Strategy for waterparks & WDW - question with HFA

[squirrelgirl]

Hi!

We are Disneyland vets heading out to WDW. My 14 y.o. ds has some challenges with HFA, Anxiety, etc. We have managed well over the years at DL without GAC or DAS. A little concerned with WDW since we are not as familiar with it. Is there something else I should consider with WDW to prepare us better? We have been to WDW years ago, and my son became separated from us in HS...so we had a pretty good scare for what felt like a long time (but was probably 15-20 mins). He was about 9 at the time, and knew to find a cast member. Scary, but we were so proud of him! He carrys a cell phone now that he is older. A bit nervous because this time he wants to go to a waterpark (TL), and we are not sure how to best navigate that.

Again - we are just so familiar with DL..we know his limits and he can self regulate pretty well there. Would prefer not to use DAS, but I am not sure if I am being naive in thinking we just apply our same techniques there as we do at home. Thoughts? Would love suggestions for the waterpark, most nervous about this because he wouldn't be able to carry a cell phone to text if we ever got separated. Thanks!!!

 

[lanejudy]

Well, I will say that one major difference between DL and WDW is that WDW now uses FP+ rather than the paper FP in DL. Guests are allowed to schedule up to 3 FPs per day, and then schedule more once those initial 3 are used or expired. Many people are reporting good use of FP+ making their trip much easier, with or without DAS. If you are staying on-site at a WDW resort, you can book FP+ 60 days before arrival; if staying off-site it's 30 days.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Smile&Nod]

One thing to check into before you go is whether if he gets lost he can be located via his magic band if you all will have them? I seem to recall that there might be a GPS facet to those? I may be totally wrong too! but it would be worth asking about.

 

[aaarcher86]

I don't think the water parks use FP? If they don't have FP the DAS wouldn't be useable.

No GPS on the MBs.

 

[lanejudy]

I don't think the water parks use FP? If they don't have FP the DAS wouldn't be useable.

No GPS on the MBs.

Thanks for clarifying...didn't mean to imply FP or DAS at waterparks, neither is an option there.

I was simply pointing out a difference between DL and WDW since OP indicated they are quite used to touring DL and asked about using their "same techniques" at WDW.

 

[Gracie09]

One thing to check into before you go is whether if he gets lost he can be located via his magic band if you all will have them? I seem to recall that there might be a GPS facet to those? I may be totally wrong too! but it would be worth asking about.

They have RFID not GPS. Different systems

 

[bookwormde]

Thanks for clarifying...didn't mean to imply FP or DAS at waterparks, neither is an option there.

I was simply pointing out a difference between DL and WDW since OP indicated they are quite used to touring DL and asked about using their "same techniques" at WDW.

Disney must provide the same type of accommodations at the water parks as they do at the main parks. Since there are not FP lines the structure is likely to be less formal, but if managing the lines is an issue just ask for what accommodations can be provided.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

I'm not completely clear what your concerns are other than getting accidentally separated, but I think most of your strategies from DL should work with WDW. The parks are larger and have more people, but it's going to be the same principle.

The only reason I might suggest getting a DAS, even though you don't at DL, is if your usual strategies include getting fastpasses. WDW no longer has fastpasses and is all fastpass+ which involves pre-scheduling ride times. There are also a limited number that you can pre-schedule before or at the very beginning of the day. Once you've used them all you can get another one, but I'm not completely clear how that works (I'm sure someone else can explain). The DAS would allow for a return time that's the wait time for the attraction minus 10 minutes. When you return, you go through the FP+ queue. So the DAS operates similarly to traditional fastpasses in many ways. Just because you have a DAS card doesn't mean you need to use for any attraction. You can also see how the first day goes without a DAS and then get one for the parks without one.

