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

[SueM in MN]

WDW- Disability Access Service (DAS) FAQs
The DAS program was rolled out at all WDW and California Disney parks on October 9, 2013.
This thread is going to be about Walt Disney World questions and information, not debate on the new system.

Post 1 is DAS FAQs. It will be updated as more information comes out. If you have a question - check here first. Chances are good your answer is in post #1

Post 2 is Guidelines for discussion, FAQs about the change and other information

Post 3 and 4 are going to be a collection of suggestions or things people feel have been helpful as they navigate the new system.

Other posts in this thread were from just before and when DAS was rolled out, so they are out of date (only the first 4 posts of this thread are kept up to date).

Walt Disney World - Disability Access Service Cards (DAS) FAQs
The information that follows is not 'official', but is as complete, up to date and accurate as possible.
Some is from documents already released by Disney and some from personal conversations with reliable sources. The Moderators are not employed by Disney and make no claims to be speaking for Disney.
items that are rumor will be labeled as rumor. Anything not labeled as rumor has been confirmed to be accurate, at least at the time of the last update. Disney can always change things, but we will try to keep the information as current as possible.

What is the Disability Access Service (DAS)?
This is Disney's new way of providing assistance to guests with disabilities that prevent them from waiting in a traditional line environment because of their disability.
The quick overview:

• Guests with a disability that prevents them from waiting in a traditional line environment will receive DAS.
• Person the DAS was issued to must actually be going on the attraction in order to use the DAS. It can't be used for the group to shorten their wait on attractions the DAS holder chooses not to or can't ride.
• Using DAS, the guest will be able to get a return time, based on the current wait time. That will allow the guest to wait in a place of their choice.
• It will work much like a Fastpass. (We are going to call the DAS return times Return Times to help differentiate them from Fastpass (FP) and Fastpass + (FP+)
• DAS can be used in addition to using Disney's Fastpass Service, so guests will be able to get a DAS Return Time and Fastpasses.
  Fastpass + began at WDW and took the place of the older Fastpass program. Guests with disabilities can also use Fastpass +
  DAS is meant to be used together with Fastpass Plus and using them together will give the most flexibility.

Can I write ahead of time and get a DAS APPROVED? Where do I request DAS?
No, you can't write or call ahead to get DAS approved.

• If you have specific questions about the DAS program, you can email Disney at disability.services@disneyparks.com
• not available at Downtown Disney, water parks or resorts
• issued at Guest Relations at Theme Parks (see below for locations)
  - DAS issued at one park is valid at any other Theme Park; do not need to apply for each park
  - DAS is only used at Theme Park attractions; not used at Water Parks, buses, restaurants or parking

Where can I find Guest Relations at WDW?
Guest Relations locations inside and outside of the park are open during park hours.
You do need to go thru the security bag checkpoint to get to the outside of the park Guest Relations, but you don't need to actually enter the park. Once you are actually in the park area, look for Guest Relations in the 'wall' of the buildings that make up the outside wall of the park.

BE AWARE: There is no guarantee that a DAS can be issued at park Guest Relations outside of the parks. If it is busy, they try to send as many people as possible to Guest Relations inside of the park.*
Many people visiting the outside of the park location have ticket issues, which need to be resolved before they can enter the park. Those kinds of issues can be very time consuming.
So, if it's busy, they may limit the outside Guest Relations to only/primarily deal with ticket problems.
MK
Outside of the park Guest Relations is to the right when you face the front of the park after you go thru the bag check point.
Inside of the park Guest Relations is on the left in City Hall after you pass under the train station.
Epcot
Outside of the park Guest Relations is almost straight across from the monorail exit, on the right side of the park entrance. Bag check is closer to the left side of the park entrance; after going thru bag check, go right past the ticket booths and you will find it. You MAY be able to get DAS there, but it depends on how busy it is with people who need to get their issues taken care of before they can enter the park.

Inside of the park Guest Relations is to the left, after you pass Spaceship Earth.

