To Use or not to use DAS

[Sugarjack]

I'm a first time poster to this forum and I'm hoping to get your feedback

My History: I'm a 39 year old who has suffered many years with chronic pain and restroom issues. Symptoms started when I was 14 and in 2009 I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and a whole host of what I have learned to be called "invisible disabilities." I work full time as an elementary school teacher and am mostly limited with DL to weekends and peek seasons. I hadn't been to DL in a decade, but I wanted to take my son who is now, in June, 18 months old. He walks, but is heavy at almost 35 pounds and likes to be carried. After his first visit in February, I knew I needed to get a pass. We visited many times in March, Apr, and May with no problems. Most of the waits were under 20 min and I could handle that with him.

My injury and what introduced me to DAS: I was skating two weeks ago and tore/stretched some ligaments/tendons in my knee. I decided to attempt Disneyland. One of the cast members saw me struggling limping and getting the little one out of the stroller and immediately walked me over the the green umbrellas saying, "they will explain a program that can help you." The CM explained it and they tagged my son's stroller so I wouldn't have to carry him in to certain areas.

The outcome: I used the DAS for the rest of the day. Lines seem to now be 40+ min and the only fast passes available to my little guy are Roger Rabbit and Haunted Mansion. I was able to stay at the park significantly longer because I could wait seated in a different area not trying to constantly entertain my 18 month old in what he thinks is a very boring line. When I got home, my recovery time went from 2 days to 1.

My Dilemma and questions for you: While my knee is still healing this system is necessary for me and I have no guilt or shame in using it. I know that there are many children and adults that are significantly more disabled than me. I do feel blessed for what I am able to do. Am I wrong to request a DAS for my medical conditions and so my little guy isn't stuck in a line for 40 min during the peak seasons? I can usually entertain him for 20, but he's young and has difficulty if the line is more than 25. I skip anything over 30, but wouldn't have to if I used DAS, I could just wait elsewhere. What are your thoughts?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Am I wrong to request a DAS for my medical conditions and so my little guy isn't stuck in a line for 40 min during the peak seasons?

When, and only when, your medical conditions require you to wait in an alternate location is it appropriate to request/use a DAS. It's inappropriate to avoid having your child wait in lines like all the other children have to do. Use FastPass.

 

[aaarcher86]

If your requesting the DAS for mobility concerns they'll recommend a wheelchair or ECV which would meet your needs.

If you're requesting a DAS because your young son gets bored in line but doesn't have medical issues, that's not what it's for.

If you have non mobility related issues that the DAS helps with, go to guest relations and discuss your needs in regards to a DAS.

The only thing you're really stressing as a need is mobility related.

I guess I'm kind of unclear what you got before at DL and why? A stroller as a wheelchair tag? A DAS? Both?

 

[lanejudy]

to the DISboards!

My injury and what introduced me to DAS: I was skating two weeks ago and tore/stretched some ligaments/tendons in my knee. I decided to attempt Disneyland. One of the cast members saw me struggling limping and getting the little one out of the stroller and immediately walked me over the the green umbrellas saying, "they will explain a program that can help you." The CM explained it and they tagged my son's stroller so I wouldn't have to carry him in to certain areas.

I am uncertain whether you were given a DAS or a stroller-as-wheelchair tag. What you describe sounds like a stroller tag. That is not a DAS. It simply allows you to bring the stroller through queues rather than parking it outside. At DL, there are many attractions which are not mainstreamed, and therefore a separate accessible entrance is used; you likely received a "wheelchair return" card which they use to prevent a back-up at the accessible entrance. I'm under the impression that most posters here who deal with fibro use a mobility device rather than a DAS, since their needs are mobility/stamina. The average 18-month old gets impatient waiting in long lines, so I'm not sure that qualifies for a DAS unless he has other needs not mentioned above.

Honestly, none of us can determine whether you qualify for a DAS if you request one. Only Guest Relations CMs can determine that. I would be surprised if they granted a DAS to you based on the description of your needs, which sound mobility-related. As to whether they will give a stroller-as-wheelchair tag, again only Guest Relations can decide that. My best recommendation is to go to Guest Relations and discuss your needs. See what they offer.

Enjoy your visit!

