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

[Vidia2]

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[disney david]

I did read in an article about the new system that the code on the left bottom corner (QR code I believe) will be used in part to internally track the use of the DAS cards by CMs. I'm sure it will be used to keep track of non-employee guests as well - to replace the cards, etc. but it seems like a really good way to halt CM abuse. From the article that I read (if we are to believe everything the internet tells us) the CM abuse was primarily at DL.

The article gave some interesting info regarding how many GAC passes were actually being used/issued. In Anaheim, when the info was compiled, Disneyland Resort was issuing just over 2,000 GAC passes per day, roughly split evenly between Disneyland’s City Hall and DCA’s Chamber of Commerce. WDW during the same time, issued 250 per day.

They figured that 10,000 people out of an average Friday’s combined two-park attendance of 75,000 visitors is roaming the parks using a GAC in the California parks.

In contrast 1,500 people using a GAC were "creating vastly less impact spread amongst the 150,000 visitors roaming the four parks of Walt Disney World on a typical day."

This gives some perspective regarding the difference in the parks. We plan to do our normal WDW visits but after reading this article, we're much less likely to ever visit the Anaheim parks. We go to WDW during off season and I'm wondering if DL even has an off-season.

Yes thanks for adding that that good so hopefully that helps in cutting down in the abuse no matter who doing it.

 

[Vidia2]

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[livndisney]

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

What has worked for us in the past is "parent swap"- We get FP's with all 4 tickets. One parent rides with child A while other parent takes child B (who won't go near the building-including the paths leading to the building) to the bathroom, to the sand area to dig for bones, to have a snack in the a/c (my favorite LOL), to the dino store, or to ride the dino version of Dumbo-(all located located near Dino entrance/exit). When riding parent comes back with child A, parents swap and child A gets to ride a second time.

 

[alizesmom]

Aladora, you are a wise person.

 

[NjMamaMouse]

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

I am heading down in a couple of weeks and my family is in the FP+ trial.... I have set up my online fast passes and was wondering if we had our paper tickets in hand if we would also be able to use the fast pass kiosks... Potentially giving us quicker access to more rides. Is that right?

 

[Wishes Count]

Heya-
Sorry to detract (derail?) from the current trending but I had a question that I'm hoping I can get answered maybe.

Hubby has Crohn's, and has been increased on his infusion treatments in the couple of weeks, which is going to change how we work the parks. We managed before with just renting an ECV when he was having a bad day, but I'm worried that with the increase in treatments may cause an increase in fatigue/stamina issues/incidents. We're going during a slower time (week after Thanksgiving) but I had a couple of questions.

1. Does the new DAS work during special events like the Christmas Party? Or do we have to get a special/new/different thing if needed?

2. Would a DAS even work for something like Crohn's where you need to get out of the line quickly for something? I'm not worried about waits, but just an exit strategy if needed for emergencies? Or is that not possible any more (it used to be with the GAC but his Crohn's was never that severe)?

Thanks-

Hi. If you are referring to MVMCP. I am not sure. FP is not utilized during these party events and the lines are usually only about 20 mins long at these as the events are capped at around 25,000 guests (That sounds like a lot, but at MK it is really nothing) combine that with all the other special shows and parades there isn't too much of a line.

Second. The DAS creates a situation where you are "virtually" waiting for an attraction. So you are not confined to the queue line. I am not sure what GAC you had before as I also have Crohn's and had the alternate entrance. There wasn't and still isn't any thing that will let you get out line quickly. And honestly in some queues it is downright impossible to get out. Your husband will need to explain just like you did here. He doesn't mind waiting but it is difficult for him to be confined to the queue line because he can have episodes where he must get to a bathroom urgently. Most CM's will not know what Crohn's is or how it affects people. I've been diagnosed for 10 years so I have no problem telling people my issues as I have gotten over being embarrassed. If your husband is embarrassed of the condition or afraid others will hear when asking for the DAS, I suggest he writes out his concerns for the CM to read.

 

[4mykids]

If this has already been answered, I apologize. I cannot stand or sit for extended periods of time. Even though this is a mobility issue, I cannot use a wheelchair as I cannot sit for that long. Walking does not cause the pain that sitting and standing still do. I never had a problem getting a GAC. Am I eligible for a DAS?

 

[lovethattink]

Hi. If you are referring to MVMCP. I am not sure. FP is not utilized during these party events and the lines are usually only about 20 mins long at these as the events are capped at around 25,000 guests (That sounds like a lot, but at MK it is really nothing) combine that with all the other special shows and parades there isn't too much of a line.

We are going to MNSSHP on Monday. I forgot to ask if the DAS could be used during the party, so I called the guest services phone number today. I was told yes.

 

[SueM in MN]

I am heading down in a couple of weeks and my family is in the FP+ trial.... I have set up my online fast passes and was wondering if we had our paper tickets in hand if we would also be able to use the fast pass kiosks... Potentially giving us quicker access to more rides. Is that right?