There is also a Guest Relations booth at the International Gateway, before going thru security and entering the park. There are several ticket booths and, the one on the left that kind of looks similar to the ticket booths, is a Guest Relations. It is usually possible to get DAS there, but people have reported not being able to either because it was too busy with guests who had ticket issues, or the iPad needed to issue DAS was not svailable
DHS and AK
Outside of the park Guest Relations is to the left as you face the park entrance.
Inside the park Guest Relations is also to the left, soon after you pass thru to actually enter the park.

I heard DAS is now attached to Magicbands. How does that work?
As of April 30, 2015, DAS is attached electronically to the ticket or Magicband of the person DAS is issued for.
- other members of your group will have their Magicbands/tickets electronically linked to the DAS holder

- the person DAS is being requested for must be present when DAS is requested

- you will need the Magicbands or tickets of all guests in your group, but if the total number in your party is 6 or less, not everyone needs to be present at Guest Relations

- all the Magicbands/tickets will be scanned at Guest Relations so they can be linked to the DAS holder's ticket

- the person getting the DAS will need their picture taken

- the USUAL number of guests linked to one DAS will be 6 (same as previously). Some people are reporting 6 is the maximum, but that was not the case before and is not now.
Numbers over 6 required a supervisor; that has not changed.

- a party CAN have more than one DAS if more than one has need for DAS.
ALL members of the group will be linked to both DAS.
Each person can only be active on ONE DAS Return Time at one time.

- if the size of the group increases or the guests change after DAS was issued, the party will need to return to Guest Relations to have the new members tickets/Magicbands scanned and added to DAS.

How do I request DAS?

• person the DAS is being requested for needs to be present, even if they can't talk
  - you will be asked about your/the person's needs related to disability, not your diagnosis
  - you may be asked "why are you requesting it?" - this does not mean they are asking what your disability is; they want to know what your needs are.
  - For example, diabetes, autism and fibromylagia are not disabilities - they (like Cerebral Palsy, that is one of the conditions my DD has) are conditions that can cause a disability.
  Not everyone with a condition has a disability. So, your task will be to explain how your conditions affect you in a way that causes a need for accommodations IN LINES.
  - different people with the same diagnosis can have very different needs
  - no proof or doctor's note is needed, and CMs have been instructed they will not be looked at
  - explain your needs clearly, calmly and concisely.
  - include details the CMs will need, but don't include details that are not pertinent to waiting or accessing attractions.
  *posters, please do not post exactly what you said to get a DAS - people need to explain their own needs.
• there will not be any different stamps like GACs had; the person will either be issued DAS or not
• Guest (responsible person if guest is not able to sign) must agree to terms and conditions of DAS which says they
  - agree they understand how the program works
  - agree to not abuse the DAS
  - agree they will not use it for commercial gain (like leading tours) or give it to someone else
  - DAS can be revoked if this contract is breached

How many people will the DAS be issued for?

• DAS will usually be issued for up to 6 (5 plus the person with a disability)
  - Guest Relations will be able to make exceptions on a case by case basis, but will not be able to issue DAS for more than 10.
  - for example, 7 for a family of 2 adults and 5 children; 7 for family of 2 parents, 3 children, Grandma and Grandpa. (This was done for GACs on a case by case, exception basis)
  - If a DAS is issued for more than 6, all members of the group must be present at the time the DAS is issued (as far as I know, this is still the case with DAS attached to Magicbands if the group is more than 6)
  - issuing a DAS for more than 6 also requires a supervisor to approve

DAS is now attached to Magicband or tickets... Do I still get a card?

• As of April 30, 2015, DAS was attached to Magicbands or tickets at WDW.
• The program is electronic and guests don't get a DAS card.

What about the photo? Why are they taking a photo? Do I have to have one?

• the photo is taken with an iPad at Guest Relations and takes only a few seconds to take
• the reason for the photo is so they can make sure the person using DAS is the person it was issued to
• if a person refuses to have their photo taken:
  - the guest may have to show photo ID when getting the DAS and when using it
  - DAS may be valid for only one day
  - a parent or guardian may have their picture taken instead, BUT the person whose picture is attached to DAS must always be present to use it

How long will the DAS be issued for?

