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

[sunshinehighway]

Were the parks been unusually crowded last week? I know Columbus Day weekend can get busy because it's an extra long weekend for many but it just seems like there have been many reports of long waits and unavailable fps. I usually don't run into those problems this time of year (except Toy Story Mania) and am curious if I should expect larger crowds on my upcoming trip.

 

[SueM in MN]

Were the parks been unusually crowded last week? I know Columbus Day weekend can get busy because it's an extra long weekend for many but it just seems like there have been many reports of long waits and unavailable fps. I usually don't run into those problems this time of year (except Toy Story Mania) and am curious if I should expect larger crowds on my upcoming trip.

You might want to ask this on the Theme Parks Board since they are more likely to be able to answer it.

 

[Twende]

Sue, in your opinion am I wrong in asking for a return time?

I hate feeling like I did and I keep flashing back to the whole bad experience. Maybe I just need to give up trying to do attractions and just learn to people watch rom a bench. My normal excitement of planning our next trip is gone. Even finding our Magic Bands in a box at the house has not thrilled me.

Thanks for the address. I will work on a letter today.

 

[SueM in MN]

Sue, in your opinion am I wrong in asking for a return time?

I hate feeling like I did and I keep flashing back to the whole bad experience. Maybe I just need to give up trying to do attractions and just learn to people watch rom a bench. My normal excitement of planning our next trip is gone. Even finding our Magic Bands in a box at the house has not thrilled me.

Thanks for the address. I will work on a letter today.

No
That sounds reasonable to me, but I'm not the decision maker.
I think all your concerns are things that will get worked out. Right now, CMs and guests are learning how to navigate the new.
Almost everything is new, so there will be some bumps before it gets worked out.

I feel bad for the guests and CMs who are all working they this together.
Keep in mind that they are not the ones who made the policy, but are the ones who have to figure out how what they were taught translates into the guest experience.

 

[OurBigTrip]

No
That sounds reasonable to me, but I'm not the decision maker.
I think all your concerns are things that will get worked out. Right now, CMs and guests are learning how to navigate the new.
Almost everything is new, so there will be some bumps before it gets worked out.

I feel bad for the guests and CMs who are all working they this together.
Keep in mind that they are not the ones who made the policy, but are the ones who have to figure out how what they were taught translates into the guest experience.

I agree, it's tough on everyone right now, and I'm guessing that part of the CMs training had to do with looking for signs that someone is "adding on" in order to try to get a DAS when first told no.

Twende, not saying at all that this is what you did - you're in a spot where some of your needs can be met without a DAS (no steps, low light vision problems) and some need a DAS (waiting outside of the line so that you can use the restroom before you return to ride).

I know it's a pain, but before your next trip, I would recommend writing down what your needs are, and separating them into "DAS required" and "no DAS required", and then when you get to GS, bring up the "DAS required" needs first. That way (and again, I'm not implying that you are trying to game the system), it doesn't appear that when being told you don't need a DAS for no stairs and low vision, it doesn't look like you suddenly thought of something that would require a DAS.

Just a thought, and best of luck on your next trip.

 

[cmwade77]

Sue, in your opinion am I wrong in asking for a return time?

I hate feeling like I did and I keep flashing back to the whole bad experience. Maybe I just need to give up trying to do attractions and just learn to people watch rom a bench. My normal excitement of planning our next trip is gone. Even finding our Magic Bands in a box at the house has not thrilled me.

Thanks for the address. I will work on a letter today.

I think you are right in asking for one, as Sue says, be sure to email Disney about it, but next time ask for a lead about it. But in addition to that, I would also suggest sending a message through the Disney World site and a physical letter through the U.S. mail and calling. Bottom line, make sure that they know that this is something that is important to you.

 

[kritter47]

I think you have a good case with the kidney issues, but I think a CM may have heard the first two parts of your case (at least, in the order you stated them here) and tuned out or just plain missed that one. Vision issues and problems with steps are things that are supposed to be taken care of at the ride itself and not accommodated by a DAS, at least as far as I can tell. You obviously had a poor experience with that as well, which is very regrettable, but the system is now designed so that vision/steps issues are to be accommodated at each attraction.

