New to DIS. Where do I find info about planning a Disney trip with a Down's Syndrome child?

[BigAforJ]

I have searched and searched, but all I can find is discussion about specific questions. I need a direct link to generalized information. For example, is there some kind of special pass so my friend's son w/Down Syndrome doesn't need to wait 1.5 hrs for Toy Story Mania? Does he wait somewhere special? He doesn't have mobility or dietary restrictions. We just need some information on touring. Please help! Thanks!

 

[lanejudy]

Welcome to the disABILITIES Forum!

There are 2 threads pinned near the top of our main forum that may be helpful:
disABILITIES FAQs
WDW - Disability Access Service (only read the first post, no need to read the whole thread)

And WDW's Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities may be helpful for you.

There is no pass to skip lines. The DAS allows one to wait outside the line if that fits the person's needs. But it is still essentially the same wait (standby minus 10 minutes) plus the FP+ line.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[DisneyOma]

Every child with Down's Syndrome is different. I've seen kids with Down's wait in a standard queue, so just having Down's doesn't make someone eligible for assistance. Your friend will know what her son is like, and if he needs certain accommodations.

 

[gap2368]

enjoy your trip and I would point your friend to the post judy linked too and let her decide if her son need accommodation or not. as Oma said every person wth a disability if different and this child may not need anything at all. there are no front of the lines passes ( except for kids on make a wish trips) so every one has to wait the same amount of time. DO you know why the parent want this information like do they have some kinds of concerns for there child or is it you that has the concernce for there child.

 

[BigAforJ]

I understand there are varying levels of disability. I'm a healthcare provider, and my mother taught special education for 33 years. I wouldn't have posted if I believed he was capable of waiting in a regular line. He's 5, cannot speak, has severe Down's Syndrome, and severely mentally disabled. He can't even walk two blocks to his school. I'm not looking for a free pass, and I resent the implication that I was doing trying to do that. I'm just trying to gather information to help my friend. She has never been to WDW because she is intimidated and scared that she will not be able to handle it with him and her other two children ages, 4 and 1. So I'm doing my best to acquire resources for her to make the trip possible. Thank you, lanejudy, for the helpful information.

 

[gap2368]

there is a DAS card ( now on the magic band) that lets the person with the disability and up to 5 people wait out side the line and go in the fastness line. no one can tell you what you need to say to get on I would tell the mom to think if what her son needs in line and talk to GR about what he needs are in line. GR my give the mom a DAS card for her son or they may not if they do not and the mom finds things are not working go back to GR and say I have tried it this way and this is what is not working for me can you help me with this. But I do not think the mom will have a problem at disney she my need to do things differently a little more planing but it is doable to go to disney with a disability

this kind of confuses me in your first post you put

He doesn't have mobility or dietary restrictions.

then in your last post you put

He can't even walk two blocks to his school. ( are you saying he can walk the mom dose not trust him to walk the two blocks to school)


so if he dose have some type of mobility problem ( and most kids with down syndrome do)
I would get a stroller as a wheel chair tag so that the mom can take the stroller into the lines with her.

and I do know quite a few kids with down syndrome who are non verbal and can not walk and they go to disney and all they need is a well chair as a stroller tag ( I am not saying this is what your friends son need since every one is different)

 

[OurBigTrip]

I understand there are varying levels of disability. I'm a healthcare provider, and my mother taught special education for 33 years. I wouldn't have posted if I believed he was capable of waiting in a regular line. He's 5, cannot speak, has severe Down's Syndrome, and severely mentally disabled. He can't even walk two blocks to his school. I'm not looking for a free pass, and I resent the implication that I was doing trying to do that. I'm just trying to gather information to help my friend. She has never been to WDW because she is intimidated and scared that she will not be able to handle it with him and her other two children ages, 4 and 1. So I'm doing my best to acquire resources for her to make the trip possible. Thank you, lanejudy, for the helpful information.

No reason to resent anything - you asked questions, and you were provided valid, polite answers.

No, there is no special pass for your friend's son to avoid waiting 1.5 hours for Toy Story Mania or any other attraction. The DAS, if he qualifies, will allow him and his family to wait outside the line for the current length of the regular line minus 10 minutes, and return once the wait time has elapsed. They will then enter the FP+ line and board the attraction from there.

If he has mobility issues, or if he is calmer and easier to manage while in a stroller, then his mom can get a stroller as wheelchair tag, which will allow him to stay in his stroller in lines and during shows.

To receive a DAS, Guest Services need to know what his needs are, not his diagnosis. Saying "He has Down Syndrome" is pretty useless to them, since not all people with Down Syndrome need accommodations. She needs to be able to explain why he can't wait in line; what detrimental behaviors he will exhibit if waiting in a long line, medical complications that might result if he has to wait in the line, etc.

