New to DAS and worried

[Chainsaw]

Chilies?

Boy, you guys *are* a tough crowd...

Children

 

[Chainsaw]

OP was interested in "mild" rides, which probably wouldn't include those with height restrictions, making the use of Rider Switch moot. (and you'd still have the issue of a stop in the FP line).

We consider 7DMT and BTMRR on the mild side, perhaps a family who has visited Disney several times would, too??? Or at the very least know what to expect?? A FP is about the best accommodation Disney can make, right?

 

[Chainsaw]

 

[SteveMouse]

I think most would consider a ride with a height restriction not mild (with the potential exceptions of Stich's Great Escape, Soarin', and Mission Space:Green). Most, if not all of the others with height restrictions have Disney's typical warnings about the roughness of the ride. (and being hit on Tomorowland speedway can hurt, especially if one already has back problems).

I'd agree that many of the rides at other parks are rougher.

 

[DisneyOma]

Stitch has the shoulder harness that presses down, not a good choice for anyone with back issue, IMO.

 

[Scooterbritches]

My family will be traveling to WDW in June this year. We will have 5 people in our group myself, DH, DS (4), and both of my parents. Last year my father had a terrible accident where he almost died. He has recovered for the most part but still has lingering issues. One of the most serious issues is the back problems that remain. He is unable to stand still for long periods of time and will end up in bed for days if he tries to stand still for even a half hour. Both he and my mother were afraid to join us in Disney as they were afraid they would ruin our trip due to inability to wait in any standby line. Thankfully, we were able to convince them that we didn't mind riding less rides then normal.

We have tried to convince him to get an ECV but he is just too proud. (He also can't just sit for long periods of time. He must constantly be changing up walking and sitting.) I told him about the DAS program and he is so upset with me that I brought it up. He is 77 years old and has never needed "help" before. (Please don't judge... he is a very kind man.) He keeps telling me that he will be fine on all of Disney's mild rides... no coasters... but he just can't wait in line. I keep trying to explain how this works and I'm hopeful I can convince him before our trip.

Would this "disability" qualify for DAS? Of course, this all depends on if I can convince him to use the program. If not, we will ride our 3 rides a day and then just leave the park and stay at our hotel.

Thanks for any insight.

Perhaps my post will help you. I'm in the same situation as your dad though probably not as severe. Sometimes just a great plan to navigate through the parks will help to alleviate time in lines. It is frustrating and I'm not stubborn so I've been willing to work with my own situation to make the best of not being able to get a DAS, but at the same time knowing that a wheelchair/ECV is not a solution for me either. This is what motivated me to come up with this plan. I have family members who are very stubborn and I understand trying to convince somebody that they're not inconveniencing everybody by using a wheelchair is tough. The fact of the matter is...they feel like an inconvenience whether they use a wheelchair or not so they just want to avoid the situation and not go altogether. Anyway, here is my link.

http://www.disboards.com/threads/my...anageable-and-therefore-help-my-pain.3495243/

Probably the worst part of my plan is convincing everybody of the IMPORTANCE of being to the park at rope drop. It does make a huge difference and is worth it IMO, but sleepyheads may not be as easy to convince. You could do the morning part with your dad (maybe make your FPs late morning rather than afternoon) and your dad could be done by lunch and return to the hotel to rest while the rest of you continue touring.

I wish you luck! I went through a period where I was completely frustrated that I was spending hundreds of dollars and afraid that I wouldn't be able to utilize the parks. People weren't understanding that a wheelchair was not what was best for my situation and thought I was just being stubborn and even accused me of trying to take advantage of the system. They did convince me, though, that Disney is not responsible for providing what is best for me, but just what is reasonable for me. Therefore, I came up with my own plan. I go next week and I am hopeful that all will be well.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Probably the worst part of my plan is convincing everybody of the IMPORTANCE of being to the park at rope drop. It does make a huge difference and is worth it IMO, but sleepyheads may not be as easy to convince.

Leave without them. They can call you when they get to the park. Their loss, missing out on short waits thanks to your intensive research - not yours.

 

[stitchlovestink]

he will NOT qualify for a DAS. his issues are mobility related and the only accommodation Disney offers is an ECV or Wheelchair. he does NOT need to use it all the time. the only way this will work is if you take full advantage of FP+ and use a turing plan that minimizes standing in line.

Only Guest Services can determine who qualifies for a DAS...not one of us here has the authority to make that determination.

Thanks for letting me know about the lack of benches. My parents were in Disney with us in 2013 when we went for Christmas.

I appreciate everyone's opinions. I spoke with several people at Disney and I am satisfied with what they told me. I understand that many of you feel that he doesn't qualify and feel that is a mobility issue. There are a few details that I didn't feel comfortable posting in an online forum so you don't have the entire story. After my conversations with cast members I feel that I can work with what their response was.

