, I'll just be sitting in my ECV all day.

You can sit on your ECV up to the loading area of most of the attractions - just follow the directions given by the Cast Member.

 

[Grateful Mickey]

Great replys!!!! It'll be interesting when they revamp DAS. I'm up for it!!

 

[DVCjj]

Mamabunny….you made my day by reposting this. Not only exceedingly informative but a cute way of expressing that knowledge.

I devoured the info in May when I thought I would rent for the first time. I ended up gratefully getting a DAS and a steroid pak and was able to maneuver without it. Can walk slowly but couldn’t stand.

As of last year. I have chronic RA. As of last week, I have newly diagnosed osteoarthritis. hamstring, meniscus tear and patella problems. All came out of nowhere in same stupid knee. That was the ‘good’ knee I counted on. Not a happy camper. Praying I can renew the DAS for late September trip.

Anyway, sorry for the rambling but wanted you to know what an important and kind service you do by helping us beginners navigate the ECV world, of which I never in a million years thought I would need.

Thank you so much.

 

[Selket]

Thanks for the info! I will be using an ECV so that won't be a problem.....I just wasn't sure if I needed a DAS or not. I'm fine without it. DAS should certainly be for people who have more severe issues. Like you all say, lines don't usually stand still and I can stand a little longer if I'm moving....I can check with the CM's on that one. Thanks again!

I just wanted to say that I have a very similar issue with both my knees and have used an ECV at WDW for the past few years and it works very well for the most part. I've had very good luck accessing most rides with it. For rides where you cannot bring it into the line I generally used a fast pass (like Buzz Lightyear) but they do have wheelchairs to borrow if you have someone who can push you through the line. Some trips my knees are better than others. I just wanted to add that if you like to shop, plan to hit the stores earlier in the day (the earlier the better) because they will be way more empty and it's easier to get around in an ECV. I also prefer the 3 wheel since it's much more maneuverable vs. a 4 wheel. Have a great trip!

 

[helenm29]

I just wanted to say that I have a very similar issue with both my knees and have used an ECV at WDW for the past few years and it works very well for the most part. I've had very good luck accessing most rides with it. For rides where you cannot bring it into the line I generally used a fast pass (like Buzz Lightyear) but they do have wheelchairs to borrow if you have someone who can push you through the line. Some trips my knees are better than others. I just wanted to add that if you like to shop, plan to hit the stores earlier in the day (the earlier the better) because they will be way more empty and it's easier to get around in an ECV. I also prefer the 3 wheel since it's much more maneuverable vs. a 4 wheel. Have a great trip!

Thank you! I probably will go to the shops early one day....we'll be there for a bunch so no big hurries.