 

[seashoreCM]

Can you at least recall what the tag you got before at Disneyland looked like and describe it? Like, what color wa it? What was some of the writing or printing on it? What was a CM supposed to do when s/he looked at it?

For some rides (probably more at Disneyland since that park is older) persons in or with wheelchairs must enter a ride via a different door or path from what most guests use. They may be told to come back at a specific later time rather than remain in what could be a congested area.

DASs have been given out so persons ususually sensitive to the sun could wait ioff to the side in a shaded area rather than in an unshaded queue. Not sure whether Disney's policy has changed to suggest you use an umbrella (parasol) instead. (You can get the latter in a Disney gift shop.)

Also it is possible that the CM, before hearing the entirety of your story, decided to jump to conclusions and issue you a DAS. (OT) You probably should have had a wheelchair for yourself since all that walking between rides in the park could have aggravated your knee injury.

 

[gap2368]

I'm a first time poster to this forum and I'm hoping to get your feedback

My History: I'm a 39 year old who has suffered many years with chronic pain and restroom issues. Symptoms started when I was 14 and in 2009 I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and a whole host of what I have learned to be called "invisible disabilities." I work full time as an elementary school teacher and am mostly limited with DL to weekends and peek seasons. I hadn't been to DL in a decade, but I wanted to take my son who is now, in June, 18 months old. He walks, but is heavy at almost 35 pounds and likes to be carried. After his first visit in February, I knew I needed to get a pass. We visited many times in March, Apr, and May with no problems. Most of the waits were under 20 min and I could handle that with him.

My injury and what introduced me to DAS: I was skating two weeks ago and tore/stretched some ligaments/tendons in my knee. I decided to attempt Disneyland. One of the cast members saw me struggling limping and getting the little one out of the stroller and immediately walked me over the the green umbrellas saying, "they will explain a program that can help you." The CM explained it and they tagged my son's stroller so I wouldn't have to carry him in to certain areas.

The outcome: I used the DAS for the rest of the day. Lines seem to now be 40+ min and the only fast passes available to my little guy are Roger Rabbit and Haunted Mansion. I was able to stay at the park significantly longer because I could wait seated in a different area not trying to constantly entertain my 18 month old in what he thinks is a very boring line. When I got home, my recovery time went from 2 days to 1.

My Dilemma and questions for you: While my knee is still healing this system is necessary for me and I have no guilt or shame in using it. I know that there are many children and adults that are significantly more disabled than me. I do feel blessed for what I am able to do. Am I wrong to request a DAS for my medical conditions and so my little guy isn't stuck in a line for 40 min during the peak seasons? I can usually entertain him for 20, but he's young and has difficulty if the line is more than 25. I skip anything over 30, but wouldn't have to if I used DAS, I could just wait elsewhere. What are your thoughts?

I think you did not get a DAS but a stroller as a wheel chair tag you have a mobility problem witch is used by a wheel chair not a DAS

 

[Baklava]

My Dilemma and questions for you: While my knee is still healing this system is necessary for me and I have no guilt or shame in using it. I know that there are many children and adults that are significantly more disabled than me. I do feel blessed for what I am able to do. Am I wrong to request a DAS for my medical conditions and so my little guy isn't stuck in a line for 40 min during the peak seasons? I can usually entertain him for 20, but he's young and has difficulty if the line is more than 25. I skip anything over 30, but wouldn't have to if I used DAS, I could just wait elsewhere. What are your thoughts?

That's two questions, really. NO, you are not wrong to use a DAS if it helps with a medical condition. YES, you are wrong to use DAS so your kid won't have to wait in long lines. That's using the disability access system to benefit a non-disabled person - or a disabled person for non-disability related desires. That's what caused them to take away the GAC and it would be a blessing to others not to do that.

 

[Sugarjack]

I really appreciate all of your feedback. I should clarify a couple of things. I totally agree that the knee is a mobility issue and hopefully it is temporary. A scooter or actual wheel chair would have been impossible for me while juggling an 18 month old when I'm at the park with just the two of us. I must have really looked vulnerable for the cast member to approach me. They gave my stroller the red wheelchair tag and said that it was for me (not for him) since steps are very difficult for me while holding an additional 35 pounds of toddler. They told me to use the alternate entrances and get return times instead of waiting in the standard lines. I'm not sure if they gave me a DAS or just a stroller as a wheelchair or what. What do you think I had?

