Sharing personal medical info

[backfromboston]

Mr. Scupper is very knowledgeable in this area. I think maybe you misunderstood what he was saying.

Disney's Guide Book for Cognitive is great and most helpful for all of us dealing with it to plan our trips and have ideas on how to handle various situations. But this has nothing to do with the DAS program.

DAS is ONLY for attraction queues that offer a Standby and FastPass+ option. There is not any other assistance as part of the DAS.

Thank you for clarifying this. Sorry I misunderstood

 

[wilkeliza]

Unfortunately the Dis does not allow anyone to give a script of what you should say to a CM because we can not possibly know the full extend of your disability and no body wants to give you a script and say if you say this you will get a DAS because there is no way for anyone but the Guest Relations Cast Member you talk to who will know if you will get the DAS or not.

I think you have gotten some great help though and I agree that you writing out what you need and why in a bullet point would be a great help.

 

[backfromboston]

I've read on forums that the cast members won't read Dr letters and only interview us about abilities to stand in a line. Heard They will discourage providing DAS to your bracelet and talk you into other accommodations. Is the accurate?
. . . true
. . . the Guest Service CM's are not permitted to accept doctor letters or statements
. . . the CM is not a medical specialist and cannot interpret a doctor's claims
. . . additionally, there is no proof that the medical letter is legit, as lots folks would try to fake one

Standing in ride lines is not the only reason we want (DAS) while visiting. There are other areas of assistance that DAS program offers.
. . . without a reference, I cannot even attempt an answer

What type of "interview" does the guest relations people put you through? Are they really encouraged to not provide DAS to guests and accommodate in other ways?
. . . the DAS is not meant nor permitted for mobility-type problems, as an ECV or wheelchair would solve those issue
. . . ditto for "lack of energy" or "stamina" type problems
. . . there is no "interview", just a few questions as to symptoms that must be overcome with a DAS

Thanks for any thoughts / reports of experiences / preparation tips.
. . . put a list together of things that happen without a DAS or things that must be overcome with a DAS
. . . you do not submit the list, you just have it in order to answer questions from the CM
. . . remember, the medical malady is not the issue, it is the effects of the medical problem that counts

Good advice. Thank you!

NOTE: The above does not apply to Make-A-Wish trips, as there are special arrangements for such.

This isn't a make a wish trip. Just a wish that we can have a healthy positive experience with our very different disabilities.

Thank you for all the details RustyScupper

I am still processing it. It's more intimidating than I hoped, but you all seem to have confidence and good experiences.

 

[gap2368]

hi and welcome to the dis. you are like me I took 15 years off from disney now I go about once a month. things really have changed there. like others have said think about what you need in a line and that only some times there will be a CM that greets you in line before you go up to the counter ( you have to use the GR inside the park) tell this person that you might have a disability that may need a DAS if you do not want others around you to hear what your needs are up at the counter other people may be around you but they are also talking to a CM so they are not listing to you. Just say what your needs are in line and what you need help with they may ask you some question it is really nothing hard and they do not want to embers you at all they want to make sure that your needs are meet so that you can enjoy the the park the DAS can only be used for lines other then that is can not be used if you find you need more assistance then the DAS speck to a CM they are willing to help you out. I can not tell you how many times I have had a full out melt down and a CM has come to help me out even going as fair as taking me half way back stage

 

[gap2368]

also if they say no to you and they may you can always go back to GR I have a few disabilities some I need a DAS for and some I do not I was not prepared to talk about the disabilities that I need a DAS for only the ones that I do not need one for so of douse they said no I only lasted about 45 minutes and was back at GR

 

[OurBigTrip]

Perhaps you may find it of value to learn about the many disabilities that are not "seen" or related to movement and mobility. Disney's made great progress on the past years raising awareness about neurological, psychological and medical disabilities for all sorts of attractions and crowds, not just ride lines, this is the other assistance as part of DAS. These services are for kids and adults.
Thanks for your help

I'm not sure that you understand - the DAS ONLY applies to ride lines, nothing else. There is no "other assistance as part of DAS" that applies to anything other than waiting outside the line.

 

[SueM in MN]

Mr. Scupper is very knowledgeable in this area. I think maybe you misunderstood what he was saying.

Disney's Guide Book for Cognitive is great and most helpful for all of us dealing with it to plan our trips and have ideas on how to handle various situations. But this has nothing to do with the DAS program.

DAS is ONLY for attraction queues that offer a Standby and FastPass+ option. There is not any other assistance as part of the DAS.

Agree.
The things that are listed in Disney's Guide Book for Guests with Cognitive disabilities are not accommodations - they are helpful information and advice to assist people in planning for their needs.

The things listed in there - like suggestions for quieter places - are available to anyone, not just guests with disabilities. They just collected a lot of helpful suggestions people might not know about in one guide.

