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

[englishrose47]

We were issued 2 cards for our group of 12 of which 8 were special needs , the cm put mine and one other escort pixs on the card , the problem with that is that 1 of us had to sit out with any who didn't want to ride . So lesson learnt we will ask for the individuals with the special needs to have their pix on the card . The system was new I a sure the cm thought this was the best solution

 

[Nanajo1]

For Disney's IT department it would be. Their websites are always a mess, the photopass site is a joke, and look at all the magic band problems.

I always hold my breath with announcement of new IT upgrade. It amazes me that Disney has such continued trouble with anything IT wise. The telephone support staff is very helpful.

 

[curemyreed]

Had terrible day yesterday! Checked into CBR and given a preferred room in Martinique which had terrible odor of mildew/mold. Called front desk immediately and maid came with room spray and told me "no worry you get used to it". Really she told me that! Anyway wasted afternoon trying to get situation resolved and also although I had called ahead for a fridge for medications no fridge was available and by 10:45 last night we were finally moved over to the POFQ. This am tried to change fast pass+ times and system was not working. Went to guest services at EPCOT to ask for help explained my nephews difficulties, I had written a description of what I felt were his specific needs but when the CM came over and began to read what I had written (which defeated my purpose in writing in the first place) he became very agitated. Another CM came right over to us and greeted him and explained to him how she wanted to help him enjoy his day. She explained how she would take his photo with her iPad and give us a special card to help us. She told me if we needed assistance in addition to the DAS procedure to come back and they would help us further. As it turned out the 2 rides he wanted to go on had no significant wait times and for Space Ship Earth they allowed us to use alternative entrance to avoid moving walkway. Tonite we went to guest services to inquire about upgrading to APs and my nephew had some difficulty waiting in line there. When it was our turn the CM asked if I knew about the DAS. I showed her his card and explained we did not need to use it today but would probably use it only for MK. Anyway she called over another CM and they spoke to my nephew and then scanned our magic bands and allowed us fast pass choices for the entire day at MK for Monday. So after all the unpleasant things that happened to us yesterday (went to dinner @Ohanas last night and were served drinks and appetizers then after 30 min the server came over to tell us he was bringing dessert! We had not been served any of main course. Then when we went to get monorail back to MK it was broken down)
Today pixie dust

Reading about that pixie dust given your nephew made me tear up. Literally. I have read so many accounts of people being denied DAS access, and some having more stressful vacations trying to tour using the DAS system. And then, most recently, accounts of how heinous people have already developed techniques to cheat this new system. It has made me feel sad and angry, too. But to hear how someone there at Epcot saw a boy who wasn't coping well and went that extra step to try and make his MK day go better....that really reminds me of the magic to be found at Disney. So thank you for posting that.

 

[ChrisinNJ]

Oh my goodness. Did you ask to speak to someone higher up? I've heard stories of people with similar issues being offered the DAS. I would have complained to management. What they said to your husband is not acceptable, what about that is equal access?

The person we spoke to was a Manager. His solution was sit in a wheelchair or we will refund your ticket.

 

[Rowanonfire]

The person we spoke to was a Manager. His solution was sit in a wheelchair or we will refund your ticket.

I hope you have you have complained to Disney because that is just not acceptable in my opinion if sitting makes the problem worse. Did they not offer you offer any more advice?

My plan of action is to go to GR on my first park day and ask what they think regarding the best way for me to tour the parks. If they think I don't need a DAS I will try their plan but I will make it clear that if I struggle and feel it doesn't meet my needs I will be back and asking for more assistance. If by denying someone a DAS card they lose an opportunity to access attractions that is NOT equal access.

 

[ChrisinNJ]

I hope you have you have complained to Disney because that is just not acceptable in my opinion if sitting makes the problem worse. Did they not offer you offer any more advice?

My plan of action is to go to GR on my first park day and ask what they think regarding the best way for me to tour the parks. If they think I don't need a DAS I will try their plan but I will make it clear that if I struggle and feel it doesn't meet my needs I will be back and asking for more assistance. If by denying someone a DAS card they lose an opportunity to access attractions that is NOT equal access.

