What is Disney’s DAS and how does it help?

What is Disney’s DAS and how does it help?

Doing Disney with Disabilities

 The Disney DAS (Disability Access System) is how Disney helps those with disabilities enjoy the parks.

Let’s start off with what it is not. DAS is not a front of the line pass for anybody with any disability. A DAS Card is not issued to all disabled guests. It is not for all guests with mobility issues.

What is DAS? It is a Fastpass type return system for guests with disability limitations that make it difficult for them to be in long lines. For example the DAS system is for guests (young or old) that have cognitive disabilities such as ADHD, Autism and Traumatic (or other types) Brain Injury. If a person gets overly nervous or upset in lines then a DAS Card can truly save the day. It is good for the guest with disabilities and those in their party as long as the person that the DAS card is issued too rides the attraction with the party. You can only have ONE Return Time at a time. Once you use the Return Time you can get another.

So what do you do if you have mobility issues? You may not need to get a DAS Card. Instead just go into the regular queues for all rides. All lines at Walt Disney World parks and at Disneyland Resorts Disney California Adventure are designed to accommodate wheelchairs and ECVs. Disneyland Park has many lines that are NOT equipped to handle wheelchairs and ECVs. There are special secondary lines for wheelchairs and ECVs at Disneyland. My recommendation for those with mobility issues is take advantage of the regular Fastpass and Fastpass+ Systems. Have family and friends go to get passes is possible so you don’t have to wheel around the parks.

The exception to the above statement about mobility issues is Disneyland Park. Built before the days of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) many of the queues do not accommodate wheelchairs and ECVs. They have secondary lines for those with mobility issues and you can get a DAS card to use for those attractions. Some secondary queues do not require a DAS. It is still NOT a front of the line pass and many of the wheelchair lines are longer than the normal standby line. Not all attractions at the Disneyland Resort use a DAS Card for mobility issues. This is especially true for Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain.

So how do you get and use the DAS? Go into any of the Guest Relation buildings at any of the Disney Parks and request one. You will need to discuss your needs with the Cast Member at Guest Relations. They will not look at Doctors notes or medical records so you don’t need to bring them. You just need to tell them why you need it. I’ll be honest if you have ADHD or some other issue that makes it hard for you to stand in long lines let go of some of your emotion control and let them see what might happen if you lose it. Don’t get upset or rude. Just let them see your disability for what it is. DAS cards can be issued for the guest and their party, up to 4 people total on just the word of the guest getting the DAS. For groups over 4 the entire group needs to go to Guest Relations and show the Cast Member how many people are in the party.

You will get to pick your first Return Time for the first ride at Guest Relations. At Walt Disney World the DAS works just like the regular Fastpass. You or a family member takes the DAS card to the ride you wish to go on and obtains a return time.

At the Disneyland Resort there are 10 locations, 5 in each park where you can obtain a return time. You can go to Guest Relations any time to get a return time or to any of the locations in the parks. For Disneyland they are at the City Hall, Central Hub, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and New Orleans Square. In Disney California Adventure (DCA) Chamber of Commerce, Carthay Circle, entrance to Cars Land, Bugs Land and Paradise Pier.

To use your DAS Card go to the Fastpass Entrance or the Alternate Entrance if you use a wheelchair or ECV. There you can show your DAS card and enter the line. At some point during the ride they will cross out your Return Time so you can get another.

If at any time you find that the DAS Card is not meeting your need go and talk to Guest Relations. Some people with cognitive disabilities have a harder time than others with lines. Disney is committed to assisting those with Disabilities but, Disney can’t help you if you don’t talk to them.

Disney Parks New DAS Disability Access Service

Disney Parks New DAS Disability Access Service

First off I’ll share the FAQ Direct from Disney with a link at the end of this post to the page. Then I’ll share my opinion.

Disney Parks Disability Access Service Card (DAS) Fact Sheet

Disney Parks have an unwavering commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment and accessible experiences for guests.

Disney Parks is modifying the current Guest Assistance Card program, which provides access to attractions for guests with disabilities, so it can continue to serve the guests who truly need it. The new program is designed to provide the special experience guests have come to expect from Disney. It will also help control abuse that was, unfortunately, widespread and growing at an alarming rate.

The new Disability Access Service (DAS) Card will replace the Guest Assistance card on Oct. 9. Guests at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort can reuest a Disability Access Service Card at Guest Relations. DAS Cardholders will receive a return time for attractions based on the current wait time.

Disney Parks has long recognized and accommodated guests with varying needs. Guests can visit Guests Relations to discuss their individual situation, and Disney Parks will continue to provide assistance that is responsive to their unique circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions:

·        What is a Disability Access Service Card and how does it work?

