SteveMouse
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2002
I don't think folks think you are trying to "milk the system," but they are trying to explain to you how Disney's system works. The American's with Disabilities Act focuses on equal, not preferred access. It does not address equal enjoyment or equal benefit of experience. Different countries do handle things differently. I've had both positive and negative experiences in my travels, but have always endeavored to understand the "rules of the road." I very much understand about chronic pain- I have what's been recognized as one of the more debilitating conditions known, and fight through pain every day.
Before the DAS, individuals were going to the front of the line and some were riding repeatedly. Although I didn't personally experience it, apparently in some cases (Cars attraction in Disneyland, in particular, comes to mind), there were so many people claiming disabilities going straight to the front (and repeating rides) that is was having major impacts on those without disabilities. Disney designed the DAS to comply with its perspective of the law to level access to attractions. The DAS is not intended to reduce wait times but to provide an alternative waiting environment. It doesn't (nor is is it intended to) address all situations for all disabilities. It addresses a subset.
There are many examples where those of us with disabilities don't get to pick an accommodation of our own choosing- One cannot currently remain in one's own wheelchair on a plane (and yes, there are discussions underway to potentially change that). One can't insist that a vehicle manufacturer install a bigger engine in a car so that it can accommodate a wheelchair lift. I'd prefer to sit in the mezzanine of a local theater, but it's not accessible (it's construction predates the ADA),
Irrespective of the DAS, If sitting helps relieve/moderate your pain, you may want to rent/bring a rollator, wheelchair, or scooter anyway. Disney has been reducing the number of places to sit fairly consistently, and you may not find one when/where you want.
As others have mentioned, Disney may provider other resources.
Also, if you are planning to rent a car, be aware that Florida does not recognize things like the blue badge for parking- you have to get a Florida permit. When we were in Germany two months ago, my Texas disabled parking permit wasn't accepted- there's no reciprocity.
Steve
Before the DAS, individuals were going to the front of the line and some were riding repeatedly. Although I didn't personally experience it, apparently in some cases (Cars attraction in Disneyland, in particular, comes to mind), there were so many people claiming disabilities going straight to the front (and repeating rides) that is was having major impacts on those without disabilities. Disney designed the DAS to comply with its perspective of the law to level access to attractions. The DAS is not intended to reduce wait times but to provide an alternative waiting environment. It doesn't (nor is is it intended to) address all situations for all disabilities. It addresses a subset.
There are many examples where those of us with disabilities don't get to pick an accommodation of our own choosing- One cannot currently remain in one's own wheelchair on a plane (and yes, there are discussions underway to potentially change that). One can't insist that a vehicle manufacturer install a bigger engine in a car so that it can accommodate a wheelchair lift. I'd prefer to sit in the mezzanine of a local theater, but it's not accessible (it's construction predates the ADA),
Irrespective of the DAS, If sitting helps relieve/moderate your pain, you may want to rent/bring a rollator, wheelchair, or scooter anyway. Disney has been reducing the number of places to sit fairly consistently, and you may not find one when/where you want.
As others have mentioned, Disney may provider other resources.
Also, if you are planning to rent a car, be aware that Florida does not recognize things like the blue badge for parking- you have to get a Florida permit. When we were in Germany two months ago, my Texas disabled parking permit wasn't accepted- there's no reciprocity.
Steve