Need a little help please

[Randy Miller]

We had to cancel our trip last summer due to Covid and are going to try again this year. We are going to stay off site ( Champions Gate Davenport) and will be bringing our 2 little foster boys 30 months and 5. ( we are actually in the process of adopting the 5 year old, hoping the same fir 3 year old soon) Both boys have cerebral palsy ( spastic quad) and are medically complex with multiple medical/sever special needs. Developmentally they function at about an 18 month level. ( they both have chromosomal deletions, g tubes, global developmental delays, cognitive delays, are non verbal ( one can walk but gait is delayed and spasticity is painful) 3 year old has a severe startle reflex and also cortical visual impairment ( I know this all sounds like SO much, and it is, but they are happy, sweet boys that we live and just want to experience everything “typical” they can)
We use our strollers at home ( both singles and double) as “strollers as wheelchairs” as the boys are on the smaller side. They have wheelchairs as well but the strollers are lighter weight, fold up and just easier to maneuver for now. We will be requesting the “stroller as wheelchair” tag from guest relations. We will also be requesting the DAS to help with their true inability to comprehend the concept of waiting ( due to their cognitive delays) and the CVI that the youngest has that constantly changes his field of vision, and their inability to sit or stand still for extended periods of time due to their severe spasticity. ( being non verbal, when in happy or uncomfortable , both boys will loudly “vocalize” and the individuals in line would truly be miserable. My questions are the following:
1. I hope the boys medical needs justify my desire for them to have a DAS card. I know a lot of people think people request one that don’t really need one. I do think it will make our trip more enjoyable for all of us ( and fellow friends we won’t have to bother in line)
2. Any advice on strollers? Should we bring the double, or 2 singles? I was thinking maybe the singles in case we need to split up ( which we honestly do not often do, it takes both of us together with both boys)
3. Should we get 2 separate DAS cards? One for each boy? What is the benefit of this? Is it so we could split up if needed? Do both boys “need” to be identified separately? ( rather than just getting DAS fit oldest)
4. Being offsite, we will be driving and do have a parking placard. Any tips on trying to get as close as possible while we push 70 pounds of “boys” into/out of the parks?
Sorry so long, we are excited ( and nervous!) and just wanted any feedback!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

We had to cancel our trip last summer due to Covid and are going to try again this year. We are going to stay off site ( Champions Gate Davenport) and will be bringing our 2 little foster boys 30 months and 5. ( we are actually in the process of adopting the 5 year old, hoping the same fir 3 year old soon) Both boys have cerebral palsy ( spastic quad) and are medically complex with multiple medical/sever special needs. Developmentally they function at about an 18 month level. ( they both have chromosomal deletions, g tubes, global developmental delays, cognitive delays, are non verbal ( one can walk but gait is delayed and spasticity is painful) 3 year old has a severe startle reflex and also cortical visual impairment ( I know this all sounds like SO much, and it is, but they are happy, sweet boys that we live and just want to experience everything “typical” they can)
We use our strollers at home ( both singles and double) as “strollers as wheelchairs” as the boys are on the smaller side. They have wheelchairs as well but the strollers are lighter weight, fold up and just easier to maneuver for now. We will be requesting the “stroller as wheelchair” tag from guest relations. We will also be requesting the DAS to help with their true inability to comprehend the concept of waiting ( due to their cognitive delays) and the CVI that the youngest has that constantly changes his field of vision, and their inability to sit or stand still for extended periods of time due to their severe spasticity. ( being non verbal, when in happy or uncomfortable , both boys will loudly “vocalize” and the individuals in line would truly be miserable. My questions are the following:
1. I hope the boys medical needs justify my desire for them to have a DAS card. I know a lot of people think people request one that don’t really need one. I do think it will make our trip more enjoyable for all of us ( and fellow friends we won’t have to bother in line)
2. Any advice on strollers? Should we bring the double, or 2 singles? I was thinking maybe the singles in case we need to split up ( which we honestly do not often do, it takes both of us together with both boys)
3. Should we get 2 separate DAS cards? One for each boy? What is the benefit of this? Is it so we could split up if needed? Do both boys “need” to be identified separately? ( rather than just getting DAS fit oldest)
4. Being offsite, we will be driving and do have a parking placard. Any tips on trying to get as close as possible while we push 70 pounds of “boys” into/out of the parks?
Sorry so long, we are excited ( and nervous!) and just wanted any feedback!

with DAS the list you recited will not help you get one. you need to explain why they need to wait outside of regular line in nonmedical terms. if you would split up each boy will need one but most likely you have one of you on each DAS and have o get time for each boy at rides when together. if you would decide to only try for one pass, make sure it is the one that be the one that would ride most rides as that person has to sign in first when riding. when driving the handicapped parking at MK not with other lot and slightly uphill as you walk to the TTC and even with trams stopped in other lots MKs handicapped lot never had a tram. for this reason alone I would do 2 single strollers with a tag for each one. you will have to ride either the ferry or the monorail to get to MK. there is no close other than buses or boats from resorts for MK. yes you could walk from parking lot but most likely will take you half hour or more to walk there other transportation will make it before you. as much as you would want to try monorail I would stick to ferry as it is steep ramp up and down for monorail

 

[DisneyOma]

I believe if you get two DAS cards, one child cannot be listed on the other's DAS, so you'd have to get two return times for each attraction? If you really don't think you would be splitting up at all, I'd get one DAS, and then get another one if you find out you need it.

 

[Randy Miller]

I believe if you get two DAS cards, one child cannot be listed on the other's DAS, so you'd have to get two return times for each attraction? If you really don't think you would be splitting up at all, I'd get one DAS, and then get another one if you find out you need it.

Thank you! This is great advice!

