Stairs/Continuous loading rides

[alicia080979]

I posted this in the sticky that closed before I could get any advice so I am reposting. I am hoping now that the system has been in place for a little while someone can let me know how it is working for certain issues.

Last we were there was right before the new system started and we will be heading back this September.

My mother has hip problems that can get pretty painful after all the walking at Disney but she avoids the wheelchair and scooter as much as possible as just sitting in those for a long time can be painful too so she would rather walk. The GAC has worked perfect for her in the past because she has trouble with stairs (Splash, TSMM, some shows, etc.) and the continuous moving belts or getting in and out of the seats quickly (i.e Jungle Cruise where you step on and immediately step down, HM, PP). I have a couple concerns and hoping people who have had similar issues can help.

One concern is that this new system is going to add even more walking since now we have to walk to the attraction, get a wait time, go walk to do something else, then walk back. I don't know if it was because of her particular stamp before bc I don't know what they all mean but as soon as she showed it (only on the rides where it was needed), a CM would take her aside and either go in through the wheelchair entrance, exit, FP entrance or something of the sort so she could avoid stairs or they could slow down the belt. Sometimes they would have us wait at those areas but they never made her wait a long time (that could be because we go in slower times...not sure). Like I said, she handles the walking as much as possible which was already a lot in a given day at WDW but it seems like this is going to just add more. Has anyone used the new system for stairs/belts/etc.? How did it work for you?

My other concern is that before, again maybe bc of the stamp, they seemed to know just what to do without her having to explain every time and as soon as she got to the loading area they would ask her if she needed the belt slowed down. I am worried that now it will be a situation of her getting a return time and them sticking her in the regular line then when it is time to load it is too late to have the belt slowed down. Once you are in the regular line on a continuous loading ride, they don't stop to listen once you are to the front in our experiences. That happened to her on HM and she basically fell into the doombuggy bc they told her there was no alternate entrance and wouldn't let her go through the back and load as they previously did. She told 4 different CMs along the way and not one person helped. I am worried about that type of situation happening again and her getting hurt.

Just looking to learn how to navigate this new system.

Thanks!

Any advice would be helpful!

 

[KisanMcG]

If your mother's hip issues (a mobility concern) are her only needs, she would not need to use a DAS. Disney would then recommend an ECV or wheelchair. Persons with mobility concerns do not need a DAS. There is more information about the DAS at the sticky: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3178976

Since she can neither sit nor stand for prolonged periods of time, I would recommend that she look into either a rollator (which can be used as both a walker and a seat) or a wheelchair that she can alternate pushing or sitting in as her needs require. Since the new implementation, CMs have been trained to handle mobility concerns at each attraction. She can let a CM know at the attraction what accommodations she needs in terms of stairs or moving belts, and she will be assisted at that attraction. We have gotten return time cards to enter the disability entrance at Splash and taken through the regular line but then directed to the exit to load for the Haunted Mansion when using a mobility aid, but unless you get one of those return cards you shouldn't have to worry about doubling back.

 

[bidnow5]

You don't have to sit all the time with either a scooter or wheelchair they can be parked and you can walk as much as you want then it's there when you need it

 

[lanejudy]

Stairs can be avoided simply by informing the CM at each attraction. Most moving walkways can be slowed/stopped, also by simply informing the CMs when you first enter the queue -- don't wait until you've reached the loading area as the controls are typically near the exit. The belts that cannot be stopped or slowed are the TTA People Mover and Peter Pan, so you may need to avoid those rides.

As others have indicated, if your mother's needs are only mobility-related, she will not qualify for the DAS. The new system does not work the same as the old GAC. In fact, your concerns are valid about extra walking and therefore the DAS would be detrimental to your experience rather than assistive. WDW's response to mobility-related needs it to suggest a wheelchair or ECV rental, or bring your own rollator, cane-chair or other mobility device.

Your earlier post mentioned concern at HM -- unfortunately the CMs there seem to do what they want. I know that's not reassuring, but there are numerous complaints that CMs at HM just don't get it with regards to disabilities and accommodations. I suggest that if you encounter a problem, get the name(s) of any CMs with whom you interacted, note the date/time, and go make a report at Guest Relations.

Enjoy your vacation!