Options to DAS

[momto3gsds]

After reading these boards for several days now it has become clear that the DAS card is truly deserving in many cases. In other cases it seems getting such a card has actually become a handicap for some. These folks appear to think that without a DAS card they will not be able to truly enjoy their expensive vacation. That's sad. What I would like to ask is what suggestions can we make to help them understand that there are options for them that DAS card is just not needed in their circumstances and that they can still enjoy all that Disney has to offer.

For example, many folks have written about their lack of ability to walk or stand for long periods. For them it is suggested that they get a wheelchair or scooter. Think about this. Just by renting a wheelchair or scooter, your 'disability' is gone. How many of us wish it were that easy with our disabilities?

We really need to be honest with ourselves. Sadly it is awful to see these peoples condition worsen as the threads continue as they fail to meet their first criteria for a DAS card. A DAS card is not a ticket to happiness. Your booking a Disney vacation. Be thankful if your is a case where you don't require a DAS card.

 

[aaarcher86]

I don't really think 'we' need to convince people of anything. The DAS is not for mobility issues. If someone chooses to vacation elsewhere because of that, it's there choice. If suggestions in how to handle their mobility issues help, then great.

There are a lot of people that were accommodate with the GAC that no longer are with the DAS. It's a big transition for some people.

 

[momto3gsds]

I'll be the first one to respond to my post

There are many places to stop and rest in WDW. Just because many itineraries have you running from one place to another doesn't mean you have to follow them. Take Disney at your own pace. Make it enjoyable for you.

Also, renting a wheelchair or scooter doesn't mean you have to be tied down to it. You can always park it somewhere and walk as much as you want or can. Then, when you need a break, it will be there waiting for you.

 

[runnergrl]

After reading these boards for several days now it has become clear that the DAS card is truly deserving in many cases. In other cases it seems getting such a card has actually become a handicap for some. These folks appear to think that without a DAS card they will not be able to truly enjoy their expensive vacation. That's sad.

I often think the same thing about many people posting with non-physical concerns as well...

 

[asta]

I'll be the first one to respond to my post

There are many places to stop and rest in WDW. Just because many itineraries have you running from one place to another doesn't mean you have to follow them. Take Disney at your own pace. Make it enjoyable for you.

Also, renting a wheelchair or scooter doesn't mean you have to be tied down to it. You can always park it somewhere and walk as much as you want or can. Then, when you need a break, it will be there waiting for you.

I agree with most of your post but must comment on "there are many places to stop and rest in WDW". I think Disney has removed a lot of those where you can stop and sit. I went last year too soon after a knee replacement and thought I could handle it by walking and taking frequent breaks. It was hard to ever find a vacant bench where I could rest my sore joint. I even had an extremely rude and unkind encounter with a CM around the hub when I desperately needed to rest before trying to walk out of the MK. It takes a lot to make a 50 something year old woman cry but this young CM did it to me.

Lesson learned: if you have mobility issues and feel like you need a place to rest, I strongly reccommend that you rent a ECV or wheelchair. I would also think twice before attempting WDW on a new knee replacement.

 

[Mrsjvb]

I'll be the first one to respond to my post

There are many places to stop and rest in WDW. .

which does you ZERO good if they are ALREADY occupied.. or in the middle of the blazing sun and you need shade.. or your husband wants to ride a ride in AK and the area near the exit so that you can hook up again has nothing but large rocks.. all of which are occupied by young children being entertained by a story teller.

the crux of it is simply this: the old GAC evolved (inadvertently or not) into immediate FP access regardless of why it was issued. hell I would get sent through FP line and I NEVER had or used a GAC but my wheelchair sometimes gave a CM the wrong impression( and not all those reg standby lines had stairs either).

the new system completely ELIMINATES that altogether which is what got/gets so many people in an uproar. it gives a safe place to wait the SAME AMOUNT OF TIME for those with mental, emotional or physical inability to wait in a line. they no longer get to take undue advantage of FP( on top of what every guest had access to, pre and post FP+ rollout)

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . There are a lot of people that were accommodate with the GAC that no longer are with the DAS. It's a big transition for some people.

And, some people do not want to recognize of accept the change(s).

 

[aaarcher86]

And, some people do not want to recognize of accept the change(s).

Sure, but there won't be any helping or convincing people like that.

 

[momto3gsds]

I'm sorry to hear that Disney has removed many of the places where one could sit and rest. I haven't been there in years so I'm sure there are many changes I'm not aware of.

In one of these threads someone had posted about a seat you can bring with you and they seemed to like it. I personally, would not want to carry around a seat all day but if that's what I needed I would consider it. I don't like the fact that I'm going to have to rent a scooter this trip but it's my reality. If I'm going to enjoy this trip at all I'll need the help of a scooter.

I realize this is a huge transition for many. This post is not to put people down, but instead to offer them options. I know there are people who won't like these suggestions, but there might be others that find the information helpful.

