disabilities assistance Abuse

[DisneyOma]

Speculation that can probably be assumed to be fact...
The CS line will be shorter for DAS b/c many folks will have taken care of it online.
Since there is an online option, just like everything else at Disney, they will encourage folks to use it if possible and make not using it less than pleasant (has anyone waited on those reservation phone lines vs doing online reservations lately?)
And with the online option, Disney is putting the money in to standardize this already, so they'll pass what the online folks have to onsite folks, and probably say "when you don't know, just refer to online".

We must have been posting at the same time, LOL - see my above post for more info.

 

[Tiberella626]

In the U.K. we seem to largely minimise the risk of abuse by allowing organisations to request that anyone seeking assistance presents proof of registered disability. This usually also allows a carer to enter free of charge.

I wish we could do this in the states. I understand why, but as a family with invisible issues it would be nice to not have the anxiety about making sure the cast member understands. Just here is my medical note would be simpler and it would keep out away more cheats.

We have been in a situation before on our first family trip where a Delta agent took other people in front of us because no one in our party is in a wheel chair even though we were in the special services line. We were also asked "so what is wrong with you?" Both to enter the line and once we reached the counter. I explained and was accommodated but I felt uncomfortable and small after that interaction.

 

[Sandisw]

I attached the wrong quote- it's DisneyOma I was responding to. It sounds like you're suggesting that because he can walk he should use a wheelchair or scooter for just when we need to stand in a line? I can appreciate the frustration of those dealing with much more significant challenges, but his issue is serious enough that we we're literally going to the parks this year and doing nothing but walking around and eating. We're not jumping to the head of a line, we're not getting on rides any faster than those standing in line. And we did not talk CMs into this - it was 2 different CMs who convinced us that it was ok to use it for this. I'm kinda sorry I brought this up.

Don’t be! I agree and understand completely because my issue is very similar to your husbands. Using a scooter…which I tried…did not help which is why I went and discussed things with them to see my options.

Some days, my issue is such that even riding certain rides is impossible so I have to skip them and wait elsewhere while my family does them.

 

[MS_Warrior]

Don’t be! I agree and understand completely because my issue is very similar to your husbands. Using a scooter…which I tried…did not help which is why I went and discussed things with them to see my options.

Some days, my issue is such that even riding certain rides is impossible so I have to skip them and wait elsewhere while my family does them.

Yes! Just because you can walk, doesn’t mean you can stand or sit for extended periods of time without excruciating pain. I think those who haven’t been in your situations or had loved ones in those situations don’t get it at all.

 

[Lilsia]

I wish we could do this in the states. I understand why, but as a family with invisible issues it would be nice to not have the anxiety about making sure the cast member understands. Just here is my medical note would be simpler and it would keep out away more cheats.

We have been in a situation before on our first family trip where a Delta agent took other people in front of us because no one in our party is in a wheel chair even though we were in the special services line. We were also asked "so what is wrong with you?" Both to enter the line and once we reached the counter. I explained and was accommodated but I felt uncomfortable and small after that interaction.

I don't think that you understand how strict they are in the UK and EU. Most of the medical issues that Disney allows for DAS would not be considered a "disability" there. I have a legitimate medical issue that has to do with frequent and urgent bathroom issues. If I were to go to Disneyland Paris, I would not qualify for a DAS there.

 

[karen4546]

Yes! Just because you can walk, doesn’t mean you can stand or sit for extended periods of time without excruciating pain. I think those who haven’t been in your situations or had loved ones in those situations don’t get it at all.

Totally agree. My DH is 52. he can usually walk all day with no issues. But, the standing stationary is what gets him. People may think it is weird because he sort of paces but that is because of the pain/pressure in his lower back.
He has a golf ball size fatty tumor fused around his spine that causes this pain. Removal will be risky and not an option at this time. It is a benign tumor andhas not grown much in the last 10 yrs. he has never used the DAS. He just keeps moving.
sadly, there are rides that He enjoyed when we first started going that he can’t ride anymore Without paying the price. Space Mountain, Dinosaur, and RNRC.