 

[cedricandsophie]

My daughter has Down syndrome. She is 30 and we have been taking her to Disney since she was a baby. She is high functioning but easily gets tired and cranky after walking or waiting for a while. We used to just listen to her complain and drag her along until I convinced my husband to get her a wheel chair. It has made our days in the parks so much more pleasant. . Depending on the attendant, we might get in the fast pass line for Peter pan, but we can usually get around the lines for many of the other rides at Magic kingdom. At animal kingdom, we take the wheelchair entrance For the safari ride, but have to wait in the regular line for Everest. At Hollywood studios, the only ride that the wheelchair helps is for the great movie ride, otherwise the lanes at the other rides are wide enough for the wheel chair to pass through like everyone else.

 

[OurBigTrip]

My daughter has Down syndrome. She is 30 and we have been taking her to Disney since she was a baby. She is high functioning but easily gets tired and cranky after walking or waiting for a while. We used to just listen to her complain and drag her along until I convinced my husband to get her a wheel chair. It has made our days in the parks so much more pleasant. . Depending on the attendant, we might get in the fast pass line for Peter pan, but we can usually get around the lines for many of the other rides at Magic kingdom. At animal kingdom, we take the wheelchair entrance For the safari ride, but have to wait in the regular line for Everest. At Hollywood studios, the only ride that the wheelchair helps is for the great movie ride, otherwise the lanes at the other rides are wide enough for the wheel chair to pass through like everyone else.

Curious as to how you "get around the lines" at MK, since most of the lines are wheelchair accessible. It would be a shame if CMs are allowing people in wheelchairs to not wait when the line is accessible.

 

[DisneyOma]

I understand there are varying levels of disability. I'm a healthcare provider, and my mother taught special education for 33 years. I wouldn't have posted if I believed he was capable of waiting in a regular line. He's 5, cannot speak, has severe Down's Syndrome, and severely mentally disabled. He can't even walk two blocks to his school. I'm not looking for a free pass, and I resent the implication that I was doing trying to do that. I'm just trying to gather information to help my friend. She has never been to WDW because she is intimidated and scared that she will not be able to handle it with him and her other two children ages, 4 and 1. So I'm doing my best to acquire resources for her to make the trip possible. Thank you, lanejudy, for the helpful information.

Being nonverbal is not a reason for not being able to wait in a queue. There are varying needs and issues for those who are 'severely mentally disabled'. If walking two blocks is too much, I'd definitely get a stroller for the child, as there will be miles of walking around the parks that have nothing to do with being in a queue.

I've worked in special education for over 15 years. I've taken groups of students to local theme parks. Each child was different, and we had staff speak for each child at guest relations. Different accommodations worked for different children. Being 5, having Down's, etc, doesn't give any info that shows that a child needs certain accommodations. The parent will have to speak up at guest services and explain the circumstances - not the diagnosis, etc. You gave none of that info in your first post, did you? And he might surprise you by being quite capable of waiting in lines - we had some wonderful breakthroughs on our field trips. You should give him a chance.

 

[HopperFan]

Agree with PP and no one was trying to be rude.

My DS has Down Syndrome, is 31, has been going to WDW since he was 1 year old. You would consider my son "severe", he has next to no verbalization skills and is supervised 24/7.

Honestly in my 33 years of being around many with Down Syndrome, most at 5 years old, no matter their functioning level, would handle WDW just like any other 3-5 year old. We did not get a DAS for him until he was an adult and that was because his situation changed drastically.

Some thoughts:
- Having Down Syndrome in itself is no reason for a DAS or assistance at attractions.
- Having a child with Down Syndrome usually means low muscle tone/endurance so a stroller is a plus.
- They can ask for a stroller as wheelchair tag so that they can keep it in line if they feel it will help.
- If he is an escape artist with the stroller I would bring extra harness or straps.
- Having no expressive speech has no impact on a WDW trip.
- We found it best to make regular bathroom stops so there was no sudden stress moments for that.
- We found it best to stay on a meal routine time wise so minimal changes.
- If there is anything special to him that he can play with or he likes to have with him, bring it.
- Highly suggest a medic bracelet or id tag on shoe etc so in case he gets away there is contact info.

I hope your friend is not planning to travel with the three kids alone. That would be stressful for anyone with them that age.

 

[cedricandsophie]

Curious as to how you "get around the lines" at MK, since most of the lines are wheelchair accessible. It would be a shame if CMs are allowing people in wheelchairs to not wait when the line is accessible.

