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

[delmar411]

We were told to bring the card issued in October back for next trip (Jan '14) and that as long as nothing had changed as to medical condition(s) the overall process would be shorter.

As with the old GAC, I assume a 2nd card will need to be issued, along with a new picture and cursory verification of information already provided. We only had two people in our party the 1st time but a total of 5 people will be in our group in January so we'd have to update it anyway.

I would not count on that. We are on our 3rd renewal of the DAS card and I got it renewed at AK on Sunday and was more than a bit put off that the CM there was asking me to declare why we needed the card and then in a very odd whisper asked if my DD needed it for social issues. It was rude and I was very annoyed and we already went through the process to justify her need and was told we wouldn't have to go through it again. The CM said that they were told they needed to verify why you were getting the card but it really makes me uncomfortable and I wasn't prepared to discuss her needs especially since we were running late for a FP+ time and I was expecting them to be able to simply renew the pass without another discussion.

I won't renew it again at AK but if this is the new process I will have to put her needs in writing and just carry it with me.

 

[ChrisinNJ]

I understand entirely what the post a few above is saying as I have the exact same issues. Sitting or standing, including very slow walking, for an extended period of time is a NIGHTMARE. The only difference with me is, I DO have a mobility device. But that's because sometimes I have no choice but to use it in places like themeparks as my legs simply give up. However, me and my doctors both know that sitting in a wheelchair only makes my condition worse and I'm meant avoid using it whenever I possible can as my muscles stiffen.

I'll probably ask for a DAS. What do I expect it to help with? It will allow me to keep moving as I need to and stop me from becoming immobile. If I tell GR that a wheelchair will make my condition worse and they honestly refuse to give me any other help then honestly I'd be really disappointed in Disney.

My husband has the exact same issues you mention here and was told no GAC, get a wheelchair, and if that is a problem they would refund our tickets. I told the CM that we having been coming to Disney every year or 2, and always had assistance. I was shocked that they would rather lose our business than assist us, but I was told that was their policy.

My DH was in pain, only made it to 2 parks in 8 days, and only made it on about 3 rides per park, and then he was done.

 

[lovethattink]

I would not count on that. We are on our 3rd renewal of the DAS card and I got it renewed at AK on Sunday and was more than a bit put off that the CM there was asking me to declare why we needed the card and then in a very odd whisper asked if my DD needed it for social issues. It was rude and I was very annoyed and we already went through the process to justify her need and was told we wouldn't have to go through it again. The CM said that they were told they needed to verify why you were getting the card but it really makes me uncomfortable and I wasn't prepared to discuss her needs especially since we were running late for a FP+ time and I was expecting them to be able to simply renew the pass without another discussion.

I won't renew it again at AK but if this is the new process I will have to put her needs in writing and just carry it with me.

Perhaps it wasn't the park, but rather the individual cm. Renewed ds's once at Epcot and once at MK. Had a good experience at each.

ETA: Unless it's like the parking where totally at random they ask for ID to go along with the AP?

 

[Rowanonfire]

My husband has the exact same issues you mention here and was told no GAC, get a wheelchair, and if that is a problem they would refund our tickets. I told the CM that we having been coming to Disney every year or 2, and always had assistance. I was shocked that they would rather lose our business than assist us, but I was told that was their policy.

My DH was in pain, only made it to 2 parks in 8 days, and only made it on about 3 rides per park, and then he was done.

Oh my goodness. Did you ask to speak to someone higher up? I've heard stories of people with similar issues being offered the DAS. I would have complained to management. What they said to your husband is not acceptable, what about that is equal access?

 

[delmar411]

Perhaps it wasn't the park, but rather the individual cm. Renewed ds's once at Epcot and once at MK. Had a good experience at each.

ETA: Unless it's like the parking where totally at random they ask for ID to go along with the AP?

I have no idea. The other times we renewed at HS and they just took the card and verified our party number and that was that so I guess we'll just stick with parks that likely get more experience issuing the card.

 

[1girln3boys]

So what are you expecting to do while you wait for the DAS return time that you couldn't do in the queue? You'll need a very clear reason/explanation to give to the CM. People can do all that you just explained in the queue. Also, most queues are in constant motion, so no standing still, except for shows.

I can walk around and stretch my legs. And not be stuck in one place and trapped.