The DAS Card is designed to accommodate guests who aren’t able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). A Disability Access Card will be issued at Guest Relations main entrance locations and will offer guests a return time for attractions based on the current wait time. As soon as the Guest finishes one attraction, they can receive a return time for another. This service can be used in addition to Disney’s FASTPASS Service and Disney FastPass+ Service.

·        What will Disney parks do if a Guest is concerned the DAS Card doesn’t meet their needs?

Disney Parks have long recognized and accommodated guests with varying needs and will continue to work individually with guests with disabilities to provide assistance that is responsive to their unique circumstances. Guests should visit Guest Relations to discuss their individual needs.

·        Who will be eligible for a Disability Access Service Card?

Disney Parks’ goal is to accommodate guests who aren’t able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). Guests should visit Guest Relations to discuss their assistance needs.

·        How will guests get a Disability Service Card?

A Disability Access Service Card will be issued at Guest Relations main entrance locations. Guests will participate in a registration process, which also includes having their photo taken.

·        Why is Disney Parks doing this?

Disney Parks is modifying the current Guest Assistance Card program so it can continue to serve the guests who truly need it. The new program is designed to provide the special experience guests have come to expect from Disney. Disney Parks also hopes it will help control abuse that was, unfortunately, widespread and growing at an alarming rate.

·        Does the DAS Cardholder have to be present to obtain a return time at an attraction?

No. Another member of the DAS Cardholder’s travel party may obtain a return time but the DAS Cardholder must board the attraction with his/her party.

·        Where do DAS Cardholders go to receive return times?

At Disneyland Resort, guests will go to Guest Relations kiosks located throughout the parks to receive a return time. At Walt Disney World Resort, guests will go to the attraction to receive a return time.

·        Does a DAS Cardholder have to ride the attraction at the exact return time listed?

No. Return times are valid until redeemed by the DAS Cardholder.

·        How long is a DAS Card Valid?

A DAS Card is valid for up to 14 days depending on a guest’s ticket entitlement.

·        Is a DAS Card issued at one Disney theme park valid at other Disney theme parks?

Yes, the card will be valid throughout the resort at which it was issued.

·        Why doesn’t Disney Parks ask for proof of disability, such as a doctor’s note?

Disney Parks takes Guests at their word and there are legal restrictions around asking for proof.

·        Is this the only service available to Guests with disabilities?

Disney Parks offer a variety of services to guests with disabilities, such as Disney’s Handheld Device that offers assistive listening, captioning and audio description. Additionally, Disney Parks has developed a “Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities.” This serves as a tool on how best to experience its theme parks and is expected to be available online by mid-October.

Disney Parks will continue to provide excellent guest services and accessible experiences. Guests should visit Guest Relations at any park should they feel they need assistance due to a disability.

·        Does a Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter need a DAS Card?

No, a Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter does not need a DAS Card. Depending on the attraction, the Guest will either wait in the standard queue or receive a return time at the attraction based on the current wait time. For some attractions at Disneyland Resort, these guests will go directly to an alternate entrance. Guests with additional needs should discuss them with Guest Relations.

·        Will Disney Parks continue to provide a service to wish-granting organizations?

The change will not affect those who are visiting on trips organized by wish granting organizations. There is a separate program for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Now for my opinion, concerns, questions that I will be asking and suggestions for Disney:

The need to change the policy is understood. I’ve seen some of the abuse first hand. I have many concerns about the functionality of the new system but will reserve finale judgment until my family uses the system. But I do have a couple of comments to make.

Opinions:

1.     The name is not as “friendly” or supportive as the GUEST Assistance Card or GUEST Assistance Pass names were. The disabled are GUESTS like any other paying customer. Many don’t like the “label”. Not being labeled but treaded as a guest is what has made Disney stand out for so long.

2.    People in wheelchairs will find this system the hardest thing to do. They will have to go back and forth across the park to the attractions at WDW and to the Kiosks at DLR to get the return time or FASTPASS tickets. What if it is a single person in a wheelchair pushing themselves around? I have a single friend who is disabled that has pushed herself around DLR for years! Even on an ECV the battery runs down. The Kiosk system at DLR sounds more reasonable IF they can get return tickets for ANY attraction NOT just the ones in that area. (IMHO this would be a GREAT idea for the FP system as well!)

Concerns:

1.     Those in wheelchairs will be underserved. Just because you are in a wheelchair does not mean you can sit in a 2 hour long line!

2.    Especially at first those with need for access will be denied. This has happened in the past when they went from the GAP system to the current soon to be defunct GAC system.

