Would I Qualify to Use DAS?

[Elias1901]

Hey all,

I posted this in the August check-in thread but realized that it may not be the best place for such a question... so, I'll ask it here:

I was hoping this would pass as they usually do by now and it would be a non-issue for our trip this week... BUT unfortunately, that is not the case. At work last Tuesday, I got caught up on and tripped over some cracked and ajar/lifting concrete on a sidewalk and hit the pavement at full falling force (I'm not a light or nimble individual) and not only gashed and bruised my elbow and knee but also (most painfully and long-lastingly) twisted my right ankle/foot and while it is like... 40% better than day 1 and 2, where I could barely walk and was hobbling about, couldn't even put weight on the leg long enough to put my left shoe on. Knee is sore to the touch but no walking pain.

As of today, I can walk... but not amazingly... still slightly hobble to shift more of my body weight onto my left leg. I can imagine this being particularly painful for long periods of time if standing in queues. I've had a friend on a past trip need to use the DAS system due to a bad knee and it was granted to us for that trip... so my question is... would my injury to my foot be reason enough for them to permit my party and I to take advantage of the DAS system to keep me from standing for extended periods of time and instead come back once the waiting period is up? Or would my condition be deemed "not extensive enough" to warrant usage of that system?? Anybody with more insight on this situation would be wonderful... also more info on how it works and how to get it set up would be great. I know you go to guest services but I am unsure of exactly what to say...

 

[ImDMous]

As far as I know, DAS is not for mobility issues. If you have a mobility issue: walking, standing, stairs, etc, you are told to get a wheelchair or scooter. Then you would use the regular line if it is accessible or use the wheelchair entrance for rides that have them.
Their wording on what qualifies for a DAS is pretty vague so I suppose you could go to Guest Services and see what they say.

 

[WonkaKid]

FWIW, a friend had knee-replacement surgery recently and has been in a wheelchair most of the time since. We go to the park every Sunday. No one has ever questioned her and she’s been given immediate access to rides like Alice and Peter Pan. It’s never been an issue.

In short, I think that if you’re in a wheelchair while at the park, you’ll be afforded the same access. If you don’t have one, you can rent one from DL for $12 a day plus a $20 deposit.

 

[2tinkerbell]

This is a good question for the disAbilities board. I believe there are some guidelines posted at the top. My personal opinion is that this falls under a mobility issue and they will suggest you get a mobility aid. Also, no one can tell you how to word your problem to guest relations as no one but you know your problem.

It is my understanding that those individuals using mobility aids are given a return time, much like those utilizing the DAS. I could be wrong.

Again, your best bet is to ask this question on the disAbilities board.

 

[Elias1901]

Well I'm definitely not about the wheelchair or scooter life unless it was 100% necessary. My legs aren't broken or disabled to the point that I believe I'd need one. I'd feel like it would be more of a burden bumbling around in a wheelchair or scooter. I'd prefer to be sitting down someplace until it is time to hobble over to the attraction and ride.

Maybe DAS wasn't the correct term. My friend had a knee injury and we went to the posted guest services kiosks or attraction exit for a time to come back (if I remember things correctly) and went to sit down and came back for the return time. I suppose if MaxPass and chill is the best way to accomplish this... then I suppose that it shall have to be. I was just thinking of ways to keep me off this janky sprained foot...

 

[KPeterso]

The DAS is not typically given for Mobility or stamina issues. I agree with a wheelchair. We get one for my Mom as her knees are terrible and she cannot walk or stand long periods of times. And we use MaxPass to limit our waits even more. Just because you have a wheelchair does not mean you have to be in it the whole time. My Mom walks and pushes hers a lot as she is supposed to walk. It gives her something to use for extra stability and balance and she can sit when she needs to. When going to rides, some are mainstreamed, but some are not and will give you return times where you wait for the length of the posted wait time less 10 minutes and then enter either via fastpass or via a wheelchair entrance such as the exit.

FYI - there are a lot of people on the Disabilities board who are very familiar with the DAS. One thing they always say is think of this as a "tool". If you can't see, you wear glasses. If you can't hear, you wear a hearing aid. If you can't walk very far, you use a mobility device. It is the tool that you use to make your life easier.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Well I'm definitely not about the wheelchair or scooter life unless it was 100% necessary. My legs aren't broken or disabled to the point that I believe I'd need one. I'd feel like it would be more of a burden bumbling around in a wheelchair or scooter. I'd prefer to be sitting down someplace until it is time to hobble over to the attraction and ride.

Maybe DAS wasn't the correct term. My friend had a knee injury and we went to the posted guest services kiosks or attraction exit for a time to come back (if I remember things correctly) and went to sit down and came back for the return time. I suppose if MaxPass and chill is the best way to accomplish this... then I suppose that it shall have to be. I was just thinking of ways to keep me off this janky sprained foot...

It doesn’t sound like your friend used a DAS. Did they have a boot or crutch or a wrapped ankle or something? Then on rides with wheelchair return times they would qualify for a return time (many rides in DL, none in DCA as they are all wc accessible).

You will not qualify for a DAS. Any issue that can be solved using a wheelchair or ECV is not eligible for a DAS. That you have chosen not to use a wc/ECV does not change this because it could solve your problem. Reference 2nd paragraph https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me.../dlr-disability-access-service_2017-07-17.pdf

I’m sorry as I know that’s not the answer you were hoping for. Fwiw... I would re-consider renting an ECV. It’s a shame to go to all that effort to do a Disneyland trip and then miss things because you can’t stand for very long. The biggest problem is standing can hit you at unexpected times. Traffic is backed up trying to get out of Adventure Land. FP lines can be 20-30 mins when it’s crowded. Fireworks, parades, shows- they’re all standing.

