New to DAS and worried

[aaarcher86]

I *think* you can use Rider Swap for this situation. If you are visiting with small children, you can definitely use Rider Swap. Feel free to convo me if you aren't familiar with this process, since you've been to the park 40 times, you probably know about it... I'm just learning bout it myself, but I think I've got the hang of it and I did read that parties with small children, frightened children and people with disabilities were eligible.

I don't believe it mentions people with disabilities, but in practice, they restrict it to children who are too small.

 

[mamabunny]

...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.

...

I'm not judging your dad. I promise. I hope I can appeal to his common sense.

Please, please, please tell your Dad that using an ECV is not a "cop out". It's not a "fail". It's simply using the best possible available TOOL to get the most possible enjoyment from your family vacation.

If he needs glasses, does he refuse to wear them, going through life squinting at everyone and everything?

If he needs to use a calculator to do math, does he refuse to touch it, and instead resort to pencil and paper - or counting on his toes and fingers?

Both of those - glasses and calculators - are TOOLS that we use every day to make our lives more efficient. At WDW, many people use an ECV as a tool to improve both their stamina, and their enjoyment of the vacation. It can help with pain management as well. If he wants to walk from time to time, you can take a turn behind the wheel so that he can stretch his legs and move a bit. Many people park the ECV in a central location, do things in that area, then move the ECV to the next area they want to visit. Theres no one "proper" way to use an ECV at WDW.

You will not find many benches at all in any of the theme parks now - or the Disney Springs area. We were just there in January of this year - on more than one occasion our daughter simply gave up and sat on the ground when there was no seating available and she needed to take a break.

There are many people who rent ECVs only at WDW - in their "regular" lives, they never need one or use one. If your Dad is worried about other peoples perceptions of him, tell him not to. The likelihood that he will EVER see any other guests from WDW again is so incredibly tiny that he has a better chance of getting hit by lightning AND winning the lottery in the same day.

I have a long, complicated medical history myself. I won't go into it, but suffice it to say, I hated that I have to use this device. More than you can imagine. But I have learned to view it as a tool to get the things done that I want and need to do. Nothing more.

My eyes suck at seeing - so I wear glasses.

My math skills are horrible - so I use a calculator

My legs don't work like they are supposed to - so I use my ECV.

I owe no an explanation for *why* I use an ECV because it's a tool, nothing more.

Tell Dad to get on that ECV, and ride through that park like a handsome Prince, waving and smiling at all the pretty Princesses he sees! No one will give him a second glance - I promise. They are all too busy Instagramming their latest selfies and what they ate for lunch. Seriously. Your Dad on an ECV is a total non-event at WDW. People are so self-absorbed with their own vacations that they really don't notice anyone else... and a 77 year old man on an ECV is not at all unexpected anywhere in Florida, or WDW. I'm a self-described 3L: Large Lovely Lady, and I promise you that no one gives me a second glance at WDW when I am riding around on my personal ECV. If anyone would draw attention, it would be me, with my hat, gloves and giant sunglasses to help protect me from the sun.

I hope with all my heart that he can see that by using the proper tools, he can make sure that he - and all of his lovely family - have the best possible vacation at WDW.

(and if he wants to prepare and practice ahead of time, have him drive some of the electric shopping carts at Wal-Mart, Lowes, or Home Depot. I'll bet he can master one of those giant lumbering beasts in no time at all - and any ECV he would rent at WDW would be a breeze to drive, compared to those!)

 

[Marlyn]

Hi, I just wanted to give you my experience last summer. My mother is 81 with multiple health issues, not just mobility but We were denied DAS and she was required to use a wheelchair. She was reluctant, due to pride, but she did get one and we had the BEST trip ever! Once she accepted the wheelchair, she was able to really enjoy her time with us and was better able to pace herself around what she could tolerate. Sometimes she sat in a shady spot to wait for us....but mostly she just wheeled around everywhere we went,

I hope this all works out and you all have a great trip!

 

[Chainsaw]

I don't believe it mentions people with disabilities, but in practice, they restrict it to children who are too small.

For what it's worth, my source for that information wasn't Disney, but a web site called Kenny The Pirate...I just double checked it.

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't believe it mentions people with disabilities, but in practice, they restrict it to children who are too small.

The language they use is kind of vague - "can't or don't want to board an attraction".
The text also uses the language that after riding, "Party 1 takes over supervision of the non-riding children or Guests." (My bold)
The Rider Swap applies to are people who can't wait alone and require supervision
- children who too small to ride
- children who don't want to ride and are too young to wait alone
- non-riding older children or adults with disabilities who are not able to wait alone

Also, a lot of the non-Disney references (and even the Mom's Club) say that the Rider Switch will be issued for up to 3, but the Disney website has 'tightened' the language up. It now says,
"If the person in Party 2 waited alone with the child, he or she may bring one other Guest back to ride the attraction with him or her. Please note that only 2 Guests are allowed per Rider Switch Pass."

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/rider-switch/

 

[SueM in MN]

As others mentioned, no matter what you were told on the phone, the decisions about DAS are made at Guest Relations.