While using the return time system (waiting in a separate area) for my mobility issues I noticed a significantly more enjoyable experience at the park with relief of many of my fibro symptoms. I was also able to ride the rides without fearing I was going to wet my pants because I could use the restroom less than 10 min before I had to get on. I could wait in a cooler spot where in the past I was having to get my whole head and shirt wet to maintain a cool temperature in a hot line. (I'm not sure if the fibro causes the temperature issues, but I seem to run hotter than the average person.)

As far as my son goes, I just noticed that because my mobility issues and access to return times he was able to do some rides that normally he can't because the wait in line is too long for him without causing a tantrum. I understand that at WDW there are many fastpasses available, but at DL he has access to only 2 because of height restrictions. I think that he is a "normal" 18 months old. But I have noticed that the tantrum in a line comes at about 22-23 minutes (like clockwork), thus making the ride inaccessible to him unless we've got an alternative. My tolerance without knee injury runs about 35 minutes before I physically have to sit down in the line with my dripping wet shirt and hair.

We've kind of got two options during peek hot summer times: 1. use some sort of return pass or 2. just not go on certain things. Neither on of these ideas seems fair to me (#1 is not fair to others because they need it more than we do, and #2 isn't fair to my little guy because while at the age of 2,3, 4, 5 he may be able to tollerate a 40 minute line, but at 18 months, he can't. We'd have to skip.) Thus my dilemma. I'm open to suggestions.

I should also mention that we always arrive early at 8 and he naps from 11-1. We usually leave around 3. My main concern is the time from 1-3. I live about 45 miles from the park so it almost seems not worth it to only go from 8-11.

Also, most of this isn't a problem on the weekends when the hubby can come with us hold the place in the regular line for us. It's just a dilemma for when I"m by myself with him.

Thanks in advance.

 

[aaarcher86]

I really appreciate all of your feedback. I should clarify a couple of things. I totally agree that the knee is a mobility issue and hopefully it is temporary. A scooter or actual wheel chair would have been impossible for me while juggling an 18 month old when I'm at the park with just the two of us. I must have really looked vulnerable for the cast member to approach me. They gave my stroller the red wheelchair tag and said that it was for me (not for him) since steps are very difficult for me while holding an additional 35 pounds of toddler. They told me to use the alternate entrances and get return times instead of waiting in the standard lines. I'm not sure if they gave me a DAS or just a stroller as a wheelchair or what. What do you think I had?

While using the return time system (waiting in a separate area) for my mobility issues I noticed a significantly more enjoyable experience at the park with relief of many of my fibro symptoms. I was also able to ride the rides without fearing I was going to wet my pants because I could use the restroom less than 10 min before I had to get on. I could wait in a cooler spot where in the past I was having to get my whole head and shirt wet to maintain a cool temperature in a hot line. (I'm not sure if the fibro causes the temperature issues, but I seem to run hotter than the average person.)

As far as my son goes, I just noticed that because my mobility issues and access to return times he was able to do some rides that normally he can't because the wait in line is too long for him without causing a tantrum. I understand that at WDW there are many fastpasses available, but at DL he has access to only 2 because of height restrictions. I think that he is a "normal" 18 months old. But I have noticed that the tantrum in a line comes at about 22-23 minutes (like clockwork), thus making the ride inaccessible to him unless we've got an alternative. My tolerance without knee injury runs about 35 minutes before I physically have to sit down in the line with my dripping wet shirt and hair.

We've kind of got two options during peek hot summer times: 1. use some sort of return pass or 2. just not go on certain things. Neither on of these ideas seems fair to me (#1 is not fair to others because they need it more than we do, and #2 isn't fair to my little guy because while at the age of 2,3, 4, 5 he may be able to tollerate a 40 minute line, but at 18 months, he can't. We'd have to skip.) Thus my dilemma. I'm open to suggestions.

I should also mention that we always arrive early at 8 and he naps from 11-1. We usually leave around 3. My main concern is the time from 1-3. I live about 45 miles from the park so it almost seems not worth it to only go from 8-11.