Many of the rides still have wheelchair access lanes only. I dont feel bad using them with my daughter if available. She is disabled and if we can cut her frustration and waiting time by a few minutes why shouldn't we? This is true for the people using electric carts or chairs who don't appear disabled to me but just don't want to walk.

 

[OurBigTrip]

Many of the rides still have wheelchair access lanes only. I dont feel bad using them with my daughter if available. She is disabled and if we can cut her frustration and waiting time by a few minutes why shouldn't we? This is true for the people using electric carts or chairs who don't appear disabled to me but just don't want to walk.

If the only way to access the attraction is through a separate, accessible line, then of course there is nothing wrong with it.

As for you daughter being entitled to having her frustration and waiting cut just because she's disabled? No, I don't agree. Everyone, disabled or not, with the exception of Wish kids, should have to wait, IMO.

 

[gap2368]

Many of the rides still have wheelchair access lanes only. I dont feel bad using them with my daughter if available. She is disabled and if we can cut her frustration and waiting time by a few minutes why shouldn't we? This is true for the people using electric carts or chairs who don't appear disabled to me but just don't want to walk.

disney has been trying to make the lines more assessable to people in mobility devices and there are fewer rides that have a separate entrance and the ones that do will give you a return time so that you will wait and then come back when you time is up and go in that way. I do not know anyone that goes to disney that dose not have some kind of problem whether it is they are tired, hot, extra yes there are people how have a disability that make thing harder/impossible to do things and I am not saying your daughter is or is not one of them but it looks like you have found a way to not wait in lines and that is not right I think that is what people are having a problem with is that you are going my child just dose not like to wait and so we found a way for her not to wait. I do agree that every one but make a wish kids should wait whether in the line or in the virtual line.

To the op I think you have been given great information to give the mom one other thing is that I would let her know her option and then tell her to go with out any accommodation ( exspaily the DAS card) and see how the child does ( I would get the wheel chair as the stroller tag) bring something the child like to do a tablet a favreat toy to play with in line bubble are great and they sell them every where you will not only make your children happy but any around you some times lines can be a place to cool off ( as most are inside or shaded) and a place to relax and a few minute to talk about what you want to do next and I do agree I do hope the mom has some help

 

[BigAforJ]

Goodness. Not sure why people believe they need to be the DAS police. I'm just looking for information; the link was sufficient. Making judgements about a child you have never met, simply because you may be familiar with the Down's diagnosis, is totally inappropriate and off topic. I understand that abuse of the pass occurs, but that's no reason to bully others. And suggesting that I forcibly tie him into a stroller as another poster suggested is barbaric and abusive. From what I have read thus far, he seems like a great candidate for the DAS card, but I will ultimately leave that decision up to the CM.

 

[HopperFan]

Goodness. Not sure why people believe they need to be the DAS police. I'm just looking for information; the link was sufficient. Making judgements about a child you have never met, simply because you may be familiar with the Down's diagnosis, is totally inappropriate and off topic. I understand that abuse of the pass occurs, but that's no reason to bully others. And suggesting that I forcibly tie him into a stroller as another poster suggested is barbaric and abusive. From what I have read thus far, he seems like a great candidate for the DAS card, but I will ultimately leave that decision up to the CM.

WOW. I think many, including myself have tried to help because some of us have decades of hands on experience. We are not "familiar with the Down's diagnosis" .................. we live with "Down Syndrome". I have lived with it 24/7 for over 31 years as primary caregiver. And it is completely appropriate for those of us who live with it and deal with it at Disney World to answer your questions about doing Disney with a child with Down Syndrome. No one is being a bully.

I do however feel bullied. I guess you are calling me barbaric and abusive. Beyond offended and seriously doubt your experience. Many of these children have a hard time understanding safety, abstracts, are easily distracted and traveling to a place like Disney that is now always crowded, with two other even younger children will be a big handful. I merely said if he was an escape artist that that maybe an additional safety measure be put in place - "forcibly tie", uh no. More like buckling him in his stroller strap and if he can unhook that adding a reverse seat belt that buckles behind the stroller where he can't unhook it. No one walking by would even notice. It would only take a few seconds for this Mom to lose her child.

You asked about a special waiting area for him ... because he has Down Syndrome. Well that does not exist. There are no special waiting areas, and Down Syndrome does not mean he can't have a good time like any other child his age. You did not offer us any medical issues that would apply to the DAS. Maybe he has some issues that would apply and his Mom can explain that to GR. Maybe he will get a DAS without issue, but no one here can guarantee they will. No one is the DAS police, we are only realistic that there is no diagnosis that will guarantee a DAS so they would never promise you that it will happen.