For the water parks, I'm trying to think if there's a waterproof way for him to carry your phone number (if he doesn't have it memorized or may not be able to recite it when upset) so that if you were to get separated, he could find a CM and they could figure out how to call you. You could also pre-set meeting points for specific times at the start of the day. That way if there's separation (planned or unplanned), everyone should be at the specific spot at the times set and you can at least do a headcount/determine if anyone is MIA (I've been with groups where someone with no medical issues at all got truly lost and a cell phone wasn't an option, so it's not just your son I'd think about with the meeting times).

 

[squirrelgirl]

Thank you all..and especially to WheeledTraveler, you did capture our concerns very well in your response. I know getting separated can happen to anyone. Just trying to think of strategies and knowing that the cell phone would not be ideal at a water park and was trying to think of options for him due to his issues, limited communication etc. He just soooo wants to do the Disney waterpark...something we don't have here in CA. Just was looking for suggestions to navigate this since I know my 'go to' solution is probably not going to work.

As for the parks, we have always relied on FP or just skipped rides since we go to DL often. He can handle himself well there...it has taken many years to get him to that place of self regulation. Let me start by saying I have always felt DAS and GAC are wonderful for many, many families with special needs to experience the parks. I just don't want to send him the message that he now 'needs' the DAS..but not sure if I am being naive with WDW - humidty, spread out, bugs (we were there during love bug season and it became a major stressor). There just seems to be so much that is different about WDW and I don't want to be narrow in my own way of thinking that I make it miserable for my kid to tolerate.

 

[lepidop]

You can get temporary tattoos that are made with a space to write your cell number on. I saw some on a website called My Precious Kid (I can't post links yet) that are a little juvenile, but you should be able to find them in a more neutral style. I've also seen people use a skin-safe marker to write information on their child's arm (or belly, so it's not visible to others), and then cover it with a layer of liquid bandage to make it waterproof.
At home, I practice with my kids to find a mom with kids if they are lost, but at WDW we tell them to ask a CM for help. Since your son is older, do you think he'd do well with a large landmark as a meet up spot? You may also want to do a few practice runs with him as soon as you get there so everyone is on the same page about where to meet up if lost, where your cell number is written, and how to ask for help.

 

[aaarcher86]

Disney must provide the same type of accommodations at the water parks as they do at the main parks. Since there are not FP lines the structure is likely to be less formal, but if managing the lines is an issue just ask for what accommodations can be provided.

As usual, incorrect.

OP will need to plan accordingly.

 

[aaarcher86]

You can get temporary tattoos that are made with a space to write your cell number on. I saw some on a website called My Precious Kid (I can't post links yet) that are a little juvenile, but you should be able to find them in a more neutral style. I've also seen people use a skin-safe marker to write information on their child's arm (or belly, so it's not visible to others), and then cover it with a layer of liquid bandage to make it waterproof. At home, I practice with my kids to find a mom with kids if they are lost, but at WDW we tell them to ask a CM for help. Since your son is older, do you think he'd do well with a large landmark as a meet up spot? You may also want to do a few practice runs with him as soon as you get there so everyone is on the same page about where to meet up if lost, where your cell number is written, and how to ask for help.

In line with this if you go this route, I've seen CMs ask that people not put them on stomachs and similar places where the child will need to life up their shirt to show someone. Just an FYI for anyone going this route.

 

[bookwormde]

Originally Posted by bookwormde
Disney must provide the same type of accommodations at the water parks as they do at the main parks. Since there are not FP lines the structure is likely to be less formal, but if managing the lines is an issue just ask for what accommodations can be provided.

As usual, incorrect.

OP will need to plan accordingly.

If you read carefully I said "must provide" which is the law.

This does not mean that it "will" be provided unless you know the law and make the correct requests using the needed language to a CM who has been trained in disability rights.

I provide information as to what the law requires, not what Disney does a as matter of standard practice, so I guess that is where your confusion is.

 

[SueM in MN]

Many people find the temporary tattoos work well for them. Magicbands can't be used to find someone, but can be read to identify a child who is not able to identify him or herself.
Since he's HFA, is he interested in and able to use maps?
You can get maps ahead of time on line or at your resort. Once at the water parks, there are direction signs in many places and many of the buildings and attractions have a very distinctive look that helps figure out where you are.
You could work on figuring out social stories and strategies before you go.