 

[lanejudy]

I would do 1 DAS in the name of the older child (unless it's the younger one's needs that would most likely qualify). I assume the younger child won't have a ticket, which gets a little more complicated because I think his DAS would be put on one of the adult's tickets. That could cause challenges with splitting up. I also agree with the recommendation for 2 single strollers.

Parking -- just make sure you have the HA tag visible and make sure the CMs directing traffic see it so you are directed appropriately.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Thank you! This is great advice!

if you do find that you need the second you can always go back to Guest Services and ask for the second one and make then changes needed

 

[ElyseInWonderland]

What a cool family! Sounds like you've got some great advice here above. I would add don't forget to take advantage of the First Aid Station; it's a great option if you need a cool spot to do a tube feed, change, etc.! Also knowing where the family/companion restrooms are might help as well.

I hope you all have a wonderful time!

 

[Randy Miller]

How do I explain their needs for the DAS, if not medically? ( lol, our whole life/existence is hospitals and medicine) I mean, maybe we don’t “need” it? I personally cannot imagine trying to wait with them, or having to be the hit, tired and exhausted family 6 feet from us in any direction. I certainly do not want to misuse it...but they are so medically complex and have such severe needs I’m not sure how to “ask” without citing medical needs. Would love any help on this please!

 

[Allison Joy]

It's not so much that you can't use medical terms or medical needs as much as it is that it's not based on medical diagnosis. So while no one here can give you a script (and I know you aren't asking) what you need to be able to explain is what will happen if they have to wait in the standard line, or what you need to do/why you need to wait somewhere else bedsides the regular line. Like if something needs to happen every so often/on a specific schedule... things like that. I hope that makes sense.

 

[Randy Miller]

It's not so much that you can't use medical terms or medical needs as much as it is that it's not based on medical diagnosis. So while no one here can give you a script (and I know you aren't asking) what you need to be able to explain is what will happen if they have to wait in the standard line, or what you need to do/why you need to wait somewhere else bedsides the regular line. Like if something needs to happen every so often/on a specific schedule... things like that. I hope that makes sense.

This is helpful, thank you. I guess I will have to figure it out, lol! I’m sure “everyone in line will wish they were at the dentist having a root canal instead of being near us” will not suffice . I definitely get what you are saying, and appreciate it!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

This is helpful, thank you. I guess I will have to figure it out, lol! I’m sure “everyone in line will wish they were at the dentist having a root canal instead of being near us” will not suffice . I definitely get what you are saying, and appreciate it!

the hard part of trying to help is not giving a script which is not allowed on site. think of it more of what can help you enjoy the trip and why that would help. yes they can see the kids are special needs and most CMs would not understand most of the medical terms. they want to know what would help you/your family enjoy the trip more

 

[Randy Miller]

the hard part of trying to help is not giving a script which is not allowed on site. think of it more of what can help you enjoy the trip and why that would help. yes they can see the kids are special needs and most CMs would not understand most of the medical terms. they want to know what would help you/your family enjoy the trip more

Thank you so much! I do appreciate the help!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Thank you so much! I do appreciate the help!

one thing that could be a problem from what we found at daycare is Disney will need a full face picture for DAS not sure what your rules are for your fosters. company I worked for had a rule that we have a chart with up to date picture posted in each room of all kids with allergies. a couple of fosters we were not allowed to picture even when this was for safety but they did not want any picture showing in room

 

[OurBigTrip]

one thing that could be a problem from what we found at daycare is Disney will need a full face picture for DAS not sure what your rules are for your fosters. company I worked for had a rule that we have a chart with up to date picture posted in each room of all kids with allergies. a couple of fosters we were not allowed to picture even when this was for safety but they did not want any picture showing in room

Disney will permit a parent/guardian photo if for some reason the child can’t/won’t let their picture be taken .

 

[Randy Miller]

Disney will permit a parent/guardian photo if for some reason the child can’t/won’t let their picture be taken .

Yes, this is what we have done in the past with all the fosters we have taken. We have been fostering for 14 years, 38 kiddos!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Yes, this is what we have done in the past with all the fosters we have taken. We have been fostering for 14 years, 38 kiddos!

it has been years but it is one foster that I remember who's allergy was life threatening and chart was for when we had a sub in room. I had to grab some food out child's hand because sub did not realize which child. glad to know there is a work around as I saw sub check chart but as a foster this child could not be on chart

 

[redberyl]

One way to request das is to explain what will happen if you do end up waiting in line. Its hard to say without giving a script, but your statement that everyone around you will wish they were getting a root canal honestly isnt too far off the mark

 

[sparky68]

I feel like this has not been mentioned. Disney is still enforcing the face
Mask on over 2 yo guests. There have been some recent stories of people not realizing there was not a disability opt out for the masks.

 

[ElyseInWonderland]

I am in no way suggesting that anyone aim to bend/break rules, but I bet if you have the hood cover pulled up on the stroller, nobody is going to demand that you open it to show the Mask Police that your sweet boys are in compliance.

Enjoy, and I hope you have a smooth and magic-filled trip!

 

[Randy Miller]

I am in no way suggesting that anyone aim to bend/break rules, but I bet if you have the hood cover pulled up on the stroller, nobody is going to demand that you open it to show the Mask Police that your sweet boys are in compliance.

Enjoy, and I hope you have a smooth and magic-filled trip!

I’ve heard a few “rumors” that public mask requirements “might” be going away....( that’s a big “might”) Here where I live my boys are not “required” ( due to their needs) to wear them and we never get harassed or questioned. That being said, they can and will wear masks. They pull them off, but, we just put them back on. But, I do like the stroller hood suggestion “just in case” we are having a big “moment” and need to regroup until we can comply!