UPDATED. Christmas trip? DAS? Do we still go?

[bprwatson]

I've been an obsessive reader here for the past few months. Ever since we decided to surprise the kids with a trip to Disneyland for Christmas. I naively assumed Genie + would be out by then, and yes i know it still "might" but we are now trying to decide if we should alter our plans.

We will be there the 24th and 25th. We had planned on genie + and going in with low expectations.


Well...in September (after I purchased tickets and made reservations) my 16 year old daughter who has anxiety, depression ADHD and autism really hit rock bottom. She had been stable with meds/therapy for 18 months. She is the worst I've seen her in a long time. I think if Genie + were out it would still be manageable. Without it, I'm concerned. She has a hard time with crowds. She spent Thanksgiving holed up in a room, crying because there were too many people over. We are working on finding new meds but that takes time.

We are all really looking forward to this trip, we are taking the RV and hitting six flags, Sea world and Knott's as well. We've never been during Christmas week. We've always gone during slower times but the kids are old enough now I can't pull them out of school for a week. How bad is it that week? Is a DAS something she might be able to qualify for? She is very high functioning and you wouldn't know she has any issues by looking at her. I have plenty of documentation I could bring. I just have no idea what kinds of things qualify.

Do we brave the crowds without Genie?? I imagine if we save the tickets and go over the summer it will be just as crowded but also HOT.

I think ultimately we will still take our trip the question is...do we skip Disney and save the tickets for another time?

Thanks I'm advance and sorry it got so long!

 

[TikiTikiFan]

I'm sure she would qualify for DAS but no one can say for sure. You will just be asked two questions: why can't you wait in a traditional line and how can they help? They're not allowed to see any documentation. As someone with invisible disabilities though I wouldn't worry about any judgment- the guest services folks are wonderful. I've had nothing but wonderful experiences with the CMs.

We managed well with DAS but since waits were so long it did leave a lot of down time that we weren't used to- that's something to keep in mind. It works for me because I need that time to rest but kids might have a harder time with that when every return time can end up being 60 mins away. Everything else gets pretty crowded so hard to kill time in between waits which might be hard for kids. We just kept getting snacks.

I say go for it- it sounds like your daughter needs some Disney magic. And you too! But it will be very, very crowded on Christmas so it's good to be prepared. Lines for everything like food, entertainment, etc. Sometimes we ended up waiting in line to get a DAS return for over 30 minutes which is not ideal. So keep that in mind. We were there the past week including Thanksgiving and it was pretty nuts! If she can stay up late that sweet spot from 9PM-midnight is perfect for getting on rides. We walked right on to Haunted, Indiana, Pirates, Splash, Pooh, Jungle Cruise last night after 10!

 

[Drewski77]

I've been an obsessive reader here for the past few months. Ever since we decided to surprise the kids with a trip to Disneyland for Christmas. I naively assumed Genie + would be out by then, and yes i know it still "might" but we are now trying to decide if we should alter our plans.

We will be there the 24th and 25th. We had planned on genie + and going in with low expectations.


Well...in September (after I purchased tickets and made reservations) my 16 year old daughter who has anxiety, depression ADHD and autism really hit rock bottom. She had been stable with meds/therapy for 18 months. She is the worst I've seen her in a long time. I think if Genie + were out it would still be manageable. Without it, I'm concerned. She has a hard time with crowds. She spent Thanksgiving holed up in a room, crying because there were too many people over. We are working on finding new meds but that takes time.

We are all really looking forward to this trip, we are taking the RV and hitting six flags, Sea world and Knott's as well. We've never been during Christmas week. We've always gone during slower times but the kids are old enough now I can't pull them out of school for a week. How bad is it that week? Is a DAS something she might be able to qualify for? She is very high functioning and you wouldn't know she has any issues by looking at her. I have plenty of documentation I could bring. I just have no idea what kinds of things qualify.

Do we brave the crowds without Genie?? I imagine if we save the tickets and go over the summer it will be just as crowded but also HOT.

I think ultimately we will still take our trip the question is...do we skip Disney and save the tickets for another time?

Thanks I'm advance and sorry it got so long!

We don’t have the same issues but are also wondering if without Genie+ will the trip still be worth it as we don’t stand in lines of 45+ minutes.

We might save the tickets till next year and go elsewhere.

 

[evilmommie]

DLR will do whatever they can to help make her visit enjoyable. With that said, sounds like she's at a very fragile point right now and the crowds will more than likely make her miserable. Disneyland isn't quite as crazy as it was before C-19, but it's very, very crowded right now.

