Worried about taking advantage of the system

[DisneyOma]

Not DAS related, but on our most recent trip my 9 year old daughter hurt her knee in the hotel and couldn’t really walk without pain. We went to first aid to get it wrapped. We got her a stroller as wheelchair tag for one day and a wheelchair for the second (CM gave us a hard time about giving us the tag for an in park stroller, but we didn’t know any better and she is too old for a normal stroller). We had Genie+ but still needed to use the wheelchair options for rides. Waits ended up being much longer than the normal Genie+ times. I was grateful that she could still do some rides, but there was definitely no “advantage” to being in a wheelchair, despite what some might think.

FWIW Orlando airport was amazing. We got a free chair and I was able to wheel her to the gate quite easily. After waiting in Newark for about 20 minutes on the jet bridge for a chair on arrival the first officer found us something to get off the jet bridge. We waited another 45 minutes and the gate agent called 7 times for a chair, including paging the skycaps, before I put her on my back plus the 3 bags we had with us (I’m NOT large). I got her half way out to meet her dad, and then she limped the rest of the way. All those people who might have judged an otherwise healthy looking 9 year old getting pushed in a wheelchair to board early hopefully thought twice about it when they saw what we went through to get out of the airport.

Bottom line...there are always ways that to "take advantage" if someone wanted to. Perhaps they don't REALLY need the DAS, but then use it to book selections (in person or advance) on popular rides and then go ride a bunch of other rides while you wait. I know that isn't actually "cheating" as it is part of the rules, but it goes against the spirit of DAS by cutting out waits and doing a bunch of extra rides. But for everyone like that, there are probably at least as many people who truly NEED the accommodations and are dealing with health issues as they wait out their time. Only you will know in your heart what you need, but if you need it then you aren't "taking advantage,' only making use of accommodations that are there when needed.

Did you take the shuttle to urgent care to have her knee looked at?

 

[Karin1984]

Before DAS existed, everyone did the parks without it. Technically, most people will be able to do the parks without. The difference is how you feel at the end of day, more breaks needed, meltdowns, etc.

You are not taking away from someone else.

 

[voxparse]

If you qualify, you qualify. Also, you having DAS does not impact any other person in the park in any real, measurable way. You're overthinking it.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Did you take the shuttle to urgent care to have her knee looked at?

No, we went to the first aid station in the park. They said they didn’t hear/feel anything majorly wrong so we wrapped it, iced, kept her off of it, and then said we would reassess when we got back home. She ended up being ok after about 4 days.

 

[DisneyOma]

Before DAS existed, everyone did the parks without it. Technically, most people will be able to do the parks without. The difference is how you feel at the end of day, more breaks needed, meltdowns, etc.

You are not taking away from someone else.

Before DAS there was GAC, so I'm not sure "everyone did the parks without it".

 

[Disneychick13]

As Disney puts on their website:

• DAS is intended for Guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to a disability.

So if you meet both of those qualifications and are issued a DAS after you apply for it then I don’t think you have to worry about it.

 

[lanejudy]

@DisneyOma is correct, before DAS existed there was the Guest Assistance Card (GAC). Before GAC was another program (maybe Special Assistance Pass or something like that). So the parks have provided some form of disability accommodation for at least 25-30 years. Prior to that, I don't know, but suffice it to say WDW - and the world in general - was very different back then; attitudes towards disabilities were very different.

I for one am glad the world is changing and becoming more accepting and accessible. Not that there isn't still room for improvement, but much better than 40-50 years ago. Let's keep moving forward.

 

[DisneyOma]

@DisneyOma is correct,

Can I just hold on to this for a bit? I'm trying really hard to correct my abrupt ways, but since tone is tricky to figure out for me while I type it's been a battle. When I'm quoted, it's usually because I've screwed up. So I'm going to cherish being called correct

 

[herdtoDisney]

How do I know if we REALLY need DAS? We have been to WDW several times with our family and have never used it. Although, we didn’t really know about it.

I am considering asking for one for my oldest daughter. She gets overwhelmed very easily. Sensory issues, like noise, lights, and crowds. But even having to make decisions or plans changing upset her. I do the ink having a DAS would be beneficial to her. But she COULD and has done WDW without it.

FWIW, probably several of us qualify. I have Crohn’s and one year at WDW I was in a horrible flare. DAS would have been a lifesaver. I also have a child with ADHD who has a lot of sensory issues as well. He could probably use one and a few years ago it would have made a big difference for him. The fact that several of us could most likely get a pass makes me feel a bit less guilty.

I really do think my DD (and others of us) qualifies. But I can’t shake this guilt that I’m taking advantage of the system. We have done WDW without it. However it would certainly make our trip much less stressful and overwhelming. I guess my question is how to know whether our difficult is “enough?”

Op, I've thought about this too. My dd is 8 and has ASD. When we go to places like Disney, I get her a DAS/whatever pass. But, I use it as a tool when needed-if it's not needed, I don't use it.

For example, last time we went to AK, we did Kilimanjaro Safari without using DAS, because the outside, relatively calm line works for DD. We used DAS for the Navi river ride (that she refused when we got to the loading area, lol) because the enclosed lines are difficult for her.

You still have to wait the line time, so it's not like DAS folks get ahead of anyone. I mean, for the Navi river ride, we stood in the shade while dd picked up leaves and squaked at birds until our return time.

I consider it a tool to use when needed, and as dd is getting older, we use it less. But it's not wrong to use it.