Questions:

1.     What about Annual Passholders? Will they have to get a DAS Card every day they visit the park or every two weeks?

2.    If an AP is permanently disabled can you add it to their AP so they don’t have to get it every time? Or at least do it for several months?

3.    How flexible will Disney be with children and adults with Autism, ADHD, PTSD and Panic Attacks? Many people with these “non-apparent” disabilities find they feel “normal” and are treated with respect at Disney parks. Some I know will not do will waiting for a return time to go on an attraction. I know some people that can’t even take waiting in the standard FASTPASS line.

Suggestions for Disney:

1.    Let guests with disabilities get DAC Return Time Tickets for attractions at OTHER parks at the resort. For example, a guest in Disneyland should be able to get a Return Time Ticket for Radiator Springs Racers over in Disney California Adventure. By doing this the guest could use the time to move from one park to the other in a leisurely manor. They would not have to run back and forth between parks to get Return and FASTPASS tickets.

Over the next few weeks and months I will be asking Disneyland the questions and sharing my concerns. I will be checking it out for myself, (my DH falls in the category of “non-apparent” disabled and I have friends with disabilities) and sharing what I experience, both good and bad.

Links:

Disney Parks Blog about the new DAS Card

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/10/guest-assistance-card-program-update-for-walt-disney-world-resort-disneyland-resort/

Link to DAS FACT SHEET On Disney's Website

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/disney-parks-disability-access-service-card-fact-sheet/

Please be understand I have several reason for making sure I'm well informed on this issue. First off I have family and friends that run the spectrum of disabilities. I also work for a unique travel agency called Your Fairytale Vacation that works hard at assisting those with special needs enjoy Disney vacations.

If you wish to book a vacation you can reach me at:

Carolyn@YourFairytaleVacation.com

My Christmas book, “An Angel Remembers 25 Voices of Christmas” is available!!

This is a collection of 26 short Christmas stories that together bring the amazing events of Christ’s birth alive. It is my hope that this will help encourage families to spend 10-15 minutes a day together during the busy holiday season remembering the true reason for the season.

You can find it for ALL eReader formats and PDF at:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94784

For your Nook the link is:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-angel-remembers-25-voices-of-christmas-carolyn-hoagland/1106912931?ean=2940032802624

It is also available at the iTunes book store and many other ebook seller sites.

The only big site not carrying my book is Amazon.

You can download a Kindle version from Smashwords.com

Disney From a Different Perspective

Disney From a Different Perspective

            I saw a link on Facebook for a podcast from WDWInfo.com. On this podcast, recorded in 2011 you get wonderful insight into the needs of a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder. A young man, 15 at the time of recording gave his view of doing Disney with Autism. This segment was suggested by the young man.

            Here is the link:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/podcast/roundtable313-072711-ben.mp3

            This young man is well worth listening too if you are doing Disney with a person with any type of Disability. Here are some of his tips:

1.     Do not fear doing it!

2.    Understand the child’s limits.

a.    The unknown can cause fear.

b.    Characters may cause panic and fear.

c.    Dark rides may cause panic and fear.

d.    Do NOT force them to do something that makes them scared.

e.    If your child has problems with loud noises help them by covering their ears or using noise canceling headphones. Even an iPod can help with noise canceling earbuds.

3.    Research, plan, research and plan!

a.    Read as much as you can about each ride.

b.    Watch videos of the rides with the Autistic child.

c.    Know where quiet places can be found to calm down.

d.    Know what calms your child and plan to have it with you.

4.    Patience!

a.    Know what your child can do and be willing to skip things.

b.    Know when to say enough and head back to the hotel.

Now here are the positive things about taking your Autistic or disabled child to Disney.

1.     Disney is the great equalizer. Those with disabilities of any kind can feel comfortable and even “normal” at Disney. Often they feel awkward and out of place everywhere else.

2.    Disney can be a safe place to learn social skills. Pin trading is a good example of a way to teach a shy or socially awkward child to interact with others. You can give them a script. This young man’s mom taught him to walk up to a cast member with a pin lanyard and say, “May I please see your pins?” Then if he saw a pin he liked he would say, “May I trade for that pin?” Or, “Thank you for letting me look at your pins.” If he did not see one he liked. Another good way to teach social interaction is to let the child order their own meals. Help them pick what they want and have them tell the waiter/waitress what they would like.

3.    It can be a safe place to try new things. You can add one new thing each visit. Try one new ride, show or experience each trip.

In truth a lot of the tips and thoughts of this young man and his mother are good for anybody. A lot of the information can help anybody deal with a stressful day.