question about DAS and character meets

[kcsocalmama]

Hi! I have a son with Autism. we are going to WDW in June. We are Premier Passholders, living in California and frequent Disneyland. Which is great prep for my son to be ready for the upcoming tripe! However, nothing prepared me for today's meltdown and subsequent seizure (He had Epilepsy that is normally controlled) because he thought he would see Elsa and Anna from Frozen.They CM's said we couldn't get our DAS stamped for a return in 3.5 hours (that's how long the line was) as they were not honoring the DAS for character meet and greets. The two hour meltdown and seizure (hadn't had one on 6 months so I know the meltdown caused him to cross the threshold normally controlled by meds) landed us in the ER. Obviously, I will try and avoid the area in the future, but he knows they are there, and the Olaf is visible for far away, which drove him crazy because he wasn't allowed to go watch Olaf. Stupid Disney makes an animatronic Olaf that they don't allow you to stand and listen to, but make it impossible to hear further than 10 feet away...meltdown got worse when I was told he needed to move away...they saw his meltdown, it is OBVIOUS he is Autistic, I am at a loss...any suggestions? And yes, I emailed them, but I am sure they could care less...

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Hi! I have a son with Autism. we are going to WDW in June. We are Premier Passholders, living in California and frequent Disneyland. Which is great prep for my son to be ready for the upcoming tripe! However, nothing prepared me for today's meltdown and subsequent seizure (He had Epilepsy that is normally controlled) because he thought he would see Elsa and Anna from Frozen.They CM's said we couldn't get our DAS stamped for a return in 3.5 hours (that's how long the line was) as they were not honoring the DAS for character meet and greets. The two hour meltdown and seizure (hadn't had one on 6 months so I know the meltdown caused him to cross the threshold normally controlled by meds) landed us in the ER. Obviously, I will try and avoid the area in the future, but he knows they are there, and the Olaf is visible for far away, which drove him crazy because he wasn't allowed to go watch Olaf. Stupid Disney makes an animatronic Olaf that they don't allow you to stand and listen to, but make it impossible to hear further than 10 feet away...meltdown got worse when I was told he needed to move away...they saw his meltdown, it is OBVIOUS he is Autistic, I am at a loss...any suggestions? And yes, I emailed them, but I am sure they could care less...

It doesn't appear that the A&E meet and greet offers fastpass at Disneyland. At WDW, the DAS will work for meet and greets that offer FP+. A&E do offer FP+ at WDW so you can either use the DAS or you can try to schedule a FP+ for A&E. The FP+ for A&E have been "selling out" fast, i.e. fast as in some people who log in at midnight when their 60 day window opens for scheduling FP+ can't get the FP+ for A&E. Since you are within that 60 day window, you might have difficulty getting a FP+ for the meet and greet, but I'd encourage you to try often. People do cancel or rearrange their FP+ often and you might luck into some open FP+.

ETA: There is no animatronic Olaf at WDW. You might want to prepare your son for that ahead of time.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

if you end up using DAS for the A&E M&G remember that you can not get another pass until you use the first one. A&E makes DAS useless for most of day. he will have to leave area and come back hours later, even first thing in morning

 

[aaarcher86]

Also, keep in mind that just like DL, the DAS will NOT work with meet and greets that do not have a FP+ option.

For example, the White Rabbit and Alice are frequently outside the tea cups ride doing meet and greets. There is no FP+ option for them, and therefore, you would not be able to use the DAS. They're easily visible as are several other characters where you won't be able to use the DAS.

Not sure if it'll induce the same reaction as the infamous Frozen sisters, but since you didn't realize it would happen then I'd just be prepared. I can understand the frustrations when dealing with a meltdown, however, if we were allowed to use the DAS where someone else could not use a FP it would be considered better access and not equal access.

 

[Mrsjvb]

one does not have to be autistic to have a complete meltdown over not being able to hang out with Olaf or the Girls. the CM have no way of knowing his issues, nor can they ask.

 

[1 DISNEY FAN]

Firstly try every day to get a fp for anna and elsa. They are hard to get. This is the best way to see them at wdw with only a 5 min wait. Luckily this is what we did. Your other choices are to use the das but this would put it out of use for a couple of hours. You could also go to guest services and ask for a re ad ticket or a one choice fp for any attraction to be added to your magic band. They do this but it is hard to get them. It is an extra accommodation that they can give if they think it is needed. Last choice is to get an 8am breakfast at CRT or cp on a non EMH day and be out of there for 8.45 latest. Good luck and hope you have a great holiday.

