WDW -Disability Access Service (DAS) - ARCHIVED THREAD; no longer vslid

[SueM in MN]

See post one of this thread for more information.

For WDW the answer is -
if the character greeting has Fastpass - yes
If the character greeting does not have Fastpass, but is in an indoor permanent location, they won't give a return time but may be able to accommodate in other ways (waiting to the side)
For out door meet and greets - no

 

[Rowanonfire]

With the repeat rides thing, I think it's limited to a only a few rides at most and it is not offered unless it is specifically mention in regard to the persons needs.

If anyone reading this has been issued a DAS for mobility issues not met by a wheelchair, I would love to hear from you to reassure me in my case haha.

 

[Sunnywho]

My dd was unable to get one at Epcot yesterday due to CMs that insisted they were only for autistic children. I did the talking for her at the MK this am and got it with no problems.

I have preferred to ask for a GAC at MK which is usually our first stop anyways. But on our planned trip we'll be at AK on our first day. Your experience of a different reception at Epcot than at MK is concerning. I wonder if anyone can report in with how getting a DAS went at AK. At the guest services inside the park at AK, are the CMs behind glass like they are outside the park? I have a harder time talking through glass instead of face-to-face. It seems likely that at AK the CMs will have less experience with issuing DAS cards. All this change is stressful.

 

[ArielRae]

I have preferred to ask for a GAC at MK which is usually our first stop anyways. But on our planned trip we'll be at AK on our first day. Your experience of a different reception at Epcot than at MK is concerning. I wonder if anyone can report in with how getting a DAS went at AK. At the guest services inside the park at AK, are the CMs behind glass like they are outside the park? I have a harder time talking through glass instead of face-to-face. It seems likely that at AK the CMs will have less experience with issuing DAS cards. All this change is stressful.

AK guest services inside the park is just like MK and HS there is no glass to talk thru just a desk but they will walk around it to talk to you. once you enter the park they are on your left. That is where we got DS's GAC in Febuary.

 

[Granny square]

Um, okay. All I said was I was sad for her. Also, hers is not the only report of people being disappointed with the new DAS. LOTS of negative stories all over the internet today, especially in the case of families with Autism. As I said, this will completely change the way we do Disney, or attempt to now do Disney. We had previously thought of purchasing DVC, but I doubt we will do that now. I'm sure we will still visit Disney, but probably not as frequently as we have done in the past. Anway, does anyone have any actual insight into any of my original questions about how DAS will pertain to my family?

Complainers are always more vocal than those who find a system works. Frankly the autistic community is being catered to like no other.

 

[ArielRae]

We have gotten at GAC at AK a number of times and I always went through an outside que/line and spoke to someone behind glass. This was at the Guest Services on the right hand side right after you go through the ticket turnstyles. Is there another guest relations inside of the park?

Yes there are guest services both inside and outside of the parks. Once you use your park ticket to enter AK you will find it to your left next to the restrooms and locker rental.

I also pulled out my map from February for AK and don't see a guest services on the right hand side. Are you confusing it maybe with anouther park? Epcot and MK both have guest services on the right side before you officially enter the parks.

 

[OurBigTrip]

This is not going to be popular here- but if this is true-Disney is opening the door to several issues.

This is not equal this is "better" access since to my knowledge no one else is able to have this level of service. I am sure those who have a hard time transferring would welcome a chance to ride back to back. As would those with other disabilities. I am sure there are those in the non-disabled world that would love a chance to ride back to back. To my knowledge that is not offered.

Additionally, once this it "found out" it will be abused. If Disney wants to offer this higher level of service-they should be asking for proof (same as any other agency).

Yep. If Disney is serious about encouraging this, then they really have no reason to change from the GAC to the PAS.

 

[OurBigTrip]

They don't mean riding over and over again and not getting off. It just means you can repeat the same ride more than once. Lots of Autistic children perseverate and have a compulsion to repeat things. I don't see how this is better access. Anyone can repeat ride. This just eliminates all the back and forth to get a return time stamp over and over for the same ride.

And sorry, but I don't consider our family "advantaged" because we have to ride the same five rides all week long. Hardly.

No one without a DAS can ride attractions with long wait times as many times as they want with little to no wait.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

we all have choices in our lives. In this situation one of many choices is who you go on and with what outlook you go into a change. As been said before; it's different. Different does not equal, nor does it even better, just different. Going on this persons sentiment? I dare state it is not factual or even close to it. Heck, don't take my word for it. Take the many reports we've just seen on here already of parents that are here right now with their kids on the ***. Could not be more different an experience as what you are basing your fears on now. One parent, not even having tried a system, versus many having tried it and finding it's working for them. Odds are very good that this one person is not the one to base your expectations on. To say the least.

Yes, Disney has changed things. They have more focus on not just talking the talk, but walking the walk. Both in the positive sense of the word (as in wanting to be accessible to all where possible and realistic) but also in the "negative" (as in sorting out the clutter that got in the way with the old system). Yes there is a learning curb. And even with that most are positive. Already, not even 48 hours into a new system. Think about how that could work out once your trip comes along. Think about the results of Disney being more strict in a way with how the accomodate which needs. That will have a positive effect also, whether it being from reducing anyone that does not need to use said accomodating (even if it is just one individual, demand and supply and all.......) or it being a better predictability of actual wait times elsewhere or in line once all systems are integrated and digitalized. That will improve accomodating.

