Ride stacking strategy w/ DAS + mobility aid (DisneyLAND only)

[LarsoftheJungle]

During our recent DAS interview, I also discussed potentially getting a stroller as wheelchair tag with the CM. She felt confident we'd qualify and offered a strategy to minimize time between rides. I thought I would share here in case others in a similar situation were interested, as I haven't seen this strategy spelled out anywhere. She gave me a list of rides we can not take our mobility aid (due to old ques being inaccessible for mobility aids), and told me for those rides we would need to get a Location Return Time from either a CM at the ride, or at any Guest Relations Location. The strategy suggestion she made was basically to alternate getting the LRT (from the rides on the list below), and DAS return times, so there is less downtime between rides.

Has anyone used this to success?

Rides for which mobility aids may need a LRT:
Alice in Wonderland
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Casey Jr. Circus Train
Chip n' Dale's Gadget Coaster
Indiana Jones™ Adventure
Jungle Cruise
King Arthur Carrousel
Mad Tea Party
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Peter Pan's Flight
Pinocchio's Daring Journey
Pirates of the Caribbean
Snow White's Enchanted Wish
Space Mountain
Storybook Land Canal Boats

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

During our recent DAS interview, I also discussed potentially getting a stroller as wheelchair tag with the CM. She felt confident we'd qualify and offered a strategy to minimize time between rides. I thought I would share here in case others in a similar situation were interested, as I haven't seen this strategy spelled out anywhere. She gave me a list of rides we can not take our mobility aid into the que, and told me for those rides we would need to get a Location Return Time from either a CM at the ride, or at any Guest Relations Location. The strategy suggestion she made was basically to alternate getting the LRT (from the rides on the list below), and DAS return times, so there is less downtime between rides.

Has anyone used this to success?

Rides for which mobility aids may need a LRT:
Alice in Wonderland
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Casey Jr. Circus Train
Chip n' Dale's Gadget Coaster
Indiana Jones™ Adventure
Jungle Cruise
King Arthur Carrousel
Mad Tea Party
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Peter Pan's Flight
Pinocchio's Daring Journey
Pirates of the Caribbean
Snow White's Enchanted Wish
Space Mountain
Storybook Land Canal Boats

While this does not appear to violate any rules, I’d just caution that there’s a non-zero chance that this discussion takes a turn into “see how unfair DAS is/double/triple dipping” land.

 

[SueM in MN]

During our recent DAS interview, I also discussed potentially getting a stroller as wheelchair tag with the CM. She felt confident we'd qualify and offered a strategy to minimize time between rides. I thought I would share here in case others in a similar situation were interested, as I haven't seen this strategy spelled out anywhere. She gave me a list of rides we can not take our mobility aid into the que, and told me for those rides we would need to get a Location Return Time from either a CM at the ride, or at any Guest Relations Location. The strategy suggestion she made was basically to alternate getting the LRT (from the rides on the list below), and DAS return times, so there is less downtime between rides.

Has anyone used this to success?

Rides for which mobility aids may need a LRT:
Alice in Wonderland
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Casey Jr. Circus Train
Chip n' Dale's Gadget Coaster
Indiana Jones™ Adventure
Jungle Cruise
King Arthur Carrousel
Mad Tea Party
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Peter Pan's Flight
Pinocchio's Daring Journey
Pirates of the Caribbean
Snow White's Enchanted Wish
Space Mountain
Storybook Land Canal Boats

Just to clarify, this is a list for Disneyland and the reason is that some attractions were not able to have wheelchair accessible lines, so use an alternate entry. Space for waiting is limited, so they use the Location Return Time to prevent having too many people waiting in the area.
BECAUSE THE REGULAR LINE IS NOT ACCESSIBLE, LOCATION RETURN TIMES ARE THE ONLY WAY TO ACCESS THESE ATTRACTIONS WITH A MOBILITY DEVICE.

It doesn't apply to Disney's California Adventure because that was built with accessible lines. Disney World was able to convert most attractions for accessibility, so it has a very few attractions that give Location Return Times.
Assuming it works the same as for Disney World, this is how it works:

• Location Return Times must be made in person at the attraction, not on the app. The guest with the wheelchair/stroller as wheelchair must be present to request a time.
• The guest using the wheelchair/stroller as wheelchair must meet height or other ride requirements and ride the attraction
• Location Return Time is approximately equal to the currently posted wait time in the Standby line, but may be longer if there are a lot of guests waiting for the alternate entrance.
• It's possible you may be let right in if there is no line/the alternate entrance is not busy.
• Guests could potentially hold one DAS Return Time and one Location Return Time at a time

 

[sunburnin]

Has anyone used this to success?