 

[kcsocalmama]

one does not have to be autistic to have a complete meltdown over not being able to hang out with Olaf or the Girls. the CM have no way of knowing his issues, nor can they ask.

No you are correct they don't know his issues, except I told them and there is a HUGE difference between an mod/severe Autism meltdown and a temper tantrum... besides temper tantrums don't usually lead to a full tonic colonic seizure.

 

[kcsocalmama]

Thank you guys! I appreciate all the ideas, suggestions and support! Only people who have kids with these issues seem to "get it" and understand. Thank you!

 

[Goddesstree]

Thank you guys! I appreciate all the ideas, suggestions and support! Only people who have kids with these issues seem to "get it" and understand. Thank you!

I "get it" and I don't have a child on the spectrum.

 

[OurBigTrip]

No you are correct they don't know his issues, except I told them and there is a HUGE difference between an mod/severe Autism meltdown and a temper tantrum... besides temper tantrums don't usually lead to a full tonic colonic seizure.

What exactly did you want them to do? Let your son in ahead of everyone else that had been waiting for two hours?

I understand your frustration, I do. But when there is no FP line available, there really isn't anything they can do.

 

[zoo2tycoon]

I think people get what you are saying. Your son was put in a situation which was no good. He thought he was going to see the characters and couldn't because of the rules of Disneyland. They have rules on how the let people (all people) see Elsa and Anna. It applies to all, disabled or not. He wasn't able to see them and had a seizure and meltdown (hope he is doing well now). Maybe instead of blaming Disney for 'not caring' as you state which is hard to believe YOU should see how YOU could have handled the situation differently. It seems you are upset because Disney wouldn't bend the rules for your child (imagine all the other tantrums that have occurred at Disneyland and Disney World to see these and other characters). It seems as a parent you should inform yourself on the changes to DAS, etc prior to going to the park especially being premier passholders . If questions you should research prior to going. Then you could have avoided the area or prepared your son ahead of time for not being able to see them.
There are lots of kids disabled and not that have not been able to see the characters they want. If Disney CM's made special rules for every 'tantrum' (yes I know yours led to a seizure but the CM's don't know your child's medical issues) then those kids who waited in line for hours or got FP would never get to see the characters. Sad but reality that sometimes we can't do everything for our kids and they have to be disappointed.

 

[Coonhound]

It takes a loooong time to get to see Anna and Elsa. It could take much of your day and frankly it might not be worth it to have to stand in place in a line for 3 hours, I know I wouldn't do it!
As for Disney not caring...oh boy. Lots and lots of people want to see Anna and Elsa. It really is not fair to anyone if Disney says "hey, he's upset, let's let him go ahead of all the other kids". Yes, they see him having a meltdown, but they don't really know it is due to autism because really ANY child could have a meltdown if they're waiting 3 hours to see Anna and Elsa, waiting in line is hard for ALL kids, not just disabled kids, but even if they do know about his disability, that's still not a good reason for them to let him skip ahead of all the other people who have been waiting their turn. I hope I am misunderstanding you and you don't really expect them to let him cut in front of all the other people who have been waiting?

 

[intheshadows]

This is kind of an off-the-wall suggestion, but if your child just wants to meet A & E, how about buying a day pass to a local anime/comic convention? There will likely be lots of A & E cosplayers (many who look better than the ones in the park, IMHO) who would LOVE to have their photo taken and talk with your child.

Plus, it's a lot cheaper than Disney...

 

[Kellykins1218]

This is kind of an off-the-wall suggestion, but if your child just wants to meet A & E, how about buying a day pass to a local anime/comic convention? There will likely be lots of A & E cosplayers (many who look better than the ones in the park, IMHO) who would LOVE to have their photo taken and talk with your child.

Plus, it's a lot cheaper than Disney...

I am so with you on this. We're going to Collosalcon just to see the Frozen costumes!

 

[aaarcher86]

Disney on Ice just announced a Frozen production starting in September as well.

