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

[stitchlovestink]

Until they stop testing- which they hadn't 2 weeks ago, you can get FP + and the old, regular fast passes.

Well starting this Friday, those staying at POP will be precluded from getting regular FPs as they will only be giving out MBs at the hotel. Or if you insist on a KTTW card, you will get one, BUT it will NOT work in the FP machines.
So they will be limited to the 3 FP+ w/in one park...and it is supposed to start extending to other hotels in the near future.

 

[Schmeck]

Ask for a supervisor. Under the ADA and HIPPA, you do not need to disclose ALL personal information. We carry a certified note from our doctor and that d*** well better be enough.

The doctor's note is not worth the paper it is written on. A diagnosis does not get you accommodations, nor does anything a doctor states in writing. A doctor has zero control over what goes on in a theme park, and CMs are not trained in medical jargon. The CM doesn't even have to read the letter. What you really, really, really need to be able to do is clearly state to the CM what difficulties you have with certain scenarios. If speaking to the CM is difficult (flustered, forgetful, etc) then write down the difficulties (not the diagnosis) and give that to the CM to read.

 

[KPeveler]

So we went to MK today and were told my daughter doesn't need a DAS. She's 2 and has a mitochondrial disorder (it's like having a dead car battery all the time, very little energy). We had little time in the park with her and she overheats quickly. The old GAC was great for us. Today was horrible. I told the CM that she can only stay awake a limited amount of time so waiting in 40min lines is unrealistic and that she overheats easily so we AT LEAST need a cool place to wait if we choose to do the 15min wait lines. Our daughter is non mobile & has vision issues. She functions at a 6 month level. The CM said she doesn't require a card or any additional assistance, that most the rides are shaded and if anything I can just tell a CM at the ride that we need a cool place, well, I tried that at under the sea and the CM just looked at me as if I was crazy and ushered us along.
Anyway, our day ended shortly. Any tips for trying again tomorrow?

I too have issues that make heat a real issue. Even "mild" weather can affect me. I was issued a DAS here in DL. I was very specific about what happens to me due to heat IN LINES. I cannot be in even 80 degree heat for more than about 20 minutes without bad things happening.

And I needed to tell them the bad things that would happen while physically in their lines. Not "If I overheat XXX happens and I need to go home" but describe what that effect is and that it will happen in their line.

Also does she use a stroller? Did you ask about the stroller as wheelchair tag so that you do not have to keep picking her up in lines.

 

[KPeveler]

The doctor's note is not worth the paper it is written on. A diagnosis does not get you accommodations, nor does anything a doctor states in writing. A doctor has zero control over what goes on in a theme park, and CMs are not trained in medical jargon. The CM doesn't even have to read the letter. What you really, really, really need to be able to do is clearly state to the CM what difficulties you have with certain scenarios. If speaking to the CM is difficult (flustered, forgetful, etc) then write down the difficulties (not the diagnosis) and give that to the CM to read.

I second the part about writing things down yourself. I wrote down a note to give to the CM the first time I got a GAC because I was so afraid to talk to them. I still use it when I need to.

 

[shellypaige]

The Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities has a list of 'quieter break' areas. Here is a link to the guidebook. https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/media/wdpro-assets/help/guest-services/cognitive-disabilities-services/wdw_cognitive_guide.pdf Post 26 on page 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread has a list of attractions that are good places to cool off. Many of them are not that busy, so have shorter waits.

Great! That's perfect

 

[shellypaige]

I too have issues that make heat a real issue. Even "mild" weather can affect me. I was issued a DAS here in DL. I was very specific about what happens to me due to heat IN LINES. I cannot be in even 80 degree heat for more than about 20 minutes without bad things happening. And I needed to tell them the bad things that would happen while physically in their lines. Not "If I overheat XXX happens and I need to go home" but describe what that effect is and that it will happen in their line. Also does she use a stroller? Did you ask about the stroller as wheelchair tag so that you do not have to keep picking her up in lines.

Thanks! I'll do that today about the overheating. I asked for the stroller tag and she said because of her age I can carry her. I went back an hour later and got a stroller tag from another CM.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks! I'll do that today about the overheating. I asked for the stroller tag and she said because of her age I can carry her. I went back an hour later and got a stroller tag from another CM.

