Reapplying for DAS after success last year

[ellindea]

Hey everyone,
I'm going to Disneyland again this year and will be reapplying to DAS. I was successful in getting it last year (complex condition/needs, not a developmental disability), and first, I want to thank you all for the details, replies, and information! Especially helpful was knowing that if you called while already at the park, you got through right away. I did this the second day of my tip after never getting through at home and trying the first day without it, and that saved our trip! It was also really helpful to know what to expect, so thank you again! My questions now are -- are you more likely to be approved if you already were once under the new system? Do they keep any kind of record?

 

[OurBigTrip]

I'm sure they keep a record of those previously approved, but I've read many accounts, some here, of not being approved even if the guest was already approved under the new system.

 

[AnneK]

No. The denial rate of those previously approved is rising every day according to feedback. Good luck.

 

[ellindea]

Ugh, this is already so stressful. Any tips? I'm hoping the fact that I tried a day without DAS last year and it went terribly will help. I was literally only able to get on one ride all day. It would've been two, but the ride broke down and then it was time to find a spot for fireworks. Even 2 rides, though, is really not good.

 

[Evita_W]

Honestly, this is a problem, just be prepared with a backup plan if you are denied. I hate to suggest it, but if you are insistent on going to Disney, a good backup plan is buying Lightning Lane. Now, at Disneyland itself, many of the attractions do not have accessible queues, so if you have a mobility device, you can get location return times at many attractions. Also, if you want to do Finding Nemo, you can ask for the alternate viewing room at the Lightning Lane Entrance and not usually need to wait in the long line. We find we prefer the alternate viewing anyway, you get a better view, more comfortable seating and if necessary can leave midway through.

Now, if you aren't stuck on Disney, both Universal and Knott's Berry Farm treat their disabled guests much better, but you do need the IBCCES card, which is free to get. Just know that at Universal, if you are using an ECV, you will need to transfer to a manual chair for most queues.

 

[ellindea]

Just wanted to report back the good news that I got approved again!! I was so relieved! And I didn't have to speak to a second person or anything. I explained the two biggest reasons for needing it and how it went last year trying without it, and then she asked I think it was 3 questions -- what do I do on my part to try to handle the issues (probably phrased differently, but that was the gist of it), do I receive any accommodations in my daily life (This was hard because I'm an adult and not in school anymore), and how do I handle lines outside of Disneyland (also a bit hard because Disney is really the only place I encounter with long lines, but I was able to think of something that was applicable and got the idea across)? Anyway, I just wanted to share the great news. We had planned on getting LLMP if I was denied, but honestly, I can only ride about 5 of the LLMP rides, so while it would have helped some, I was definitely glad to have the DAS. Not being able to ride the bigger, more intense rides, is also why we've always stuck to the Disney parks. We did enjoy one day at Universal Studios several years ago, but there's not enough there or at Knott's Berry Farm that I can do to replace a Disney vacation.

Every disability and situation is unique, but my best advice for people applying to DAS that don't fit into the developmental disability category is to think about why it would be harmful or unsafe for you (and/or others) waiting in the long lines and to also be ready to answer those three other questions I mentioned. I know sadly that hasn't been enough for some people, but this is what's been my focus. Also, I'm not sure if it makes a difference or not, but since the new change, I've only ever requested DAS from the site while at the park -- never from home or in person. Wishing everyone peace and pixie dust as you go through the process yourselves :]