If you can take it slow and have small win expectations, maybe that will work for your family. You said this is a surprise. Have you told your daughter about the trip in order to see how she feels about it?

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

We’ve been here since Wednesday, using a DAS and it has been great. But I agree with others that it’s been very crowded, so while a DAS will help ride lines, it won’t help with the overall feeling of crowds.

If you do decide to go, I would explain her needs fully and not just leave it with anxiety. Yesterday we saw somebody denied for saying she had anxiety. Given your daughter’s overall situation, I believe she would/should qualify, but wanted to give you the heads up. As was mentioned above, there is a lot of down time. We’re good with that - we get a snack, sit down, etc, but it can be hard if not everybody has the same idea of how to use that time


The best hours are 8-10am and 9-midnight, if you can swing those. Things in the middle get crowded & fast. Wed & Thurs were extremely busy. Today, the wait times are over inflated - it’s really hard to judge what situation you’re going to get.

It can be completely magical & festive if you can go into with the right expectations & attitude; and have a plan if it’s gets to be too much.

 

[bprwatson]

She knows. We haven't talked about it since her backslide though. It wasn't until seeing her this week around lots of family and that I started to reconsider. That plus it's looking likely genie + won't be out by then. She loves Disneyland and I hope her love of it will inspire some resilience. We plan to drive the RV to the toy story lot so that we can take breaks during the day as well.

 

[Pluto468]

I was reading that you can have a pre visit meeting about DAS before you go on your trip. They would talk to you and your daughter about her needs. I think it would be great to take her if you think DAS could make it easier. Where are you staying? You could plan on hotel breaks as well as your RV breaks. Just take it slow and easy and enjoy the atmosphere.

Maybe you've already seen this, but it's from the DL website:

"These options will be available in addition to our existing, in-person DAS program.

Pre-Arrival Registration and Planning via Live Video Chat
This fall, we’re introducing a new option to register virtually with a Cast Member via live video chat as early as 30 days in advance of a park visit.

During your video chat with a Cast Member, you’ll also have the opportunity to select up to 2 experiences per day (subject to availability) using our new DAS Advance planning option. Please keep in mind that DAS Advance selections must be booked at least 2 days prior to the day you plan to redeem them, and you will not be able to make selections on the day of your visit.

If an experience you want is available, you’ll be given a one-hour return window to redeem during the day of your visit. Any selections you make will appear as plans on the Disneyland mobile app.

Please note: at this time, live chat will be offered in English only.

Same-Day DAS Return Time Self-Selection Tool

A new way to request return times is also debuting this fall. In lieu of having to physically go to a Guest Relations location to obtain a return time from a Cast Member, Guests registered in the DAS program (and their party members) will be able to make return time selections right from the Disneyland mobile app during the day of their park visit.

Stay tuned for more details!"

 

[Karin1984]

If she is up for it, I would talk to her about it. What does she want and what does she think she can handle?
Has she ever been around Christmas before and does she have an idea what it is like? Also have her think with you what she can do when crowds get too much for her. Return to the room by herself, find a quiet place within the park etc.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

I was reading that you can have a pre visit meeting about DAS before you go on your trip. They would talk to you and your daughter about her needs. I think it would be great to take her if you think DAS could make it easier. Where are you staying? You could plan on hotel breaks as well as your RV breaks. Just take it slow and easy and enjoy the atmosphere.

Maybe you've already seen this, but it's from the DL website:

"These options will be available in addition to our existing, in-person DAS program.

Pre-Arrival Registration and Planning via Live Video Chat
This fall, we’re introducing a new option to register virtually with a Cast Member via live video chat as early as 30 days in advance of a park visit.

During your video chat with a Cast Member, you’ll also have the opportunity to select up to 2 experiences per day (subject to availability) using our new DAS Advance planning option. Please keep in mind that DAS Advance selections must be booked at least 2 days prior to the day you plan to redeem them, and you will not be able to make selections on the day of your visit.

If an experience you want is available, you’ll be given a one-hour return window to redeem during the day of your visit. Any selections you make will appear as plans on the Disneyland mobile app.

Please note: at this time, live chat will be offered in English only.

Same-Day DAS Return Time Self-Selection Tool

A new way to request return times is also debuting this fall. In lieu of having to physically go to a Guest Relations location to obtain a return time from a Cast Member, Guests registered in the DAS program (and their party members) will be able to make return time selections right from the Disneyland mobile app during the day of their park visit.

Stay tuned for more details!"

This is only if Genie+ launches before their trip. Otherwise it’s the same system it has been.

