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

[MEM]

I heard from a Epcot CM that this is 100% not true and they have no idea where these stories are coming from other then some confusion in conversation between CMs and guests.

We were told by a CM at Epcot that autism did not rate a DAS card because "obviously your son can walk"?!?!?

 

[MEM]

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.

Go to City Hall at MK - those CMs are trained in the DAS. Using it does require a lot of bouncing around but combine it with FP+ and some generous rest periods and you will be fine. Just don't plan on a commando approach to park touring.

 

[cmwade77]

I have reported the situation at Epcot to the person that I have been taking to at Disney, she was not happy to say the least.

 

[SueM in MN]

Everyone take a deep breath and relax a minute.
In this whole thread, there have been a handful of people who have written about issues at Epcot. Most of the reports have not been new reports, but have just been repeating having read about a report on this thread.
So, not a lot of new reports; a lot of people talking about the same few reports.

And, there were a couple of reports where people said they were told DAS was just for children with autism and one parent of a child with autism who understood it was NOT for children with autism.

At least one Epcot CM posted on this thread that they were not saying either that DAS was only for children with autism or was not for children with autism.

So it all points to miscommunication and confusion being the root of the reports. The CM may be answering the question they understood the guest to ask, not the question the guest thought they asked.
This is stressful for both guests and CMs and stress makes communication more difficult and miscommunication more likely.
There may be some who are having a harder time at the new system than others, but they are not out to make things difficult for guests.

If you are at a park and get an answer you think is not correct, it is a good idea to repeat it back - "I understood you to say xxxxxxxx. Is that what you meant?"
Ask for clarification and if you are still not clear, ask to speak to a manager.

If you still have issues, email Disney at disability.services@disneyparks.com

Are there any reports of anyone getting a DAS card without having a child with autism? I am concerned as I have always gotten a GAC due to my condition. We are traveling next month.

Yes.
There have been adults getting DAS cards.
Yes.
There have been people who do not have a child with autism getting DAS cards.

Some people who previously got a GAC may not get a DAS card. For example, Disney has said that people whose needs are met by having a wheelchair, ECV, stroller as wheelchair or other mobility device and an accessible line/boarding will not need a DAS card.
Disney has also said that some needs that previously were covered with a GAC stamp, like front row seating or avoiding stairs, will be handled at attractions, without the DAS.
Some of the people with those needs may have gotten a GAC before.

I also think that is where some of the "WDW is not giving DAS out to adults" may be coming from. They could be misunderstanding of the explanation of why a DAS card was not given out when that person previously got a GAC.

I was hoping someone could maybe clear up the confusion as to the new system for my needs @ WDW in 2 wks.

I have a chronic, progressive pain disorder that leaves me in severe pain (nerve pain) that affects my lower back, down both legs, ankles & feet.
I have a pain pump that my life literally revolves around the doses. I can have a dose every 3 hrs but it only lasts approx 2 hrs, so I have to either walk or stand & I'm unable to sit until the administration of the next dose. (sorry so descriptive)

When I visit WDW, will I be able to possibly use the new system? I was hoping that I could go on some of the attractions according to the return time (if I'm able to get the new DAS)
I won't be able to ride the rides if my backside is on fire ;(

Any help fellow Dis'ers can offer, I'd appreciate it.

SEE BELOW.

I am concerned about getting a return time DAS for my friend when we go next month. She has stage 4 cancer and is undergoing chemo. She will be in a wheelchair but can not wait on long lines. It is too exhausting. We don't get to the park until afternoon and only stay for about 3 hours if that so FP really isn't an option. She really only goes on one or two rides in a park, TSM in HS and the Osbourne lights and maybe visiting the new Fantasyland in MK a few days later.
I thought this DAS return time thing would be a blessing. Last year she never even got to TSM because the wait was too long even with a wheelchair.

Is she going to have an issue getting a card?

if you have not read the first post in this thread, you will want to read it so that you can explain the needs to the CM at Guest Relations.
If it seems that the need is mobility related, you need to be able to explain what needs you have besides mobility and/or why a mobility device alone can't meet your needs.

 

[nataly33012]

Sue,
I am not trying to be rude, but I would just like to elaborate on my experience at Epcot GS on Saturday. I actually did the exact suggestions you posted of reiterating the response by the CM to clarify what they said. This is how the conversation went:

CM: "You should try using the FP system"
Me: "What if there are no more FP left for the day, or they are for 11:30pm?"
CM: "I'm sorry but that is the only option you have."
Me: "SO you are basically telling me that I am being denied any assistance such as a DAS?"
CM: "Yes. The DAS is meant only for children with autism who pose a danger to others in the queue."