Perhaps when you approach guest services next time, focus on just the issues that make standing in a long line very difficult or impossible - "Hi, I'm currently dealing with some kidney issues that mean I have take care of medical needs at unpredictable, immediate times, and I would be unable to take care of those issues while waiting in a line. I am totally willing to wait the length of time but would much prefer to do it in an area where I have access to the things I need for medical care." - or something like that. That gives less opportunity for the CM to hear something that they know used to be accommodated with at GAC but is not covered by a DAS and make their decision at that point.

Given that, if I was sending a letter, it would focus on the struggles with accommodations at the ride itself. I would mentioned that I attempted to get a DAS but was denied - and explain that I thought the CMs tuned out the last reason because they got too much information - but I would focus much more on the difficulty of accessing each attraction through the attraction CMs.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Just out of interest do we know any adults that have actually been given a DAS card yet?

 

[lanejudy]

Sue, in your opinion am I wrong in asking for a return time?

I hate feeling like I did and I keep flashing back to the whole bad experience. Maybe I just need to give up trying to do attractions and just learn to people watch rom a bench. My normal excitement of planning our next trip is gone. Even finding our Magic Bands in a box at the house has not thrilled me.

Thanks for the address. I will work on a letter today.

I know you directed this at SueM, but I thought I'd chime in from experience.

I agree that the kidney issue needs accommodation. However, I also know from past experience that getting a GAC for bathroom-related issues was hit-or-miss -- and most often not given. We also deal with kidney issues and immediate need for restrooms, so I understand completely. In the past we've tried to manage by using a restroom immediately before getting into a line, and not getting into lines posted as longer than 30 minutes. Fortunately, we've only ever had 1 "accident" but I think some of that was luck because we've sometimes experienced lines that ended up taking much longer than posted. Hopefully this type of "need" will be better addressed with the DAS than it was for GAC.

I'll also point out that some of your needs do not require a DAS and, while I'm not certain of your conversation with Guest Relations, it could have added confusion to the issue if those were brought into discussion when requesting a DAS. Vision, seating, lighting, no steps -- those issues are all handled at each attraction without need for a DAS. So in the future I would leave those out of the conversation completely and simply focus on explaining the need to wait outside the queue due to your kidney issues.

So sorry you had such a challenging time and made to feel humilated I hope you have a better visit next time!

 

[Twende]

I agree, it's tough on everyone right now, and I'm guessing that part of the CMs training had to do with looking for signs that someone is "adding on" in order to try to get a DAS when first told no.

Twende, not saying at all that this is what you did - you're in a spot where some of your needs can be met without a DAS (no steps, low light vision problems) and some need a DAS (waiting outside of the line so that you can use the restroom before you return to ride).

I know it's a pain, but before your next trip, I would recommend writing down what your needs are, and separating them into "DAS required" and "no DAS required", and then when you get to GS, bring up the "DAS required" needs first. That way (and again, I'm not implying that you are trying to game the system), it doesn't appear that when being told you don't need a DAS for no stairs and low vision, it doesn't look like you suddenly thought of something that would require a DAS.

Just a thought, and best of luck on your next trip.

I know that at DHS I brought up the bathroom need first because I was shocked when I was told to leave the line as necessary and then push my way back into the line. How would that work when riding alone? What? I just guess where I was and push through people in line to get back in it? Dumb! Dumb! Dumb! I asked the CM if she had ever tried to leave a line and get back in it. I told her that dong that is rude and I was very uncomfortable doing that. She said she had no trouble doing that herself? Really?
I knew the steps and the vision thing would be addressed at the attraction and really even that gets very old as you have to keep repeating your needs as you enter.

No
That sounds reasonable to me, but I'm not the decision maker.
I think all your concerns are things that will get worked out. Right now, CMs and guests are learning how to navigate the new.
Almost everything is new, so there will be some bumps before it gets worked out.

I feel bad for the guests and CMs who are all working they this together.
Keep in mind that they are not the ones who made the policy, but are the ones who have to figure out how what they were taught translates into the guest experience.

I would love to just cancel our upcoming trip and I do not feel like being a guinea pig for this. I know bad of me but it really was super embarrassing! I told the CM in Little Mermaid that I was not upset with her and that this had to be horrid for her too. I told her that I knew she was only doing what she had been told to do but to please let her supervisors know that it was not pleasant for guests!

