What would you advise for this situation? DAS or no?

[sleepingbean]

We have not used the DAS cards in past, as we have been able to get by with our own strategies without modifications from Disney. When we needed a wheelchair, they accommodated as needed, of course. My child, however, is getting worse with her connective tissue disorder and her joints dislocate frequently, and spontaneously. If this happens in a line, we have to just stop and sit and wait until it's reduced (put back into joint) and then we need to find ice and rest etc. I am not sure how to handle Disney this next trip. We were at the pool, for example, and she was doing great, but then her shoulder pops out and she can't get it back in easily. This is something she sees many specialists for, and she is being treated, but there is not a cure. I am not sure what to do. We won't do any thrill rides (obviously) and we'll take it relatively easy, but I am not sure if Disney can accommodate her in any way other than if we just get her a wheel chair, again (and possibly immobilizers if she needs them)? It's heart breaking, but if there is a any place that can help her feel like a normal kid on vacation, it's Disney. Any advice?

 

[wilkeliza]

That is a very very tough situation. Unfortunately I'm not sure if even the DAS would help since you said it can be random and unpredictable.

If you were to go the DAS route I would let the CM know it is not a mobility issue but rather it is better when you are able to wait outside the line in case your daughter needs to quickly go to first aid or be immobilized for a brief period of time. Make sure they are aware as you said here that the issue is not her ability to stand or sit for periods of time but rather the need to get in and out of a queue quicker if she does needs to. In that scenario the das may benefit your family because I am wondering if perhaps you needed to leave the CM at the front could acknowledge you in fact did not get to ride and your daughter would be able to go rest in first aid and then you can come back and try to ride again with out having to start your wait time all over again and face this potentially happening again.

 

[anonymousegirl]

That is a very very tough situation. Unfortunately I'm not sure if even the DAS would help since you said it can be random and unpredictable.

If you were to go the DAS route I would let the CM know it is not a mobility issue but rather it is better when you are able to wait outside the line in case your daughter needs to quickly go to first aid or be immobilized for a brief period of time. Make sure they are aware as you said here that the issue is not her ability to stand or sit for periods of time but rather the need to get in and out of a queue quicker if she does needs to. In that scenario the das may benefit your family because I am wondering if perhaps you needed to leave the CM at the front could acknowledge you in fact did not get to ride and your daughter would be able to go rest in first aid and then you can come back and try to ride again with out having to start your wait time all over again and face this potentially happening again.

If the OP is using a DAS card and does not ride unexpectedly, the DAS stays in place and she will have to wait in the fast pass queue again, however long that queue is. Except for Make a Wish kids, there is no way to get the DAS holder to the front of the line.

So even if they entered the FP line with the DAS, got to the front of the line and had to leave without riding, they would have to start over at the back of the FP queue when the OP's daughter felt better.

 

[SMD]

Just curious, what do you consider a "normal kid" and how can Disney make her feel "normal"?

 

[blondietink]

Personally, I would get her a wheelchair to use the entire trip. There are plenty of kids who appear "normal" using wheelchairs, but they might have a broken foot or something. If she had a wheelchair available all the time, she might not have as many issues with her disability and if she does has a problem, you won[t have to rely on CM's to go and get you a wheelchair, which might not be available readily at whatever ride you are waiting for, If she doesn't want to ride in the wheelchair all the time, she or somebody else can push it around the parks ... it is an excellent holder for backpacks, jackets, packages, etc.

 

[wilkeliza]

If the OP is using a DAS card and does not ride unexpectedly, the DAS stays in place and she will have to wait in the fast pass queue again, however long that queue is. Except for Make a Wish kids, there is no way to get the DAS holder to the front of the line.

So even if they entered the FP line with the DAS, got to the front of the line and had to leave without riding, they would have to start over at the back of the FP queue when the OP's daughter felt better.

