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

[cmwade77]

If you read the first line on the DAS, it states that immediate access is not to be expected on return.

Immediate no, but I have been told by two people at Disney that you should not have a lengthy wait upon returning.

Basically they both agree that the return times are supposed to be accounting for the time that you will wait when returning. And I figure if I can get two people at Disney to agree on anything, then I am doing good.

 

[Granny square]

If you read the first line on the DAS, it states that immediate access is not to be expected on return.

But if the goal is to have them spend the same as standby basing return time on how long the fp line is also makes sense. I think that her point.

Eta. I could be wrong!

 

[Carolwoodpr]

Do I need to get a DAS since I can't do stairs, or can I just tell the cms at each attraction with stairs?

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[AndreaA]

Immediate no, but I have been told by two people at Disney that you should not have a lengthy wait upon returning.

Basically they both agree that the return times are supposed to be accounting for the time that you will wait when returning. And I figure if I can get two people at Disney to agree on anything, then I am doing good.

Yes, exactly. It would hardly be fair to make a disabled person go to a ride with a 1hr wait, get a return time for an hour in the future and THEN have to wait in a 20min fastpass line. That is why they subtract ten minutes now (slow season) so that when you return and still have to wait 5-10min in the fastpass line, you won't end up waiting longer than the average guest. If fastpass lines are longer in different seasons (as I know they are) then I'm sure they DAS return time will be adjusted to compensate.

 

[disney david]

Yes, exactly. It would hardly be fair to make a disabled person go to a ride with a 1hr wait, get a return time for an hour in the future and THEN have to wait in a 20min fastpass line. That is why they subtract ten minutes now (slow season) so that when you return and still have to wait 5-10min in the fastpass line, you won't end up waiting longer than the average guest. If fastpass lines are longer in different seasons (as I know they are) then I'm sure they DAS return time will be adjusted to compensate.

If a ride has a ten min or less wait then you won't be given a return time you be allowed on the ride through the alternate entrance. It only rides that will have 10 or more mins your get a return time.

 

[Rowanonfire]

Not really related to the DAS I guess, but can someone tell me which attractions have stairs in the line?

 

[Wishes Count]

Like I said idk. I was just trying make a reason why disney is just coming out and asking if they have autism. Maybe they can't ask people for their diagnosis but if they make the DAS only available to autistic people maybe they can ask "do you have autism?" That would be unfortunate but if that's the direction they're going its a possibility.

I think they really want all guests to utilize the magic bands and scheduling your ride times. I think they want the ride lines to run like a well oiled machine and you just can't do that with a steady influx of people who can squeeze in the front.

Autism is not the only "condition" that a DAS is needed for. The CM will ask you what your needs are. If you tell the CM you are in a wheelchair because you cannot stand. You are not going to get a DAS. You need to tell the CM all your needs and concerns if you have other non-apparent disabilities or concerns. The DAS is intended for those with non apparent disabilites, not those with mobility concerns. Guest Relations cast are not medically trained so you need to explain to the CM what your concerns are, not what your diagnosis is.

Do I need to get a DAS since I can't do stairs, or can I just tell the cms at each attraction with stairs?

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

You do not need the DAS to avoid stairs. You will notify them at each attraction.

 

[BigAlsGal]

Autism is not the only "condition" that a DAS is needed for. The CM will ask you what your needs are. If you tell the CM you are in a wheelchair because you cannot stand. You are not going to get a DAS. You need to tell the CM all your needs and concerns if you have other non-apparent disabilities or concerns. The DAS is intended for those with non apparent disabilites, not those with mobility concerns. Guest Relations cast are not medically trained so you need to explain to the CM what your concerns are, not what your diagnosis is.

I am aware of that. But according to some reports people are saying they are only giving the DAS to autistic people. I was just throwin out theiories. I know what technically the CMs are "suppose" to do. I'm just speculating why they aren't doing those things.

