The Disney Experience

[DLRwish]

we can be weird together. the old system was, for lack of a better term, automatic FP access with or without actual FP and now that that loophole has been closed, some people are griping. in fact the new system is actually a little nicer to this with issues since they can now spent their time doing something OTHER than wait in line like the rest of the unwashed masses.

Agreed.

All the complaining comes back to the loss of immediate fastpass entrance.

Our Disney experience is a mega-combo of the rides, FOOD, queue music, background music, moments of laughter, joy and peace, and lastly the magic of being in a different world or land. That is why we go to Disneyland.

 

[roadtripper]

OP--I totally agree! I am beyond excited to use FP+ on our visit in Feb. So excited that I check our FP times nearly every day. DS uses a w/c but we rarely got a GAC (we probably should have). Instead, we used rope drop and ran from ride to ride (which he hated due to the crowds). Like many, he can only tolerate a half day or so in the parks. Knowing that we have a FP for Soarin at 2:45 on our first day is such a delight. If we just do that, listen to Off Kilter and the British Revolution a few times, and walk around World Showcase, we will call it a good day. He will know the plan, and Mama will get a margarita! What's not to love?

 

[cmwade77]

I'm drawn to the DAS and FPP threads like a moth to a bug zapper and I see a lot in common between the two complaints. People are losing an advantage they had and they don't like it. Somewhere in the thread you will usually read " I'm rethinking returning to WDW because I can't experience my money's worth".

Is the Disney experience only getting as many attractions as possible? If it is then we have wasted a lot of money. DS can only go on attractions where transfer is not required. DD only tolerates 3 or 4 a day at best yet I thought we were having a good time. The music, the people, the beauty of the place are important to all of us. Walking around and looking at things make our day. Maybe that's why we gravitate to AK and World Showcase.

I really don't get all of the anger but maybe it's because the GAC wasn't that helpful for us anyway. Plus we never could get to the regular FP kiosks in time to make it worth our while. Using the FP entrances was great when possible but we can live without it. It sounds like FPP will be adequate for us. But, then again, maybe we're just weird.

I don't mind waiting my turn, my complaints are that the new system adds a lot of extra traveling and with Disneyland requiring parties of more than 4 to all be present, it is making guest relations EXTREMELY crowded. Considering one of the reasons that many get a DAS is because they have issues with crowds in small spaces that this actually makes guest relations inaccessible to them.

I don't generally have crowd issues and it has gotten to the point where I almost have a break down, I can only imagine those that have MAJOR issues with it.

But aside from these two items, it really doesn't change how I tour the parks. As a general rule, I would end up waiting the length of the line anyway (depending on the attraction) because my body wouldn't let me do otherwise, so what's the difference to me if it's Disney telling me to wait or my body telling me to wait? So, I don't care about that, again, I care about the extra traveling that it causes and the extra crowds in guest relations.

 

[brown1442]

We are going in March with an open mind (planned before the change). Disney certainly is more then **just** the attractions. That being said if the DAS doesn't work for our family we won't go back... at least not anytime soon. Its a lot of money to spend on heartaches and tears. I think it will be just fine... it will just take a lot more planning then we are used to.

 

[FortForever]

I haven't posted these boards in a very long time due to dealing one of my sons who was critically injured in an accident.

I do feel like I want to weigh in on this new system they have for disabled people. I don't like it. Although both myself, and my son, would have qualified for a GAC, we never got one.

Now, moving into the future, I was planning to get one for my son but I read that it no longer exists. Unfortunately, this will make WDW impossible for us now. Due to severe TBIs (traumatic brain injuries,) my son can only be out for a few hours before becoming exhausted, and then we would have to return to the room.

The FP access of the GAC program would have perfect for him to get a few rides in. Under the DAS program, he would be able to enjoy only one ride a day. He is not much on the culture of Disney, but more about the rides. The only other thing that would interest him is SOMK game.