• DAS will be issued for length of stay up to 60 days, depending on the guest's ticket entitlement/length of stay
  - 'proofs' given as an example included a resort key or something else showing dates for a stay; valid multiday park ticket
  - guests with Annual Passes may have DAS validated for up to 60 days
  
• Getting DAS are-authorized will take less time than getting DAS approved initially since the guest will already be in the system.

I've had DAS before and when I look at My Disney Experience, there is a notice that says I don't have any DAS Return Times. Does that mean my DAS is still linked?
It seems to be a little variable on whether or not that shows up and it's not related to whether or not the person had DAS before.

If your last trip was more than 60 days ago, DAS is no longer linked because the links expire after 60 days. Anyone who has had DAS before still has that information in their profile on Disney's computer. It just needs to be relinked to your ticket in order to become active.


Where will I get a Return Time?

• DAS is for the use of the person it was issued to and can't be used for attractions they will not be going on/experiencing
• Guest using a DAS will get a Return Time for the attraction they want to visit, based on the current wait time
• Return times will be for the current wait time minus 10-15 minutes
• DAS Return Times are obtained directly at attractions - usually at the Standby (regular) entrance. Ask or look for a CM with a small iPhone like device or an iPad
  - someone else in the party can go to the attraction in place of the DAS holder to obtain a Return Time another
  - allows the DAS holder to be resting or doing something else
  - allows the DAS holder to not approach the attraction until they will actually get in line
  
  - ANY of the Magicband/tickets that are linked to DAS can be used to obtain a DAS Return Time for that person
  
  - a Magicband/ticket will be scanned to obtain a Return Time.
  The CM will ask which people in the group are planning to ride and authorize DAS Return for those guests
  
  - after the Magicband/ticket is scanned, the system will automatically assign a DAS Return Time equal to the current Standby wait time minus 10 minutes.
  
  - DAS Return Time will show up in My Disney Experience app. There will be a beginning time, listed the same as Fastpass Plus window times.
  The window end time for DAS times will be listed as midnight.
  
  - only ONE DAS Return Time may be active at a time (this is not a change)

How does DAS work? What do I do to use a DAS Return Time?

- when the Return Time comes, the group will return to Fastpass Return.

- all members of the group who are going on the attraction must be together.

- the DAS holder scans their Magicband/ticket and MUST be the first to scan. The Fastpass Mickey Head will glow blue to let the CM know they must check that the DAS holder is present.

- the Fastpass CM will verify that the DAS holder is present and riding by comparing the picture that shows on the screen with the guest.
The DAS holder must ride.
If the DAS holder is not present or chooses not to ride, the rest of the party will be directed to the Standby line.

- after the DAS holder's Magicband/ticket is scanned and approved, the other members of the group will scan their Magicbands/tickets.

- Magicbands/tickets will be scanned as usual at the second Fastpass Plus scanner. The Mickey head will glow green after scanning at the second point FOR ALL of the group.

• Only 1 (one) Return Time can be active on DAS at a time, which puts the DAS holder into a virtual 'standby queue'.
  - Just like a guest actually standing in a standby queue, the DAS holder can't be in multiple standby queues at the same time.
  - Just like a guest actually standing in a standby queue, the DAS holder can also get Fastpasses using the Fastpass Plus System.
• Once the Return Time has arrived, the DAS holder and their group go to the attraction to redeem the Return Time
• just like Fastpass, you won't be able to come earlier than the Return Time
• the Return Time will remain active until it is used or until the park closes that day (you won't lose your spot if late)
• When a Return Time has been redeemed, it is no longer active.
  - when a DAS Holder has no active Return Times to redeem, they can get a new Return TIme
  - a DAS holder can choose to cancel a DAS Return Time by asking a CM at an attraction to cancel it

Can I use DAS for any attraction? What if an attraction is not working?
DAS Return Times can be obtained for any attraction with Fastpass.