That is correct at this time.
Because Fastpass + is active for people on the testing and Fastpass is still active, you will be able to use both.

If this has already been answered, I apologize. I cannot stand or sit for extended periods of time. Even though this is a mobility issue, I cannot use a wheelchair as I cannot sit for that long. Walking does not cause the pain that sitting and standing still do. I never had a problem getting a GAC. Am I eligible for a DAS?

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.

We are going to MNSSHP on Monday. I forgot to ask if the DAS could be used during the party, so I called the guest services phone number today. I was told yes.

I would count on NOT using it, even though you were told you could.

They have not used Fastpasses in the past and have not used GACs for attractions at parties I have been at.
It is possible they have changed it with the DAS, but if you don't expect it, you won't be disappointed.

 

[NoleFan]

There are genuine, valid concerns for families of children with autism. Disney is a place our kids can enjoy and we can see them enjoying the world around them. For a parent, seeing this is a gift & not something we take lightly. We will fight for our kids and continue to educate the world about autism.

 

[NoleFan]

Yep. If Disney is serious about encouraging this, then they really have no reason to change from the GAC to the PAS.

By tracking who is getting the card & how frequently (which they are doing) will help identify and track any potential abuse. Also, having the picture on the card and making sure that individual is riding the ride will help as well. If a person truly needs accommodations, then those resources should be available.

 

[lovethattink]

I would count on NOT using it, even though you were told you could.

They have not used Fastpasses in the past and have not used GACs for attractions at parties I have been at.
It is possible they have changed it with the DAS, but if you don't expect it, you won't be disappointed.

We've been to 3 MNSSHP this year. I didn't remember seeing any FP lines opened, but then we didn't ride any attractions at any of those parties.

 

[Talking Hands]

Unfortunately I found that Fastpass Plus was completely useless for my situation. I have multiple issues but the reason it did not work for me was the times were random and because I also have a hearing loss and do the interpreted shows there was no way to coordinate Fastpass Plus with the schedule which I only receive the week prior to WDW (less if I hit the parks unplanned)

 

[NYDisneyKid]

I bet this thread has the world record number of posts on this board

 

[book_junkie]

Hi. If you are referring to MVMCP. I am not sure. FP is not utilized during these party events and the lines are usually only about 20 mins long at these as the events are capped at around 25,000 guests (That sounds like a lot, but at MK it is really nothing) combine that with all the other special shows and parades there isn't too much of a line.

Second. The DAS creates a situation where you are "virtually" waiting for an attraction. So you are not confined to the queue line. I am not sure what GAC you had before as I also have Crohn's and had the alternate entrance. There wasn't and still isn't any thing that will let you get out line quickly. And honestly in some queues it is downright impossible to get out. Your husband will need to explain just like you did here. He doesn't mind waiting but it is difficult for him to be confined to the queue line because he can have episodes where he must get to a bathroom urgently. Most CM's will not know what Crohn's is or how it affects people. I've been diagnosed for 10 years so I have no problem telling people my issues as I have gotten over being embarrassed. If your husband is embarrassed of the condition or afraid others will hear when asking for the DAS, I suggest he writes out his concerns for the CM to read.

We never *had* a GAC before- if he had stamina issues, we rented an ECV and just used fastpass and a touring plan, and left the parks when we needed to. This time around he seems to be having more flares and things upset his balance more easily with the new infusion schedule- we're keeping our fingers crossed that as his body gets used to it things will settle down. He long ago lost any problem telling anyone about his symptoms- so the CM's won't be a problem, I just didn't know if with the new system a DAS would be something to consider or not depending on how he's feeling that day.

Thanks

 

[MaggieMollyMom]

Amen to that!!

I hope we can keep this thread open as I find it tremendously helpful. This particular forum is the only place that I feel like I can get information in a supportive environment without the debate on whether we or our children are worthy.

 

[SueM in MN]

While I was gone at work and only able to read on my iPhone, this thread has strayed into debate and things that have nothing to do with how to use the DAS card.

Please re-read the guidelines in post 1, keep to the subject, don't debate and re nice.

I will leave the thread open for now, but will be closing it for 'cleaning' on Friday afternoon.

 

[babyberger]

Thank you SueM! I was following with the hopes of reading hands on info, which there is, but had to stop because of the "debates". I hope this thread can stay open so people can share their experiences with the new system.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[cmwade77]

Unfortunately I found that Fastpass Plus was completely useless for my situation. I have multiple issues but the reason it did not work for me was the times were random and because I also have a hearing loss and do the interpreted shows there was no way to coordinate Fastpass Plus with the schedule which I only receive the week prior to WDW (less if I hit the parks unplanned)

Does wdw not have a set schedule for interpreted shows? At Disneyland the schedule is set as day the third show every Saturday. The alternative that they offer is if you give advance notice, they will interpret the show times of you choice. Not sure how it work at WDW though, but perhaps the shows of your choice could work for you, by scheduling them around the FP+. just a thought that might help.