Also, most of this isn't a problem on the weekends when the hubby can come with us hold the place in the regular line for us. It's just a dilemma for when I"m by myself with him.

Thanks in advance.

Honestly, your child's age and tolerance to lines is irrelevant since it has nothing to do with a disability. Every child has a limit. Your child's is your child's. It doesn't make anything 'unfair' to him. What he will be able to do at an older age will be different, just like ALL children. Getting a disability pass because a child is small with a low tolerance level is not okay. The DAS is for the person with the disability.

At DL it sounds like you had a stroller as a wheelchair tag and not a DAS. Did you have your picture taken? If not, it was the wheelchair tag.

The wheelchair card at Disney World will allow you to take the stroller through most lines, so it won't offer the return times as frequently as DL. I'm not sure which one you're asking about because the systems are slightly different. If you think the DAS would benefit YOUR issues with YOUR disability you can discuss your needs with guest relations. But, if a wheelchair or ECV will solve your issues, regardless of your ability to utilize it with a child, that will most likely be the solution.

There's no way to hold a place and join at the front with most queues at WDW, so that won't be an option.

 

[gap2368]

at the PP said you need to think about what a normal 18 month old can do most will have tantrums at times most do not like waiting in lines that is normal for children I can see your problem with your mobility problem I think if it is just the two of you getting a wheel chair as a stroller tag is fine since with your problem you can not carry him that fair and when you are with someone else you can easily get a wheel char to use to help you out (I do not know of a way to use a week char and a stroller at the same time) but if every one could get a DAS because there child had a tantrum then every one would have one if every one could get one because they did not like to wait in line then every one would. I think you need to think what would the typical 18 moth old be able to do is it hot her yes every one is hot and every one need to do something to keep cool an I able to wait in line with out something bad happing

 

[lizard1]

Honestly, your child's age and tolerance to lines is irrelevant since it has nothing to do with a disability. Every child has a limit. Your child's is your child's. It doesn't make anything 'unfair' to him. What he will be able to do at an older age will be different, just like ALL children. Getting a disability pass because a child is small with a low tolerance level is not okay. The DAS is for the person with the disability.

I agree with this. The DAS is for the person with the disability. If it were meant to help a normal child tolerate a wait, EVERY ONE going to Disney with kids would be entitled to one. Yes, there may be waits your child may not be able to tolerate and you may not be able to do everything at his current age. If avoiding a wait is the only reason you would attempt to get a DAS, then you are abusing the system. If you have other needs that could be accommodated with a DAS, then speak with guest services to see if you are entitled to use a DAS.

 

[Aladora]

We've kind of got two options during peek hot summer times: 1. use some sort of return pass or 2. just not go on certain things. Neither on of these ideas seems fair to me (#1 is not fair to others because they need it more than we do, and #2 isn't fair to my little guy because while at the age of 2,3, 4, 5 he may be able to tollerate a 40 minute line, but at 18 months, he can't. We'd have to skip.) Thus my dilemma. I'm open to suggestions.

Sadly, #2 is not something that DL or WDW will help with. Unfair for your little guy is also unfair to every other 18 month old out there and if they started accommodating every guest with a toddler then the return lines would have 40+ minute waits!

It definitely sounds as though you were given a stroller as a wheelchair tag and while it is great that it helped you out while you were having all your knee issues, it is not something that would be offered had you not had the mobility issues you were having. I would definitely not expect to be given one after your issues have cleared up.

Since you live pretty close, it might be best to either go when the crowds are lower or wait until your little guy is old enough to tolerate slightly longer wait times.

 

[redberyl]

So you think its "not fair" your 18 month old cant wait it line for 40 min without getting upset. Is it fair to every other 18 month old in the world in the same situation? We never went to disney until the kids were at least 3 because of that. Using your logic we should have taken them and just gotten a disability card.

 

[Baklava]

As far as my son goes, I just noticed that because my mobility issues and access to return times he was able to do some rides that normally he can't because the wait in line is too long for him without causing a tantrum. I understand that at WDW there are many fastpasses available, but at DL he has access to only 2 because of height restrictions. I think that he is a "normal" 18 months old. But I have noticed that the tantrum in a line comes at about 22-23 minutes (like clockwork), thus making the ride inaccessible to him unless we've got an alternative. My tolerance without knee injury runs about 35 minutes before I physically have to sit down in the line with my dripping wet shirt and hair.