 

[1girln3boys]

if you get a DAS Card, the CM in Guest Relations will explain that it is meant to be used along with Fastpass. Not sure why you are thinking Fastpass is no longer an option.

I've been reading that DW is going to stop giving out FPs by not giving out KTW. PoP is supposedly stopping giving out KTW to people with Magic Bands. If FPs are available when I go then I won't worry about getting a DAS.

 

[SueM in MN]

I've been reading that DW is going to stop giving out FPs by not giving out KTW. PoP is supposedly stopping giving out KTW to people with Magic Bands. If FPs are available when I go then I won't worry about getting a DAS.

If you have Magicbands, you will be able to get Fastpass Plus.

 

[shellypaige]

So we went to MK today and were told my daughter doesn't need a DAS. She's 2 and has a mitochondrial disorder (it's like having a dead car battery all the time, very little energy). We had little time in the park with her and she overheats quickly. The old GAC was great for us. Today was horrible. I told the CM that she can only stay awake a limited amount of time so waiting in 40min lines is unrealistic and that she overheats easily so we AT LEAST need a cool place to wait if we choose to do the 15min wait lines. Our daughter is non mobile & has vision issues. She functions at a 6 month level. The CM said she doesn't require a card or any additional assistance, that most the rides are shaded and if anything I can just tell a CM at the ride that we need a cool place, well, I tried that at under the sea and the CM just looked at me as if I was crazy and ushered us along.
Anyway, our day ended shortly. Any tips for trying again tomorrow?

 

[Robbi]

So we went to MK today and were told my daughter doesn't need a DAS. She's 2 and has a mitochondrial disorder (it's like having a dead car battery all the time, very little energy). We had little time in the park with her and she overheats quickly. The old GAC was great for us. Today was horrible. I told the CM that she can only stay awake a limited amount of time so waiting in 40min lines is unrealistic and that she overheats easily so we AT LEAST need a cool place to wait if we choose to do the 15min wait lines. Our daughter is non mobile & has vision issues. She functions at a 6 month level. The CM said she doesn't require a card or any additional assistance, that most the rides are shaded and if anything I can just tell a CM at the ride that we need a cool place, well, I tried that at under the sea and the CM just looked at me as if I was crazy and ushered us along.
Anyway, our day ended shortly. Any tips for trying again tomorrow?

No advice except maybe ask for a supervisor and just wanted to say that I'm sorry you had this experience today.

 

[shellypaige]

No advice except maybe ask for a supervisor and just wanted to say that I'm sorry you had this experience today.

Thanks. It was really disappointing. :/ definitely not the magic we've experienced before

 

[1girln3boys]

If you have Magicbands, you will be able to get Fastpass Plus.

Only 3 though. If is didn't have Magic Bands I would be able to get more than 3 and be able to get FPs at a different park since we plan on park hopping.

 

[lovethattink]

So we went to MK today and were told my daughter doesn't need a DAS. She's 2 and has a mitochondrial disorder (it's like having a dead car battery all the time, very little energy). We had little time in the park with her and she overheats quickly. The old GAC was great for us. Today was horrible. I told the CM that she can only stay awake a limited amount of time so waiting in 40min lines is unrealistic and that she overheats easily so we AT LEAST need a cool place to wait if we choose to do the 15min wait lines. Our daughter is non mobile & has vision issues. She functions at a 6 month level. The CM said she doesn't require a card or any additional assistance, that most the rides are shaded and if anything I can just tell a CM at the ride that we need a cool place, well, I tried that at under the sea and the CM just looked at me as if I was crazy and ushered us along.
Anyway, our day ended shortly. Any tips for trying again tomorrow?

Please go back to GS or call the disability number. There is a list of air conditioned places to cool off. When we first got my son's DAS, the cm didn't give us a list, but did circle and tell us about every place he could go cool off. We carry hand held air conditioners and frozen water bottles, but that's just not enough at times.

I fully understand that shade and air conditioning in the outside queues doesn't always cut it. My ds overheated in the FP line for Pooh and required first aid. Never expected the FP line to take a half an hour. But that was prior to DAS and those lines were longer then from more people having GACs.