• DAS holders will not be able to use DAS for Celebrity Autographs or most Character Meet & Greets (this is consistent with the way GACs worked)
• DAS holders will be able to get Return Times for Character Meet & Greets that have Fastpass or Fastpass Plus.
• If an attraction is broken or not in operation when a DAS Return Time is requested, there is no current standby time and the DAS holder will not be able to get a Return Time.

• If the DAS holder returns to an attraction to use their Return Time and it is broken or not operating:
  - a Fastpass to come back later MAY or MAY NOT be given, depending on whether the attraction is expected to be operating soon. This would be the same way Fastpass holders are being handled.
  - the DAS Return Time will be cleared, allowing the DAS holder to get another Return Time

I had specific stamps on my GAC. How will they handle those?

• There will no longer be any cards or stamps; guests with disabilities will either get DAS authorized or not
• Attraction based procedures and accommodations are set up to handle guests who previously used stamps
• Guests needing assistance for visual or audio concerns or other concerns will need to communicate their need to the attraction host
• Attraction CMs are receiving training on the DAS system and how to accommodate guests at their attraction.

I have a wheelchair, rollator, walker or ECV. Will I need DAS?

• If your only needs are mobility related, no you would not.
• Majority of mobility device users will not have other needs and would not receive DAS
  - Cast Members (CMs) can see the mobility device and will direct you to the correct place.
  - Guidemap for Guests with disabilities available for each park lists the 'Mobility Entrance' for each attraction
  - MK and Epcot are older parks and has a few attractions that are not accessible thru the main (Standby) line.
  - Animal Kingdom and the Studio were built with mostly Mainstream (accessible) lines and guests whose only needs are mobility based will use those Mainstream Lines.
• Depending on attraction, guest may:
  - be waiting in the Mainstream queue
  - receive a return time at the attraction (NOT at a kiosk)

My child doesn't have a wheelchair, but needs to stay in the stroller. Is this allowed?

• Strollers are not usually allowed inside buildings or in most queues, but can be if needed because of disability.
  - may be helpful to create a 'safe haven' for a child with cognitive/sensory disabilities or autism
  - may be needed by children with disabilities that affect muscle tone or stamina
• Sticker tag will be placed on the stroller to show it is being used as a wheelchair.
  - park rental strollers would need a new sticker each day
  - personal strollers are usually tagged for the length of stay.
• If the only needs are mobility related, the child will not need DAS; they will just need the sticker.
  - If only for mobility related needs, the guest would follow the information above for guests using wheelchairs.
  - if the child has additional needs besides using the stroller as a wheelchair, they would need DAS for those needs .
  
• With a 'stroller as a wheelchair', you will be able to:
  - take the stroller in all lines and buildings, even if strollers are not usually allowed
  - use wheelchair entrances.
  - use the stroller until boarding. The child may need to be removed to board a ride, but you can leave the stroller at the boarding area. You won't need to fold it, but should take anything of value.
  - use the stroller in shows and sit in the wheelchair seating areas. The child may need to get out of the stroller and sit on an adult's lap if the stroller seat is too low. Most shows have limited numbers of wheelchair spots, so wheelchair spots are sometimes filled before other seats are filled.
  - use wheelchair areas for parades. Wheelchairs and strollers are usually parked very close together across the front of the viewing area. If your child needs to be away from others, this may not work for you, or you may need to park behind the front row to get more space. Areas sometimes fill quickly, so arrive early.

What about Children on Make-a-Wish, Give Kids the World or other Wish type trips? Will they use DAS too?
No.
Children on Wish Trips will be issued a separate lanyard and card that will provide the accommodations they need. Their lanyard will have some identification and date information.
Nothing will change for them on how they access attractions, only on what they will use.


STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
MORE TO COME.............................

 

[SueM in MN]

This forum is a place of support and help, a positive environment.
Discussions on different forums, websites, Facebook, boards, blogs all over the internet have had a hard time remaining positive and many have had to close because of the types of comments.
Because this can be a 'hot button' item to discuss, we are setting some guidelines for discussion on this thread.

1) Follow the Disboards rules found here: http://www.wdwinfo.com/guidelines.htm
No sarcasm, no personal attacks, no name-calling. In other words, play nice. As Thumper's mom said, "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say nothing at all."