You have a HUGE bonus! You are with multiple adults. You can hit a park, do the GR visit you have become used to. Dd can than do something she loves, whether icecream, shopping, whatever and can be safe with one or more adults. If DAS is an accomodation that is found valid, one of the other adults can run to her favorite ride, get a return time. WITHOUT her being there. She can do all she loves and likes besides that specific ride that have no or less wait or are planable like show times that are set in advance. Once her time comes up; surprise hun, we're going to your favorite ride now!

Sometimes it can get difficult, but remember; any situation feels so much worse when looking at it through negative perspective. From a positive perspective it does not magically make all problems disappear, but it does make the sentiments we have about it easier on us. Use that knowledge in your favor with this. Give the new system a chance and give your family the best start for the best possible experience.

Dad? He's his worst own enemy. Having others deal with his own issues is not helping him. It might look like it, might be helpfull short term but long term he's learning to not deal with his deamons. Just as with raising a kid. If they don't want to it dinner, short term you can get them to eat cookies and have them go to bed with a full tummy. Unfortunately it also teaches them dinner is not important and the long term battle of educating kids why veggies etc are also important pays off (even if it can take years with veggies and some kids ). Same with dad. It's not Disney, not you, nobody but HE himself cheating himself out of the best possible experience by being so stubborn as to not use a mobility aid when needed.

I know it can be torture for a loved one when that happens. But you know, long term you are the biggest help and support by not "indulging" in him being his own worst enemy. Honestly. It's very tough love, but it's the biggest gift loved ones can give. Tough honesty when it really gets difficult. It's his right to decide not to want to use an aid, but it's also his consequence to deal with and not yours (or disneys) to then "make better". Horrible to watch as a loved one, but he needs to go through that struggle in order to one day be able to look himself in the eye and realise he was a fool for not using that aid instead of thinking he was a fool/weak whatever for "giving" in.

WDW still can and does make expections on the max. 6 people. Having said that, there also are some changes to that compared to the GAC. We can all predict they wont split up a family with 5 or 6 young kids for instance, common sense. How they'll treat bigger parties with the "above" being adults? Can't help you out there. Use fastpass+ to your advantage there. Will be a big help for DD already, so great tool. Even now in the trial phase it is pretty predictable when people are invited to try out. Certain resorts, having tickets prepurchaged and attached to reservation. Once it is fully implemented it will be even easier with no need to keep the limitations of the trial in mind with choices of resort and tickets.

Combine the fastpass+ to shows that have set times. Set times are predictable and thus great for DD but also for the group size as you can stay together while entering. Sitting together isn't an issue either if DD needs no special seating and dad can transfer onto a regular seat. Just make sure you don't wait until last minute to arrive to get 8 seats together. If special seating is needed and they do need to split up; arrive early. This way odds are good those that are splitted off can sit right behind, in front of or behind of that section and thus more or less still sitting together but perhaps not all 8 next to eachother but in 2 rows of 4 behind eachother.

Planning does SO unbelievably much. I can only sit for 30 minutes, 3 times a day (powerchair user). Then there are other issues that result in a standard line (and certain show set ups etc. etc. ) not being safe which limit much more than just the sitting. Whether old or new system, I can ride. No 100% guarantee, but nobody can give that. Esp. not when needing the accessible vehicle like I do. But WDW does an exceptional job in accomodating me within a very very limited range of "motion" they have to work with in my case. And no, no FOTL.

The system is changed, different. However that definately does not mean worse, less or negative. The ultimate base still is being accessible for any and all within possibility and reason. It can be done and yes be a positive experience.

 

[Disneylvr]

This is day 2 of the DAS and we don't know that yet. It may seem that way now during an uncrowded time of year but what about holidays, spring break, summer and other times of the year when the FP line is 30 minutes long and those families with DAS have to wait the Standby line time (minus 10 minutes) plus the FP line time. That doesn't sound like being catered too to me. Plus other disabilities are getting the DAS, not just autism. You state need at GR not diagnosis.

I am worried for my DD because the only time we can visit WDW is during the busy times of year. Will the DAS be helpful for her, I am waiting to more reports. She has autism but doesn't have the need to loop rides over and over again.

 

[Twinprincesses]

This system has in play for what 2 days now? There will be positives and negatives about it. Probably more negatives being posted from the beginning. People are just not going to give it an opportunity to work. All I see is people talking about how they will never travel to Disney again, or not purchase DVC. It is almost like scare tactics will make Disney bring back the old way.

Give it a chance, especially if you have not tried it yet.

 

[clanmcculloch]

They don't mean riding over and over again and not getting off. It just means you can repeat the same ride more than once. Lots of Autistic children perseverate and have a compulsion to repeat things. I don't see how this is better access. Anyone can repeat ride. This just eliminates all the back and forth to get a return time stamp over and over for the same ride.