First, it is important to read Sue's post above mine. This is Disneyland only, due to old queues that are not wheelchair accessible.

My daughter uses a powerchair, and we used a strategy like this last year with lightning lanes (she didn't qualify for DAS with a mobility-only issue). We didn't do all the rides on your list based on her preferences, but we accomplished a lot. There was some back-and-forth around the park, but we enjoyed the trip.

Hope you have a great trip!!

 

[LarsoftheJungle]

While this does not appear to violate any rules, I’d just caution that there’s a non-zero chance that this discussion takes a turn into “see how unfair DAS is/double/triple dipping” land.

Jeez. I think this is the most disability hostile disability forum I’ve yet encountered on Al Gore’s Internet. Some disabled folks are playing their whole dang life on extra hard mode…these are two separate, needed accommodations:
1) Waiting in line somewhere that is not a line for people who can not wait in lines.
2) An aid for someone who is limited in their ability to walk or stand.

That a person so disadvantaged as to need these two accommodations would find a way to leverage them to get a little more enjoyment out of something that most everyone else can enjoy in 100s of ways that aren’t accessible to this person, just isn’t a threat to you or any of the imagined people you are bringing into the discussion you are suggesting.

 

[mcall12]

Jeez. I think this is the most disability hostile disability forum I’ve yet encountered on Al Gore’s Internet. Some disabled folks are playing their whole dang life on extra hard mode…these are two separate, needed accommodations:
1) Waiting in line somewhere that is not a line for people who can not wait in lines.
2) An aid for someone who is limited in their ability to walk or stand.

That a person so disadvantaged as to need these two accommodations would find a way to leverage them to get a little more enjoyment out of something that most everyone else can enjoy in 100s of ways that aren’t accessible to this person, just isn’t a threat to you or any of the imagined people you are bringing into the discussion you are suggesting.

It’s not that I can’t understand this train of thought. I do. And I have empathy for those in this situation. But the ADA is about equal access. Accommodations aren’t there to make up for life’s harsh realities. And the more people try to work a system to their advantage, and then publicize those strategies, the more entities like Disney enact harsher or more restrictive processes. And that does impact people who need accommodations.

So, play as you will, but that’s why you may find some less friendly responses. People here have been through it lately with the changes to the DAS program. No one wants to see things tighten up further.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Jeez. I think this is the most disability hostile disability forum I’ve yet encountered on Al Gore’s Internet. Some disabled folks are playing their whole dang life on extra hard mode…these are two separate, needed accommodations:
1) Waiting in line somewhere that is not a line for people who can not wait in lines.
2) An aid for someone who is limited in their ability to walk or stand.

That a person so disadvantaged as to need these two accommodations would find a way to leverage them to get a little more enjoyment out of something that most everyone else can enjoy in 100s of ways that aren’t accessible to this person, just isn’t a threat to you or any of the imagined people you are bringing into the discussion you are suggesting.

Shesh. I’m not judging you nor saying that you cannot employ said strategies. It was just a friendly warning given that you are new here and I have read through all 504 pages/10k posts of the DAS changes thread. Next time I’ll keep my mouth shut.

 

[Angel Ariel]

It’s not that I can’t understand this train of thought. I do. And I have empathy for those in this situation. But the ADA is about equal access. Accommodations aren’t there to make up for life’s harsh realities. And the more people try to work a system to their advantage, and then publicize those strategies, the more entities like Disney enact harsher or more restrictive processes. And that does impact people who need accommodations.

So, play as you will, but that’s why you may find some less friendly responses. People here have been through it lately with the changes to the DAS program. No one wants to see things tighten up further.

This was something a cast member offered freely, and it sounds like unprompted - not something where someone is looking to skirt around the rules. There is a difference. If Disney cast members are sharing something freely and unprompted, no one should feel guilty for following what they were told.

 

[mcall12]

This was something a cast member offered freely, and it sounds like unprompted - not something where someone is looking to skirt around the rules. There is a difference. If Disney cast members are sharing something freely and unprompted, no one should feel guilty for following what they were told.

I don’t believe I suggested they should feel guilty. I literally said “play as you will”. But the information given by the cast member, according to the OP, really applies to Disneyland operationally per the posts from LaneJudy and Sue.

As to the rest? I stand by what I said. As is the case for all of us, I took an opportunity to share an opinion. You are more than welcome to disagree. It’s all good.

 

[OurBigTrip]

Shesh. I’m not judging you nor saying that you cannot employ said strategies. It was just a friendly warning given that you are new here and I have read through all 504 pages/10k posts of the DAS changes thread. Next time I’ll keep my mouth shut.