I'm sad to be leaving Disney behind. It's been a part of our lives forever. But we missed the good years of the GAC that disabled people enjoyed. So now we must move on to more cruises or something. I asked for and received refunds for our APs.

Perhaps we will meet again one day, Disney.

 

[disney david]

I haven't posted these boards in a very long time due to dealing one of my sons who was critically injured in an accident.

I do feel like I want to weigh in on this new system they have for disabled people. I don't like it. Although both myself, and my son, would have qualified for a GAC, we never got one.

Now, moving into the future, I was planning to get one for my son but I read that it no longer exists. Unfortunately, this will make WDW impossible for us now. Due to severe TBIs (traumatic brain injuries,) my son can only be out for a few hours before becoming exhausted, and then we would have to return to the room.

The FP access of the GAC program would have perfect for him to get a few rides in. Under the DAS program, he would be able to enjoy only one ride a day. He is not much on the culture of Disney, but more about the rides. The only other thing that would interest him is SOMK game.

I'm sad to be leaving Disney behind. It's been a part of our lives forever. But we missed the good years of the GAC that disabled people enjoyed. So now we must move on to more cruises or something. I asked for and received refunds for our APs.

Perhaps we will meet again one day, Disney.

Sorry about your son and it your choice and maybe one day you will visit Disney again. Do you think fast pass plus will help you more since you can book three and then get through the fast pass plus line. At least your know when they are for and plan your day sometimes that helps more then das agin just a suggestion.

 

[aaarcher86]

I haven't posted these boards in a very long time due to dealing one of my sons who was critically injured in an accident. I do feel like I want to weigh in on this new system they have for disabled people. I don't like it. Although both myself, and my son, would have qualified for a GAC, we never got one. Now, moving into the future, I was planning to get one for my son but I read that it no longer exists. Unfortunately, this will make WDW impossible for us now. Due to severe TBIs (traumatic brain injuries,) my son can only be out for a few hours before becoming exhausted, and then we would have to return to the room. The FP access of the GAC program would have perfect for him to get a few rides in. Under the DAS program, he would be able to enjoy only one ride a day. He is not much on the culture of Disney, but more about the rides. The only other thing that would interest him is SOMK game. I'm sad to be leaving Disney behind. It's been a part of our lives forever. But we missed the good years of the GAC that disabled people enjoyed. So now we must move on to more cruises or something. I asked for and received refunds for our APs. Perhaps we will meet again one day, Disney.

If you stay on site you'd have access to FP+. You can schedule 3 rides within a 3 hour window and in conjunction with the DAS you could get 4-5 rides done in about 3 hours.

 

[FortForever]

We always stay on site. Honestly, I haven't done any research on fastpass plus and am completely uniformed about how it works.

Prior to my son's accident, I would have been up to date on what is going on at WDW, now I just have no clue. I'm glad you guys mentioned that though since I haven't been on the regular boards at all.

Are FP+ hard to schedule? As in, do they book up so you can't get them for popular rides on short notice?

For myself, I could enjoy WDW with no rides or just some of the less popular ones, like CoP, which is one of my favorites. I enjoy the atmosphere and shows. Unfortunately, I don't think it will be doable to go without my son anytime in the near future.

There are some rides my son is no longer allowed to go on. No more ToT, RnRC, MS, etc. However, TSMM would be a must.

Perhaps I will use this Disney-free time to do some reading and researching to see if this new system will be feasible for us in the future.

 

[aaarcher86]

We always stay on site. Honestly, I haven't done any research on fastpass plus and am completely uniformed about how it works. Prior to my son's accident, I would have been up to date on what is going on at WDW, now I just have no clue. I'm glad you guys mentioned that though since I haven't been on the regular boards at all. Are FP+ hard to schedule? As in, do they book up so you can't get them for popular rides on short notice? For myself, I could enjoy WDW with no rides or just some of the less popular ones, like CoP, which is one of my favorites. I enjoy the atmosphere and shows. Unfortunately, I don't think it will be doable to go without my son anytime in the near future. There are some rides my son is no longer allowed to go on. No more ToT, RnRC, MS, etc. However, TSMM would be a must. Perhaps I will use this Disney-free time to do some reading and researching to see if this new system will be feasible for us in the future.