And sorry, but I don't consider our family "advantaged" because we have to ride the same five rides all week long. Hardly.

My understanding is that you can get a RT for the same ride again once you get off the ride. The RT will have a return time of the current wait time minus 10 minutes. This makes riding over and over a similar type of experience for an autistic child as it is for any other guest except that the family of the autistic child can go get snacks, use the bathroom, go shopping, play on a nearby playground, jump up and down, or anything else he wants/needs to do during that time while other guests would have to stand in the regular queue. So, the DAS DOES allow for riding the same ride multiple times. At least that's the way I understand it to work.

I'm not sure what back and forth you're referring to. Attraction entrances aren't that far from exits and you just go to a CM at the entrance. It would be nice if CMs at exits could also fill out DAS card RTs as I think that would be helpful for some autistic kids who have trouble understanding going back to the entrance but then walking away for a little while (this would be good for parties who don't have somebody who can walk over on their own such as a single parent).

 

[Granny square]

This is day 2 of the DAS and we don't know that yet. It may seem that way now during an uncrowded time of year but what about holidays, spring break, summer and other times of the year when the FP line is 30 minutes long and those families with DAS have to wait the Standby line time (minus 10 minutes) plus the FP line time......I am worried for my DD because the only time we can visit WDW is during the busy times of year. Will the DAS be helpful for her, I am waiting to more reports. She has autism but doesn't have the need to loop rides over and over again.

I wrote in a hurry. I was merely thinking about how they seem more concerned with the autism diagnosis than the needs. An OCD child might have the same behaviors if not allowed to reride or ride quickly but since that group isn't as vocal they aren't being considered as important. I think all people with significant needs need to be treated equally.

 

[babyberger]

I have bit my tongue with some of the responses here and glad that the whole thread has not spun out of control and had to be closed by the mods.

As a parent of an autistic child I was not happy to hear about the changes to the GAC program. My son has come to know what to expect with our Disney trips and change is alway difficult. However, we have been talking about the changes for a couple weeks and explained that things won't be same. I have assured him that I will do my best to make the system work for us. We have AP's and MagicBands so we will utilize FP+ In conjunction with the new DAS and hope for the best.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Disneylvr]

I wrote in a hurry. I was merely thinking about how they seem more concerned with the autism diagnosis than the needs. An OCD child might have the same behaviors if not allowed to reride or ride quickly but since that group isn't as vocal they aren't being considered as important. I think all people with significant needs need to be treated equally.

Agreed. Autism is a very common disorder, I believe it 1 in 88 now days. It is a spectrum disorder so the symptoms and severity vary greatly between those that are diagnosed. My daughter has severe classic autism, however she does not have the need to loop rides but she cannot wait in crowded, noisy lines for long periods of time. She is on a new medication and has also become sensitive to heat so I will have to think about that for future trips as well. Each person is an individual and will need different accommodations for a successful vacation. I think Disney is trying their best to make this happen but it will take awhile to iron out all the kinks with this new DAS. Parents, including myself, are scared. And some are in panic mode.

 

[Wishes Count]

I have preferred to ask for a GAC at MK which is usually our first stop anyways. But on our planned trip we'll be at AK on our first day. Your experience of a different reception at Epcot than at MK is concerning. I wonder if anyone can report in with how getting a DAS went at AK. At the guest services inside the park at AK, are the CMs behind glass like they are outside the park? I have a harder time talking through glass instead of face-to-face. It seems likely that at AK the CMs will have less experience with issuing DAS cards. All this change is stressful.

I work GR at AK and I can tell you we have just as much experience issuing The cards as anywhere else. The lobby location has a counter like any other indoor location. Only the windows is there a glass barrier.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[buzzCMlightyear]

I wrote in a hurry. I was merely thinking about how they seem more concerned with the autism diagnosis than the needs. An OCD child might have the same behaviors if not allowed to reride or ride quickly but since that group isn't as vocal they aren't being considered as important. I think all people with significant needs need to be treated equally.

Disney has never said that children with autism are the main focus here. All you have to do is talk to the GR CMs about your needs and they will assist you when applicable.

 

[Granny square]

I work GR at AK and I can tell you we have just as much experience issuing The cards as anywhere else. The lobby location has a counter like any other indoor location. Only the windows is there a glass barrier. Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

kind of you to jump in.

 

[Rowanonfire]

Disney has never said that children with autism are the main focus here. All you have to do is talk to the GR CMs about your needs and they will assist you when applicable.

The comment was in relation to the fact that CM's have been asking specifically if a child has Autism when issuing accommodations.

 

[Granny square]

Agreed. Autism is a very common disorder, I believe it 1 in 88 now days. It is a spectrum disorder so the symptoms and severity vary greatly between those that are diagnosed. My daughter has severe classic autism, however she does not have the need to loop rides but she cannot wait in crowded, noisy lines for long periods of time. She is on a new medication and has also become sensitive to heat so I will have to think about that for future trips as well. Each person is an individual and will need different accommodations for a successful vacation. I think Disney is trying their best to make this happen but it will take awhile to iron out all the kinks with this new DAS. Parents, including myself, are scared. And some are in panic mode.

Sorry about the additional med issue:/.