I know that but they wouldn't have to wait another hour plus for some attractions. So yes they would have to rewait in the fastpass line but not in the regular stand by line and as I mentioned would be able to go to somewhere like first aid in the time on the card. I'm sure the OP would agree 30 minutes in a physocal fast pass line while waiting the posted stand by in the open would be a better gamble than 2 hours in the regular line.

 

[anonymousegirl]

I know that but they wouldn't have to wait another hour plus for some attractions. So yes they would have to rewait in the fastpass line but not in the regular stand by line and as I mentioned would be able to go to somewhere like first aid in the time on the card. I'm sure the OP would agree 30 minutes in a physocal fast pass line while waiting the posted stand by in the open would be a better gamble than 2 hours in the regular line.

Sorry I must have misread your example in your previous post. Did you mean that the OP would not have to start her DAS wait time again? That would be correct. The OP could re-enter the FP line and wait its duration

 

[wilkeliza]

Sorry I must have misread your example in your previous post. Did you mean that the OP would not have to start her DAS wait time again? That would be correct. The OP could re-enter the FP line and wait its duration

Yes that is what I meant the DAS time would not have to be restarted so as soon as her daughter was feeling better they could retry entering through FP.

 

[sleepingbean]

Just curious, what do you consider a "normal kid" and how can Disney make her feel "normal"?

A child whose shoulders (and other joints) don't dislocate every day. I used the word "normal" loosely, as I do realize there is no such thing and everyone has their own struggles. Primarily meant she would be on a vacation that she could participate in as opposed to not being able to participate due to dangers to her shoulders and knees etc, which is a common scenario. Make sense? I think it's fair to say that it is abnormal for joints to spontaneously and frequently dislocate, in a painful and debilitating manner. By allowing her the ability to step out of line to fix a dislocation (which may require laying down in a safe spot) and get back in, for example, that would allow her to participate, though this accommodation may not be available. That is one example of how Disney could help in this instance. This would allow her to still participate in the ride and the basic vacation concept of touring Disney parks. Disney has proven that they are very accommodating to people who do require special assistance in a variety of ways, and it was my hope that they could help in this situation, though it may not be realistic.

Thank you to wilkeliza, anonymousegirl, blondietink for the explanation of how the FP line would work for a DAS situation where you need to step out. That sounds like a good option, really. And using the wheelchair is smart, as you say (to help avoid unnecessary stress to the joints, in general). So, what would I need to do? Ask her doctor to write a note explaining she may need to leave a line and come back due to her shoulders /knees dislocating? Or not that specific, you think?

 

[SteveMouse]

A child whose shoulders (and other joints) don't dislocate every day. I used the word "normal" loosely, as I do realize there is no such thing and everyone has their own struggles. Primarily meant she would be on a vacation that she could participate in as opposed to not being able to participate due to dangers to her shoulders and knees etc, which is a common scenario. Make sense? I think it's fair to say that it is abnormal for joints to spontaneously and frequently dislocate, in a painful and debilitating manner. By allowing her the ability to step out of line to fix a dislocation (which may require laying down in a safe spot) and get back in, for example, that would allow her to participate, though this accommodation may not be available. That is one example of how Disney could help in this instance. This would allow her to still participate in the ride and the basic vacation concept of touring Disney parks. Disney has proven that they are very accommodating to people who do require special assistance in a variety of ways, and it was my hope that they could help in this situation, though it may not be realistic. Thank you to wilkeliza, anonymousegirl, blondietink for the explanation of how the FP line would work for a DAS situation where you need to step out. That sounds like a good option, really. And using the wheelchair is smart, as you say (to help avoid unnecessary stress to the joints, in general). So, what would I need to do? Ask her doctor to write a note explaining she may need to leave a line and come back due to her shoulders /knees dislocating? Or not that specific, you think?