 

[Hope Counts]

I'm sorry to hear that Disney has removed many of the places where one could sit and rest. I haven't been there in years so I'm sure there are many changes I'm not aware of.

In one of these threads someone had posted about a seat you can bring with you and they seemed to like it. I personally, would not want to carry around a seat all day but if that's what I needed I would consider it. I don't like the fact that I'm going to have to rent a scooter this trip but it's my reality. If I'm going to enjoy this trip at all I'll need the help of a scooter.

I realize this is a huge transition for many. This post is not to put people down, but instead to offer them options. I know there are people who won't like these suggestions, but there might be others that find the information helpful.

I can attest to the fact that there is more limited seating or the crowds are bigger. I went to WDW for a family reunion a few years ago when I was pregnant and finding a place to sit was often difficult. I was fortunate that I was clearly pregnant (6 months along) so often people were kind and offered me a seat but not always so there were times when I was standing in the sun desperately hoping someone would get up so I could sit down.
I imagine someone with mobility issues that are less obvious that are in between needing a wheelchair/ecv and not but isn't obviously impaired wouldn't get the same courtesy of others offering a seat.

 

[momto3gsds]

I can attest to the fact that there is more limited seating or the crowds are bigger. I went to WDW for a family reunion a few years ago when I was pregnant and finding a place to sit was often difficult. I was fortunate that I was clearly pregnant (6 months along) so often people were kind and offered me a seat but not always so there were times when I was standing in the sun desperately hoping someone would get up so I could sit down.
I imagine someone with mobility issues that are less obvious that are in between needing a wheelchair/ecv and not but isn't obviously impaired wouldn't get the same courtesy of others offering a seat.

Thank you for your response. That's awful about the seating. People need those seats and I'm not just referring to those with health concerns.

 

[lanejudy]

... In one of these threads someone had posted about a seat you can bring with you and they seemed to like it. ...

I'm not familiar with the post you read, but just to clarify WDW does not allow guests to bring seats into the parks. Rollators (a walker with a seat) and canes that open out to a little seat are considered mobility aides and are allowed. But other folding or travel seats are not.

You are correct...needs vary greatly but there are many things people can do to help their own situation in the parks without relying solely on accommodations. Staying hydrated and taking breaks are two that can help most anyone regardless of their situation.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I'm sorry to hear that Disney has removed many of the places where one could sit and rest . . .

1) People forget that WDW is about money and profit.
2) For MK, as an example, it is approx 30-rides surrounded by 210 places to spend money.
3) Sitting people do not spend while sitting.
4) Plus, with less seats, there is more room for standees.
5) If you want sales,
. . . you give Fast Passes, so people shop while waiting for the next ride time
. . . you use wrist bands for sales, so people don't see cash moving (like casinos or cruises do)
. . . you stop people from sitting and get them moving into air conditioned stores

 

[momto3gsds]

1) People forget that WDW is about money and profit.
2) For MK, as an example, it is approx 30-rides surrounded by 210 places to spend money.
3) Sitting people do not spend while sitting.
4) Plus, with less seats, there is more room for standees.
5) If you want sales,
. . . you give Fast Passes, so people shop while waiting for the next ride time
. . . you use wrist bands for sales, so people don't see cash moving (like casinos or cruises do)
. . . you stop people from sitting and get them moving into air conditioned stores

Why am I not surprised by what you are saying...very sad

 

[Hannathy]

Why am I not surprised by what you are saying...very sad

Why is this sad?

It's good business, which is what Disney is.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Why is this sad? It's good business, which is what Disney is.

True, it is good business.

However, you have to balance keeping people moving with people getting so worn out that they leave early with money left in their pockets.

 

[Michigan]

I'm sorry to hear that Disney has removed many of the places where one could sit and rest.

There are still lots of places to sit. My kids are in wheelchair and because of the break in their spine are unable to sweat. We never have a problem finding a shady spot with a seat for me.

 

[Mrsjvb]

Thank you for your response. That's awful about the seating. People need those seats and I'm not just referring to those with health concerns.

no matter how badly I needed to sit there was no way in hell I was going to sit on a bench where some one was changing their child's diaper. not 5 feet from a restroom no less. you do not want to see the dirty look she gave when politely told there was a changing station nearby.

they get vandalized. and NOBODY wants to sit on a wet bench 5 minutes after a passing thundershower.

Disney wants you up and around, not sitting on your bum.

 

[Mrsjvb]

Why am I not surprised by what you are saying...very sad

Mr Skupper is ENTIRELY correct though. this is the model of any successful business..keep 'em spendin', not settin'

 

[bidnow5]

They have removed a lot of benches over the last 5 or 6 years. This whole DAS thing has me worried. Because of being on a scooter I've become a little claustrophobic and in confined places with all those people I start to have panic attacks which lead to asthma attacks. I don't mind waiting and if a line isn't too long I am ok but some lines I can't go in even with a fast pass. For shows my family have become very good at taking extra space to help me. Hoping I can get a DAS