That was all from a coordinator. The previous regular CM told me I could not get a DAS and my only option was for FP, and that is when I asked to speak with a manager. I was so humiliated and annoyed that I didn't even bother asking for a manager after speaking with that coordinator (I am not going to post the coordinator's name on the forum). I just wanted to get out of there. After that I just left GS. She made me feel so humiliated. I even asked my fiancé if heard correctly what she said, and he told me heard the same thing. We even had the pdf open on our phones with the policy for the DAS.

 

[SueM in MN]

Been there, just this past Saturday. Angry, Frustrated, Humiliated, ready to sell my 5 DVC contracts. Epcot CMs have not been trained and it seems they pull the DAS guidelines out of their bums. Try MK - you dont need to tell them about your panic disorder. See if you can find Sue's response to my earlier post where she adds a link to Disney's official DAS policy. There is certain language there you should use. The CMs at City Hall seemed very well trained to me when I went there today with my son.

This is the link to Disney's DAS FAQs page on their website.
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/disney-parks-disability-access-service-card-fact-sheet/

The information is summarized and has some additions from other Disney and reputable sources in post one of this thread. But, if you have a smartphone, I would bookmark the Disney page so you can use the official written information in your dealings with them.

 

[luv2sleep]

Alright totally an aside but what's this autistic children posing a danger in the queue thing about? I cannot believe Disney is letting people use that line. That's really offensive. Right there tells you something isn't right. I hope they clear all of this up soon.

 

[sammatt]

as I understand it, if your ONLY need is accessibility and a main queue line isn't accessible, the CM will give you a return time equal to the wait in the main queue, to be used later, in the FP queue. You would not need to obtain a DAS for this. I think this is indicated in Sue M's first post.

I think the poster may be a bit concerned that a CM will tell her she should get a FP, instead of being given a return pass. I have been wondering the same thing. I'd hate to schedule my FP+ excluding BTMRR (under the assumption I can get a return pass instead), then be told I made a mistake. Make sense?

 

[lovethattink]

Just left the party. DAS could NOT be used for the princess M&G. I assume that is the same for Enchanted takes and Mickey.

 

[cmwade77]

Everyone take a deep breath and relax a minute.
In this whole thread, there have been a handful of people who have written about issues at Epcot. Most of the reports have not been new reports, but have just been repeating having read about a report on this thread.
So, not a lot of new reports; a lot of people talking about the same few reports.

And, there were a couple of reports where people said they were told DAS was just for children with autism and one parent of a child with autism who understood it was NOT for children with autism.

At least one Epcot CM posted on this thread that they were not saying either that DAS was only for children with autism or was not for children with autism.

So it all points to miscommunication and confusion being the root of the reports. The CM may be answering the question they understood the guest to ask, not the question the guest thought they asked.
This is stressful for both guests and CMs and stress makes communication more difficult and miscommunication more likely.
There may be some who are having a harder time at the new system than others, but they are not out to make things difficult for guests.

If you are at a park and get an answer you think is not correct, it is a good idea to repeat it back - "I understood you to say xxxxxxxx. Is that what you meant?"
Ask for clarification and if you are still not clear, ask to speak to a manager.

If you still have issues, email Disney at disability.services@disneyparks.com

Yes.
There have been adults getting DAS cards.
Yes.
There have been people who do not have a child with autism getting DAS cards.

Some people who previously got a GAC may not get a DAS card. For example, Disney has said that people whose needs are met by having a wheelchair, ECV, stroller as wheelchair or other mobility device and an accessible line/boarding will not need a DAS card.
Disney has also said that some needs that previously were covered with a GAC stamp, like front row seating or avoiding stairs, will be handled at attractions, without the DAS.
Some of the people with those needs may have gotten a GAC before.

I also think that is where some of the "WDW is not giving DAS out to adults" may be coming from. They could be misunderstanding of the explanation of why a DAS card was not given out when that person previously got a GAC.

SEE BELOW.

if you have not read the first post in this thread, you will want to read it so that you can explain the needs to the CM at Guest Relations.
If it seems that the need is mobility related, you need to be able to explain what needs you have besides mobility and/or why a mobility device alone can't meet your needs.

Sue, I also have talked with people not on these boards that have had similar experiences at Epcot, these are people who have never heard about the Disboards, let alone this thread, but were aware of the New system. They even went to another Park and used the exact same words and for a DAS, so I definitely think that this is an Epcot issue.

 

[Wishes Count]

Just left the party. DAS could NOT be used for the princess M&G. I assume that is the same for Enchanted takes and Mickey.