Originally Posted by bookwormde
Disney must provide the same type of accommodations at the water parks as they do at the main parks. Since there are not FP lines the structure is likely to be less formal, but if managing the lines is an issue just ask for what accommodations can be provided.

If you read carefully I said "must provide" which is the law.

This does not mean that it "will" be provided unless you know the law and make the correct requests using the needed language to a CM who has been trained in disability rights.

I provide information as to what the law requires, not what Disney does a as matter of standard practice, so I guess that is where your confusion is.

"Must provide" also has to fall under "reasonable accommodation" and safety, as well as what is available for accommodation.
My daughter is physically disabled as well as other issues that would be similar to some of the behaviors exhibited by someone with autism. There is no amount of requesting that will make most of the water park attractions accessible and/or safe for her. That doesn't mean Disney is not following the law; just that there are some things that are not able to be made accessible to everyone.

Although some attractions at the water parks may have an alternate entry, the lines are not like in the theme parks where the entrance and exit are close together. Water park entrances and exits are usually very far apart.
Many of the water slide attractions have only one way in, no back entrances. And, the queue may be narrow, which helps to keep people in a single file line to get ready to go down the slide (the single file line can also help prevent pushing and horsing around). In many cases, this is for safety because some of the boarding areas are really high up and having too many people in the boarding area could lead to accidents.

For these kinds of lines, I would suggest using a touring plan that is going yo help you know which days and which attractions are going to be least busy and when. In the lines, if you have enough members in your party who plan to go down the slide, have at least one ahead of him and one behind him.
That will give you opportunity for him to have some space in line.
It also will make getting separated less likely because someone will have gone down before him and will be waiting at the bottom.
A reasonable accommodation would be to ask to all go down the same side of a slide if they are alternating sides.
Once at the bottom, the first person down needs to get out of the landing area. It would be not be a reasonable accommodation and would be unsafe for them to wait in the landing area to 'catch' him.

Also, think about how he is going to react to things like this attraction at
Blizzard Beach

Riders are on individual slides. Although someone may feel they would feel safer if they rode with someone else or holding onto someone else (they may even feel this is an accommodation that must be provided), the attraction was designed for single users and must be ridden that way.

This us at Typhoon Lagoon

It lands into deep water - is he going to have anxiety about landing into water and having to swim right away?
This is one where other members of your party will need to be outside of the landing area.

Blizzard Beach Ski Lifts

Another possible anxiety producing entrance into an attraction. This has no alternative besides the lift - guests using wheelchairs can use a gondola, but there is no way to entirely avoid going up in the air.

Blizzard Beach one person rafts - again, designed for single person use

For Blizzard Beach Slush Gusher

And Blizzard Beach Summit Plummet

It's very important that the rider be able to follow the instructions about ride position. Panicking, trying to sit up or get out at any point could be dangerous.

You should be able to find YouTube videos or other pictures online to help figure out what attractions or parts of attractions might be problematic for him. Then you can discuss whether he wants to try it and what you can do to help him.

 

[aaarcher86]

Originally Posted by bookwormde http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=51438197#post51438197 Disney must provide the same type of accommodations at the water parks as they do at the main parks. Since there are not FP lines the structure is likely to be less formal, but if managing the lines is an issue just ask for what accommodations can be provided. If you read carefully I said "must provide" which is the law. This does not mean that it "will" be provided unless you know the law and make the correct requests using the needed language to a CM who has been trained in disability rights. I provide information as to what the law requires, not what Disney does a as matter of standard practice, so I guess that is where your confusion is.

You're perception of the law and how it applies falls flat.

Sue gave a nice explanation above.

 

[squirrelgirl]

Than you SueM!!! I love the idea of having him watch the videos ahead of time. Only my DH and son are going to the waterpark that day (my DD is not wanting to go and this will be the one time we split up..ever, which is adding to my nerves).