Even if he does get DAS, you need to be prepared that DAS is not going to be able to meet all the needs of someone whose main concern is standing for periods of 10 minutes or more.
Many attractions involve a preshow or a wait in a 'holding area' for 10-15 minutes or more. Those are often shows that have guests 'collect' in a prehow area while another 'set' of guests is in the show. Once the first guests leave the theater, the doors open for the next set of guests who are waiting in the preshow area. Even though you have been to WDW many times, you may not have noticed these waits.
Having a DAS (Disability Access Service) card will not prevent you from standing in those situations. Most of the areas have a very few or no seats at all and you have to wait in the preshow area to get into the show.
Some examples of places where you would have to stand - DAS or not would be:
Studio
Great Movie Ride
Muppet Vision 3D
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
One Man's Dream (This is a walking tour)
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Magic Kingdom
Railroad - there is not a preshow, but the train has to come to the station for you to board it.
Tiki Room
Hall of Presidents
Haunted Mansion
Country Bear Jamboree
Mickey's Philharmagic
Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor
Stitch's Great Escape
Enchanted Tales With Belle - the first part of the experience is about a 2 minute introduction to the story while standing in Belle's father's workshop. The second part is standing in the wardrobe room for about 5 minutes while roles are assigned for play parts. There is no place to sit for either of these. Guests are seated on backless padded benches for the remainder of the show.

Epcot
Ellen's Energy Adventure
Mission Space
Test Track
Circle of Life (Movie at The Land)
Soarin'
American Adventure
Reflections of China (a 14 minute movie that has no seats, just rails to lean against)
O Canada (a 14 minute move that has no seats, just rails to lean against

Animal Kingdom
It's Tough to Be a Bug
Festival of the Lion King (you will need to wait for the next show)
Wildlife Express Train (you will need to wait for the next train - they leave every 5-7 minutes)
Flights of Wonder (there may not be a place to sit when waiting for the next show)
Finding Nemo (you will be standing during your wait for the next show)

Having a wheelchair or ECV would give you a place to sit during those kinds of attractions and would also help you cover the distances for a WDW visit. Many people don't think about how much they walk in a day at WDW, but the average is at least 3 miles per day.
Many of the lines are very long distance to walk from the entrance to the actual boarding area. For example, Soarin is about 1/4 mile from the entrance to the line until the boarding area. There is an equal distance from the point you complete your flight until you get back out of the ride.
A DAS would not usually shorten the distance and the DAS is only used in lines and does nothing to help you get from place to place.

 

[aaarcher86]

The language they use is kind of vague - "can't or don't want to board an attraction".
The text also uses the language that after riding, "Party 1 takes over supervision of the non-riding children or Guests." (My bold)
The Rider Swap applies to are people who can't wait alone and require supervision
- children who too small to ride
- children who don't want to ride and are too young to wait alone
- non-riding older children or adults with disabilities who are not able to wait alone

Also, a lot of the non-Disney references (and even the Mom's Club) say that the Rider Switch will be issued for up to 3, but the Disney website has 'tightened' the language up. It now says,
"If the person in Party 2 waited alone with the child, he or she may bring one other Guest back to ride the attraction with him or her. Please note that only 2 Guests are allowed per Rider Switch Pass."

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/rider-switch/

I still don't see where it says people with disabilities?

If a child does not meet the height requirement or a Guest does not wish to board a particular attraction, no problem! With Rider Switch, one adult can wait with the non-rider (or riders) while the rest of the party enjoys the attraction. When the other adult returns, they can supervise the non-riding Guests, and the waiting adult can board the attraction without having to wait in the regular line again!

But again, in practice (since we all know the website, Moms group, phone CMs are unreliable), they require you to bring the child that's too short before issuing. It's been discussed pretty heavily on the Theme Parks board since the wording is different on the website, but specifically, someone had an elderly person that couldn't ride and was denied.

 

[aaarcher86]

For what it's worth, my source for that information wasn't Disney, but a web site called Kenny The Pirate...I just double checked it.

LOVE Kenny. He's a great source for a lot of things - I've seen it discussed at length on the Theme Parks board with experiences on who was denied/received rider swap. Including people that claims they'll argue with the CMs if denied.

I don't think it's dependable for anything other than children that are too small, brought to the attraction for the CM to see (it's only available on rides with height restrictions, which kind of supports that).

 

[SueM in MN]

I still don't see where it says people with disabilities?

If a child does not meet the height requirement or a Guest does not wish to board a particular attraction, no problem! With Rider Switch, one adult can wait with the non-rider (or riders) while the rest of the party enjoys the attraction. When the other adult returns, they can supervise the non-riding Guests, and the waiting adult can board the attraction without having to wait in the regular line again!

But again, in practice (since we all know the website, Moms group, phone CMs are unreliable), they require you to bring the child that's too short before issuing. It's been discussed pretty heavily on the Theme Parks board since the wording is different on the website, but specifically, someone had an elderly person that couldn't ride and was denied.