Disney does not want and won't read a doctor's note. When you go to request a DAS card, you will need to explain what the need is, not the condition. i.e. "My daughter's arms and legs randomly dislocate without provocation and she must be able to have space or lie down to relocate them." If Disney perceives the issue to be one of stamina or mobility, they will recommend a wheelchair and will not likely issue a DAS card. Other guests have reported improved understanding of complex needs when they leave their wheelchair or ECV out of sight to request the DAS (DAS requested for non-mobility needs).

 

[lanejudy]

... So, what would I need to do? Ask her doctor to write a note explaining she may need to leave a line and come back due to her shoulders /knees dislocating? Or not that specific, you think?

To request a DAS, you go to Guest Relations in a park and discuss her needs. Not diagnosis. And if she's also going to use a wheelchair, you will have to specify how the wheelchair will not accommodate all her needs (for example, the chair just provides a safe place for her to rest). A note from the doctor will get you nowhere as they aren't likely to even look at it. There is more info about the DAS in the WDW Disability Access Service sticky thread near the top of this forum.

That said, none of us online can guarantee WDW will grant her a DAS, so you'll want to be prepared with "plan B" -- how to handle the parks without a DAS. The wheelchair is good start. If you find yourselves needing to leave a line, I recommend that you speak with the CM at the end (entrance) to see if they can offer you an accommodation when you return; it's worth explaining and asking.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[SMD]

A child whose shoulders (and other joints) don't dislocate every day. I used the word "normal" loosely, as I do realize there is no such thing and everyone has their own struggles. Primarily meant she would be on a vacation that she could participate in as opposed to not being able to participate due to dangers to her shoulders and knees etc, which is a common scenario. Make sense? I think it's fair to say that it is abnormal for joints to spontaneously and frequently dislocate, in a painful and debilitating manner. By allowing her the ability to step out of line to fix a dislocation (which may require laying down in a safe spot) and get back in, for example, that would allow her to participate, though this accommodation may not be available. That is one example of how Disney could help in this instance. This would allow her to still participate in the ride and the basic vacation concept of touring Disney parks. Disney has proven that they are very accommodating to people who do require special assistance in a variety of ways, and it was my hope that they could help in this situation, though it may not be realistic.

Thank you to wilkeliza, anonymousegirl, blondietink for the explanation of how the FP line would work for a DAS situation where you need to step out. That sounds like a good option, really. And using the wheelchair is smart, as you say (to help avoid unnecessary stress to the joints, in general). So, what would I need to do? Ask her doctor to write a note explaining she may need to leave a line and come back due to her shoulders /knees dislocating? Or not that specific, you think?

I think you know that Disney can't stop her joints from dislocation or stop it from hurting when that happens. It seems like a better strategy is to focus on prevention and minimizing discomfort. Besides a wheelchair, are there any braces to stabilize joints? As far as a safe place to lie down, it's not like each ride has a waiting room, and the CMs aren't going to whisk you backstage or clear a spot for her to lie down in the middle of the park. There's the first aid center, but you could be far away. Will your daughter be in pain while you head there? You also mention finding ice. Are you going to detour for ice? You might want to carry a few of those instant cold packs, so you can ice the area on your way to lie down.

 

[sleepingbean]

Thank you Stevemouse and LaneJudy! Those are very good ideas and I think that most CMs would be as accommodating as they were able. Also, we do tend to be pretty understanding about not doing it "all" and trying to just go with the flow and stop to smell the roses etc. It may be hard to get back out of a line (in a wheel chair or out), but I'm sure there are some options. Thank you for the heads up. I am not certain if I should bother with the attempt to get DAS or not, but I will ponder this and definitely book a wheelchair for her!

 

[sleepingbean]

You also mention finding ice. You might want to carry a few of those instant cold packs, so you can ice the area on your way to lie down.

I will definitely have those on hand and just ice in general because she needs it. We always have ice packs, so that is not difficult to manage with a lunch bag. But those instant ones are pretty great for travel! Great tip

 

[SueM in MN]

Yes that is what I meant the DAS time would not have to be restarted so as soon as her daughter was feeling better they could retry entering through FP.

