Second thoughts about going to WDW

[Susie63]

We are currently planning a trip to Disneyland for 3 days and then WDW for 9 days in February 2016. We always visit in January/ February so the crowds are minimal. We also spend more days in the parks because I am a turtle. I have used the DAS card at Disneyland a few times and it works very well for me. I can stand in line for a short time 15-20 minutes, but then I need to move and walk. I use a cane and am kind of a slow loader. I travel with my DH and my DD. They run around and do other rides, while I hang out in the general area of the ride on my DAS card.
I have been reading the disability board for a few days and I am concerned about the ability to get a DAS card in WDW. I would love to hear your thoughts..... good or bad...

 

[aaarcher86]

The requirements are the same at both parks. If you qualify at one, you should qualify at the other.

That being said, it sounds like you got the DAS for a mobility issue? The DAS isn't given for mobility itself, but if you have other difficulties in lines I would discuss those.

 

[Susie63]

No mobility issues..... it's the stopping that gets me. Thanks for answering. I feel better now. Walt Disney World scares me.... lol

 

[ttintagel]

"Mobility issue" doesn't necessarily mean "can't move." Stopping is a part of moving, and is therefore usually considered a mobility issue. A mobility issue us basically anything that affects your ability to get from place to place in the same manner as other guests.

It sounds like you got pixie-dusted at DL, and you may be at WDW, too, especially if you bring your DL DAS with you, but be forewarned that if they strictly stick to the policy you may be denied.

 

[KisanMcG]

If it makes you feel any better, Susie63... it's Disneyland that scares me!

Like the other commenters have said, just stick to your needs and be prepared to discuss them. You may also want to consider renting an ECV, since WDW is so much larger than the parks you're used to. My DH walks an average of 6-8 miles a day, there! You can always ride it in the wide-open spaces and park it in an area to walk around in, but I think you should really take into account that things are not as close together in Florida as they are in California, and it's better to try and conserve your energy for fun than it is to tough it out and end up in pain. I'd also recommend a touring plan (like touringplans.com) to get the most out of the time you are there. It can be a lot to take in, but doing your homework makes it all worth while.

 

[Amanda999]

FWIW, we've spent much longer than 15-20 minutes to get through certain (not all!) FP lines (so, you'll still need to make it through that - you go in the FP line when your DAS time comes up), and DS (cognitive disabilities) is sometimes in constant motion in SB or FP line - people give him a bit of space when they figure this out. (I go alone with him usually, so don't have a 2nd adult to give him a blocked area). He basically paces about 5'x3' back and forth. It has never been a problem: everyone around us, including the CMs that tell everyone to push closer, gives him his space. They figure out he won't slow down the ride loading - as you wouldn't either - and are ok with it. YMMV but wanted to let you know it works fine for us.

HTH. Just wanted to say you will be able to move around a bit in line - I wouldn't be bashful at all about saying "I have a bad knee, so I'm not going to move up close because I need to pace" or whatever makes sense to you.