Many of her needs are going to be the same as any other small child of her age.

What you need to be able to explain to CMs are what additional needs she has while in lines that are different or more than other toddlers.

 

[SueM in MN]

Well starting this Friday, those staying at POP will be precluded from getting regular FPs as they will only be giving out MBs at the hotel. Or if you insist on a KTTW card, you will get one, BUT it will NOT work in the FP machines.
So they will be limited to the 3 FP+ w/in one park...and it is supposed to start extending to other hotels in the near future.

We just got back from WDW and only used the 3 Fastpass Plus that the Magicbands allowed us to schedule.

We used a DAS also, and used it in conjunction with FP Plus. We scheduled our FP Plus times and then worked around those times using DAS Return Times and
attractions with shorter waits in the Standby lines.

We were very strategic in looking at what the length of the Standby lines was for different attractions and did use the My Disney Experience on our phones for seeing what nearby we could go on with short waits.

Even though the Fastpass Plus can only be scheduled ahead in one park, if someone park hops, they can still use the DAS in the next park to get Return a Times and can still make use of the app to look at Standby wait times.

 

[SueM in MN]

I would not count on that. We are on our 3rd renewal of the DAS card and I got it renewed at AK on Sunday and was more than a bit put off that the CM there was asking me to declare why we needed the card and then in a very odd whisper asked if my DD needed it for social issues. It was rude and I was very annoyed and we already went through the process to justify her need and was told we wouldn't have to go through it again. The CM said that they were told they needed to verify why you were getting the card but it really makes me uncomfortable and I wasn't prepared to discuss her needs especially since we were running late for a FP+ time and I was expecting them to be able to simply renew the pass without another discussion.

I won't renew it again at AK but if this is the new process I will have to put her needs in writing and just carry it with me.

This is just a guess, but my guess is that the additional scrutiny had little to do with where you were and more to do with the number of times the DAS is being renewed/filled up in the 30+ days since the new DAS rolled out.

I would not be surprised to find out they are doing extra questioning of people filling up all 36 Return Time slots on the card or getting it renewed more than the average.
So, I would expect extra questioning if needing to renew or replace it often.

 

[lovethattink]

This is just a guess, but my guess is that the additional scrutiny had little to do with where you were and more to do with the number of times the DAS is being renewed/filled up in the 30+ days since the new DAS rolled out.

I would not be surprised to find out they are doing extra questioning of people filling up all 36 Return Time slots on the card or getting it renewed more than the average.
So, I would expect extra questioning if needing to renew or replace it often.

That is an interesting point and may have been why nobody said anything when renewing ds'.

In the first 2 week period, he had a total of 3 attractions listed on his DAS, 2 crossed out and one not.

The 2nd 2 weeks period, he had a total of 4 attractions on his DAS. Actually it was a 3 week period because I didn't look at the expiration date and nobody else noticed it was out of date until I looked on Sunday.

His 3rd and current one for this two week period has a total of 2 attractions listed on it from Monday.

I can't imagine being able to fill up a whole paper. Is that even possible in the 2 weeks?

 

[CaraMiaBelle]

That is an interesting point and may have been why nobody said anything when renewing ds'.

In the first 2 week period, he had a total of 3 attractions listed on his DAS, 2 crossed out and one not.

The 2nd 2 weeks period, he had a total of 4 attractions on his DAS. Actually it was a 3 week period because I didn't look at the expiration date and nobody else noticed it was out of date until I looked on Sunday.

His 3rd and current one for this two week period has a total of 2 attractions listed on it from Monday.

I can't imagine being able to fill up a whole paper. Is that even possible in the 2 weeks?

I've seen quite a few online that have posted their daily DAS rides and let's just say they somehow seem to fit in quite a few, plus used FP+, plus getting "extras". I can't imagine using more than 5 on the DAS myself.