ETA: we were told Genie+ has been postponed from Fall to Winter

 

[Cfiiitz]

It does sound like DAS is something that can help your daughter.
However, I will say, I have been to DL from December 26-29 pre-Covid and I swore I would never go during those dates ever again. There were times it was just a never ending sea of people with strollers and no where to sit and nowhere in the park to escape for peace and quiet. It was overwhelming.
It sounds like you know that crowd level is a possibility. So if you can think of the worse and you and your daughter are ready to tackle it then I do think DAS would be a good resource.

 

[DisSurfer878]

This is only if Genie+ launches before their trip. Otherwise it’s the same system it has been.

ETA: we were told Genie+ has been postponed from Fall to Winter

And, FWIW, the launch of the system has been a disaster at WDW. Most people have spent 3 or more days waiting 10 hours everyday in front of their computer before being able to speak to someone.
Because OP's daughter has to be present, this could be an extreme stressor on her all the waiting and anticipation.

 

[bprwatson]

And, FWIW, the launch of the system has been a disaster at WDW. Most people have spent 3 or more days waiting 10 hours everyday in front of their computer before being able to speak to someone.
Because OP's daughter has to be present, this could be an extreme stressor on her all the waiting and anticipation.

And, FWIW, the launch of the system has been a disaster at WDW. Most people have spent 3 or more days waiting 10 hours everyday in front of their computer before being able to speak to someone.
Because OP's daughter has to be present, this could be an extreme stressor on her all the waiting and anticipation.

this is good to know! Thanks! We are going to talk to discuss it tonight. If we decide to try it with the DAS it’s still a risk because we may not get it. I think driving the RV to the park allows us the ability to take a break anytime we need.

Luckily her brothers don’t know about it so if we decide to delay they will be none the wiser.

I appreciate everyone’s input! It’s given us a lot to discuss!

 

[bprwatson]

After talking with my husband and daughter we have decided to make the best of the situation and go as planned. Going another time in the year is actually a lot harder than you'd think with our work schedules. We plan to take it slow, take lots of breaks and try for a DAS. My question is, I know my daughter has to go with me to get the pass, but do they expect HER to answer the questions? She s 16 and CAN speak for herself but she won't look a stranger in the eye, let alone talk to them.

My other question is we plan to rope drop to make the most of our time, does guest services open early or do they open when the park does? We are doing our first day at Disneyland. If needed my daughter and I can go stand in line for that, and the boys can rope drop a ride she won't ride. On the busiest days of the year, I don't want all of us standing around waiting.

Thanks for all your help, it is much appreciated! I'm just trying to plan as much as I can to hopefully make it easier on all of us.

 

[tsumgirl]

Guest services is usually open before rope drop. I like to get it done at the kiosk in front of Plaza Inn during rope drop, since the line is usually shorter than City Hall. Just make sure you have everyone's tickets, so they can be added to the DAS. Also, they can't give you a return time until the park officially opens. It helps to do it as close to park open as possible, so you don't have to get in line twice. I'll sometimes let someone go ahead of me, so that I get helped as close to park open as possible.

 

[Chickinvic]

If she had a trouble with just having Thanksgiving guests, I honestly can't imagine her enjoying the Christmas crowds at DL. I know I would hate it, and I don't even have her issues. BTW, my kid (29 years old now) with severe ADHD, social anxiety, autism spectrum, etc. So I would not have tried taking them at such a crowded time.

 

[bprwatson]

If she had a trouble with just having Thanksgiving guests, I honestly can't imagine her enjoying the Christmas crowds at DL. I know I would hate it, and I don't even have her issues. BTW, my kid (29 years old now) with severe ADHD, social anxiety, autism spectrum, etc. So I would not have tried taking them at such a crowded time.

We had a lengthy discussion and left the decision to her. I think we have a good plan. The trip is already paid for and we told her we have no problem doing it another time but we are at the mercy of school breaks/Paid holidays so any time we go will be busy. We can hope she is more stable on meds by another time but that is no guarantee either. She loves Disney, especially at Christmas. Having the RV in the Toy story lot will allow her to take as many breaks as she needs.

Turns out SOME of the problem at Thanksgiving was my FIL. He has a hot temper and though he never yelled at her, she heard him laying into my sister in law (we all did) and any sort of yelling at ANYONE sets her off. She also heard him talking about "how messed up" she is and that we were doing her a disservice with therapy and putting her on meds....What a treat huh! We won't be going back there for a while.

Anyway, I do appreciate your input. Its definitely not ideal but we are just going to make the best of it and set expectations low. If you have any advice on navigating the parks with your son I'd love to hear them!