2) Be respectful of others. Many people are afraid of the unknown and are feeling very vulnerable right now. People have different disabilities and needs; no one can know someone else's needs

3) No debates:

• about whether Disney is right or wrong
• about whether a change was needed
• about asking for a doctor's letter or proof of disability
• about any particular disability being worse/more disabled/truly disabled/more in need of accommodation.

4) No posting of links to blogs or petitions. If you want to share them, share them by Private Message

The information that follows is not 'official', but is as complete, up to date and accurate as possible. The Moderators are not employed by Disney and make no claims to be speaking for Disney.

The current changes may seem scary, but to me, this is all deja vue.
In 2004, when Disneyland was changing from the Special Assistance Pass to the Guest Assistance Card, the same thing happened.
People wrote articles saying they could not possibly go to Disneyland if the Special Assistance Card went away. There were not as many blogs, but there were discussion boards and petitions begging Disney not to get rid of the Special Assistance Pass and replace it with the Guest Assistance Card.
The reasons for the change then were the same as now - small amounts of abuse by non-disabled guests, many people with disabilities and lines for guests with disabilities sometimes longer than regular lines.
2004 article that sounds very familiar to now: http://articles.latimes.com/2004/jul/19/local/me-disabled19

Although the abuse has been in the news recently, Disney has been looking at the problems with use of the Guest Assistance Cards for a long time.

The population is aging and there are more people going to Disney parks with disabilities all the time. They simply could not continue to accommodate them all under the way the Guest Assistance Card was working.
This article explains it very well.
http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201309/3695/
And this picture shows what can happen when a line gets overloaded with guests with special needs.

This is the handicapped line for Small World. Most lines handle guests with mobility devices thru the regular line, but some, like Small World, have a handicapped entrance because the regular line is not accessible.
All the people you can see in the photo are in the handicapped line and their wait will probably is about one hour. The actual entrance of the handicapped line is in in front of the man and woman wearing orange shirts. To their right, you can see someone trying to get out - just behind her is the main ride exit.
The 'regular' entrance is the the left of the picture, where you can see some signs.
This is a picture from the front of the ride at the same time.

You can see the 25 minute wait posted and see how widely spaced people are in the regular line.
This is one of the things that Disney is trying to correct with the new program.


STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION ..........
MORE TO COME>>>>>>>>>

 

[SueM in MN]

This post is going to be a collection of suggestions or things people felt have been/would be helpful for navigating the new system.
I will add things to this post and post 4 (planning for expansion) from suggestions made on this thread.
1) My Disney Experience - a smart phone app from the Disney company that has maps, information about attractions, wait times
An internet connection is needed to use some features, like the wait times and interactive maps. Disney has recently added wi-fi in all the WDW parks.
Available in the iTunes app store, Google Play app store and Amazon app stores
Link to WDW version on the Disney website: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/plan/my-disney-experience/mobile-apps/

2) Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities
https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me...bilities-services/wdw_cognitive_guide_rev.pdf
There is a WDW version and a Disneyland version.
These are booklets developed by Disney with information that should be especially helpful for people visiting with cognitive or neurologic disabilities. They will be available as a printed copy at the parks and as an electronic version on the Disney World/Disneyland websites.
Helpful information about attractions will include:
- duration of attraction
- sensory information about attractions (sights, smells, sounds)



MORE TO COME..........
CONSTRUCTION BY YOU AS YOU ADD SUGGESTIONS TO THIS THREAD>>>>>

 

[SueM in MN]

Suggestions and Tips

• If you have a smartphone or tablet, download Disney wait times apps. Rumor is that CMs will be using "My Disney Experience" app for WDW. It cannot hurt to have other wait time apps on your phone, especially as they all have different capabilities (menus, etc). Apparently you cannot get the ride times for the "My Disney Experience" until you are in the park, so you must have your GPS enabled. Having the other wait times apps will give you an idea of what to expect before you even get to the parks. Having this will keep you from going all the way to a ride only to find out it is down, or that the wait time is too long for you. This should help people plan, and take away a little of the unknown from your day.