You didn’t say anything wrong - no reason you shouldn’t be able to share your opinion.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I don’t believe I suggested they should feel guilty. I literally said “play as you will”. But the information given by the cast member, according to the OP, really applies to Disneyland operationally per the posts from LaneJudy and Sue.

As to the rest? I stand by what I said. As is the case for all of us, I took an opportunity to share an opinion. You are more than welcome to disagree. It’s all good.

I didn't mean to imply you were saying they should feel guilty - my apologies for that.

I've been to Disneyland and we have used DAS and Location Return Times, and while we never sat down and thought this out as a "strategy", because of how we tour (usually as little cross crossing as possible) it just kind of happened naturally at times. I think that's probably why the OP hasn't seen it written as a strategy - because it doesn't really need to be intended for it to just happen that way

 

[LarsoftheJungle]

Shesh. I’m not judging you nor saying that you cannot employ said strategies. It was just a friendly warning given that you are new here and I have read through all 504 pages/10k posts of the DAS changes thread. Next time I’ll keep my mouth shut.

You are right, I AM new here. (I keep forgetting there’s a general assumption everything is about WDW unless otherwise specified.) In the couple months since I’ve joined, I’ve mostly “taken” from the forum asking all my questions (as well as also reading all 504 pages of the other thread, so you can’t out-pee me there). I found out something that might be helpful for folks for whom everything else is already hard, and wanted to try to give back. First response felt like it was jumping down my throat for it, so I got a little prickly.

And, yes, the cast member was suggesting this unprompted. Not only that but when I wasn’t really getting it, and trying to move on (my stress over the whole DAS business made me just want to get off the call as fast as possible) she literally said, “I’m trying to offer you a strategy." In preparing for our trip I’ve read about quite a few strategies for enjoying Disneyland that my son or I can’t access. It’s nice to have a tip specific for us. Im doubt Im alone there.

 

[Wojodis]

You are right, I AM new here. (I keep forgetting there’s a general assumption everything is about WDW unless otherwise specified.) In the couple months since I’ve joined, I’ve mostly “taken” from the forum asking all my questions (as well as also reading all 504 pages of the other thread, so you can’t out-pee me there). I found out something that might be helpful for folks for whom everything else is already hard, and wanted to try to give back. First response felt like it was jumping down my throat for it, so I got a little prickly.

And, yes, the cast member was suggesting this unprompted. Not only that but when I wasn’t really getting it, and trying to move on (my stress over the whole DAS business made me just want to get off the call as fast as possible) she literally said, “I’m trying to offer you a strategy." In preparing for our trip I’ve read about quite a few strategies for enjoying Disneyland that my son or I can’t access. It’s nice to have a tip specific for us. Im doubt Im alone there.

Sorry if you felt somewhat attacked--I actually read the statement as a "tongue in cheek" jab at others, and not at you. Spaceship Earth at EPCOT works in the same manner as those attractions in DL with environmental constraints--"you wait out the standby line time then return to door on the left at such and such time"--so I was aware of the 2 separate and distinct accomodations you were mentioning. The ability to have a DAS return time + a location return time simultaneously just rubs people the wrong way.
Typically, any discussion of trying to maximize one's time in any manner that SEEMS advantageous compared to a non DAS user, leads to an onslaught of responses and challenges to that poster's intent. As soon as I read the word "strategy" in your post, I felt exactly the same as theMoreDisneytheBetter, sort of like "uh oh, here we go". I think that's why their comment was prefaced with "While this does not appear to violate any rules".
To help illustrate: This is taken directly from the websites:
"What can Guests do during their DAS virtual wait?

Answer​

Guests utilizing DAS can enjoy many other experiences throughout Walt Disney World Resort during a DAS virtual wait, such as other rides, shows, concerts, parades and Character Greetings. They can also take a rest in a break area, get something to eat or go shopping."

"What can Guests do during their DAS virtual wait?

Answer​

Guests utilizing DAS can enjoy many other experiences throughout the Disneyland Resort during a DAS virtual wait, such as shows, parades, Character greetings, or other rides. They can also take a rest in a break area, get something to eat or go shopping."
"Location Return Time
A Location Return Time may be issued at select Disneyland Park attractions. This program is intended to accommodate persons with mobility devices or other physical restrictions who are unable to negotiate some of our older queues which may not be wheelchair accessible.

Location Return Times may be available for Guests who:

• Utilize a mobility device such as a wheelchair or ECV
• Are unable to navigate stairs, steep ramps, turnstiles or low lighting
• Require assistance navigating narrow walkways with a sighted guide or a service animal

How to Use Location Return Times
Speak to a Cast Member at the attraction

1. A Cast Member will assist in assigning a return time that is comparable to the current standby wait
2. A Cast Member provides directions on where to return to
3. Guest returns at the designated time to the auxiliary entry location

Location Return Times are not offered in Disney California Adventure Park."