 

[Wishes Count]

I am aware of that. But according to some reports people are saying they are only giving the DAS to autistic people. I was just throwin out theiories. I know what technically the CMs are "suppose" to do. I'm just speculating why they aren't doing those things.

Please remember that guests are not always sharing the correct information. Or the CM is not asking the correct questions to get that information. I work in GR and I worked today. I always asked when someone in a wheelchair was requesting a DAS if they had any other concerns or issues other than using a wheelchair. If they say "No" then no DAS is issued. If they say "Yes" they will need to explain their additional concerns. However just because they have additional concerns does not mean a DAS card is issued.

It may seem like only autistic persons are getting the DAS, but it could be because a large number of people with ONLY mobility concerns, who previously had a GAC are being turned away.(Perhaps ones who do need one, but were not sharing all their concerns) I have a non apparent disability myself, so I realize that not all CM's think the same way I might. If you truly feel that you need the DAS be prepared to explain your concerns

 

[livndisney]

I am aware of that. But according to some reports people are saying they are only giving the DAS to autistic people. I was just throwin out theiories. I know what technically the CMs are "suppose" to do. I'm just speculating why they aren't doing those things.

I can confirm they are not just being given for autism.

 

[scottcim2]

Do you know how tall/wide the card is? I want to make sure I bring a wallet that will hold it nicely

The new card is given to you folded and when folded it is the same exact size as the old GAC cards. Actual measurement? Sorry no ruler around while on vacation.

 

[DisneyDollface]

I am reading all these posts and it's concerning. Will DAS be given to amputees? My 14 year old daughter is an amputee, she has a wheelchair but being a 14 year old girl, she wants to be as "normal" as possible and she wants to walk the parks. A lot of walking/standing can sometimes cause large blisters on the bottom of her stump, which is really bad for her. We are going at Christmas and really don't want to bring her chair. Have brought it in the past and the crowds make in nearly impossible to get around, never mind people yelling at you when they run into you! I am thinking this will not be an enjoyable Christmas visit and am thinking we may have to change our plans.

 

[bookgirl]

Not really related to the DAS I guess, but can someone tell me which attractions have stairs in the line?

Sue just answered this for me here.


http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3184035

 

[Rowanonfire]

Please remember that guests are not always sharing the correct information. Or the CM is not asking the correct questions to get that information. I work in GR and I worked today. I always asked when someone in a wheelchair was requesting a DAS if they had any other concerns or issues other than using a wheelchair. If they say "No" then no DAS is issued. If they say "Yes" they will need to explain their additional concerns. However just because they have additional concerns does not mean a DAS card is issued.

It may seem like only autistic persons are getting the DAS, but it could be because a large number of people with ONLY mobility concerns, who previously had a GAC are being turned away.(Perhaps ones who do need one, but were not sharing all their concerns) I have a non apparent disability myself, so I realize that not all CM's think the same way I might. If you truly feel that you need the DAS be prepared to explain your concerns

I don't suppose you know how guests with mobility concerns that aren't met with a wheelchair are dealt with? My condition means I have a lot of pain and muscle weakness if sat or stood still for an extended time. Making long queues virtually impossible. A time card such as the DAS would enable me to keep moving or sit as needed but I'm not sure whether I would be issued one which is a little... I could not stand or sit in a long normal line so without the card my day will be very limited!

 

[livndisney]

I am reading all these posts and it's concerning. Will DAS be given to amputees? My 14 year old daughter is an amputee, she has a wheelchair but being a 14 year old girl, she wants to be as "normal" as possible and she wants to walk the parks. A lot of walking/standing can sometimes cause large blisters on the bottom of her stump, which is really bad for her. We are going at Christmas and really don't want to bring her chair. Have brought it in the past and the crowds make in nearly impossible to get around, never mind people yelling at you when they run into you! I am thinking this will not be an enjoyable Christmas visit and am thinking we may have to change our plans.

How would a DAS help?