 

[3DisneyBuggs]

The GAC has allowed us to be seated in the handicapped section of shows and the Philharmagic. Any idea how the new DAS would work for that?

 

[Objectivity]

My wife and I have the same question. My guess is that we'll find out when the program is officially announced. With all the focus on the controversial aspects of the new program information about the needs of other disabilities hasn't been leaked yet.

Logic says that disability-appropriate seating will remain. With all Disneys efforts to be fair to all, not accommodating the visually impaired would be counter to that.

 

[SueM in MN]

I am moving the recent posts asking questions about DAS to this thread and opening the thread for discussion.

Keep checking - posts 1-4 will be updated.

 

[emeraldmom]

I haven't really seen anything about this mentioned anywhere. My family of 5 has 4 people who could qualify for disabled assistance. The last time we went, summer of 2012, we had 2 GACs. I asked for one for each of my boys, but the guest assistance CM told me to just use the same card for both. I know that isn't the way it should be, but after going back and forth several times I gave up.

Realistically we need 3. My father needs one, as sometimes he and my mother do go off on their own. I also need one for each of my boys. There are certain attractions that one or the other will not ride. For example, the younger one loves Dinosaur, but most of the time, the older one will not go on it. I don't get one for myself because I don't go on anything without at least one of the boys.

The needs are essentially the same for all three. Basically we can't stand in overly long lines for different reasons, several of us also have issues with the sun. We cannot go at less crowded times of year because I work for the school system. Myself and ds 12 have fibromyalgia, ds 15 is autistic, and my father has multiple issues including mobility, anxiety, claustrophobia etc. My father is in an ECV and ds 12 is in a manual wheelchair. We only get so many hours in a park before we have to go back to the room and rest.

I admit that I don't like change. I liked the old system, and the new one terrifies me. I keep telling myself to just give it a chance and see what happens. We have a trip scheduled for Christmas time of this year. We will be staying at SOG. We are planning 3 days at Universal, 2 days at Seaworld, and 6 at WDW. Universal and Seaworld are extra challenging because we can't easily go back to the room for a few hours.

Does anybody know how they are planning to handle families with multiple disabled persons? Will we be able to get 3 DAS cards? If not, what do you do when you have multiple people with issues?

 

[Splashboat]

T
Helpful information about attractions will include:
- duration of attraction
- sensory information about attractions (sights, smells, sounds)

This sounds very much like the information in Passporter's Walt Disney World for Special Needs. This book really helped us when we first starting vacationing at Disney. (Hope I can write the name of the book, if not please delete the post)

 

[SueM in MN]

This sounds very much like the information in Passporter's Walt Disney World for Special Needs. This book really helped us when we first starting vacationing at Disney. (Hope I can write the name of the book, if not please delete the post)

No, that's fine.
I was one of the reviewers on the original book.

It has a lot of good info, but some people find it very intimidating because of the length.
The Disney information will be shorter, but very helpful.

 

[Schmeck]

I haven't really seen anything about this mentioned anywhere. My family of 5 has 4 people who could qualify for disabled assistance. The last time we went, summer of 2012, we had 2 GACs. I asked for one for each of my boys, but the guest assistance CM told me to just use the same card for both. I know that isn't the way it should be, but after going back and forth several times I gave up.

Realistically we need 3. My father needs one, as sometimes he and my mother do go off on their own. I also need one for each of my boys. There are certain attractions that one or the other will not ride. For example, the younger one loves Dinosaur, but most of the time, the older one will not go on it. I don't get one for myself because I don't go on anything without at least one of the boys.

The needs are essentially the same for all three. Basically we can't stand in overly long lines for different reasons, several of us also have issues with the sun. We cannot go at less crowded times of year because I work for the school system. Myself and ds 12 have fibromyalgia, ds 15 is autistic, and my father has multiple issues including mobility, anxiety, claustrophobia etc. My father is in an ECV and ds 12 is in a manual wheelchair. We only get so many hours in a park before we have to go back to the room and rest.