A time 10 minutes less than the current standby wait time (the DAS Return Time) is written on the back of the DAS and remains active until it is crossed off by a CM at the attraction.
If they have gotten past the point where the DAS Return Time has been crossed off, it is no longer an active time and could not be used again to enter the Fastpass line.
If you have time before leaving or if you have more in your party than just you and your daughter, you should be able to get another DAS Return Time for the attraction. If it's just the 2 of you, try to talk to the CM before leaving.

This is a link to the DAS thread that was already mentioned. The first post in the thread is the most important - it is a DAS FAQs.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3178976

Thank you Stevemouse and LaneJudy! Those are very good ideas and I think that most CMs would be as accommodating as they were able. Also, we do tend to be pretty understanding about not doing it "all" and trying to just go with the flow and stop to smell the roses etc. It may be hard to get back out of a line (in a wheel chair or out), but I'm sure there are some options. Thank you for the heads up. I am not certain if I should bother with the attempt to get DAS or not, but I will ponder this and definitely book a wheelchair for her!

Thank you Stevemouse and LaneJudy! Those are very good ideas and I think that most CMs would be as accommodating as they were able. Also, we do tend to be pretty understanding about not doing it "all" and trying to just go with the flow and stop to smell the roses etc. It may be hard to get back out of a line (in a wheel chair or out), but I'm sure there are some options. Thank you for the heads up. I am not certain if I should bother with the attempt to get DAS or not, but I will ponder this and definitely book a wheelchair for her!

I don't know how old she is! but if she's smaller than 5 feet tall, you would probably want to rent a smaller wheelchair than you can get in the parks..
Post 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread has rental information. There is a link to that thread in my signature or you can find it near the top of this board.

 

[wilkeliza]

The only concern I have is what happens if this happens to your daughter on a ride? You said it is with out warning. Would she be able to finish the ride or would she need to be evaced off?

 

[sleepingbean]

SueM, we have a great wheelchair rental here in our neighborhood, so we get her a small one for traveling, which is fantastic for airports, too. Thanks!
To be honest, the DAS sounds more headache than it may be worth in our situation. I'm leaning toward our own devices, as usual. But I will read up on that link you posted!

Wilkeliza, of course we will plan out which rides make the most sense considering her health situation. We would not do anything jarring, for example, and we'll just keep it easy and mellow. Many rides are short and we can manage. There are a few longer rides like Ellen's, which we can just skip. That part, we can manage. We have been to Disney enough times that we know the ride lengths and amount of motion to expect.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

I'm not sure if you remember, but I have a condition with these exact problems. I honestly have reduced dislocations and subluxations while still in line. Of course, I'm reducing for myself and I'm an adult, but I just wanted to mention that it may be possible. I also don't think that I dislocate quite as often. I carry those disposable ice packs (the type you squeeze to activate) that way I have ice whenever I need it. I happen to also have (as part of my condition) severe heat sensitivity so it also helps with that.

Personally, I find that using a wheelchair (as long as someone else is pushing) drastically reduces the problems I have. Any PT exercises she does at home she should keep doing while on vacation (obviously in the room is best, although I've also had some PT-assigned exercises that no one else would notice if I did them in a queue).

I have more, but no time to type it right now. I'll try to remember and come back. Also, feel free to PM me.

 

[mistysue]

I think your response to "what do you think of as "normal"" - polished up a bit is probably exactly the explanation you need.

I want to mention this because I didn't feel like it was obvious but the Toy Story midway mania ride really jostles you around. I expected it to be like Buzz, which also turns but is slower. They let you carry infants on- but we had a low muscle tone toddler stuck lying down in the middle of our seat because the whipping back and forth made him slip down and we couldn't get him up until the ride stopped. I felt more whipped around on that one than most of the roller coaster type rides. If jostling effects her that ride may be scary in her case.

 

[sleepingbean]

Thanks WheeledTraveller and MistySue!
Good reminders and tips. Yes, TSM is a bit rough!