I was going to have him stop at GS on the way into MK then next day, but he didn't feel well enough to go. We cancelled AK, and our last day at the parks was MVMCP where we walked on all the rides anyway.

Next trip, I will have him ask again, maybe they will have tweaked the system a bit by then, especially with all the complaints they are getting.

 

[cmwade77]

That's basically what I'm saying - if they link the DASs together electronically, it's easy after that to ensure that the same people aren't waiting for multiple rides at the same time.

There are absolutely cases, probably many, where there is a legitimate need for multiple DAS cards in the same group.

But then how would you link them when members of the group that need a DAS show up at different times of the day? Or how do you prove your party size of 6 when they all show up throughout the day?

I know this is more prevalent at DLR, but I am sure it still happens at WDW.

 

[OurBigTrip]

But then how would you link them when members of the group that need a DAS show up at different times of the day? Or how do you prove your party size of 6 when they all show up throughout the day?

I know this is more prevalent at DLR, but I am sure it still happens at WDW.

If people are going to be showing up at different times of day to join the group using the DAS, then the DAS holder would probably need to go back to GS.

Alternatively, if the DAS holder doesn't want to go back to GS, then the later arrivals wouldn't be on the DAS.

I agree it would be a pain, but at the same time, there needs to be a way to eliminate, to the greatest degree possible, the cheaters.

 

[PrincessL]

I'm confused. My sister and her husband have 7 children, 4 of whom have special needs. I travel with them and have 1 daughter - not with special needs. How many people can be in a party for the DAS? We all live together and like to go on vacation together. On vacation, we like family time. Often, both my sister and brother-in-law must ride with their youngest son because he has tried to jump off the ride before even though he loves the ride - he just had a panic attack. So, I have to ride with their other young daughter. Also, some of us have had to leave the line when my niece had a meltdown, but her siblings still wanted to go on the ride. If the DAS limits the party to 6, then they can't tour the park together. And their children can't just be unsupervised.

Also, they will need more than one DAS. Sometimes, some of the children cannot go to the park, so the others would need a DAS. Also, the oldest is a teenager and the youngest is 4. So they ride different rides.

How would this system work for them (and me too. I don't want to do everything separate or we would not travel together).

 

[ninjagirl]

I'm starting to have lots of anxiety about whether or not our needs will be met this year when traveling to Disney in January. My mom and I both have mobility issues and as a result we have problems waiting in crowded cues. My needs are not met with a wheelchair or ECV because I can't sit for extended periods of time without becoming stiff which would create an additional hazard when transferring to the ride. I don't do we'll in crowded lines that are dark, especially in "herding" situations in which people are pushing or bumping into me as I may easy lose my balance or be injured unintentionally. I'm worried that since my problem stems from mobility, we'll be denied the DAS even though I need it given my set of medical diagnosis. What's the best way to explain this to the CM? Do I start with the idea that I have needs not met by a wheelchair or ECV and explain why? We already get limited time in the parks due to stamina (related to pain not walking) so it's really hard to hear that reasonable accommodations are being denied to so many.

 

[aaarcher86]

I'm confused. My sister and her husband have 7 children, 4 of whom have special needs. I travel with them and have 1 daughter - not with special needs. How many people can be in a party for the DAS? We all live together and like to go on vacation together. On vacation, we like family time. Often, both my sister and brother-in-law must ride with their youngest son because he has tried to jump off the ride before even though he loves the ride - he just had a panic attack. So, I have to ride with their other young daughter. Also, some of us have had to leave the line when my niece had a meltdown, but her siblings still wanted to go on the ride. If the DAS limits the party to 6, then they can't tour the park together. And their children can't just be unsupervised. Also, they will need more than one DAS. Sometimes, some of the children cannot go to the park, so the others would need a DAS. Also, the oldest is a teenager and the youngest is 4. So they ride different rides. How would this system work for them (and me too. I don't want to do everything separate or we would not travel together).

