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

[IndianaPrincess]

Are we going to have one of these threads for Disneyland? I have a post all written but I know this one is suppose to be about WDW. Thanks!

 

[Talking Hands]

That's not good from my experience. CM see the wheelchair and just assume that is the only accommodation needed.

 

[SueM in MN]

Are we going to have one of these threads for Disneyland? I have a post all written but I know this one is suppose to be about WDW. Thanks!

Yes.
Most of it will be the same as this one, but I wanted to make 2 threads because DL is so much different than DL

That's not good from my experience. CM see the wheelchair and just assume that is the only accommodation needed.

I guess you will have to wait and see. CMs are being trained on the general DAS program and also about how to accommodate guests at their attractions.

Since vision and hearing accommodations are listed as "attraction based accommodations, they should be more aware.

 

[IndianaPrincess]

Yes.
Most of it will be the same as this one, but I wanted to make 2 threads because DL is so much different than DL

Okay, thanks. I'll hold my post for a bit then!

 

[circus4u]

My question is in regard to the return time. Is there any information on how long the window for return will be? For example, will we need to be there within 10 minutes of the return time or we lose our spot, or will we be given more flexibility, maybe up to an hour?

I thought I read, from a CM who had been in training on the new system, that there was no time limit for return time. The only thing was that a new attraction could not be added until the other attraction had been used/crossed out.

 

[alizesmom]

My confusion is whether someone in a wheelchair will be issued a card or will it be only if other accommodations are needed?

 

[SueM in MN]

My confusion is whether someone in a wheelchair will be issued a card or will it be only if other accommodations are needed?

It will only be if other accommodation is needed. I'm not finished yet with post 1, but I put the thread up because I wanted all the questions in one thread as much as possible.

 

[CynJ]

I'm not familiar with how the GAC affected these (did you need to show a pass or was showing up on an ECV enough to get you in?) and I was wondering if access to these areas will be changing with the new program?

 

[darthtatty]

My confusion is whether someone in a wheelchair will be issued a card or will it be only if other accommodations are needed?

That's my thoughts too.

A lot of the time we generally get fastpasses, with fastpass+ hopefully this will help too.


Im also wondering if we need to use fastpasses or cards for rides that have alternate wheelchair access. eg splash mountain-when you have to go via the exit.

I look forward to your updates, youre all doing a great job of keeping us informed.

I'm pleased the system is getting updated, sometimes you can go to rides and because there is no control, there can be very long queues. It can end up that you're waiting for the ride longer using the GAC, than via the regular queue.

I'll just be glad when all the fuss dies down and we can see the system in process.

 

[SueM in MN]

I'm not familiar with how the GAC affected these (did you need to show a pass or was showing up on an ECV enough to get you in?) and I was wondering if access to these areas will be changing with the new program?

For Illuminations, guests with a visible need - for example, having an ECV, wheelchair or other mobility device were allowed in without a GAC. Those with invisible disabilities had to show a GAC.
I do not have specific information about that, but my guess is that it will remain that way for Illuminations - those with visible need will be allowed in and those without visible needs will need a DAS card.
That is just my guess, but those spots now are first come, first serve and people who can't get in can park anywhere along the World Showcase water, so it's not like they can't see it if they are not in those handicapped viewing areas.

It's possible that might change in some way - like those with visible need and DAS card or just DAS are allowed access first for a period of time, then the area is open to those with visible needs after that time.
This is one we'll have to see how it works out.

That's my thoughts too.

A lot of the time we generally get fastpasses, with fastpass+ hopefully this will help too.


Im also wondering if we need to use fastpasses or cards for rides that have alternate wheelchair access. eg splash mountain-when you have to go via the exit.

I look forward to your updates, youre all doing a great job of keeping us informed.

I'm pleased the system is getting updated, sometimes you can go to rides and because there is no control, there can be very long queues. It can end up that you're waiting for the ride longer using the GAC, than via the regular queue.

I'll just be glad when all the fuss dies down and we can see the system in process.