I would look into it. In a nutshell, if you're staying on property with tickets you can essentially book 3 FP choices starting 60 days from arrival. It's 3 in a single park for each day. As far as booking up, it's still pretty new but from what I've seen it hasn't filled up much.

Just as an example I have BTMMR scheduled from 9a - 10a, Haunted Mansion 10a - 11a, and Space Mountain from 11a - 12p. With the DAS I could grab return times for in between those FP+ rides.

Again, it's new and changing, but this is where it's at currently. Epcot and HS are tiered currently. But with FP+ you could at least get TSMM scheduled before you even get here so you'd know you're going to ride that, and two other things at the least.

 

[Sunnywho]

Due to severe TBIs (traumatic brain injuries,) my son can only be out for a few hours before becoming exhausted, and then we would have to return to the room.

If you ask for a DAS, saying he becomes exhausted will probably get a 'no' because it sounds like a stamina issue even though it is a neurological issue. Are there any other aspects of it that affect his ability to wait in the lines? It's worth it to explain your situation at Guest Services . DAS can be used in conjunction with Fast Pass+. Maybe now is not the time to be even thinking about Disney but as he heals he might be more up to it.

 

[FortForever]

I would look into it. In a nutshell, if you're staying on property with tickets you can essentially book 3 FP choices starting 60 days from arrival. It's 3 in a single park for each day. As far as booking up, it's still pretty new but from what I've seen it hasn't filled up much.

Just as an example I have BTMMR scheduled from 9a - 10a, Haunted Mansion 10a - 11a, and Space Mountain from 11a - 12p. With the DAS I could grab return times for in between those FP+ rides.

Again, it's new and changing, but this is where it's at currently. Epcot and HS are tiered currently. But with FP+ you could at least get TSMM scheduled before you even get here so you'd know you're going to ride that, and two other things at the least.

Thanks for the info, that does sound doable. I will have to do some additional research.

If you ask for a DAS, saying he becomes exhausted will probably get a 'no' because it sounds like a stamina issue even though it is a neurological issue. Are there any other aspects of it that affect his ability to wait in the lines? It's worth it to explain your situation at Guest Services . DAS can be used in conjunction with Fast Pass+. Maybe now is not the time to be even thinking about Disney but as he heals he might be more up to it.

My son has Asperger's, which is what I would request the DAS based on. He is able to walk now, even though he is titanium rods to the hip in one leg and pins in the other. Even so, he would be in a wheelchair if we went to WDW, which would cover the stamina issues.

Unfortunately, my son is as healed as he will get. We are always thinking about Disney to some degree. We live close enough to go often, but too far for day trips (2 hours) so always stay on site even if it's only for a couple of nights.

This past year has been long and painful for all of us and we are ready for a vacation. We definitely plan to get away in the next couple of months, but won't be WDW yet. Most likely a cruise. I actually had thought WDW would be more or less out of the question forever. After reading this, it may be in the plans again by next year.

I'll just wait and see how this new system plays out for people in the long term.

 

[jenineh]

Thanks for the info, that does sound doable. I will have to do some additional research. My son has Asperger's, which is what I would request the DAS based on. He is able to walk now, even though he is titanium rods to the hip in one leg and pins in the other. Even so, he would be in a wheelchair if we went to WDW, which would cover the stamina issues. Unfortunately, my son is as healed as he will get. We are always thinking about Disney to some degree. We live close enough to go often, but too far for day trips (2 hours) so always stay on site even if it's only for a couple of nights. This past year has been long and painful for all of us and we are ready for a vacation. We definitely plan to get away in the next couple of months, but won't be WDW yet. Most likely a cruise. I actually had thought WDW would be more or less out of the question forever. After reading this, it may be in the plans again by next year. I'll just wait and see how this new system plays out for people in the long term.[/QUOT

I am not sure they would issue you a DAS just because your son has Asperger's. I could be wrong but they may ask you what his specific needs are. A lot of children like mine who also has Asperger's really wouldn't qualify for a DAS because he really has no issues waiting in line. He doesn't like it but he can do it. If your child is in a wheelchair they probably wouldn't give you the DAS either. At least that is what I read on these boards.