This is a really unique situation. Basically you'll be asking for 4 individual DAS cards and for each of them to accommodate 11 people. Please don't take this he wrong way because you obviously need this accommodation, but I would expect to be scrutinized a little more than an average guest. I say that only because your party doubles he normal limit of guests for a DAS and your asking for 4 cards. It's been discussed that people are trying to get multiple DAS cards to try and skirt the wait times so it may initially raise a red flag. Unfortunately people like that make it harder for people like you.

You'll all have to go to guest relations as a group and explain the needs of the 4 guests who need the 4 cards. Explain why they each need a card. Explain why your group is a bit larger than the norm. I would make sure to sure to explain why you need to be included in the party on the DAS cards specifically.

 

[Wishes Count]

I'm starting to have lots of anxiety about whether or not our needs will be met this year when traveling to Disney in January. My mom and I both have mobility issues and as a result we have problems waiting in crowded cues. My needs are not met with a wheelchair or ECV because I can't sit for extended periods of time without becoming stiff which would create an additional hazard when transferring to the ride. I don't do we'll in crowded lines that are dark, especially in "herding" situations in which people are pushing or bumping into me as I may easy lose my balance or be injured unintentionally. I'm worried that since my problem stems from mobility, we'll be denied the DAS even though I need it given my set of medical diagnosis. What's the best way to explain this to the CM? Do I start with the idea that I have needs not met by a wheelchair or ECV and explain why? We already get limited time in the parks due to stamina (related to pain not walking) so it's really hard to hear that reasonable accommodations are being denied to so many.

You will need to explain better than you have stated above. I am going to play devils advocate here so dont be offended. Here is why just from what you stated above you don't need a DAS. This is likely what you will be told at GR

First you mention mobility concerns. A wheelchair will be suggested and there are courtesy ones available at the attraction. You will not need to remain seated the whole time and can use it as you wish.

Second you mention crowded queues or herding situations. The DAS will not help with this at most attractions. The DAS does send you to the FP line but those lines merge with the standby for "preshows" which is where that herding will take place. DAS will not allow you to bypass that and if you need to be accommodated for that you need to ask at the attraction.

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[SmallWorld71]

I'm starting to have lots of anxiety about whether or not our needs will be met this year when traveling to Disney in January. My mom and I both have mobility issues and as a result we have problems waiting in crowded cues. My needs are not met with a wheelchair or ECV because I can't sit for extended periods of time without becoming stiff which would create an additional hazard when transferring to the ride. I don't do we'll in crowded lines that are dark, especially in "herding" situations in which people are pushing or bumping into me as I may easy lose my balance or be injured unintentionally. I'm worried that since my problem stems from mobility, we'll be denied the DAS even though I need it given my set of medical diagnosis. What's the best way to explain this to the CM? Do I start with the idea that I have needs not met by a wheelchair or ECV and explain why? We already get limited time in the parks due to stamina (related to pain not walking) so it's really hard to hear that reasonable accommodations are being denied to so many.

Hi ninjagirl - I assume it is just you and your mom traveling? I ask only because my mom and sister-in-law have similar issues and we have found that the best things is to just have one of us offer assistance. My mom has no sensation in her feet/ ankles and can be quite unsteady on them, but a sturdy guide from one of her teenage grandsons is very helpful.

Anyway, the good news is that January is an extremely slow month and the lines should be pretty low as long as you follow the recommended park days. This is HUGELY important this time of year. Because MSEP is only offered on certain nights, it will have a huge impact on MK crowd fluctuations and thus fluctuations in the rest of WDW. In other words, in a month like January, you could end up picking the most crowded park and the lines will be really long in that park or you could be at the least crowded park and be walking onto rides and thus not need a DAS.

If you haven't already, check out Josh's site at easywdw.com for the crowd calendars. His advice is spot on and many of us on the DIS use his info.

Also, please understand that I'm not saying that you should/ should not qualify for a DAS. But, rather that, instead of being worried that you won't qualify (which you may not) be proactive in ensuring that you are "zigging" while the crowd is "zagging" and you will probably find that you don't need one.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I see a lot of questions from people about wheelchairs/ECV's for mobility and stamina issues when being seated for a prolonged period also causes issues. A lot of times they want a DAS instead.