I think we will discuss with him what he thinks he can handle best on the single water lines; Dad going first and waiting at the bottom or DS going first and waiting. He is really wanting more independence lately and to be treated like a teenager. On our recent trip to DL no one in the family was interested in going on Splash Mountain and he appealed to do the single rider line. We spent a fair amount of time talking about different scenarios and behavior (can't control the color or number on the vehicle, seating position, etc). And while I was a wreck, he did great and was so proud of himself. I think I just need to do a lot of preplanning, videos, and social stories.

Thank you all again for the feedback.

 

[bookwormde]

You're perception of the law and how it applies falls flat.

Sue gave a nice explanation above.

My reference was related to line access not the actual ride Since the original OP mentioned DAS. In this area since it is does not change the nature of the ride Disney must have designed line for reasonable line access's or provide alternate reasonable line access to accommodate being able to get to the actual ride (unless it was built before and has not been substantially modified since 1994). Of course this it mute if the individual can not use the ride safely.

Sue is correct as to the ride itself.

WDW does not have to change the nature of the ride and safety is always paramount on the ride itself.

If you want we can talk by PM as to my experience in the law and working with Disney and OCR would be happy to if you would like.

 

[livndisney]

My reference was related to line access not the actual ride Since the original OP mentioned DAS. In this area since it is does not change the nature of the ride Disney must have designed line for reasonable line access's or provide alternate reasonable line access to accommodate being able to get to the actual ride (unless it was built before and has not been substantially modified since 1994). Of course this it mute if the individual can not use the ride safely.

Sue is correct as to the ride itself.

WDW does not have to change the nature of the ride and safety is always paramount on the ride itself.

If you want we can talk by PM as to my experience in the law and working with Disney and OCR would be happy to if you would like.

Why Pm-if you have true information, why not share with the masses?

 

[Gracie09]

My reference was related to line access not the actual ride Since the original OP mentioned DAS. In this area since it is does not change the nature of the ride Disney must have designed line for reasonable line access's or provide alternate reasonable line access to accommodate being able to get to the actual ride (unless it was built before and has not been substantially modified since 1994). Of course this it mute if the individual can not use the ride safely.

Sue is correct as to the ride itself.

WDW does not have to change the nature of the ride and safety is always paramount on the ride itself.

If you want we can talk by PM as to my experience in the law and working with Disney and OCR would be happy to if you would like.

You may want to check your facts, the ADA was signed into law in 1990 with an effective date on or about July 1992. Typhoon Lagoon was opened in 1989. Blizzard Beach opened in 2005. I'm sure the highly educated team of Disney lawyers has made sure that BB (since Typhoon Lagoon is a moot point (not mute btw)) has complied with the ADA to the extent it needs to. Since the lines are also a safety issue (crowds of people on hills in a wet environment) they can and are obligated to design lines that are safe. So they design them to control the speed of traffic and access.

 

[bookwormde]

Why Pm-if you have true information, why not share with the masses?

Partially because we are supposed to stay on topic and partially because some would view it as self aggrandizement.

I have been a volunteer advocate for children with disabilities for many years, so I am in the trenches every day.

Yes I have talked with the Disney national disability team over the years, and most of what I state including this issue is in line with their goals for compliance. The deepest issue I got into was the access to Fantasmic.

They agree that the lines and their structure that they create can not implead equal access and if they do they need to provide reasonable alternative accommodations to alleviate this. thus DAS

This team is very knowledgeable and dedicated although relatively small, but face the challenges of the modifications and broader interpretation of ADA beyond what existed when implemented in the 1990s.

They also have oversight to train 10,000+ employees that turn over on a relatively frequently.

As I have said in previous post Disney does a good job with disabilities, much better than most, but even by their admission there is lots of work to do.

As to OCR, I work with them much more frequently, although mostly on education issues. This does provide a great opportunity to understand their perception of the law and its application and they have confirmed the requirement I indicated above.

Sorry I was not trying to be secretive