PTSD and disney: fighting for assistance

[Princesspolly0110]

Hi there DISability board!

Here's the scoop. My family and I would love to come down to disney for a first time trip with my brother and sister and their two kids. No one but me has been to disney and my brother suffers from PTSD. disney honestly has been 0 help with figuring out wether or not he would be approved for a disability pass. I know the system has changed and he is not willing to go unless he has a cut and dry answer on this topic. We are not system abusers and would only use the pass if extremely needed. Has anyone experienced being turned down or has been to disney with PTSD. Help a girl make dreams come true. Thanks!

 

[smitch425]

Hi there DISability board!

Here's the scoop. My family and I would love to come down to disney for a first time trip with my brother and sister and their two kids. No one but me has been to disney and my brother suffers from PTSD. disney honestly has been 0 help with figuring out wether or not he would be approved for a disability pass. I know the system has changed and he is not willing to go unless he has a cut and dry answer on this topic. We are not system abusers and would only use the pass if extremely needed. Has anyone experienced being turned down or has been to disney with PTSD. Help a girl make dreams come true. Thanks!

It isn't a matter of what he HAS. It is what he NEEDS. He needs to clearly state his needs to a CM in order to see what they can do for him. Lots of people have PTSD, but different things trigger it. I'm sure they will do what they can to help him. Unfortunately, any information you get prior to the trip will likely not help you. It will be a matter of who is on duty at the time he tries to get one. Always ask for a manager if you have issues with the front line CM, but give the front line CM a chance to help first. Good luck!

 

[lanejudy]

There is info about the new DAS program in the WDW Disability Access Service Card thread near the top of this forum. The first post has all the details (no need to read the rest of the thread).

As PP mentions, DAS is not diagnosis based. Your brother will have to explain his NEEDS as directly related to waiting in a standard queue environment. He should think of his triggers and how he reactions in similar situations. Nobody, not even at Disney, can guarantee ahead of time whether a guest will or will not qualify for the DAS. That be decided by Guest Relations at the parks.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[bidnow5]

I don't believe they will ever give a guarantee over the phone it leads to abusers calling over and over again till they get a yes for a made up reason. I was very worried about not getting one without one I wouldn't be able to go on many rides. But I explained why I couldn't stay in line any got one without any trouble

 

[MakiraMarlena]

No way they will tell you over the phone ahead of time. It's going to depend on the explanation of his needs.

What would have to happen is that he or someone on his behalf would have to be able to explain why his needs would prevent him from waiting in the regular queues. Such as, he needs to wait somewhere away from crowds.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Also if he's never been, he'll have no idea what might potentially trigger him. There are things that are plain and simply unavoidable while at Disney. You can never completely avoid crowds, you can never completely avoid loud noises... 2 very common PTSD triggers.

 

[aaarcher86]

Also if he's never been, he'll have no idea what might potentially trigger him. There are things that are plain and simply unavoidable while at Disney. You can never completely avoid crowds, you can never completely avoid loud noises... 2 very common PTSD triggers.

Just expanding on this... particularly in MK - the show in front of the castle that runs several times a day has fireworks at the end. Random loud booms, etc.

There are things that a DAS won't help with - I'd really have him consider ALL aspects of the trip ahead of time.

But again, they won't provide a guarantee of the DAS ahead of time. I'm sure you can imagine the time and effort it would take to do this for everyone that wanted to know ahead of time if they qualify.

 

[spacecanada]

Everyone's PTSD triggers are different. Mine are different than his, guaranteed. Perhaps letting us know what situations cause anxiety, you may get some tips and suggestions that are more helpful.

My biggest tip is to make sure he is well supported by a psychologist back home. Psychologists have fantastic PTSD treatment programs and coping methods to help him when encountering uncomfortable situations. If he doesn't have this in place already, do so now.