I think you are right in asking for one, as Sue says, be sure to email Disney about it, but next time ask for a lead about it. But in addition to that, I would also suggest sending a message through the Disney World site and a physical letter through the U.S. mail and calling. Bottom line, make sure that they know that this is something that is important to you.

I will be working on a letter tonight and mailing one would be a good idea, thanks! I forgot the word "Lead" when I got flustered. I will try harder to remember it!

I think you have a good case with the kidney issues, but I think a CM may have heard the first two parts of your case (at least, in the order you stated them here) and tuned out or just plain missed that one. Vision issues and problems with steps are things that are supposed to be taken care of at the ride itself and not accommodated by a DAS, at least as far as I can tell. You obviously had a poor experience with that as well, which is very regrettable, but the system is now designed so that vision/steps issues are to be accommodated at each attraction.

Perhaps when you approach guest services next time, focus on just the issues that make standing in a long line very difficult or impossible - "Hi, I'm currently dealing with some kidney issues that mean I have take care of medical needs at unpredictable, immediate times, and I would be unable to take care of those issues while waiting in a line. I am totally willing to wait the length of time but would much prefer to do it in an area where I have access to the things I need for medical care." - or something like that. That gives less opportunity for the CM to hear something that they know used to be accommodated with at GAC but is not covered by a DAS and make their decision at that point.

Given that, if I was sending a letter, it would focus on the struggles with accommodations at the ride itself. I would mentioned that I attempted to get a DAS but was denied - and explain that I thought the CMs tuned out the last reason because they got too much information - but I would focus much more on the difficulty of accessing each attraction through the attraction CMs.

I did bring up the bathroom need first and that is when I was told to leave the line and push my way back in. I asked for a way to get a return time and was told Tough Luck!

Just out of interest do we know any adults that have actually been given a DAS card yet?

I was wondering that too. I have not heard of any!

I know you directed this at SueM, but I thought I'd chime in from experience.

I agree that the kidney issue needs accommodation. However, I also know from past experience that getting a GAC for bathroom-related issues was hit-or-miss -- and most often not given. We also deal with kidney issues and immediate need for restrooms, so I understand completely. In the past we've tried to manage by using a restroom immediately before getting into a line, and not getting into lines posted as longer than 30 minutes. Fortunately, we've only ever had 1 "accident" but I think some of that was luck because we've sometimes experienced lines that ended up taking much longer than posted. Hopefully this type of "need" will be better addressed with the DAS than it was for GAC.

I'll also point out that some of your needs do not require a DAS and, while I'm not certain of your conversation with Guest Relations, it could have added confusion to the issue if those were brought into discussion when requesting a DAS. Vision, seating, lighting, no steps -- those issues are all handled at each attraction without need for a DAS. So in the future I would leave those out of the conversation completely and simply focus on explaining the need to wait outside the queue due to your kidney issues.

So sorry you had such a challenging time and made to feel humilated I hope you have a better visit next time!

Thanks for the hug. I appreciate it! This trip I only entered lines that with the addition of the attraction length, we in my time limit. Splash Mountain went way over the posted time and that is when I got in trouble there.
Little Mermaid was good as there is a bathroom close and the wait was about 15 minutes plus the show. But pushing my way to the doors while following a CM was not acceptable behavior.

I wish Disney would send their leads out to spend a day with some real guests and let them then understand what accommodations are real life.

 

[SueM in MN]

There have been some adults who have posted getting a DAS, so it's not just kids.

 

[Objectivity]

Vision issues and problems with steps are things that are supposed to be taken care of at the ride itself and not accommodated by a DAS, at least as far as I can tell.

This is what's extremely frustrating for me (and probably more-so for my wife who is legally blind.) This new DAS makes it more difficult for the visually impaired to get the assistance they need... Consider this.

If you're in a wheelchair, there are specific needs that are met at every attraction and signs to follow where ever you need them.
If you have a cognitive disability, there's an entire book that you can get to explain how to make the most of your Disney experience within the confines of your need.
If you're visually impaired, it's your responsibility to approach the CM at EVERY ride and ask what they can do to assist you if needed. If you don't know to do that, too bad. If a different CM is there next time and chooses to do things differently, too bad. Figure it out on your own.