 

[BigAlsGal]

Please remember that guests are not always sharing the correct information. Or the CM is not asking the correct questions to get that information. I work in GR and I worked today. I always asked when someone in a wheelchair was requesting a DAS if they had any other concerns or issues other than using a wheelchair. If they say "No" then no DAS is issued. If they say "Yes" they will need to explain their additional concerns. However just because they have additional concerns does not mean a DAS card is issued.

It may seem like only autistic persons are getting the DAS, but it could be because a large number of people with ONLY mobility concerns, who previously had a GAC are being turned away.(Perhaps ones who do need one, but were not sharing all their concerns) I have a non apparent disability myself, so I realize that not all CM's think the same way I might. If you truly feel that you need the DAS be prepared to explain your concerns

I guess I don't understand why you're responding to me. Lol. I didn't start the rumor they were only giving them to the autistic. Someone else said that. I was responding to those comments.

A poster who did have additional issues was denied a GAC.

 

[SueM in MN]

This is copied ( with a bit of editing to remove GAC information) from the disABILITIES FAQs thread.
It has ALWAYS been Disney's policy to tell guests who say they can't stand to wait in line. They had not been enforcing it recently and had given out GACs to guests who insisted they had trouble standing.
The DAS ((Disability Access Service) is going back to saying the accommodation for issues with stamina or standing in line is to use a mobility device and in all likelihood, guests will not get a DAS for stamina, standing or walking issues.

I have problems with standing in line or with walking. Why did Disney suggest a wheelchair of ECV (motorized scooter)?
Disney calls these "Stamina or Endurance Concerns" and the official response is to suggest a wheelchair or ECV.
If the person has problems with standing in line or with walking, a wheelchair/ECV would be a better solution than a disability card.
A trip to Disney includes a lot more walking than just what you do in line.
There will most of the time be no place to sit while in line and no guarantee it will be available only for people with disabilities.
The distance walked is not usually less with a DAS than without one, so someone who is concerned about walking or standing would do better with a mobility device and/or planning their day to hit the most popular attractions at the least busy times.
Most of the lines where you will actually standing still for long periods are the lines for shows and movies. Because those 'load' large numbers of people at a time, people have to stand waiting for the next show to 'load'. Having a Fastpass or a DAS won't change that - if each show is 14 minutes, you are going to be somewhere for 14 minutes. In many shows, much of the time in that place will be a preshow area. If you don't have a mobility device, you will generally be standing during that time.

With an ECV or wheelchair, you will always have a place to sit and can conserve energy for fun, instead of just getting around.
Having a mobility device doesn't mean you have to sit in it at all times. You can get out and walk for a while.

 

[Rowanonfire]

The info about mobility concerns is what worries me. I will have a wheelchair. It still does not make it possible for me to comfortably wait in lines. I am stressed about this. I have severe anxiety issues too, and I have horrid scenarios in my head that I will be in extreme pain and not be able to leave the line... Or I will be alone with my little niece in a line and my legs will give out and collapse... The irony being that I am more likely to cause myself a panic attack worrying about these things then they are to actually happen! At parks at home, I would never mention my anxiety as a reason to need accommodations , as my physical condition gets me the access I need...however maybe at Disney I should explain that too. =/

 

[TreeSapp]

If you go on twitter search for wdw news today they have a pic of front and back.

This is their pic of the front

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BWJ1DHAIgAEzNjD.jpg

Here the back where they out return times

https://mobile.twitter.com/WDWNT/media/grid?idx=7&tid=387929261207584768

https://mobile.twitter.com/WDWNT/media/grid?idx=8&tid=387928883712233473

Oh yeah, I think I saw one of these earlier with the lady with sparkly pink nail polish, but it's hard to garage the exact size

 

[TreeSapp]

The new card is given to you folded and when folded it is the same exact size as the old GAC cards. Actual measurement? Sorry no ruler around while on vacation.

Thank you! I think they said the old card was 3 by 3.5in

if it's half a US dollar bill. That's basically 3in (I'm a nutty math major - so I have way too many 'emergency' measurements memorized)