I admit that I don't like change. I liked the old system, and the new one terrifies me. I keep telling myself to just give it a chance and see what happens. We have a trip scheduled for Christmas time of this year. We will be staying at SOG. We are planning 3 days at Universal, 2 days at Seaworld, and 6 at WDW. Universal and Seaworld are extra challenging because we can't easily go back to the room for a few hours.

Does anybody know how they are planning to handle families with multiple disabled persons? Will we be able to get 3 DAS cards? If not, what do you do when you have multiple people with issues?

If you are going on the same attraction at the same time, I believe you will be issued a return time that would cover the group. If you are going on separate attractions at the same time, then at least one person in each group would have to have a DAS to get the return time.

Most of the information out there is for Disneyland, but I believe one part stated that guests in wheelchairs and ECVs will be directed to the mainstream line, if it is accessible. For those with other issues, wait times will be based on the current wait time, as accessed by a CM.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you are going on the same attraction at the same time, I believe you will be issued a return time that would cover the group. If you are going on separate attractions at the same time, then at least one person in each group would have to have a DAS to get the return time.

Most of the information out there is for Disneyland, but I believe one part stated that guests in wheelchairs and ECVs will be directed to the mainstream line, if it is accessible. For those with other issues, wait times will be based on the current wait time, as accessed by a CM.

I have information about both.
DL and WDW are basically the same process.

 

[bookgirl]

I am also waiting to see how they handle non "wait time" related problems.

My mom while slow and needing more rest stops is fine to walk in normal circumstances on level surfaces, or even slight inclines. Her only problem is steps. She has problems maintaining her knee while walking up or down steps.

I had figured to ask for a GAC so that she could bypass the bridge in TSM and could sit at entrance level of the shows like Indiana Jones/Fantasmic,etc. (not sure what else has steps in DHS and Epcot but I know it's only a few that are not mainstreamed)

I don't need shorter waits(already reserved my FP+) or alternative waiting (standing in line is not an issue as long as she can lean occasionally in longer queues), I just need to by pass the stairs.

 

[cmwade77]

I am also waiting to see how they handle non "wait time" related problems.

My mom while slow and needing more rest stops is fine to walk in normal circumstances on level surfaces, or even slight inclines. Her only problem is steps. She has problems maintaining her knee while walking up or down steps.

I had figured to ask for a GAC so that she could bypass the bridge in TSM and could sit at entrance level of the shows like Indiana Jones/Fantasmic,etc. (not sure what else has steps in DHS and Epcot but I know it's only a few that are not mainstreamed)

I don't need shorter waits(already reserved my FP+) or alternative waiting (standing in line is not an issue as long as she can lean occasionally in longer queues), I just need to by pass the stairs.

I have other issues that a wheelchair will not help with, but I also have issues with stairs and turnstiles and I am trying to find out how that will be handled. This is a much bigger issue at Disneyland than Disney World, but it's still an issue.

 

[SueM in MN]

I'm still writing post one, but am adding what I know for these questions.

The GAC has allowed us to be seated in the handicapped section of shows and the Philharmagic. Any idea how the new DAS would work for that?

If you are issued a DAS, it would put you in the same place as when you were using the GAC.

If you are not using DAS, what was the accommodation you got with the GAC?
Was it the waiting space at Philharmagic that you needed or what was it about the handicapped section of shows that you needed?

I haven't really seen anything about this mentioned anywhere. My family of 5 has 4 people who could qualify for disabled assistance. The last time we went, summer of 2012, we had 2 GACs. I asked for one for each of my boys, but the guest assistance CM told me to just use the same card for both. I know that isn't the way it should be, but after going back and forth several times I gave up.

Realistically we need 3. My father needs one, as sometimes he and my mother do go off on their own. I also need one for each of my boys. There are certain attractions that one or the other will not ride. For example, the younger one loves Dinosaur, but most of the time, the older one will not go on it. I don't get one for myself because I don't go on anything without at least one of the boys.

