My DAS experience

[tkgdisney]

I Was there on the changeover, had a GAC for years and went to Epcot, had my interview and was issued my DAS. They explained it all to me and off we went. I was worried that I would be denied, that it would not work for me, etc., but I went with an open mind and this is how it worked for me.

We were staying on property and had FP plus. We also used FP and the DAS. We scheduled our FP plus for e big rides. While waiting for our 2nd ride, we pulled a FP and then found a ride with a short line, or one we could use the DAS on without a long wait.

Did BTMRR as FP plus, walked over to PofC, 20 wait, but crowded which is dangerous for me, used DAS, Waite 10 minutes and went in FP lane. Went on HM on FP plus then to BL had a 20 minute DAS wait, so we did the PM, then did BL and then to use FP plus on SM.

We had similar days at all of the parks.

We knew about the GAC change and feared it, would I qualify, how long would it take, etc. my issues are not easily seen, but the GR person took plenty of time with me as we discussed my concerns and issues. They did tell me that every ride has a wheelchair if I got in trouble while waiting, as I did while they tried to help me with FP plus. It took much longer to deal with the fast pass problem than to deal with DAS! When they saw what happens when standing for long, they were shocked as I started to collapse into the window, were so nice in helping, and even cleared out some fighting children that threatened to bowl me over.

We had a problem with using our FP plus and could only set it up at the parks, but it worked. While we were there I saw and heard some rude guests upset by being told no to DAS and was shocked with the rudeness of guests and what the GS people had to take from these people.

I was appalled by what I witnessed at AK when I went in to schedule FP plus on the machine in their lobby. I know people need to vent, but to not even try the new system before abusing the GS people was unbelievable. The vulgarity and abuse heaped on one person that didn't have a chance to even open their mouth to respond was shocking to say the least.

I know I was lucky to get a DAS, but would be happy to not need it! I found that I needed to plan more, but that also helped me deal with my day, so it was my lemonade for the day. I am learning how to use it, have ideas to make my November trip easier on me, and I know I will have better ideas for my next trip. I love my Disney trips, and am grateful they did not get rid of any form of GAC. DAS is not as fast as GAC, but I am not as fast I used to be, and while I don't have a child that needs special care, I do need help, and I got that from Disney.

 

[darthtatty]

Sounds like you had a good experience, its good to hear from adults getting the card. you hear a lot of comments that only kids with autism are getting the card.

Im really sad that the cast members are having to deal with such abuse. I hope they given counselling or another method to help them relieve their stresses.
The system has just been changed and obviously many are going to be angry as its not what theyre used to. People tend to fear change.
The old system wasn't working due to abuse and the amount of disabled people using it. I know there were a few rides with disabled access that we used in the past with the GAC and sometimes the amount of people waiting were shocking. Im sure at many rides we waited longer than the regular line.

Like you, I can imagine a lot more planning and perhaps waiting around a lot more and trying to fill empty time. Either than or loads of extra walking-which I know I will not manage.
We use fastpasses, so im sure the fastpass+ will be a great addition for us.

 

[Bete]

Very good to hear all your comments.

We will all get smarter with time on how to use DAS and fastpass plus together. It sounds like you did good with your first go round on this new system.

I will say it's a little overwhelming to deal with DAS and fastpass plus, both being so new.

 

[Schmeck]

I Was there on the changeover, had a GAC for years and went to Epcot, had my interview and was issued my DAS. They explained it all to me and off we went. I was worried that I would be denied, that it would not work for me, etc., but I went with an open mind and this is how it worked for me.

We were staying on property and had FP plus. We also used FP and the DAS. We scheduled our FP plus for e big rides. While waiting for our 2nd ride, we pulled a FP and then found a ride with a short line, or one we could use the DAS on without a long wait.

Did BTMRR as FP plus, walked over to PofC, 20 wait, but crowded which is dangerous for me, used DAS, Waite 10 minutes and went in FP lane. Went on HM on FP plus then to BL had a 20 minute DAS wait, so we did the PM, then did BL and then to use FP plus on SM.

We had similar days at all of the parks.

We knew about the GAC change and feared it, would I qualify, how long would it take, etc. my issues are not easily seen, but the GR person took plenty of time with me as we discussed my concerns and issues. They did tell me that every ride has a wheelchair if I got in trouble while waiting, as I did while they tried to help me with FP plus. It took much longer to deal with the fast pass problem than to deal with DAS! When they saw what happens when standing for long, they were shocked as I started to collapse into the window, were so nice in helping, and even cleared out some fighting children that threatened to bowl me over.

We had a problem with using our FP plus and could only set it up at the parks, but it worked. While we were there I saw and heard some rude guests upset by being told no to DAS and was shocked with the rudeness of guests and what the GS people had to take from these people.

I was appalled by what I witnessed at AK when I went in to schedule FP plus on the machine in their lobby. I know people need to vent, but to not even try the new system before abusing the GS people was unbelievable. The vulgarity and abuse heaped on one person that didn't have a chance to even open their mouth to respond was shocking to say the least.

I know I was lucky to get a DAS, but would be happy to not need it! I found that I needed to plan more, but that also helped me deal with my day, so it was my lemonade for the day. I am learning how to use it, have ideas to make my November trip easier on me, and I know I will have better ideas for my next trip. I love my Disney trips, and am grateful they did not get rid of any form of GAC. DAS is not as fast as GAC, but I am not as fast I used to be, and while I don't have a child that needs special care, I do need help, and I got that from Disney.

I thought Disney's standard and more enforced reply to stamina issues was that the guest needed to use a wheelchair or ECV? Another question for me to ask when I call them back. Thank you for this info.

 

[bookwormde]

Disney can "offer" mobility aids as a suggested accommodation for stamina, but can not enforce that that be the only available accommodation. If there are other accommodations which are available that will work for an individual then it is up to the individual to decide which is closest to giving an equivalent experiance

 

[Schmeck]

Disney can "offer" mobility aids as a suggested accommodation for stamina, but can not enforce that that be the only available accommodation. If there are other accommodations which are available that will work for an individual then it is up to the individual to decide which is closest to giving an equivalent experiance

No, WDW can refuse to give a DAS if the attraction is accessible another way that would benefit the guest. WDW does not have to give people superior access because they refuse to take responsibility for themselves. That's what happened with the GAC, which is why Disney had to review policy and change it. The DAS policy has been used in many other theme parks and amusement parks, so I'm sure Disney has their butts nicely covered when they 'suggest' the use of a mobility aid. You can say suggest, but I say take responsibility.

 

[KPeveler]

This is an often debated topic, whether it is up to Disney or the individual to define what the accommodation for a person's disabilities can be. The truth is somewhere in the middle. Yes, an individual can decide that a wheelchair cannot help them, but Disney as with any business or venue also has protection within the ADA . Also, Disney does have some ability to state that the current accommodations in place, including those regarding mobility are sufficient for a person's needs.

I am working off my phone 430 in the morning my time, so I am closing this thread until Sue or I have a chance to fold it into the other DAS thread. For now, we are still trying to keep questions and experiences in one place, so they are easy to find for everyone.