I will agree it doesn't specifically say anything about disabilities, but my point was that it is for a guest who needs supervision while they are waiting.
Many disabled people (or an elderly person) don't need supervision and are able to wait alone, so I don't think they would be likely to put a blanket statement about it applying to people with disabilities. It is in there as a 'read between the lines' thing and I have spoken with people who work in the disabilities department at Disney about it.
I know people (us included) who have used Rider Switch with an older person. Just like with the too small child, you need to bring the person to the attraction and explain they can't wait alone.
It's possible that you could be turned down even if the person is not capable of waiting without supervision, but asking for a supervisor should take care of that situation.

 

[aaarcher86]

I will agree it doesn't specifically say anything about disabilities, but my point was that it is for a guest who needs supervision while they are waiting.
Many disabled people (or an elderly person) don't need supervision and are able to wait alone, so I don't think they would be likely to put a blanket statement about it applying to people with disabilities. It is in there as a 'read between the lines' thing and I have spoken with people who work in the disabilities department at Disney about it.
I know people (us included) who have used Rider Switch with an older person. Just like with the too small child, you need to bring the person to the attraction and explain they can't wait alone.
It's possible that you could be turned down even if the person is not capable of waiting without supervision, but asking for a supervisor should take care of that situation.

Yeah. It'd be a lot of time wasted asking for a supervisor at every attraction, though.

 

[SueM in MN]

Yeah. It'd be a lot of time wasted asking for a supervisor at every attraction, though.

but, you're not likely to need the supervisor if you have the person with you and can explain that they are not able to wait alone.
The bringing in the supervisor is not only for this time, but do the CM is educated on how it should be done. That makes it less likely to happen next time.

Also important - many people think Rider Swap is available at any attraction, but it isn't. It's only those with height requirements. Asking at any others will be a "no"
- even if grandma has Alzheimer's, can't wait alone and is sure those 'evil' dolls on Small World are out to get her!

 

[PatMcDuck]

I have no idea who will qualify for a DAS. I can only say that planning 3 rides per day with the FP+ system will be such a great help to you. My DS does get the DAS, but last time we went to WDW, in October, we only used it twice in a week. We alternated the FP+ rides with rides with short lines, meal and snack breaks, and the midday rest in the hotel room. But my DS does use a chair, so we could tolerate some short (20 minute) lines.

Good luck! We are all pulling for you to have a good time.

 

[gap2368]

and do not forget that after you use your 3 FP you can get 1 more and then use that one and get another one.

with a good touring plane you should not have to wait long for any thing.

I think the OP should plane to take it slow ( they already said they would) do a few show ( I am confused on how long he can sit one post said 30 minutes another said less the 10 minutes at a time)

plane FP starting around 11 when crowded tend to pick up

if you can hit top drop and then an afternoon swim ( since we do not know all of disabilities he may or may not be able to do this.

if you do get a wheel chair this could be some great bonding for the grand kids to sit on gramps lap and ride around the park together ( with someone pushing)

 

[married2mm]

Just as a side note-

I have disabilities some visible some not..
I once dropped my cane in a supermarket and a kind lady picked it up for me-however she handed it to my dmil....
Dmil very,very quickly stated it was mine not hers -even though she was barely upright leaning against a shopping cart....

It took several years-yes years!! To fully convince her any medical aid is just that-an aid/a help/assistance!
I would say we're still not there 100% (not helped by some family members-but that's a whole different thread) as a pp said-
Glasses aid vision
She takes her prescribed medications

There is no difference...

I sincerely hope you find a happy resolution for future vacays.

 

[Selket]

I'm confused. There's nothing in anything the OP has written that gives the impression her father can't speak for himself.

All I meant was....that the OP couldn't get one for her father if he is unwilling to go in and get it himself or at least go in with her and they both explain the needs to the CM - as he seemed perhaps unwilling and sometimes a family member thinks they can get one on behalf of someone else.

Sounds like the OP has things well in hand - as best she can. Best of luck to you on your trip and I hope your dad is able to go and have a wonderful time!

 

[ttintagel]

I also have trouble standing still for long times. On my last trip I decided to not use a wheelchair. I didn't encounter many situations in which it was a problem.

If a ride has a posted wait time that's too long for me and i can't get FP I skip it and come back later.

When I'm in a line that's not moving forward, I use that time to do stretches instead of standing still and letting my back and legs seize up.

 

[Chainsaw]

A-ha!! But...as I mentioned, if OP is traveling with chilies, she could maximize FP and height restricted rides, bringing her dad back with the non-riding parent to get in the FP line! It could work

 

[SteveMouse]

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).

 

[gap2368]

yes grandpa could wait with the little one while every one else rode the ride then go in after everyone with someone else through the FP line.

did anyone hear that BTMRR was a 30 to 45 minute wait and this was with a FP. it has happened a few times when I was there for this ride and a few other PP was 45 minute wait on my last trip and yes this was for a FP.

I really hope the OP has a few option or the granddad/ dad will be in a world of pain.

 

[minnie mum]

A-ha!! But...as I mentioned, if OP is traveling with chilies, she could maximize FP and height restricted rides, bringing her dad back with the non-riding parent to get in the FP line! It could work

Chilies?