The needs are essentially the same for all three. Basically we can't stand in overly long lines for different reasons, several of us also have issues with the sun. We cannot go at less crowded times of year because I work for the school system. Myself and ds 12 have fibromyalgia, ds 15 is autistic, and my father has multiple issues including mobility, anxiety, claustrophobia etc. My father is in an ECV and ds 12 is in a manual wheelchair. We only get so many hours in a park before we have to go back to the room and rest.

I admit that I don't like change. I liked the old system, and the new one terrifies me. I keep telling myself to just give it a chance and see what happens. We have a trip scheduled for Christmas time of this year. We will be staying at SOG. We are planning 3 days at Universal, 2 days at Seaworld, and 6 at WDW. Universal and Seaworld are extra challenging because we can't easily go back to the room for a few hours.

Does anybody know how they are planning to handle families with multiple disabled persons? Will we be able to get 3 DAS cards? If not, what do you do when you have multiple people with issues?

They will ask you to explain each person's needs (for example, autism and fibromylagia are not disabilities - they (like Cerebral Palsy, that is one of the conditions my DD has) are conditions that can cause a disability.
Not everyone with a condition has a disability. So, your task will be to explain how your conditions affect you in a way that causes a need for accommodation.

They will likely give more scrutiny to people asking to use DAS for more than one person in their group (so, be prepared that you will get more questions about your needs).
The reason for the extra scrutiny is there were people who were asking for GACs for more than one member of their group to bypass the normal 6 person limit for a GAC. There are also people who have written (blogs, etc) that they plan to say more than one member of their party needs to use DAS so that they can have more than one Return Time going at once.
Disney is aware that there can be people with more than one person with a disability in their group, so I'm sure they have considered that there are people who will be parties that have more than one person needing a DAS also. That would definitely be the exception rather than the rule, so don't necessarily expect it.
Plus, some people who had been given GACs may not qualify for a DAS.

I am also waiting to see how they handle non "wait time" related problems.

My mom while slow and needing more rest stops is fine to walk in normal circumstances on level surfaces, or even slight inclines. Her only problem is steps. She has problems maintaining her knee while walking up or down steps.

I had figured to ask for a GAC so that she could bypass the bridge in TSM and could sit at entrance level of the shows like Indiana Jones/Fantasmic,etc. (not sure what else has steps in DHS and Epcot but I know it's only a few that are not mainstreamed)

I don't need shorter waits(already reserved my FP+) or alternative waiting (standing in line is not an issue as long as she can lean occasionally in longer queues), I just need to by pass the stairs.

That is a part that is not totally clear from the information we have - and may be something covered individually with the CMs at those shows. If the need is visible (cane, crutches, knee brace, etc the CMs could see that you need to bypass the stairs.

What is out there says it would fall under the heading of "Attraction Accommodations" , which is how they are handling things like front row seating for guests with visual disabilities. The attraction CMs are reportedly undergoing specific training for how to do those for their attraction.
Guest would need to explain what they need to the attraction host.

Alternate entries in the situation where the regular line is not accessible is a different situation and is handled differently (I am writing that up now for post 1)

 

[Vidia2]

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[SueM in MN]

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?

Flexible, but I am not at liberty to say how much.

 

[Vidia2]

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[Talking Hands]

Flexible, but I am not at liberty to say how much.

Flexible enough to be able to mesh the interpreted shows with riding rides?
Also how are we to get accommodations for hearing and vision problem that have nothing to do with lines

 

[SueM in MN]

Flexible enough to be able to mesh the interpreted shows with riding rides?
Also how are we to get accommodations for hearing and vision problem that have nothing to do with lines

For those with a DAS card, they will be able to know what the Return Time is before getting it put onto their card. So, if one attraction time doesn't match up, you could choose another attraction.
The rumor I have heard, which is probably true, is that the My Disney Experience app will be used as the source for wait times. Besides the CMs, guests who have the app on their smartphone would also be able to see those wait times.
Between that and the flexibility, there should not be much issue.

For hearing and vision problems not associated with lines, the information out there says the accommodations will be given at the attraction, by communicating with an attraction host.