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

[2tinkerbell]

Edited above to shorten my response

Another hint I would give is this:

If you are going to experience a show or parade, get a DAS filled out for an attraction you want to experience right after, so by the time that show/parade is done, you don't have to wait any longer, and your child doesn't have to feel like they are being turned away!

Great suggestion! Thanks so much for that tip. I knew if I put my current thinking out, I would get ideas for better planning.

 

[buzzCMlightyear]

Great suggestion! Thanks so much for that tip. I knew if I put my current thinking out, I would get ideas for better planning.

You're welcome! Us CMs are very knowledgeable with hints, especially with this new DAS system since we are the ones who have learned the ins and outs of it for weeks now.

 

[darthtatty]

I'll start this off by saying that your family does not need (and will not receive) a DAS for this.

It is different for each attraction. The majority of attractions have standby queues that are w/c accessible, and for those that do not, you will be directed to the correct queue for that specific attraction. If you have any doubt, simply ask a CM! The transfer location will also differ for every attraction, with almost all of them being directly next to the ride vehicle if needed. Once again if you are not sure just ask!

That's one thing many disagree with, Disney assume people in wheelchairs do not need the DAS. we all know what happens when you assume.

My son has limited time in the parks due to his disability, he is in constant pain and everyday tasks take longer. eg eating a basic snack (such as a cookie & drink) takes him over 1 hour. we are told as he is in a wheelchair, he does not need a DAS.
however if he had a DAS we could get a return time, feed him and then return.
I know fastpasses exist and generally we use these but it sounds like Disney is favouring one type of disability-which is unfair.

Also may be worth checking the non wheelchair accessible info you have. I have seen a few videos and pictures, of people getting return times on cards (not DAS) for rides such as Splash Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain.

 

[buzzCMlightyear]

People with GACs using the Fastpass Line was one of the largest reasons for the change. Everyone will try to tell you its about the abuse by people selling tours and all that, but talks of the new system had been going around way before those stories came out. Disney has enacted this new system in order to allow equal access for all guests, and not give someone priority over another for any reason whatsoever.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Great suggestion! Thanks so much for that tip. I knew if I put my current thinking out, I would get ideas for better planning.

When you combine this with the FP+ (even in the trial, it seems rather predictable what to do to trigger an invite if staying on site) you should be able to plan it to such an extend you can fill hours with little to no wait.

Have DAS RT written out
See a show at set time, which you can thus plan for beforehand
after show; ride that DAS RT ride
after ride; get new DAS RT time
ride another ride with FP+
3pm show watching
ride DAS RT ride
have another DAS RT written out
another show at set time to "wait"
will be time now for some food/snack or alike
ride DAS RT ride


And see there how much you can enjoy without kiddo having any feeling of waiting, or actually really doing any waiting but instead enjoying all the park has to offer.

As long as you can still "double dip" during the FP+ trial you can even put the regular FP's in there to make sure there are even more options to basically keep kiddo entertained while "waiting".

For those kids who have a fixation with apps; use it as a positive. They can spend quite a lot of time on the WDW app looking up where caracters are located or looking up whatever mom or dad "doesn't know" or "forgot". With the FP+ an added bonus will be seeing the FP+ time and thus even higher predictability if the child can tell time. Same bonus obviously also goes for dining reservations you might have made etc; being able to see online when they'll eat at what time. If desired even being able to look up the menu with that app.

 

[HollyEpcot]

I'll start this off by saying that your family does not need (and will not receive) a DAS for this.

It is different for each attraction. The majority of attractions have standby queues that are w/c accessible, and for those that do not, you will be directed to the correct queue for that specific attraction. If you have any doubt, simply ask a CM! The transfer location will also differ for every attraction, with almost all of them being directly next to the ride vehicle if needed. Once again if you are not sure just ask!

Thank you for your reply. I guess we will just ask the CM at each ride. I was hoping to know before hand because it would make it easier for us to let the kids know ahead of time what we are doing. (I don't think they qualify for DAS either, but I find things are easier when we can let them know what is happening in advance.)

 

[buzzCMlightyear]

That's one thing many disagree with, Disney assume people in wheelchairs do not need the DAS. we all know what happens when you assume.

My son has limited time in the parks due to his disability, he is in constant pain and everyday tasks take longer. eg eating a basic snack (such as a cookie & drink) takes him over 1 hour. we are told as he is in a wheelchair, he does not need a DAS.
however if he had a DAS we could get a return time, feed him and then return.
I know fastpasses exist and generally we use these but it sounds like Disney is favouring one type of disability-which is unfair.

Also may be worth checking the non wheelchair accessible info you have. I have seen a few videos and pictures, of people getting return times on cards (not DAS) for rides such as Splash Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain.

When I said that the will not need a DAS was specific to that persons case, not every ones.