 

[aaarcher86]

No DAS for just wheelchair needs. But depending on her sons needs for the DAS in regards to his Aspergers and other issues he may qualify. There's plenty of kids that do. Just depends on the needs.

 

[clanmcculloch]

They absolutely WILL give a DAS if there are needs that have nothing to do with mobility. Unfortunately what seems to be happening is that when CMs at Guest Relations see the wheelchair many seem to dig in their heels and stop listening and just say you don't need it. If this happens to us I plan to ask for a manager. In our case it's my non-wheelchair child who needs the DAS (actually I'm not positive she still does now that we have FP+ but I'm going to get it as a backup) but our wheelchair needing child will be with us though I'll have her back from the desk. If FortForever's DS has needs that have nothing to do with the wheelchair then he should be able to get a DAS.

FortForever, do a bit more reading on the DAS. There is absolutely no reason that you can't do a lot more than that. I've put together our touring plans for our upcoming trip and I've built the plans without even using the DAS. We're riding a heck of a lot more than 1 ride. We're not doing nearly as much as a family without a special needs child but we're still doing a lot. Here are some of my touring plans just to give you an idea. Our MK day 2 is an unusual day in that we typically can't go back to parks in the evening but after a bunch of discussion about it we agreed to try one time this trip. Usually with prep she can handle it once in a trip. She really wants to try BOG so she'll put her mind to it. But, you can see that I don't even have the DAS built into any of this and I'm anticipating little to no wait times. We get to the parks at park opening (luckily that works perfectly for DD's best time of day for coping with things) and leave after eating lunch. You can see here that we can get a heck of a lot done between 9am and noon.

MK day 1:
Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Mad Tea Party
Journey of the Little Mermaid - Under the Sea
Enchanted Tales with Belle (FP+ 9-10)
Mickey's Philharmagic
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin (FP+ 10-11)
Monster's Inc Laugh Floor (FP+ 11-12)
lunch ADR at 12:35

MK day 2:
Peter Pan
It's a Small World
Jungle Cruise
Pirates of the Caribbean
A Pirate's Adventure ~ Treasures of the Seven Sea
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (2 of us FP+ 10-11) / Magic Carpets of Aladdin (2 of us FP+ 10-11)
lunch CHH
Haunted Mansion (FP+ 12-1)
break at resort
BOG ADR 4:35
MSEP 7:00 FP+
Wishes 8:00

Epcot day 1 (beginning around noon):
Soarin' (FP+ 12-1)
Living With the Land
The Seas With Nemo & Friends (FP+ 1-2)
Turtle Talk With Crush (FP+ 2-3)
Spaceship Earth

Epcot day 2:
Sum of All Thrills
Test Track (FP+ 9-10)
Ellen's Energy Adventure
Mission Space (FP+ 10-11)
Journey Into Imagination with Figment (FP+ 11-12)
Electric Umbrella
Spaceship Earth

Now the theme of this thread, we only have 6 total park days in our 9 night/10 day trip and our 2 AK days are mostly atmosphere with a few rides and shows. The rest of our trip is hanging around our resort. Yes our park days do have a bunch of attractions but within this long of a trip it really isn't a lot and our focus is much more on the together time than anything else.

 

[FortForever]

Just to clarify, my son is an adult. He is 24. I don't even know for sure that we will do Disney again. But, if so, I am positive that I could get DAS based on his Asperger's since he has never been able to stand close contact with people. He also has PTSD since his accident and is very nervous. I had not intended to mention that because then we will get into the whole, "You shouldn't be considering WDW conversation."

clanmcculloch, thanks for posting your itinerary! I know it's possible to do much more with some advance planning and this proves it.