While I understand that several of you feel that Disney cast members on the phone can't promise a DAS card, I also know that no one on this forum can guarantee that he won't either.

As I stated, I'm satisfied with the cast members that I spoke with and I appreciate everyone's opinions.

EXACTLY!! No one here has any authority in determining DAS eligibility. I think you are very wise in going with the advice of CMs as they work for the mouse. Glad you feel comfortable with the responses you got from the CMs. Opinions here are really just that...opinions. and I have RARELY gotten a CM on the phone who has NEVER been to WDW at all!! Now they may not have stayed at the hotel I am booking but they have been on property!!!
I would take alot of the advice received here with a grain of salt. It sounds like with as many trips as you have taken you are a very seasoned WDW traveler with a good head on your shoulders.
Don't let people alarm you about a lack of benches in MK. There are still benches and seating all around. I still manage to see LOTS of people sitting around when I am there!! LOL

As helpful as these boards may be in other areas, this is not where you will get an answer to your question. You will need to speak to guest services and explain why you need a DAS. Don't go in asking if you'd qualify for one. Go in and explain your needs and how they do not allow you to wait in line and that you need the accommodations.

EXACTLY!!!

He dose not need a DAS card and more then likely will not get one even if he would want one

I would rent a wheel chair he dose not have to sit in it the whole time he or someone else can push it

Or he can get a roller and use this

AGAIN, NO one here is qualified to make that decision. That will be up to guest services to decide if a DAS is appropriate esp since the OP said there are other circumstances that they have chosen not to discuss!

Stitch has the shoulder harness that presses down, not a good choice for anyone with back issue, IMO.

Ehh....I have had multiple back surgeries and I don't think stitch is a big deal at all, for me. I keep the harness high. If I put it tight it makes my shoulders uncomfortable, but it doesn't hurt my back at all.

 

[kaytieeldr]

and I have RARELY gotten a CM on the phone who has NEVER been to WDW at all!!

More accurately, "...who has claimed to never have been..."

Opinions here are really just that...opinions.

Anyone asking questions DAS to Disney's phone agents is also getting opinions; at least on this forum, the opinions are coming from people with actual experience

I think you are very wise in going with the advice of CMs as they work for the mouse.

Yet ultimately:

AGAIN, NO one here is qualified to make that decision.

Correct. Only the Cast Members Guest Services - which has been stated in this thread a number of times - can make this determination

 

[maxiesmom]

Unfortunately many of us know that when you call you may not be getting someone who knows what they are talking about. I have found other posters on the Dis to be a far more accurate and trustworthy group then random CM who promises things they can't deliver. No one here knows if the OP will qualify for a DAS once they are at WDW. And the only way the OP will know is when they show up and ask. They simply cannot rely on what they are told over the phone. If the person they speak to at WDW disagrees, saying "But I called and they told me he qualifies" will hold no weight at all.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

OP, I hope your DF can get the DAS if he would benefit from it. But if his ability to stand is truly as limited as you say, he NEEDS a mobility device too. A DAS will not be enough.

It's not a sign of weakness or a cop out. It is a tool so that the whole family can get as much from the trip as possible.

 

[gap2368]

I can only do a short replay but I did know a few people that worked in the call center that never went to Disney Also no one here can say wether a DAS card can be given I would hat for someone to go in and there be a chance for them not to get a DAS card and have no other option

 

[aaarcher86]

Only Guest Services can determine who qualifies for a DAS...not one of us here has the authority to make that determination.


EXACTLY!! No one here has any authority in determining DAS eligibility. I think you are very wise in going with the advice of CMs as they work for the mouse. Glad you feel comfortable with the responses you got from the CMs. Opinions here are really just that...opinions. and I have RARELY gotten a CM on the phone who has NEVER been to WDW at all!! Now they may not have stayed at the hotel I am booking but they have been on property!!!
I would take alot of the advice received here with a grain of salt. It sounds like with as many trips as you have taken you are a very seasoned WDW traveler with a good head on your shoulders.
Don't let people alarm you about a lack of benches in MK. There are still benches and seating all around. I still manage to see LOTS of people sitting around when I am there!! LOL


EXACTLY!!!


AGAIN, NO one here is qualified to make that decision. That will be up to guest services to decide if a DAS is appropriate esp since the OP said there are other circumstances that they have chosen not to discuss!


Ehh....I have had multiple back surgeries and I don't think stitch is a big deal at all, for me. I keep the harness high. If I put it tight it makes my shoulders uncomfortable, but it doesn't hurt my back at all.

Considering they outsource a huge portion of their call center work to anyone who can pass their training, there ends up being a TON of people who have no idea how things actually operate outside the material Disney gives them.

Perfect example - CMs being trained to tell people they have guaranteed connecting rooms in certain circumstances.