I haven't got the part about wheelchair access in post one yet, but here is the information. The park maps for guests with disabilities list the mobility entrances for each attraction. Guests with a visible need who don't have a DAS would use whatever is listed for the 'mobility entrance' for that attraction.

Mobility Access: obtain a FAsTPAss® oR use stand-By queue. If FAsTPAss® is not available, enter through standard queue.

Some are totally Mainstream, which means the entire queue is accessible. Some are mostly Mainstream (which actually includesSplash Mountain) and are listed on the map as Mainstream.

For those that are listed as not bring Mainstream access, those without DAS will speak to an attraction host CM and get a Return Ticket ( not the same as DAS card holders will get because a person can have more than one if those tickets).

That's the short version and I will add to post 1 tonight

 

[TreeSapp]

I have two questions that someone will probably be able to help with once they've got the DAS fully rolled out.

1) What is The exact size of the DAS (I want to make my in-laws a duct tape wallet with Mickey tape specifically to hold KTTW, tickets, fastpasses & FILs DAS card. That way no one has to pull all their stuff out of separate places if one of us wants to grab a set of passes or whatnot. And less chance for $$ or credit cards to fall out of real wallets. Anyhow. I want to know how big of a pocket to allow for the card, but not too big so it slides out.

2) I'm guessing DAS probably won't be issued at the water parks? I was hoping to get in-laws checked in at the water park the night we arrive at the hotel (since they'll have 3-day resident vouchers that will require ID verification). But now I'm thinking I'd be too lucky to be able to pick up his DAS at the same time. I'd love not to have to haul everyone out of bed extra early to still make rope-drop. FIL is also immune-compromised and I'd love to have him in (and possibly out of) the park before the crowds pick way up - just for his own peace of mind.

Anyone who goes after rollout (or CMs involved in the system?), I'd be thrilled to know what your experience with these two points. If this thread starts getting super-long - answer here (of course) but PM me too so i don't miss it? Thank you

 

[skram79]

If I have a DAS, will I still be able to get FastPasses with park ticket? I am wondering if they tie your park ticket info into the DAS.

 

[disney david]

If I have a DAS, will I still be able to get FastPasses with park ticket? I am wondering if they tie your park ticket info into the DAS.

Yes that won't change for now until fast pass plus takes full effect then you get to make fat pass plus reservations.

 

[lanejudy]

I have two questions that someone will probably be able to help with once they've got the DAS fully rolled out.

1) What is The exact size of the DAS (I want to make my in-laws a duct tape wallet with Mickey tape specifically to hold KTTW, tickets, fastpasses & FILs DAS card. That way no one has to pull all their stuff out of separate places if one of us wants to grab a set of passes or whatnot. And less chance for $$ or credit cards to fall out of real wallets. Anyhow. I want to know how big of a pocket to allow for the card, but not too big so it slides out.

2) I'm guessing DAS probably won't be issued at the water parks? I was hoping to get in-laws checked in at the water park the night we arrive at the hotel (since they'll have 3-day resident vouchers that will require ID verification). But now I'm thinking I'd be too lucky to be able to pick up his DAS at the same time. I'd love not to have to haul everyone out of bed extra early to still make rope-drop. FIL is also immune-compromised and I'd love to have him in (and possibly out of) the park before the crowds pick way up - just for his own peace of mind.

Anyone who goes after rollout (or CMs involved in the system?), I'd be thrilled to know what your experience with these two points. If this thread starts getting super-long - answer here (of course) but PM me too so i don't miss it? Thank you

Post #1 seems to answer your questions:

1) DAS card will be slightly larger than the GAC card, which was 3.5 inches by 5 inches.
It will need to come in and out of the pouch, though, for the return times to be noted on the back.

2) issued at Guest Relations at Theme Parks (see below for locations)
- DAS card is only used at Theme Park attractions; not used at Water Parks, buses, restaurants or parking
Since the previous GAC system was not available at Water Parks, and the new DAS does not appear to be valid at Water Parks, it would be logical to assume it can only be obtained at a major theme park

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[SueM in MN]

If I have a DAS, will I still be able to get FastPasses with park ticket? I am wondering if they tie your park ticket info into the DAS.