If you explain your case to the GR CMs and let them know everything that your son will need, they will make their decision off that, not the fact he utilizes a wheelchair.

The reason people think they are not issuing them to anyone utilizing a wheelchair is because they stopped giving them out to those who come up and say "I can't stand long and need a card," which a wheelchair is a option for them and not the DAS.

 

[mrzrich]

Has any one confirmed the rumor that rider switch is now an option for when our disabled party member doesn't want to ride but can't be left alone.

In the past we were told this was only for children who didn't meet the height restriction.

My DS is really freaked out by Dinosaur, but my other son likes to ride it., so either DH or I have to sit it out with our eldest.

 

[buzzCMlightyear]

Thank you for your reply. I guess we will just ask the CM at each ride. I was hoping to know before hand because it would make it easier for us to let the kids know ahead of time what we are doing. (I don't think they qualify for DAS either, but I find things are easier when we can let them know what is happening in advance.)

I'll do my best to list out some attractions I know aren't w/c accessible and will have an alternate entrance for you.

MK:
Space Mountain
Tomorrowland Speedway
Buzz Lightyear: Same queue but different loading process at the end.
Splash Mountain
Thunder Mountain
Jungle Cruise
Peter Pan
Small World? Not sure about this one.
Little Mermaid: Same queue but different loading process at the end.

DHS:
Everything is accessible to my knowledge.


Epcot:
Spaceship Earth
Nemo: Same queue but different loading process at the end.

DAK:
Everything is accessible to my knowledge.

If anyone else knows of another I can add it to my list in order to make it a complete list.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Thank you for your reply. I guess we will just ask the CM at each ride. I was hoping to know before hand because it would make it easier for us to let the kids know ahead of time what we are doing. (I don't think they qualify for DAS either, but I find things are easier when we can let them know what is happening in advance.)

I think (and can understand) this thread is making everybody a bit nervous and post any and all on here. Good thing is; there was a major change, but loads of things have stayed the same. How one boards and deboards a ride is one of them. Sue has made great stickies on top of the disABILITIES board that have any and all info one might think of about all kinds of needs. How each ride boards etc. etc. is one of those subjects covered in the sticky. Even with pics of certain loading areas, carts etc.

If you find it difficult to just read up online and would rather have such info in your hand while at WDW or even in a park; get the Passporters Open Mouse. This book is about all kinds of special needs at WDW and DCL incl. mobility issues. They also have each and every ride in there, specified per ride for all kinds of needs their specific info. Also per ride how you board etc. etc. etc. Very good book to "get your feet wet".

 

[livndisney]

Has any one confirmed the rumor that rider switch is now an option for when our disabled party member doesn't want to ride but can't be left alone.

In the past we were told this was only for children who didn't meet the height restriction.

My DS is really freaked out by Dinosaur, but my other son likes to ride it., so either DH or I have to sit it out with our eldest.

Wouldn't FP's solve this?

 

[HollyEpcot]

Hi I cant fully help but know a little information for you.

There is usually plenty of room to transfer and you usually transfer some of the rides have walkways at the end. So consider if this is a problem, some can be stopped-there is a list in the FAQ (I think)

Some mainstream queues are not accessible by wheelchairs e.g. at MK Splash Mountain, wheelchair users enter via the exit.
At these rides-you need to see the cast member at the entrance to the main queue, you will then be given a card (like a fastpass card with a return time)

Personally im wondering if you can get more than one of these at a time?
We usually do Splash & Big thunder together, so I wonder if we can get a return time for both of these at the same time as theyre the only things we do in that area.
Does anyone know?

Wheelchairs are usually waiting as you get off theride or near the exit.
The cast members are very good at putting them in the right spot and if they recognise you, they'll bring the wheelchair closer if they can.
We've been during the busy times in August and the system has run well.

Thank you for your very detailed reply! I was particularly concerned about the moving platform rides- glad to know that they can stop them for us even if we are in the mainstream line and if grandpa has already transferred out of the wheelchair. Glad to know that the wheelchairs will be at the exit, much much easier than having to go back around to the front, and also this way the kids won't get confused and think we are going on the ride again!

 

[buzzCMlightyear]

Has any one confirmed the rumor that rider switch is now an option for when our disabled party member doesn't want to ride but can't be left alone.

In the past we were told this was only for children who didn't meet the height restriction.

My DS is really freaked out by Dinosaur, but my other son likes to ride it., so either DH or I have to sit it out with our eldest.

Instead of utilizing a rider switch, most attractions will allow the non-rider to go through the line, wait at the exit, then whoever is waiting with the non-rider will then be able to go on after, plus two guests. It works just like a rider switch pass, but without the need of getting a paper ticket and walking back outside. This process only works if all guests (non-rider included) meets the attractions height requirements.