I could be wrong, but I believe this is because FP is not used during the parties. (I assume you were at MNSSHP tonight). I know that we were told that any character M&G that have a FP+ line would be DAS eligible. It may just be that it is not during the party

 

[SueM in MN]

Sue,
I am not trying to be rude, but I would just like to elaborate on my experience at Epcot GS on Saturday. I actually did the exact suggestions you posted of reiterating the response by the CM to clarify what they said. This is how the conversation went:

CM: "You should try using the FP system"
Me: "What if there are no more FP left for the day, or they are for 11:30pm?"
CM: "I'm sorry but that is the only option you have."
Me: "SO you are basically telling me that I am being denied any assistance such as a DAS?"
CM: "Yes. The DAS is meant only for children with autism who pose a danger to others in the queue."

That was all from a coordinator. The previous regular CM told me I could not get a DAS and my only option was for FP, and that is when I asked to speak with a manager. I was so humiliated and annoyed that I didn't even bother asking for a manager after speaking with that coordinator (I am not going to post the coordinator's name on the forum). I just wanted to get out of there. After that I just left GS. She made me feel so humiliated. I even asked my fiancé if heard correctly what she said, and he told me heard the same thing. We even had the pdf open on our phones with the policy for the DAS.

I started writing before 8pm (so, I think at post 611).
Between my older daughter having phone issues she needed help with and my younger daughter needing care, I did not actually post what I was writing until much later. Moderating is a volunteer job and I am doing it around work and taking care of my family.

Your post and all those between post 611 and yours came in while I was typing.
So, I am not minimizing your concerns. It and the other complaints came in while I was typing.

I would still say that the best course is to clarify, if still a problem, ask to speak to a manager, and if still a problem, send an email.

Or, as MEM mentioned, try GR at another park.

I know that attraction CMs got a 90 minute course covering DAS basics, how to handle guests with disabilities and accommodations at the attractions they wok at. I don't remember the number of hours instruction CMs in Guest Relations got about DAS, but it was hours.
As with any class, some people might 'get' it faster than others.

 

[SueM in MN]

Just left the party. DAS could NOT be used for the princess M&G. I assume that is the same for Enchanted takes and Mickey.

I could be wrong, but I believe this is because FP is not used during the parties. (I assume you were at MNSSHP tonight). I know that we were told that any character M&G that have a FP+ line would be DAS eligible. It may just be that it is not during the party

We've been to MNSSHP for the past 10 years and they have never used GACs and, as far as I know, have never used Fastpass either for the parties.

They are using DAS for any character attractions that have Fastpass according to what I have read on Disney literature.

 

[FrugalFashionista]

Go to City Hall at MK - those CMs are trained in the DAS. Using it does require a lot of bouncing around but combine it with FP+ and some generous rest periods and you will be fine. Just don't plan on a commando approach to park touring.

No commando approach here. I'm planning on letting him lead the way. Of course there are a few things I'm planning on steering him towards.

Our first day is HS so I am hoping we get knowledgable CMs. If not I think I can navigate that park without it as there are quite a few shows take in.

I have to admit the stress of navigating the crowds with him almost equals my excitement to go to WDW.

 

[lovethattink]

I could be wrong, but I believe this is because FP is not used during the parties. (I assume you were at MNSSHP tonight). I know that we were told that any character M&G that have a FP+ line would be DAS eligible. It may just be that it is not during the party

You are correct. However, when I got a call in response to the email I sent to ......... this afternoon, I was told it could be used at the parties for any character meet and greet that had a posted time, she even vetified it with someone else and came back with a yes. There were two cm at fairytale hall standing at the entrance. The one took an attitude and told me to come back tomorrow. The other explained to me that for all special events the fp line is closed. He explained it nicely, but the other cm put a sour taste in my mouth with her attitude.

 

[mrsksomeday]

Have you emailed her back stating what happened?

 

[lovethattink]

Have you emailed her back stating what happened?

I will call this morning.

 

[Rowanonfire]

I think the poster may be a bit concerned that a CM will tell her she should get a FP, instead of being given a return pass. I have been wondering the same thing. I'd hate to schedule my FP+ excluding BTMRR (under the assumption I can get a return pass instead), then be told I made a mistake. Make sense?

Yes this exactly. Anyone have any experience?

 

[lovethattink]

Yes this exactly. Anyone have any experience?

I called Guest Services before we went to find out how things would work for ds.

 

[buffettgirl]

Yes this exactly. Anyone have any experience?

ah, I'm sorry. I misunderstood.

I'd like to hope that the CMs are reasonable in that if they're really providing equal access, a person with no mobility issue would always be able to have 2 options: 1) get in the standby line 2) get a FP for a time later.

Since you cannot use option 1, through no fault of your own, because the line is not accessible, it seems reasonable that the return time SHOULD be what they offer you. It then gives you the same 2 options as any other person. You should not be forced to obtain a FP who's time is far longer than a standard wait. And that's probably exactly how I would explain it to the CM, if they gave you issues.