You are not doing anything wrong so don't stress. For some reason, when others prepare for their day--it's called developing a touring plan. When someone in need of accomodations plans in the same manner, they are taking advantage and gaming the system. We all need to remain open minded to how our behaviors are or could be perceived.
Here's couple examples of the altered perpectives that we may hold in our daily lives:
1) How many of us worked remotely during the pandemic? And now just think, many of those with disabilities were denied these exact same accomodations beforehand.
2) Picture your sidewalk and how most of us easily stroll down the street, not giving it a second thought. Now imagine someone in a manual wheelchair or using a walker navigating all the cracks, uneven surfaces, and overgrown shrubs protruding from neighbor's yards.
We all live very different realities with very different challenges, so some patience, compassion, and empathy goes a long way! Sorry for the rant everyone.

 

[KPeterso]

When we got the DAS for my Mom in July, we were also told about the Location Return Times. The cast member said we could absolutely employ both DAS and LRT and winked at me when I said that kind of felt like double dipping. We have not done it as I feel a little funny about it.

 

[Tinkaboo]

When we got the DAS for my Mom in July, we were also told about the Location Return Times. The cast member said we could absolutely employ both DAS and LRT and winked at me when I said that kind of felt like double dipping. We have not done it as I feel a little funny about it.

Ditto…I would as well. I’m grateful for just having DAS to alleviate my issues…not looking to see how many more rides I can pack in.

 

[Belle1962]

For DisneyWorld, with my issues this is too hard core for me. Again-with my issues. I would be too stressed to try to finagle times between two systems. But I’ve also been to WDW several times.
I prefer a much more relaxed touring style BUT if you can manage it, it helps you meet your goals and since Disney doesn’t have a problem with it then I say “go for it”. I would just caution to keep this strategy to “close hold” from strangers in the park and other social media. There are many, many people who are already salty about DAS and more now especially with the changes. Come back and let us know how it worked.

 

[Angel Ariel]

For DisneyWorld, with my issues this is too hard core for me. Again-with my issues. I would be too stressed to try to finagle times between two systems. But I’ve also been to WDW several times.
I prefer a much more relaxed touring style BUT if you can manage it, it helps you meet your goals and since Disney doesn’t have a problem with it then I say “go for it”. I would just caution to keep this strategy to “close hold” from strangers in the park and other social media. There are many, many people who are already salty about DAS and more now especially with the changes. Come back and let us know how it worked.

This isn't really an option at Disney world, as most queues there are accessible so there are less places to get a location return time. Disneyland is unique in that given how many lines are inaccessible for mobility devices.

 

[eticketplease]

There are many, many people who are already salty about DAS and more now especially with the changes.

We have been happy with the changes for the most part.

When we first got it in 2016 we would have to go to the attraction to get a return time. Eventually that changed in that you could also get one at a blue umbrella and then they added the ability to add it on the app.

That was a game changer as now one of us doesn’t have to rush over to Roger Rabbit from the Tea cups to get a return time and we can all now stroll over at a relaxed pace.

The advanced selections are nice in theory but never worked for us as they were at dedicated times and we never know how DS will be doing then.

The video interviews while a pain were a game changer. DS can remain in a comfortable environment at home and pop on for the picture as opposed to waiting in a line at guest services.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

We have been happy with the changes for the most part.

When we first got it in 2016 we would have to go to the attraction to get a return time. Eventually that changed in that you could also get one at a blue umbrella and then they added the ability to add it on the app.

That was a game changer as now one of us doesn’t have to rush over to Roger Rabbit from the Tea cups to get a return time and we can all now stroll over at a relaxed pace.

The advanced selections are nice in theory but never worked for us as they were at dedicated times and we never know how DS will be doing then.

The video interviews while a pain were a game changer. DS can remain in a comfortable environment at home and pop on for the picture as opposed to waiting in a line at guest services.

I think the salty comment refers to the fact that the number of people who now qualify for DAS has dramatically decreased, and for those who still do qualify but are used to bringing larger parties with them that has been an adjustment as well. But those who still qualify and only tour with a few people are net better off because the LLs are much shorter.

 

[Belle1962]

I think the salty comment refers to the fact that the number of people who now qualify for DAS has dramatically decreased, and for those who still do qualify but are used to bringing larger parties with them that has been an adjustment as well. But those who still qualify and only tour with a few people are net better off because the LLs are much shorter.

Yes I meant even before the changes people were complaining about DAS (there were lots of reasons) and now those being denied or offered other accommodations are disgrunfled.