 

[evilmommie]

Turns out SOME of the problem at Thanksgiving was my FIL. He has a hot temper and though he never yelled at her, she heard him laying into my sister in law (we all did) and any sort of yelling at ANYONE sets her off. She also heard him talking about "how messed up" she is and that we were doing her a disservice with therapy and putting her on meds....What a treat huh! We won't be going back there for a while.

Oh geez. That would stress anyone out! I love that she will have her own hideaway in the Toy Story lot if things get overwhelming. Quite frankly, I'd like to have one of those for my visits this time of year. Oh! That's right mine is the Craftsman Bar. LOL

Have a fantastic time!

 

[bookgirl]

After talking with my husband and daughter we have decided to make the best of the situation and go as planned. Going another time in the year is actually a lot harder than you'd think with our work schedules. We plan to take it slow, take lots of breaks and try for a DAS. My question is, I know my daughter has to go with me to get the pass, but do they expect HER to answer the questions? She s 16 and CAN speak for herself but she won't look a stranger in the eye, let alone talk to them.

My other question is we plan to rope drop to make the most of our time, does guest services open early or do they open when the park does? We are doing our first day at Disneyland. If needed my daughter and I can go stand in line for that, and the boys can rope drop a ride she won't ride. On the busiest days of the year, I don't want all of us standing around waiting.

Thanks for all your help, it is much appreciated! I'm just trying to plan as much as I can to hopefully make it easier on all of us.

I believe they will let you answer for her, but just as a 'safe' enpowerment' moment, would she be willing to write a note explaining to the cast member who she is and that she is asking for help. It doesn't have to be more than a few lines but it may give her a sense of ownership in her ability to manager her needs.

 

[Karin1984]

After talking with my husband and daughter we have decided to make the best of the situation and go as planned. Going another time in the year is actually a lot harder than you'd think with our work schedules. We plan to take it slow, take lots of breaks and try for a DAS. My question is, I know my daughter has to go with me to get the pass, but do they expect HER to answer the questions? She s 16 and CAN speak for herself but she won't look a stranger in the eye, let alone talk to them.

There is still some time, is she up for practise? Like go together to a restaurant (during a slow time of day) and have her order. Ask for something in a store. Small things to help talking to strangers.

And I would say practise the kind of questions she will get. Go through the questions, possible answers. For some preparation helps.

Something that came to me. I once had a job that involved going to our office abroad. One of my colleagues always tried to get out of these trips. Not just because it involved flying, which made her anxious. What made her anxious even more was not knowing her way in the office abroad. It truly was like a maze and that she 'couldn't escape quickly in case she needed'. Once I knew that, I could help her. When we walked to and through the office, I pointed out the easiest route, helped her memorize the route, if she took a wrong turn, then there would be a door or elevator nearby, etc.

Would it help to memorize the way out of the park or out of a ride if she also feels a need to escape. Memorize the lengths of rides. That if she gets anxious during a ride, that she knows how long it takes before she can get out.

 

[bprwatson]

There is still some time, is she up for practise? Like go together to a restaurant (during a slow time of day) and have her order. Ask for something in a store. Small things to help talking to strangers.

And I would say practise the kind of questions she will get. Go through the questions, possible answers. For some preparation helps.

Something that came to me. I once had a job that involved going to our office abroad. One of my colleagues always tried to get out of these trips. Not just because it involved flying, which made her anxious. What made her anxious even more was not knowing her way in the office abroad. It truly was like a maze and that she 'couldn't escape quickly in case she needed'. Once I knew that, I could help her. When we walked to and through the office, I pointed out the easiest route, helped her memorize the route, if she took a wrong turn, then there would be a door or elevator nearby, etc.

Would it help to memorize the way out of the park or out of a ride if she also feels a need to escape. Memorize the lengths of rides. That if she gets anxious during a ride, that she knows how long it takes before she can get out.

I try and make her order for herself every where we go. She would rather not eat than have to talk to a stranger. She has had the same Doctor her entire life. It is still like pulling teeth to get her to talk at her appointments!

I like your escape route idea! Getting out of line is going to be one of my reasons for needing the DAS. I anticipate there may be several occasions she cant deal and we will need to leave the line. That also stresses her out though because she HATES people looking at her...sigh...the more I talk to more "we will make it work" seems like crazy talk.

Its also entirely possible she will be doing well on her new meds by then. I just never know where she is going to be at from day to day. Ultimately if the day before we go, she changes her mind and decides she cant handle it, we won't go. Trying to prepare for all scenarios and I appreciate all the input!