You will still be able to use Fastpass with the DAS.
As was already mentioned, right now at WDW, Fastpass is operating.

They are testing Fastpass Plus and when it is complete, it will replace the original Fastpass. A DAS holder will be able to choose to use DAS, to use Fastpass or just wait in the regular line if that works for you.

Eventually, when Fastpass Plus and RFID is completely rolled out, they might link DAS to the park ticket. It's probably a long way in the future though.

 

[TreeSapp]

Post #1 seems to answer your questions:

1) DAS card will be slightly larger than the GAC card, which was 3.5 inches by 5 inches.
It will need to come in and out of the pouch, though, for the return times to be noted on the back.

I wasn't sure what slightly meant. 1/8in, 1/4in, half? But I guess it probably not too major.

2) issued at Guest Relations at Theme Parks (see below for locations)
- DAS card is only used at Theme Park attractions; not used at Water Parks, buses, restaurants or parking
Since the previous GAC system was not available at Water Parks, and the new DAS does not appear to be valid at Water Parks, it would be logical to assume it can only be obtained at a major theme park

Enjoy your vacation!

Well I feel like a dork - I completely missed that - sorry!

 

[Kay1]

If local AP holders need to be photographed every day, then let's hope Disney sets up a third Guest Relations in the rear of each park. That should ease up the lines that will certainly develop (I remember when USF/IOA had photos on APs), and allow all guests to participate in RD.

 

[stitchlovestink]

For Illuminations, guests with a visible need - for example, having an ECV, wheelchair or other mobility device were allowed in without a GAC. Those with invisible disabilities had to show a GAC.
I do not have specific information about that, but my guess is that it will remain that way for Illuminations - those with visible need will be allowed in and those without visible needs will need a DAS card.
That is just my guess, but those spots now are first come, first serve and people who can't get in can park anywhere along the World Showcase water, so it's not like they can't see it if they are not in those handicapped viewing areas.

It's possible that might change in some way - like those with visible need and DAS card or just DAS are allowed access first for a period of time, then the area is open to those with visible needs after that time.
This is one we'll have to see how it works out.

I haven't got the part about wheelchair access in post one yet, but here is the information. The park maps for guests with disabilities list the mobility entrances for each attraction. Guests with a visible need who don't have a DAS would use whatever is listed for the 'mobility entrance' for that attraction.

Some are totally Mainstream, which means the entire queue is accessible. Some are mostly Mainstream (which actually includesSplash Mountain) and are listed on the map as Mainstream.

For those that are listed as not bring Mainstream access, those without DAS will speak to an attraction host CM and get a Return Ticket ( not the same as DAS card holders will get because a person can have more than one if those tickets).

That's the short version and I will add to post 1 tonight

Bolding is mine....
Interesting!!! Because the story I am hearing from the CMs that went to training was that you could still only have ONE of those! These cards would be for people with stroller as wheelchairs, ecv users, and wheelchairs. And it wouldn't be fair to let them collect a bunch while a DAS user can only have one assigned pending ride time. Which if you think about it makes perfect sense.

 

[lanejudy]

I wasn't sure what slightly meant. 1/8in, 1/4in, half? But I guess it probably not too major.

You're right, they haven't given specifics but that does give you an idea. If you have enough time to wait for reports to start coming in next week, I'm sure someone can give exact dimensions. I guess I'm thinking maybe 4x6? Just a guess.

 

[TreeSapp]

You're right, they haven't given specifics but that does give you an idea. If you have enough time to wait for reports to start coming in next week, I'm sure someone can give exact dimensions. I guess I'm thinking maybe 4x6? Just a guess.

Yeah. I'm hoping someone does come back in the next week or two with the info. If nothing else, I'll be going to Apopka to see a friend the weekend of the 20th and might make the 45min trip down to the gate to play Q&A with some poor CM