 

[OurBigTrip]

Goodness. Not sure why people believe they need to be the DAS police. I'm just looking for information; the link was sufficient. Making judgements about a child you have never met, simply because you may be familiar with the Down's diagnosis, is totally inappropriate and off topic. I understand that abuse of the pass occurs, but that's no reason to bully others. And suggesting that I forcibly tie him into a stroller as another poster suggested is barbaric and abusive. From what I have read thus far, he seems like a great candidate for the DAS card, but I will ultimately leave that decision up to the CM.

I'm not quite sure why you're asking questions if you don't want answers. No one has judged the child in question in any way, shape or form.

The only one judging anyone else is you.

 

[gap2368]

the first 3 post was post one links that you thanked the poster for then one that said not all kids with a disability need assistance and some kinds do fine then me that a greed with the other two post and said to have a good trip

I am starting to think you just wanted us to say yes he will get a DAS and this is what you say to get a DAS card well no one here can tell you what to say as no one know the child and what the needs are people are giving you great advice on what they do with there child who is much older then your friends we are not trying to be rude but you keep on coming back saying that we are I am starting to think that is because no one has given you what you truly came in here for and I do not think anyone of us will. and again I do hope your friend is not going to disney alone with 3 kinds under 5 even if they were all healthy in every way

 

[lanejudy]

I think OP has gotten the information requested and the rest of this thread has deteriorated. Closing.

 

[SueM in MN]

I was about to close this thread and lanejudy beat me to it. I'm adding a reminder copied from the 'Open Message from SueM' thread stuck near the top of this board:

Many posts are being taken in a negative way when there was NOTHING negative about them. It may be because the answer is not what the OP wanted or has not given some information and then is upset when posts don't take that formation into account.
Negativity creates more negativity.

So, some reminders:

• If you come here with a chip on your shoulder looking for the negative in people, you will probably find it and YOU will be contributing to the negative views of others.
  If you assume that other people are honestly trying to help (and most are), you will find help.
• When reading replies, keep in mind that seeing things in writing only gives part of the message the person was trying to convey. Something that sounds 'snarky' or rude when you read it, might sound very different in person, when you also have other clues to the meaning, like tone of voice and facial expression.
• Remember that other people reading your message might not understand it the way that you meant it (see # 2).
• If you post "I plan to go to WDW in August and I have xxxxxxxx. What kind of Help should I ask for?", no one is going to tell you what kind of Assistance to ask for. They will tell you to go to Guest Relations and explain your needs.
  One reason for that answer, is that we don't know what Disney will offer. As one poster wrote (edited a little):
  "I have no clue what Disney will offer her based on HER condition, even if something was offered for someone with xxxxx, which may be similar to what you feel she needs, Disney may give you another, maybe better option for HER. They may suggest things like she use a Wheelchair, they may suggest a waiting area while one waits on line, they may say 'try it and see how you do first', they may offer something we are not aware of that is more geared to her needs.. "
  If you go in and are able to explain what your issues are, you will be able to get assistance. If you feel you are not getting what you need, ask to speak to a supervisor.
• If you post "I plan to go to WDW in August and I have xxxxxxxx. What should I do", you will get advice from
  -people who have been to WDW with xxxxxxxx and would not go again as long as they have xxxxxxxx
  -people who have not been to WDW with xxxxxxx, but have been in August and would not go again
  -people who have never been to WDW, but had xxxxxxx, and can't imagine going
  -people who have suggestions for dealing with xxxxxxx
  -people who have suggestions for dealing with xxxxxxx at WDW
  
  They are giving their opinions. If you don't like them, you don't have to follow them. Some of the people responding may know a great deal about xxxxx, but don't know anything about WDW. So if they don't tell about WDW, they are not trying to keep information away or prevent you from going - they just don't know anything.
  
  But, most are trying to help, not upset. So, take what is helpful to you and assume the other information was given with good intentions, even if you don't feel it was helpful or was what you wanted to hear.
• Whatever board you go on, different people will have different experiences. That doesn't mean any of them are not telling the truth.
  You will find threads on the Theme Parks Board where someone says they used Fastpasses after the 'window' time and someone else says they were told they could not do that.
  Or opposite experieces about height restrictions, tickets or being asked to show room keys for Extra Magic Hours.
  On the Resort Board, someone will post that the CM told them the limit was 4 people in one room and someone else posts a CM told them 5.
  None of that means that anyone was lying - just that they had different experiences.
• And one to add this morning; if you have been given information or a link that seems overwhelming or that you don't understand, it's your responsibility to let people on the thread know that. It was probably very clear to the person who wrote it but, but if you don't say anything, they won't know that, and no one can help you to clarify things.