 

[darthtatty]

When I said that the will not need a DAS was specific to that persons case, not every ones.

If you explain your case to the GR CMs and let them know everything that your son will need, they will make their decision off that, not the fact he utilizes a wheelchair.

The reason people think they are not issuing them to anyone utilizing a wheelchair is because they stopped giving them out to those who come up and say "I can't stand long and need a card," which a wheelchair is a option for them and not the DAS.

Thanks for that
Just in a lot of posts and videos, people are being asked if their child has autism. wheelchair users with problems have complained at the difficulty of getting the card-some were even refused.
As our son is getting bigger and in more pain, he's going to want to be out of his chair as much as possible but is unable to walk. I can see a few visits to first aid, I know they have beds/benches in there, so he can spend some time stretched out during the day.
Like I mentioned, we tend to use fastpasses when we can. with the new fastpass+ we will be able to do more. Theres only a few rides at each park, that he can do anyway.

I understand the need for change and was always aware that it needed a fix.
It wasn't always abuse that was the problem but more the over use of it.

 

[livndisney]

I'll do my best to list out some attractions I know aren't w/c accessible and will have an alternate entrance for you.

MK:
Space Mountain
Tomorrowland Speedway
Buzz Lightyear: Same queue but different loading process at the end.
Splash Mountain
Thunder Mountain
Jungle Cruise
Peter Pan
Small World? Not sure about this one.
Little Mermaid: Same queue but different loading process at the end.

DHS:
Everything is accessible to my knowledge.


Epcot:
Spaceship Earth
Nemo: Same queue but different loading process at the end.

DAK:
Everything is accessible to my knowledge.

If anyone else knows of another I can add it to my list in order to make it a complete list.

I am pretty sure Sue has a complete/accurate list in the FAQ.

 

[HollyEpcot]

I think (and can understand) this thread is making everybody a bit nervous and post any and all on here. Good thing is; there was a major change, but loads of things have stayed the same. How one boards and deboards a ride is one of them. Sue has made great stickies on top of the disABILITIES board that have any and all info one might think of about all kinds of needs. How each ride boards etc. etc. is one of those subjects covered in the sticky. Even with pics of certain loading areas, carts etc.

If you find it difficult to just read up online and would rather have such info in your hand while at WDW or even in a park; get the Passporters Open Mouse. This book is about all kinds of special needs at WDW and DCL incl. mobility issues. They also have each and every ride in there, specified per ride for all kinds of needs their specific info. Also per ride how you board etc. etc. etc. Very good book to "get your feet wet".

Thank you!!!

 

[HollyEpcot]

I'll do my best to list out some attractions I know aren't w/c accessible and will have an alternate entrance for you.

MK:
Space Mountain
Tomorrowland Speedway
Buzz Lightyear: Same queue but different loading process at the end.
Splash Mountain
Thunder Mountain
Jungle Cruise
Peter Pan
Small World? Not sure about this one.
Little Mermaid: Same queue but different loading process at the end.

DHS:
Everything is accessible to my knowledge.


Epcot:
Spaceship Earth
Nemo: Same queue but different loading process at the end.

DAK:
Everything is accessible to my knowledge.

If anyone else knows of another I can add it to my list in order to make it a complete list.

Thank you! this is extremely helpful! We will also take a look at Sue's list and the Passporter! Thank you and the other disboards members for your help!

 

[mrzrich]

Instead of utilizing a rider switch, most attractions will allow the non-rider to go through the line, wait at the exit, then whoever is waiting with the non-rider will then be able to go on after, plus two guests. It works just like a rider switch pass, but without the need of getting a paper ticket and walking back outside. This process only works if all guests (non-rider included) meets the attractions height requirements.

No way my ASD son will go anywhere near that building. He is terrified of it.

 

[buzzCMlightyear]

No way my ASD son will go anywhere near that building. He is terrified of it.

Ok! I don't know Dinosaurs specific protocol for this, but the attraction will most likely let you utilize a rider switch. Just ask the CM!

 

[Aladora]

I think everyone is a little extra sensitive here and I know that tempers can flare up.

It's so hard, we all want to give our children the best, more awesome, most enjoyable experience of their lives and sometimes we can't. It does not matter if your child is NT, autistic, in a wheelchair, blind or whatever, we ALL want the same thing. The REAL problem comes when one person's best vacation ever interferes with someone else's and that is what can happen with things like the old GAC which was as near as made no difference, an unlimited no time restricted fast pass.

It's because of issues like that which caused Disney to re-evaluate their access for people with disabilities and change the GAC, which gave many guests preferential access into the DAS, which is supposed to give people equal access. Now, equal might not be "fair" to some but it is equal. We all now have equal access to the rides, we all have to wait out turn, some of us have to wait it in the regular stand by line and some of us will get to wait out that time in a manner that is better for our circumstances.