 

[DisneyMama811]

@5disneymama have you decided what to do? I myself (anxiety, claustrophobia, panic disorder) and my DD6 (sensory issues) could both probably benefit from DAS but I keep telling myself that I should leave it for people with "real problems" (that is NOT a dig against anyone with mental health issues, I have several myself and have lots of shame around them and set too high expectations for myself but I'll be the first to advocate for a friend who is struggling with mental health, I'm a hot mess I know) we are 25 days out from our trip but a huge part of me not even applying for DAS is because I'm too nervous to ask for it because I don't know exactly how the conversation will flow or what to expect or what to say

 

[Lilsia]

@5disneymama have you decided what to do? I myself (anxiety, claustrophobia, panic disorder) and my DD6 (sensory issues) could both probably benefit from DAS but I keep telling myself that I should leave it for people with "real problems" (that is NOT a dig against anyone with mental health issues, I have several myself and have lots of shame around them and set too high expectations for myself but I'll be the first to advocate for a friend who is struggling with mental health, I'm a hot mess I know) we are 25 days out from our trip but a huge part of me not even applying for DAS is because I'm too nervous to ask for it because I don't know exactly how the conversation will flow or what to expect or what to say

There is no limit on how many they give out, so you getting a DAS does not affect anyone at all. Get it if you need it.

 

[gap2368]

@5disneymama have you decided what to do? I myself (anxiety, claustrophobia, panic disorder) and my DD6 (sensory issues) could both probably benefit from DAS but I keep telling myself that I should leave it for people with "real problems" (that is NOT a dig against anyone with mental health issues, I have several myself and have lots of shame around them and set too high expectations for myself but I'll be the first to advocate for a friend who is struggling with mental health, I'm a hot mess I know) we are 25 days out from our trip but a huge part of me not even applying for DAS is because I'm too nervous to ask for it because I don't know exactly how the conversation will flow or what to expect or what to say

I have been asked two different ways one is "What are your concerns with standing in line?" the other is "What would case you to leave the line?"

All you have to do is answer one of those question. The what to say has to be up to you just answer the question the best you can

 

[nalabear]

OP - Chat with the service to go over DAS and options. Frankly, if you get DAS, you are NOT OBLIGATED to use it. We use it when DS needs it. Other times when he's in a good place, we practice life skills and wait in the queue and our line mates a little about the ins/outs of autism and animals in general

 

[DVCPAT]

OP - Chat with the service to go over DAS and options. Frankly, if you get DAS, you are NOT OBLIGATED to use it. We use it when DS needs it. Other times when he's in a good place, we practice life skills and wait in the queue and our line mates a little about the ins/outs of autism and animals in general

My grandson has to have it in MK. Although he loves MK rides … the struggle is real. He has a hard time waiting in line for the DAS on day 1. The MK train stop near the check in point is a poor location for those with sensory issues.
Epcot has a calming vibe so he does much better waiting in lines.

 

[DisneyOma]

My grandson has to have it in MK. Although he loves MK rides … the struggle is real. He has a hard time waiting in line for the DAS on day 1. The MK train stop near the check in point is a poor location for those with sensory issues.
Epcot has a calming vibe so he does much better waiting in lines.

It's been said (here? Facebook? I can't remember where I saw it) that you can apply for DAS at the blue umbrellas now - not sure if that is true, but if so might be better for you.

 

[AutismTrek]

We have used the DAS, the GAC etc since my son was 3. The stroller as a wheelchair tag was a god-send as a bigger child. He is an adult now and we leave in 7 days for our next trip. We will get one, I am trying to wait in line to pre-register but we will see. My son has autism and is developmentally delayed. We use the pass to help level the playing field. We will purchase Genie plus if we need it for some of our parties. We were just there in June of 2021. We are looking more at the night time stuff and trying to get a few of the new rides. Like Ratatouille (which I know we can't pre-book). We would like to do rise of the resistance again.

 

[dizneedoll]

It's been said (here? Facebook? I can't remember where I saw it) that you can apply for DAS at the blue umbrellas now - not sure if that is true, but if so might be better for you.

In 2021, I registered at the blue umbrella at Epcot near Test Track.

 

[gap2368]

It's been said (here? Facebook? I can't remember where I saw it) that you can apply for DAS at the blue umbrellas now - not sure if that is true, but if so might be better for you.

In 2021, I registered at the blue umbrella at Epcot near Test Track.

I also got mine at the blue umbrella a few years ago

 

[DVCPAT]

Thanks DisneyOma, I’ll look into the alternate location. My grandson was having a meltdown waiting in the DAS registration line. We’re thankful Disney offers DAS .. no way he could visit MK without it. I believe it helps him progress as he pushes through sensory issues. It’s a real conflict as he wants to get on buzz light year yet he can have sensory overload. We always notice progress in him after a Disney trip.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I just spoke with my cousin's child on Christmas (I say child but she nearly 23) who recently used DAS a few months back at WDW. For her she has a cognitive disorder and has high anxiety. She is able to do so many high thrill rides I could never do lol but grapples with the environment of lines and all. She enjoyed Universal but (as I already knew from comments here on the DIS) wasn't able to use the program the same way there as WDW because they are not quite the same. She loved DAS at WDW but she was like the OP in feeling bad about using it. Part of it with her is even with it her high anxiety led to a few times where she had to take a break, get away and come back again and she felt bad for her friends that were with her because of rides.

For the OP they do know they can tour the park without DAS but that also doesn't mean forgoing it because of that. The program has changed over the years to be both more inclusive and yet more strict both for very good reasons. Each trip might be different too because a person's reasons why they think they may need DAS can adjust or change over time. My cousin's child had a long period of introversion as well as time period in which medication doses were being adjusted. She's much more outgoing now but her struggles are not the exact same as they were when she was in middle and high school. So these days she really needs to tour with DAS but she can make it to the parks in the first place and that is saying something especially with respects to her triggers.