We've kind of got two options during peek hot summer times: 1. use some sort of return pass or 2. just not go on certain things. Neither on of these ideas seems fair to me (#1 is not fair to others because they need it more than we do, and #2 isn't fair to my little guy because while at the age of 2,3, 4, 5 he may be able to tollerate a 40 minute line, but at 18 months, he can't. We'd have to skip.) Thus my dilemma. I'm open to suggestions.

I should also mention that we always arrive early at 8 and he naps from 11-1. We usually leave around 3. My main concern is the time from 1-3. I live about 45 miles from the park so it almost seems not worth it to only go from 8-11.

Also, most of this isn't a problem on the weekends when the hubby can come with us hold the place in the regular line for us. It's just a dilemma for when I"m by myself with him.

Thanks in advance.

If he is a "normal" 18 month old he is not entitled to any special consideration beyond what other guests get. It is absolutely fair for him to wait in the same lines as everyone else or to forgo those things he cannot wait for. DAS is to give disabled people equal access, not to give one able-bodied guest special privileges over another.


Options:

1) Wait until he's older. If he needs to be 2 or 3 to wait in a line, that's age-appropriate and the parks aren't going anywhere.

2) Skip the things where the line is too long. We skipped a number of things when my daughter was 1. We don't live nearby, we only go every couple years, we still passed up on things that just didn't work for us. It's a fact of babies.

3) Go at non-peak times. We don't go during peak season. We just *don't* anymore. Between an autistic kid and an adult with a severe anxiety disorder, we skip those times of year and have an amazing time going off-peak.

4) Pay for the privilege you're asking for. Disability accommodations are free. "I don't want my kid to wait in lines" is expensive, but available.


There are lots of tips and tricks for getting the most out of a day at Disneyland. Many of them are posted here and the folks on the Disneyland board are super friendly.

 

[Glittercat]

I use a wheelchair at Disney and every day. Never have I gotten a DAS as I can cope with mobility issues. There are ideas for stroller attachments for wheelchairs that could help with the issue you're having.

 

[SueM in MN]

I use a wheelchair at Disney and every day. Never have I gotten a DAS as I can cope with mobility issues. There are ideas for stroller attachments for wheelchairs that could help with the issue you're having.

things that are attached to a wheelchair or ECV to push or pull are not allowed.
I don't have time to look for the link, but it's in a Guest Services FAQ about what not to bring.

One of the reasons is that an attached item, either front or back (or to a side) - would make the mobility device too big to msnouver thru lines

 

[Glittercat]

things that are attached to a wheelchair or ECV to push or pull are not allowed.
I don't have time to look for the link, but it's in a Guest Services FAQ about what not to bring.

One of the reasons is that an attached item, either front or back (or to a side) - would make the mobility device too big to msnouver thru lines

Good to know. Thank you for clarification.

I think OP would be better off looking into other options besides using a DAS when the medical need is not really there.

 

[gap2368]

things that are attached to a wheelchair or ECV to push or pull are not allowed.
I don't have time to look for the link, but it's in a Guest Services FAQ about what not to bring.

One of the reasons is that an attached item, either front or back (or to a side) - would make the mobility device too big to msnouver thru lines

I have seen this in the things not to bring but I have seen a wagon in disney world ( magic kingdom ) with a child in it ( I do not know how or why they were allowed in but it might be allowed to be able for someone in a wheel chair to be able to push a child) the OP could call and ask if this would be allowed

 

[lanejudy]

I don't have time to look for the link, but it's in a Guest Services FAQ about what not to bring.

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/park-rules/
item "e" under the heading "Prohibited Items"

 

[Gracie09]

I have seen this in the things not to bring but I have seen a wagon in disney world ( magic kingdom ) with a child in it ( I do not know how or why they were allowed in but it might be allowed to be able for someone in a wheel chair to be able to push a child) the OP could call and ask if this would be allowed

They are not allowed. I have witnesses people being turned away at the gate with one