 

[mhfrau]

Just to clarify, my son is an adult. He is 24. I don't even know for sure that we will do Disney again. But, if so, I am positive that I could get DAS based on his Asperger's since he has never been able to stand close contact with people. He also has PTSD since his accident and is very nervous. I had not intended to mention that because then we will get into the whole, "You shouldn't be considering WDW conversation."

clanmcculloch, thanks for posting your itinerary! I know it's possible to do much more with some advance planning and this proves it.

Just wanted to say how happy I am for you that your son has made such a recovery! I remember his accident, and how terrified you were. I hope whatever you guys end up doing, it's wonderful and joyful, and you enjoy your blessed time together

 

[FortForever]

Just wanted to say how happy I am for you that your son has made such a recovery! I remember his accident, and how terrified you were. I hope whatever you guys end up doing, it's wonderful and joyful, and you enjoy your blessed time together

Thank you so much! That means a lot to me. We have most definitely been blessed with a miracle

 

[donatalie]

Agreed.

All the complaining comes back to the loss of immediate fastpass entrance.

QUOTE]

Wow is this an unfair statement.......

during our trip in October, they actually made the switch from GAC to DAS. We have been taking our kids to Disney since 2002 and my autistic son is so disabled that the cm's actually brought us to GR and gave us our first GAC. Now that is the only way my son has ever experienced Disney World and he is not able to understand the DAS. He does not have the cognitive ability to comprehend the abstract concept of "we'll come back in an hour". Fastpasses never worked for him.....

we tried to use the DAS at the Jungle Cruise.... it was a 40 minute standby so our RT was 30 minutes. We couldn't just stay there because that upset him so we tried to leave and go to POTC. He began gesturing frantically back toward the JC and started getting very agitated and that moved into aggression. at this point I should mention that DS, even though he's only 16, in 6'5" and weighs 325 lbs. We got trapped in the queue for POTC as they began having technical difficulties with the ride. We spent the next 30 minutes trying to protect the other guests from our otherwise sweet son, who was in complete meltdown because we left the JC. We left POTC bruised and bloody with my husband's sunglasses broken and my shirt ripped.

There was a true original purpose for the issuance of the GAC..... it was abused and able bodied guests complained about the disabled getting "special treatment" My son's disability is severe (and my daughter is autistic, epileptic and has fainting spells as well). I would chop off both of my arms and hand them to you if my kids could spent their lives free of this disability.... but since this could never happen, we help them cope as best we can and then two weeks a year we would take them to a place that accommodated them instead of the other way around.

So please don't say all...... because there are exception to EVERY rule....

 

[FortForever]

There was a true original purpose for the issuance of the GAC..... it was abused

This is the biggest problem. I wish Disney would have come up with some other way to prevent abuse. Taking accommodations away from those that truly need them is just sad. I'm sure there are many, many others in the same position as your family.

"The Disney Experience" is a concept. When you have family members that can't grasp concepts, it's useless. Some disabled people only understand concrete reality. When you take the pleasure from their reality, there is nothing left but the frustrations of the real non-Disney world. They can stay home and experience that.

 

[tinkerpea]

Agreed.

All the complaining comes back to the loss of immediate fastpass entrance.

Our Disney experience is a mega-combo of the rides, FOOD, queue music, background music, moments of laughter, joy and peace, and lastly the magic of being in a different world or land. That is why we go to Disneyland.

Actually I really disagree with you!

The complaining comes down to the fact that the DAS has stopped many family's from being able to fully enjoy disney world, and for some stopped them bei g able to come at all!!

Accomadations have been taken away from families who really need them, but disney thinks they can cope by renting a wheelchair even though using one helps the condition in no way,

They have put no thought into conditions that are different from ASD or mobility which ends in the person getting no accommodation, or them seeing a wheelchair and believing its the only issue even if you explain continually that its not!

The complaints are far more then people being entitled and wanting FOL which not ALL GACs had anyways since there was so many stamps!