I understand that that every disability has its own needs and I really do agree with approach that it's the need, not the diagnosis. But to have a system where certain needs are left to fend for themselves is a little frustrating.

What would be so hard with creating a flyer that lists the rides that have accommodations for visual impairment. That way it wouldn't be such a random experience.

 

[Ashton7]

It sounds to me like there is perhaps a supervisor at EPCOT who is insisting that only children with autism are to be issued the new card and they are then telling those CMs who work under them the same thing.

 

[WantToGoNow]

Just out of interest do we know any adults that have actually been given a DAS card yet?

Yes my dd got one at MK last Thursday after being denied at Epcot on Wednesday.

 

[lanejudy]

This is what's extremely frustrating for me (and probably more-so for my wife who is legally blind.) This new DAS makes it more difficult for the visually impaired to get the assistance they need...

I think the challenge is that how a vision-related issue is handled depends much on the individual guest as well as the specific attraction. There is no one uniform way to handle vision accommodations that will suit all guests with their specific needs.

If you're visually impaired, it's your responsibility to approach the CM at EVERY ride and ask what they can do to assist you if needed. If you don't know to do that, too bad. If a different CM is there next time and chooses to do things differently, too bad. Figure it out on your own. ... What would be so hard with creating a flyer that lists the rides that have accommodations for visual impairment. That way it wouldn't be such a random experience.

Doesn't the Guide for Guests with Disabilities (or whatever it's called - the map with the accessible entrances) indicate what's available at each attraction? I'll admit that vision is not one of the disabilities my family deals with at WDW, so I haven't paid close attention to those accommodations, but it does indicate hearing accommodations. And it may simply be that each attraction is different and each guest's need is different. Maybe your wife needs front row seating but another guest needs 5th or 6th row center. Another guest might prefer higher seating rather than close to the stage.

I think with any disability, we tend to think "another" disability is easier to accommodate, has more choices, doesn't need to explain as much. In reality, we all probably do just as much explaining, requesting, accommodating as any other. I agree the current system is not perfect, and I don't believe there is a perfect system that can be adopted to "perfectly" accommodate everyone. Yes it gets tiring, but I'd rather explain my family's needs at each attraction to be sure the CM's understand what we need, than risk a bad experience.

 

[buffettgirl]

I think the challenge is that how a vision-related issue is handled depends much on the individual guest as well as the specific attraction. There is no one uniform way to handle vision accommodations that will suit all guests with their specific needs.



Doesn't the Guide for Guests with Disabilities (or whatever it's called - the map with the accessible entrances) indicate what's available at each attraction? I'll admit that vision is not one of the disabilities my family deals with at WDW, so I haven't paid close attention to those accommodations, but it does indicate hearing accommodations. And it may simply be that each attraction is different and each guest's need is different. Maybe your wife needs front row seating but another guest needs 5th or 6th row center. Another guest might prefer higher seating rather than close to the stage.

I think with any disability, we tend to think "another" disability is easier to accommodate, has more choices, doesn't need to explain as much. In reality, we all probably do just as much explaining, requesting, accommodating as any other. I agree the current system is not perfect, and I don't believe there is a perfect system that can be adopted to "perfectly" accommodate everyone. Yes it gets tiring, but I'd rather explain my family's needs at each attraction to be sure the CM's understand what we need, than risk a bad experience.

But, before this part happens, there needs to be something in place that essentially pre-qualifies the guest, to the CM at an attraction. For a show, I can see how difficult it could be to a CM to have to determine who gets to pick their own seat, and i wouldn't want to have to have the CM make that decision just by what we happen to say. People lie. We know that. There needs to be something that can be shown to the CM that says that Guest Services has already reviewed our needs, determined that we do need preferential seating.

I'm not really talking about rides here, because in many cases, there might not be anything that can happen at a ride. For my son, he will never need a return time DAS, but he will probably need to access a ride through a more well lighted area, if that option is available. It may not be, and it may be more easily dealt with by use of flashlights, by us. But, again, I wouldn't want to have to leave it up to the ride CM to make that determination based on nothing but say so alone. I'd much rather prefer to be able to hand a card to the CM, allow them to know that guest services has already determined our eligibility for whatever accommodation, and then be on our way. I would have no problem reiterating our need, but I find it much easier, much safer, if it's not left to the ride CMs to make the decisions.