 

[SueM in MN]

So we went to MK today and were told my daughter doesn't need a DAS. She's 2 and has a mitochondrial disorder (it's like having a dead car battery all the time, very little energy). We had little time in the park with her and she overheats quickly. The old GAC was great for us. Today was horrible. I told the CM that she can only stay awake a limited amount of time so waiting in 40min lines is unrealistic and that she overheats easily so we AT LEAST need a cool place to wait if we choose to do the 15min wait lines. Our daughter is non mobile & has vision issues. She functions at a 6 month level. The CM said she doesn't require a card or any additional assistance, that most the rides are shaded and if anything I can just tell a CM at the ride that we need a cool place, well, I tried that at under the sea and the CM just looked at me as if I was crazy and ushered us along.
Anyway, our day ended shortly. Any tips for trying again tomorrow?

Sending you a PM.

But, in general, stick to the things that are issues with waiting in the lines.

 

[cmwade77]

So we went to MK today and were told my daughter doesn't need a DAS. She's 2 and has a mitochondrial disorder (it's like having a dead car battery all the time, very little energy). We had little time in the park with her and she overheats quickly. The old GAC was great for us. Today was horrible. I told the CM that she can only stay awake a limited amount of time so waiting in 40min lines is unrealistic and that she overheats easily so we AT LEAST need a cool place to wait if we choose to do the 15min wait lines. Our daughter is non mobile & has vision issues. She functions at a 6 month level. The CM said she doesn't require a card or any additional assistance, that most the rides are shaded and if anything I can just tell a CM at the ride that we need a cool place, well, I tried that at under the sea and the CM just looked at me as if I was crazy and ushered us along.
Anyway, our day ended shortly. Any tips for trying again tomorrow?

Ask for a lead at GR, this is something that can be accommodated with a DAS.

 

[SueM in MN]

Please go back to GS or call the disability number. There is a list of air conditioned places to cool off. When we first got my son's DAS, the cm didn't give us a list, but did circle and tell us about every place he could go cool off. We carry hand held air conditioners and frozen water bottles, but that's just not enough at times.

I fully understand that shade and air conditioning in the outside queues doesn't always cut it. My ds overheated in the FP line for Pooh and required first aid. Never expected the FP line to take a half an hour. But that was prior to DAS and those lines were longer then from more people having GACs.

The Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities has a list of 'quieter break' areas. Here is a link to the guidebook.

https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me...disabilities-services/wdw_cognitive_guide.pdf

Post 26 on page 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread has a list of attractions that are good places to cool off. Many of them are not that busy, so have shorter waits.

 

[mmbl]

A friend who just called Disney (she's going in a few weeks, and is going through chemo) has been told as of Nov 1 GAC cards have been discontinued. i find this hard to believe as the new system was just implemented recently, anyone know about this? thanks so much!

They were discontinued on 10/9/13.

 

[mmbl]

I didn't think it was "the DAS is NOT issued for mobility" I thought it was simply "The DAS is not issued for mobility problems that can be solved by a wheelchair or ECV." I understand entirely what the post a few above is saying as I have the exact same issues. Sitting or standing, including very slow walking, for an extended period of time is a NIGHTMARE. The only difference with me is, I DO have a mobility device. But that's because sometimes I have no choice but to use it in places like themeparks as my legs simply give up. However, me and my doctors both know that sitting in a wheelchair only makes my condition worse and I'm meant avoid using it whenever I possible can as my muscles stiffen. I'll probably ask for a DAS. What do I expect it to help with? It will allow me to keep moving as I need to and stop me from becoming immobile. If I tell GR that a wheelchair will make my condition worse and they honestly refuse to give me any other help then honestly I'd be really disappointed in Disney.

Ask for a supervisor. Under the ADA and HIPPA, you do not need to disclose ALL personal information. We carry a certified note from our doctor and that d*** well better be enough.

 

[mmbl]

Only 3 though. If is didn't have Magic Bands I would be able to get more than 3 and be able to get FPs at a different park since we plan on park hopping.

Until they stop testing- which they hadn't 2 weeks ago, you can get FP + and the old, regular fast passes.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Ask for a supervisor. Under the ADA and HIPPA, you do not need to disclose ALL personal information. We carry a certified note from our doctor and that d*** well better be enough.

HIPAA applies only to medical providers - physicians, insurance companies, and one other category that I can't recall in the middle of the night. It has zero effect/influence ar theme parks.