 

[Elias1901]

It doesn’t sound like your friend used a DAS. Did they have a boot or crutch or a wrapped ankle or something? Then on rides with wheelchair return times they would qualify for a return time (many rides in DL, none in DCA as they are all wc accessible).

I don't recall that she had anything with her. Maybe she had a cane? But even that doesn't seem likely... but it is a possibility.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I don't recall that she had anything with her. Maybe she had a cane? But even that doesn't seem likely... but it is a possibility.

I thought they needed a visual on the mobility aid in order to use a wc return time but maybe not. Still, only some rides use wc return times (older lines that they weren’t able to adjust to fit wheelchairs in DL only) so it won’t solve your problem

 

[Disneyfan754321]

I think its going to depend on who you get and the kind of day they have had, most people who get the das are in there term are unable to stand/sit in ride que.

 

[VandVsmama]

CMs at City Hall will probably recommend you to use a wheelchair or scooter. So you'd get wheelchair return times...those you get from a CM at the actual ride, compared to a DAS pass...in which you get a DAS return time at the various kiosks in each "land." I've rented a scooter before at DL for myself for a situation similar to yours and getting wheelchair/scooter return times wasn't that big a deal.

 

[Indiana Scott]

Since you don't qualify for DAS and aren't very interested in a wheel chair, I suggest you make good use of Max Pass.
We use MP alot and don't stand in long lines.

 

[skyblue17]

It sounds like walking isn't going to be very comfortable for you. I get not wanting to rely on a scooter or wheelchair, but that is what they are there for, to take the stress out of how you are going to get around the parks and focus on the attractions. Why suffer through a long day which is going to require a lot of getting from Point A to Point B?

 

[Geemo]

Well I'm definitely not about the wheelchair or scooter life unless it was 100% necessary. My legs aren't broken or disabled to the point that I believe I'd need one. I'd feel like it would be more of a burden bumbling around in a wheelchair or scooter. I'd prefer to be sitting down someplace until it is time to hobble over to the attraction and ride.

Maybe DAS wasn't the correct term. My friend had a knee injury and we went to the posted guest services kiosks or attraction exit for a time to come back (if I remember things correctly) and went to sit down and came back for the return time. I suppose if MaxPass and chill is the best way to accomplish this... then I suppose that it shall have to be. I was just thinking of ways to keep me off this janky sprained foot...

You may not feel you need a scooter.... But have the contact info for renting one at the last minute. You might find it help you enjoy your trip a little better.

If you are staying in one of the Disney hotels Deckert's has scooters generally right at the hotel.

They will deliver to hotels in the area but there are a four they do not deliver to.

Besides Deckert's I have also used Select Scooter, located in the lobby of the Best Western Park Place Inn on Harbor Blvd right at the crosswalk.

Here are the phone numbers for these two. Keep in mind you will find others with a google search.
Select Scooter Rental (714) 644-8057
Deckert's (714) 542-5607

Good luck with your trip this week.

Geemo

 

[StarGirl11]

Well I'm definitely not about the wheelchair or scooter life unless it was 100% necessary. My legs aren't broken or disabled to the point that I believe I'd need one. I'd feel like it would be more of a burden bumbling around in a wheelchair or scooter. I'd prefer to be sitting down someplace until it is time to hobble over to the attraction and ride.

Maybe DAS wasn't the correct term. My friend had a knee injury and we went to the posted guest services kiosks or attraction exit for a time to come back (if I remember things correctly) and went to sit down and came back for the return time. I suppose if MaxPass and chill is the best way to accomplish this... then I suppose that it shall have to be. I was just thinking of ways to keep me off this janky sprained foot...

Average mileage at the parks starts at six to seven miles. Even when trying your darnest, and trust me I've tried, you can still easily end up with 3-4 miles within just 3-4 hours. All of this on an injured knee. I'm a runner and I can tell you walking that much on an injury is a stupid idea. Walking that much can worsen an injury and make the recovery process worse. If its between your pride and your injury please use some common sense and get a chair or a scooter. Because you could just make it worse and then have to spend more time recovering from it. And thats not even start on the fact that even standing is still bearing weight on the injured leg.

Just seriously think about how your leg is doing before dismissing needing a chair or a mobility device please.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

And please note the locations for First Aid in both parks so that you can get there pronto if you need to. (In DL: at the end of the cul de sac across from Plaza Inn and the Little Red Wagon. In DCA: on the right side of Chamber of Commerce on BVS.) The CMs there are all RNs and are super friendly and helpful.
The above posters are correct in saying that DAS is not usually given for mobility issues. If your problem can be solved with a mobility device of some kind, then that is what will be recommended. And it can make a huge difference in the outcome of your trip. Can you bring a travel cane so that you'll have it if you need it?

 

[TikiTikiFan]

I’ll echo the other responses here. I have nerve damage in my legs and feet from chemo and I was told to use a wheelchair or scooter and that I wasn’t eligible for DAS. But I’ve also been told by others that have similar issues that they did qualify so I also think it really depends on the cast member.

I also will not use a wheelchair or scooter... it’s a weird pride thing. But anyways, I rely heavily on a MaxPass and take pain meds to get through the day. Typically you won’t wait long in line if you’re using MaxPass! What usually hurts me is just the general walking around. So you may want to consider the scooter to get the full use of the day!