From what I understand, Disney is now enforcing the wheelchair/ECV as an accommodation for stamina and mobility, and if you don't want to use one, that is your choice Disney doesn't have to give you a DAS because you don't want to use the accommodation they have offered.

Just because you have a wheelchair/ECV doesn't mean you are chained to it all day. You can stand and walk when you need to, even in line. So what if you get dirty looks or comments? You can leave the device in stroller parking if you don't need it for a while.

Now if there is another reason you can't stand/sit/wait in line, then you should by all means explain your needed accommodations to GS and ask for a DAS. But just having pain or stiffness from sitting or standing still is probably not going to get you a DAS and I think that is unclear in some of the posts.

 

[ninjagirl]

First you mention mobility concerns. A wheelchair will be suggested and there are courtesy ones available at the attraction. You will not need to remain seated the whole time and can use it as you wish.

Second you mention crowded queues or herding situations. The DAS will not help with this at most attractions. The DAS does send you to the FP line but those lines merge with the standby for "preshows" which is where that herding will take place. DAS will not allow you to bypass that and if you need to be accommodated for that you need to ask at the attraction.

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The problem is that there's no where to move when you're in a crowded line and they're ordering people to fill in all available space. I would have no way to get out of the wheelchair and move around once I was in it with the crowding that occurs. There is no such thing as personal space in a Disney line.

The main issue on the dark cues is that with the GAC it specified that we could use the handicap alternative entraces at most places that were dark and involved hearding and that usually solved our problem(think Pirates of the Carribean, RNRC, Philharmagic, etc). Its honestly so much easier to deal with when you don't have an obvious impairment but are allowed equal access because you have a hard saying you need alternative accomodations. From the reports I've read on here alone, it doesn't seem like alternatives are available unless you're in a wheelchair or have a DAS.

 

[ninjagirl]

I see a lot of questions from people about wheelchairs/ECV's for mobility and stamina issues when being seated for a prolonged period also causes issues. A lot of times they want a DAS instead.

From what I understand, Disney is now enforcing the wheelchair/ECV as an accommodation for stamina and mobility, and if you don't want to use one, that is your choice Disney doesn't have to give you a DAS because you don't want to use the accommodation they have offered.

Just because you have a wheelchair/ECV doesn't mean you are chained to it all day. You can stand and walk when you need to, even in line. So what if you get dirty looks or comments? You can leave the device in stroller parking if you don't need it for a while.

Now if there is another reason you can't stand/sit/wait in line, then you should by all means explain your needed accommodations to GS and ask for a DAS. But just having pain or stiffness from sitting or standing still is probably not going to get you a DAS and I think that is unclear in some of the posts.

I'm not asking for better access merely for a better option for me to wait my turn. There are several mobility impairments for which a wheelchair and/or being stationary are the worst things you can do for them. I move fairly constantly in my daily life and require special accomodations for every day life. I'm not sure how an "accomodation" that will exacerbate my condition is a fair solution.

The dirty looks and comments are the least of my concerns. Standing up and falling on someone and/or their child is a much bigger issue. I guess people forget the "fill in all available space" line that is word vomited constantly by CMs. I don't want anything better than anyone else has. No problem waiting my 90 minutes for TSM walking laps.

 

[Rowanonfire]

I see a lot of questions from people about wheelchairs/ECV's for mobility and stamina issues when being seated for a prolonged period also causes issues. A lot of times they want a DAS instead.

From what I understand, Disney is now enforcing the wheelchair/ECV as an accommodation for stamina and mobility, and if you don't want to use one, that is your choice Disney doesn't have to give you a DAS because you don't want to use the accommodation they have offered.

Just because you have a wheelchair/ECV doesn't mean you are chained to it all day. You can stand and walk when you need to, even in line. So what if you get dirty looks or comments? You can leave the device in stroller parking if you don't need it for a while.