 

[aaarcher86]

That is an interesting point and may have been why nobody said anything when renewing ds'. In the first 2 week period, he had a total of 3 attractions listed on his DAS, 2 crossed out and one not. The 2nd 2 weeks period, he had a total of 4 attractions on his DAS. Actually it was a 3 week period because I didn't look at the expiration date and nobody else noticed it was out of date until I looked on Sunday. His 3rd and current one for this two week period has a total of 2 attractions listed on it from Monday. I can't imagine being able to fill up a whole paper. Is that even possible in the 2 weeks?

Honestly, I'd question it too. I had heard from a CM that they were catching people writing in their own times to avoid waits and going to kiosks, so I can see where they'd be looking at this and wondering how it was possible. They're tracking this stuff for a reason and soon the codes will be enabled to help further track use age.

(Not accusing that poster of doing this)

 

[IndianaPrincess]

Oh great. Just what we need. Another layer of suspicion.

 

[Erin1700]

I just called WDW and asked to speak with someone in the Guests with disabilities department. We go 12/3 to 12/10. I had questions about my DS and also some pertaining to my DD which only now come into light if they stop FP- at Boardwalk while we are there.
Anyway, the lady starts telling me I need documented papers from a doctor! (I never even mentioned what their disabilities were). I told her she is completely wrong and that they CAN NOT ask me for papers from a doctor.
Honestly, I always have them with me anyway esp since we fly to WDW.
This trip is going to be a nightmare I am afraid!!!

Do they not realize that sometimes children have medical needs that can throw off their entire schedule?? I can not plan my vacation down to the minute using a magic band!!!

 

[1girln3boys]

Until they stop testing- which they hadn't 2 weeks ago, you can get FP + and the old, regular fast passes.

I hope that's true in Dec then I won't need the DAS

 

[1girln3boys]

We just got back from WDW and only used the 3 Fastpass Plus that the Magicbands allowed us to schedule. We used a DAS also, and used it in conjunction with FP Plus. We scheduled our FP Plus times and then worked around those times using DAS Return Times and attractions with shorter waits in the Standby lines. We were very strategic in looking at what the length of the Standby lines was for different attractions and did use the My Disney Experience on our phones for seeing what nearby we could go on with short waits. Even though the Fastpass Plus can only be scheduled ahead in one park, if someone park hops, they can still use the DAS in the next park to get Return a Times and can still make use of the app to look at Standby wait times.

This is exactly what I would like to do if I can't pull paper FBs

 

[aaarcher86]

Oh great. Just what we need. Another layer of suspicion.

I don't think it's anything to really worry about. But if someone fills out a very large amount of rides in a small period of time I could see it making a CM take a second look knowing that there has been a problem. A few additional questions when renewing the DAS for the third or fourth time isn't going to happen to many people.

 

[lovethattink]

I just called WDW and asked to speak with someone in the Guests with disabilities department. We go 12/3 to 12/10. I had questions about my DS and also some pertaining to my DD which only now come into light if they stop FP- at Boardwalk while we are there.
Anyway, the lady starts telling me I need documented papers from a doctor! (I never even mentioned what their disabilities were). I told her she is completely wrong and that they CAN NOT ask me for papers from a doctor.
Honestly, I always have them with me anyway esp since we fly to WDW.
This trip is going to be a nightmare I am afraid!!!

Do they not realize that sometimes children have medical needs that can throw off their entire schedule?? I can not plan my vacation down to the minute using a magic band!!!

Sounds like you did not speak to someone in disabilities or someone who is new or temporary.

Try this number (407) 560-2547

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't think it's anything to really worry about. But if someone fills out a very large amount of rides in a small period of time I could see it making a CM take a second look knowing that there has been a problem. A few additional questions when renewing the DAS for the third or fourth time isn't going to happen to many people.

And, it may not be suspicion. It could be trying to figure out why there are outliers (those that are not fitting into the expectation).

That is part of looking at any process change. If you want to figure out if there is a problem with a new process, it's important to know something about those who are not fitting the expectation.

 

[aaarcher86]

And, it may not be suspicion. It could be trying to figure out why there are outliers (those that are not fitting into the expectation). That is part of looking at any process change. If you want to figure out if there is a problem with a new process, it's important to know something about those who are not fitting the expectation.

I agree. I don't think it's anything to be concerned about and I think it will be a lot easier when the codes are activated and this is electronic.