 

[Objectivity]

But, before this part happens, there needs to be something in place that essentially pre-qualifies the guest, to the CM at an attraction. For a show, I can see how difficult it could be to a CM to have to determine who gets to pick their own seat, and i wouldn't want to have to have the CM make that decision just by what we happen to say. People lie. We know that. There needs to be something that can be shown to the CM that says that Guest Services has already reviewed our needs, determined that we do need preferential seating.

I'm not really talking about rides here, because in many cases, there might not be anything that can happen at a ride. For my son, he will never need a return time DAS, but he will probably need to access a ride through a more well lighted area, if that option is available. It may not be, and it may be more easily dealt with by use of flashlights, by us. But, again, I wouldn't want to have to leave it up to the ride CM to make that determination based on nothing but say so alone. I'd much rather prefer to be able to hand a card to the CM, allow them to know that guest services has already determined our eligibility for whatever accommodation, and then be on our way. I would have no problem reiterating our need, but I find it much easier, much safer, if it's not left to the ride CMs to make the decisions.

Yes, to all this.

Specifically, in regard to shows, there are multiple CMs. Let's say you find a CM and explain your need for close seating. You're directed to go elsewhere for entry. At that location, you need to have the same conversation with that CM and then you may have to continue to a final destination with yet another CM. At any point, an innocent CM error could cause issues.

With a pre-qualification, the process moves quicker. The customer isn't repeating themselves multiple times and other customers don't get mad because of the extended conversations at each and every stop.

Not to mention, how tiring that gets to the person with the disability, having to justify their need multiple times to multiple people, when those with other disabilities don't face the same repeat scrutiny because better systems are in place.

 

[PatMcDuck]

I hope this gets better. The need for bathroom access is a real issue (with my son too), yet sadly it is one that could be claimed (falsely) by many "fakers". Heck, before my hysterectomy, it was a (REAL) problem for me.

I dread explaining my son's toileting history at WDW. Let's just say, it is a poop issue, not peeing, and he is non verbal, and gives me no warning. any more details would be gross. Before, I got the GAC for the obvious Downs, somewhat apparent Autism, and his big red Convaid chair. I would explain the more, balance, vision, touching others, but left out the toilet stuff. At least IF I have to get into detail, Sean does not understand what I am saying, and would not be embarrassed. (It is not a frequent problem, but gets worse as the trip goes on, the first few days are issue free)

I could not get him out of a line fast enough, and certainly would not be able to push our way back into it.

 

[FrugalFashionista]

This whole process is new to me. This is the first time we have ever taken a vacation to a busy place like Disney. DS6 is on the spectrum and has a few quirks that are a concern for me while we are there. While he is 6 he has the speech capabilities of a 3 year old so trying to explain to him why we have to wait in such a long line is not going to make sense to him. He gets the idea of tickets so if I tell him we are going to get a ticket to come back later I can work with that. Add in his inability to stand still for long periods of time, sensory overload, strangers being in "his space", and his bathroom issue (when he says he has to go he means now) I get even more nervous.

I'm glad that we are only doing a 4 day trip. Maybe after this "trial run" we will be able to do a longer trip next time.

 

[FrugalFashionista]

I hope this gets better. The need for bathroom access is a real issue (with my son too), yet sadly it is one that could be claimed (falsely) by many "fakers". Heck, before my hysterectomy, it was a (REAL) problem for me.

I dread explaining my son's toileting history at WDW. Let's just say, it is a poop issue, not peeing, and he is non verbal, and gives me no warning. any more details would be gross. Before, I got the GAC for the obvious Downs, somewhat apparent Autism, and his big red Convaid chair. I would explain the more, balance, vision, touching others, but left out the toilet stuff. At least IF I have to get into detail, Sean does not understand what I am saying, and would not be embarrassed. (It is not a frequent problem, but gets worse as the trip goes on, the first few days are issue free)

I could not get him out of a line fast enough, and certainly would not be able to push our way back into it.

I have the same toileting concerns. I'm terrified about going through this process. My son is on the Autism spectrum but is not one of the kids that "looks" Autistic. And because of all of this I am afraid people are going to try and "fake" invisible needs and it's going to back fire on my son.