Now if there is another reason you can't stand/sit/wait in line, then you should by all means explain your needed accommodations to GS and ask for a DAS. But just having pain or stiffness from sitting or standing still is probably not going to get you a DAS and I think that is unclear in some of the posts.

The only thing that gets me is, if you need to stay mobile - well, a themepark line will not allow you to do that? Let's be honest - the lines likely move very slowly especially if you're not in the FP line. In my case, for the vast majority of lines - By the time I get to the front, I will be unlikely to be able to physically ride due to have much I would have struggled in the queue line. I will have a wheelchair with me too, as I sometimes have issues with endurance when walking, so I may ride in the chair for a short time period. But no longer then 20 mins or so. It's not the endurance that stops me from waiting in a standard line - it's the fact that with a long wait, I wouldn't even be able to ride the attraction by the time I got there, wheelchair or no!

I have sort of tried to make peace with the fact that I'm probably only gonna be able to ride the headliner per day I can get a FP for. And as part of my trip overlaps into spring break, probably less smaller attractions too. I'm in Disney world, there will be other stuff to do....It just seems wrong that some people with genuine needs are being denied assistance. If I wanted to lie to get a DAS I could just claim to have other needs I don't. :S

 

[Rowanonfire]

I'm not asking for better access merely for a better option for me to wait my turn. There are several mobility impairments for which a wheelchair and/or being stationary are the worst things you can do for them. I move fairly constantly in my daily life and require special accomodations for every day life. I'm not sure how an "accomodation" that will exacerbate my condition is a fair solution.

The dirty looks and comments are the least of my concerns. Standing up and falling on someone and/or their child is a much bigger issue. I guess people forget the "fill in all available space" line that is word vomited constantly by CMs. I don't want anything better than anyone else has. No problem waiting my 90 minutes for TSM walking laps.

This is a worry of mine too. It's likely totally irrational, as it's not THAT likely to happen (i wouldn't put myself in that position) but I have actually had stress dreams where I'm alone in the line with my niece and I have collapsed due to my legs giving out, or fell on to a ride track while boarding.

 

[livndisney]

I'm not asking for better access merely for a better option for me to wait my turn. There are several mobility impairments for which a wheelchair and/or being stationary are the worst things you can do for them. I move fairly constantly in my daily life and require special accomodations for every day life. I'm not sure how an "accomodation" that will exacerbate my condition is a fair solution.

The dirty looks and comments are the least of my concerns. Standing up and falling on someone and/or their child is a much bigger issue. I guess people forget the "fill in all available space" line that is word vomited constantly by CMs. I don't want anything better than anyone else has. No problem waiting my 90 minutes for TSM walking laps.

Where do they tell you to fill in all available space on TSM?

 

[ninjagirl]

The only thing that gets me is, if you need to stay mobile - well, a themepark line will not allow you to do that? Let's be honest - the lines likely move very slowly especially if you're not in the FP line. In my case, for the vast majority of lines - By the time I get to the front, I will be unlikely to be able to physically ride due to have much I would have struggled in the queue line. I will have a wheelchair with me too, as I sometimes have issues with endurance when walking, so I may ride in the chair for a short time period. But no longer then 20 mins or so. It's not the endurance that stops me from waiting in a standard line - it's the fact that with a long wait, I wouldn't even be able to ride the attraction by the time I got there, wheelchair or no!

I have sort of tried to make peace with the fact that I'm probably only gonna be able to ride the headliner per day I can get a FP for. And as part of my trip overlaps into spring break, probably less smaller attractions too. I'm in Disney world, there will be other stuff to do....It just seems wrong that some people with genuine needs are being denied assistance. If I wanted to lie to get a DAS I could just claim to have other needs I don't. :S

This is exactly my point. It's not taking anything away from anyone else by requesting that for my safety and yours, I wait my turn somewhere else in exchange for a fast(er) access to the attraction(and for the record I mean walking to the loading area not the actual wait time) than the standby line will allow. I dont want to ride 5 times in a row. I don't want immediate access. I want to be able to move through the queue at the pace I need to keep my condition from flaring up.