I'm sorry you spent time and probably money for a doctor's visit just to get a note for WDW. Even with the previous GAC program, a doctor's note was not necessary. For equal accommodations, the ADA forbids requiring proof of disability; the DAS falls under this because it essentially holds your place in line and does not offer immediate access. However, having spent that time discussing your own personal situation with your physician has probably helped you to recognize your needs and begin to plan you will tackle those issues. Feel free to write your note ahead of time; make some notes and think about it, go back and tweak it. I believe what has been reported works best is a fairly short list of bullet points written without medical jargon. The CM may not be familiar with your actual diagnosis, but how that disability manifests for you with relation to waiting in a standard queue environment may be similar to other guests.

Enjoy your vacation!

agree with lanejudy.
You want to think of short bullet points without medical terms. Just use plain English to explain the issues/concerns you have regarding waiting in the regular line.
The accommodation provided by DAS is being able to wait outside of the line. You will still wait, but the majority of the wait will be outside of the line.

Thanks for the comfort about the line... Pressure

I think the newer service with photo and first name is perfect. Didn't they used to have a photo ID card you wore or carried?

The old disability service was an actual card, with the guest's full name, but not a picture. That was called GAC (Guest Assistance Card); not having a picture led to abuse since it could be used by another person.
GAC was discontinued in October 2013 and DAS (Disability Access Service) was put into place.
When DAS first began, it included a card with the full name and picture of the guest it was issued to.
Some people wore their DAS or GAC cards around their necks on a lanyard, but the majority of people wanted to keep their need for assistance private.
In April 2015, WDW began to link DAS to the guest's Magicband or park pass. A picture is still taken, but it shows up on the CM display at attractions so the CM can verify the guest using DAS is the one it was issued to.

This isn't a make a wish trip. Just a wish that we can have a healthy positive experience with our very different disabilities.

Thank you for all the details RustyScupper

I am still processing it. It's more intimidating than I hoped, but you all seem to have confidence and good experiences.

The information about Wish trips, was added for other people residing the thread. The program for children on Wish trips is very different. Some of their families read these threads and become confused because it is not what they expect. Posters often add assurance that the program for Wish trips is different.

 

[SueM in MN]

lanejudy posted a link to the thread about DAS at WDW, but I'm reposting it because it was in one of the first posts.

http://www.disboards.com/threads/wd...15-digital-das-on-tickets-magicbands.3178976/

That thread began before DAS was introduced, so anything other than the first post is out of date/before it actually started.
The first post in that thread is very factual and up to date information about how DAS is issued and how it works. So, I would suggest reading it will help.

You also will want to understand how Fastpass Plus works. DAS is meant to work along with Fastpass Plus; together, they do a good job of meeting most people's disability related needs.

 

[nikkislaght]

There are a lot of people out there ready to abuse any system, people with disabilities have a hard enough lot in life trying not to be done over by people trying to get ahead of the game , so to speak..

So while people here are willing to assist others, they are discouraged from outright saying what you need to say... also what works for me,, may not work for you. so you will spend a lot of time going off my script and end up with nothing and not only get p off with me but with Disney, because you gave it to her , why not me? my needs are just as great etc.

Disney does a great job of making the parks assessable to everyone... Just because we have a disability doesn't mean that we should get everything handed to us on a plate.. I'm not saying that's what you are saying. but even with the DAS or being a mobility guest, you will still have wait times.. even when its your time frame, if they have 3 people ahead of you, on certain rides it could still take up to 40 odd minutes,. due to evacuation laws. I have waited in the alternative line at Pirates for close to an hour and a half, because they line was so long , and they only let 2 people on at a time.

As for your doctor I know you are aware that the note is not needed, so going to him with the correct wording wouldn't have helped. The reason that Disney wont ask for the doctors note , is they don't need to know what is wrong with you,, just how they can help you.
guests that need any type of mobility device or assistance they will be treated as a wheelchair guest so to speak..
guests who have hidden disabilities use the DAS .
this means that as a mobility guest you will just go to the ride, get your return time if the line is long and go on your day..no guest relation visit needed..
You can go to guest relations and ask for the DAS.

Hope you get what you need,, and I hope you have a great trip.. all the info is for Disneyland not WDW. I believe its a slightly different set up at DWD with the magic bands and fastpass + etc.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Agreeing, the DAS applies only to attraction queues and of those, only to attractions where there are both a Fastpass queue and a standby queue. Any other accommodation, you'd need to take up with CMs at the attraction. Just tell them what you need.

When you ask for the DAS, you should outline why you need to have a place to wait outside the regular queue (without going into your diagnosis or the details of your disability). If the needs can be met in some way other than having an alternate place to wait, they likely won't issue the DAS. Such as if a guest is unable to stand long enough to get through the queue, they can use a mobility device like a wheelchair or scooter or rollator - they do not have to have an entirely different place to wait. They don't want to know what your disability is. They want to know that you need to wait somewhere outside the queue.