 

[Southerndisney]

If you cannot get a FP+ or early reservation for CP, which you probably can't this close to your trip, I would definitely explain the situation that occurred at DL to guest services when you get your son's DAS. You never know but they may give you some pixie dust and give you a FP+ for Anna and Elsa, but I would not mention seeing Anna and Elsa to your son since the odds are against you. If it is that important to your trip you can use the DAS at Anna and Elsa, but it could be hours away. WDW is different enough from DL that your son will have plenty to occupy his time. Hopefully between the DAS and FP+ you will have a wonderful trip.

 

[zoo2tycoon]

If you cannot get a FP+ or early reservation for CP, which you probably can't this close to your trip, I would definitely explain the situation that occurred at DL to guest services when you get your son's DAS. You never know but they may give you some pixie dust and give you a FP+ for Anna and Elsa, but I would not mention seeing Anna and Elsa to your son since the odds are against you. If it is that important to your trip you can use the DAS at Anna and Elsa, but it could be hours away. WDW is different enough from DL that your son will have plenty to occupy his time. Hopefully between the DAS and FP+ you will have a wonderful trip.

Really? What did Disneyland do wrong. Nothing. They don't use FP or DAS to see these characters. CM had no clue as to medical condition of the child. How can OP blame Disneyland for not caring while her child had a seizure. Maybe just maybe OP needs to take some responsibility for what happened to her child. She is a passholder and obviously knows about the former GAD and now the DAS. She should have researched prior to going to Disneyland. Then she could have avoided placing her child in this situation where he thought he was going to get to see these characters. If Disney bends the rules for one child everyone is going to call foul.

I don't think its people non-disabled kids not getting it. I think at this point its OP whose not getting it and not caring for her son. She needs to research ahead (everything is on the computer or a phone call away) and find out the answers. Every child is special- those with special needs and those without. There are kids who can't stand in line for hours who don't have special needs but their parents don't cry foul. Moms/Dads need to check things out before saying we are going to see ANNA AND ELSA or whoever character is. At any age kids need to be prepared to be disappointed. Pixie dust and fairies don't always happen.

It is sad that OP and her child missed seeing the characters. It is sad the child had a seizure. But Disney is not at fault. OP needs to look in the mirror and take responsibility for some of her actions. And to suggest complaining..Sorry but I think that is out of line and ridiculous to even suggest.

 

[OurBigTrip]

If you cannot get a FP+ or early reservation for CP, which you probably can't this close to your trip, I would definitely explain the situation that occurred at DL to guest services when you get your son's DAS. You never know but they may give you some pixie dust and give you a FP+ for Anna and Elsa, but I would not mention seeing Anna and Elsa to your son since the odds are against you. If it is that important to your trip you can use the DAS at Anna and Elsa, but it could be hours away. WDW is different enough from DL that your son will have plenty to occupy his time. Hopefully between the DAS and FP+ you will have a wonderful trip.

Or better yet, get the return time for Anna & Elsa just before taking a lunch or resort break.

I don't see why the situation that occurred at DL is even relevant, since the CMs at DL did absolutely nothing wrong.

 

[2tinkerbell]

Sorry, but, I don't see where Disney did anything wrong. Also, asking you to move your child was probably warrented if he was standing at the entrance (Olaf is right above the entrance) having a 2 hour meltdown. The guests in the M&G probably couldn't hear Anna & Elsa interact with them. An Autistic child having a meltdown is anything but quiet. Also, the room has an echo to it.

That M&G area is very overstimulating with the restaurant, exit line, and the long line filled with people and children who have been waiting a long time. It is an area to be avoided with a child prone to overstimulation and meltdowns. There are a number of strategies you could have employed to have a successful experience - line holder, redirection, or avoiding the area come to mind. Letting you use a DAS return time for a Character M&G isn't an option and I believe this has been discussed many times.

Expectations are hard to change in the moment, and I understand that. I hope that you are able to take the suggestions on this thread and use either a DAS return time or a FP+ time so your DS can meet Anna and Elsa.

 

[Patience]

Did the old GAC allow front of the line access at character meet and greets? The only children I have ever seen have front of the line access to character meets are Make a Wish children. If the old GAC didn't allow front of the line access to GAC holders, I don't see why the OP thought she could skip the line under the new DAS system.

I'm sorry her son had a seizure but I have to admit I am genuinely curious about why she stayed in the park while her child had a meltdown for 2 (two!) hours, especially when she had already been told that the DAS didn't work for the A & E meet and greet at DL and they would have to wait in the line if they wanted to see them.