Using the DAS you will still have a wait to enter the attraction - you just have the option of waiting somewhere else.

 

[backfromboston]

We want to thank all of you for the feedback and help. It's disappointing to hear about the abuse of the GAC system and good they changed it. We now get that the
the single purpose of DAS is clearly for waiting in line. There are not services offered to assist Cog/Neuro disabilities, just guidelines. Other help or needs that come up while at the park can be handled by asking a CM for help if we can't manage it on our own. We are both used to being prepared with carrying meds, wearing medical masks, avoiding bright light and sound, (which might mean not being able to stand in line for some rides where the illuminating line-experience is painful) and avoiding very specific visual effects indoors and out at night. Printed out the chart that lists the visual / sensory stimulation on every attraction at all the parks. That is a great resource. We will be prepared to talk to GR and keep expectations low.

Thanks wonderful community!

 

[gap2368]

if light and sound bother you one thing you can do is wear sunglasses and the ear protectors ( I use noise canceling head phones that way I can play music if it is really bad) also a hat with a visor helps too.

people on here are very helpful and I have learned a great deal of how to cope at disney with my disability by reading things here if you would like help with you disability do not be afread to ask you do not have to share anything you do not want to but reading between the lines it sounds like you have problems with bright light and sounds

aslo do not be afread to ask for help disney goes out of there way to help people ejoy there vacation if you get to GR and they say no to what you think you need trust them and try what they suggest they maybe wrong but try it if you find that your needs are not being meet with or with out the DAS go back to GR and tell to them they may have an alternative for you

 

[backfromboston]

We will post and update about our experience tomorrow. I called DAS / Guest Relations and she said "a Dr letter is helpful if you choose to make it available, but we would to invite you for one." Love how she ended with "Have a magical day"

We'll see. Working on bullet points. And gap2368, I never leave the house with out my "gear", ear plugs, 90% tinted glasses allowing no peripheral light, and a cooler of cranial ice wraps.

 

[Allison]

Please be aware the folks you speak to on the phone at Disney are notorious for giving out wrong information. There are many who have no real life understanding of how things work at the park.

 

[Gracie09]

We will post and update about our experience tomorrow. I called DAS / Guest Relations and she said "a Dr letter is helpful if you choose to make it available, but we would to invite you for one." Love how she ended with "Have a magical day"

We'll see. Working on bullet points. And gap2368, I never leave the house with out my "gear", ear plugs, 90% tinted glasses allowing no peripheral light, and a cooler of cranial ice wraps.

You did not call the park guest relations, you spoke to a call center that is not even located in the park. It may not even been in Florida. The people of the phone have little actual knowledge of operations at the parks. They are notorious for giving wrong information especially about disability accommodations

 

[gap2368]

We will post and update about our experience tomorrow. I called DAS / Guest Relations and she said "a Dr letter is helpful if you choose to make it available, but we would to invite you for one." Love how she ended with "Have a magical day"

We'll see. Working on bullet points. And gap2368, I never leave the house with out my "gear", ear plugs, 90% tinted glasses allowing no peripheral light, and a cooler of cranial ice wraps.

as others have said you did not talk to any one at GS or in disney for that matter and they do give out very wrong information a lot ( also the chat fetcher on disney website is bad too). I think going in with bolt point on what happens to you just in the lines is the way to go. Also first aid dose have ear plugs in case you need some lose yours. it sounds like you are going soon and I wish you a great trip.

 

[gap2368]

also if you go to MNSHP and you do have a DAS some people have said the DAS dose not work at the party I have gone and I had not problem using my DAS at the party but wanted to give you a heads up in case you are given a DAS or go to the party,

 

[kaytieeldr]

Love how she ended with "Have a magical day"

Not sure what's wrong with "Have a magical day"; Walt Disney World is The Most Magical Place on Earth.

And it's friendlier than a simple "goodbye".

 

[lanejudy]

I called DAS / Guest Relations and she said "a Dr letter is helpful if you choose to make it available, but we would to invite you for one."

You may certainly bring a doctor's note with you, just be prepared that the CM at Guest Relations may still refuse to even look at it. And if by chance they look at it today, they may not look at it on your next trip. As has been pointed out previously, a doctor's note tends to be medical jargon, stating a diagnosis, and vague as to exact needs related to the in-park experience; it also gives the impression that "proof" was given or required, which is not allowed by law. As others have pointed out, unfortunately sometimes phone reps do not have the best advice, and nobody on the phone can give any guarantee about how to ensure a DAS will be available to anyone. Only CMs at Guest Relations in the park can make that decision. Your plan to bring a bulleted list in your own words is very good.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[gap2368]

Not sure what's wrong with "Have a magical day"; Walt Disney World is The Most Magical Place on Earth.

And it's friendlier than a simple "goodbye".

she said she loved how they said have a magical day not sure where you see any thing where she did not like that