 

[MS_Warrior]

I wish we could do this in the states. I understand why, but as a family with invisible issues it would be nice to not have the anxiety about making sure the cast member understands. Just here is my medical note would be simpler and it would keep out away more cheats.

We have been in a situation before on our first family trip where a Delta agent took other people in front of us because no one in our party is in a wheel chair even though we were in the special services line. We were also asked "so what is wrong with you?" Both to enter the line and once we reached the counter. I explained and was accommodated but I felt uncomfortable and small after that interaction.

Most airlines take the wheelchairs first before any of the others who are preboarding because they have to stow the wheelchairs once the person is in the plane. If you are able to walk, you are generally boarded after the wheelchairs. I’ve seen this on Southwest, American, and a few others. Even when in Canada, they boarded the wheelchairs first. I think it’s quicker for them to take care of the wheelchairs first, then allow those who can walk board while they deal with the chairs.

 

[MS_Warrior]

Totally agree. My DH is 52. he can usually walk all day with no issues. But, the standing stationary is what gets him. People may think it is weird because he sort of paces but that is because of the pain/pressure in his lower back.
He has a golf ball size fatty tumor fused around his spine that causes this pain. Removal will be risky and not an option at this time. It is a benign tumor andhas not grown much in the last 10 yrs. he has never used the DAS. He just keeps moving.
sadly, there are rides that He enjoyed when we first started going that he can’t ride anymore Without paying the price. Space Mountain, Dinosaur, and RNRC.

I understand perfectly. My issues are mobility, but I’ve had family members with issues where they couldn’t stand and sit. I’m sorry about the tumor. I’ve had one that’s been removed a couple of times, but wasn’t fused to the spine. That would be a risky situation. To me, your husband is the type that needs the DAS and should get it with no shame.

 

[Tiberella626]

Most airlines take the wheelchairs first before any of the others who are preboarding because they have to stow the wheelchairs once the person is in the plane. If you are able to walk, you are generally boarded after the wheelchairs. I’ve seen this on Southwest, American, and a few others. Even when in Canada, they boarded the wheelchairs first. I think it’s quicker for them to take care of the wheelchairs first, then allow those who can walk board while they deal with the chairs.

This was at the ticket counter, not boarding, sorry I was not specific.

 

[MS_Warrior]

This was at the ticket counter, not boarding, sorry I was not specific.

Ah! Usually here it’s first come, first served. Of course, if you cannot wait in the line for some reason, you can call TSA beforehand. They will make arrangements with you to call them when you arrive and they walk you through all of the process. At least at our airport that is what has happened.

 

[ttintagel]

The CS line will be shorter for DAS b/c many folks will have taken care of it online.
Since there is an online option, just like everything else at Disney, they will encourage folks to use it if possible and make not using it less than pleasant (has anyone waited on those reservation phone lines vs doing online reservations lately?)

This is my hope. I think that when lines are long at GR, some CMs probably feel under pressure to give either a quick “no” or a quick “yes,” without putting enough consideration into it, just to keep the line moving.

I’m certain that this is also the reason for some of the times I’ve been denied accommodations for things that are handled outside of the DAS system, because the CM on duty at the attraction just had too many other guests to deal with at the time.

 

[Lottelicious]

I personally wish they asked the details and people had to show up with proof. The DAS, like the one at Universal (who is way stricter and I applaud them) is not for mobility issues.
And yes, people abuse it just like parking. I’ve seen contractor, with ladders et al, parking at Home Depot in handicap. So you can’t walk the extra steps in a parking lot but can carry a ladder and climb??
Yesterday, at Epcot, a family parked in the wheelchair ramp area. I even took a photo and no one did anything.
I have MS and have difficult walking. Great! I own my own pride ecv and now Fold & Go to go out to eat. Guess what? I shouldn’t get a DAS for that!!
Yes, I need assistance loading, swap to a wave at rides that have it, but it’s my bowel issues to why I can’t “risk” being stuck in the middle of a 45min queue with no way to rush out.

 

[olwyngdh]

I personally wish they asked the details and people had to show up with proof. The DAS, like the one at Universal (who is way stricter and I applaud them) is not for mobility issues.
And yes, people abuse it just like parking. I’ve seen contractor, with ladders et al, parking at Home Depot in handicap. So you can’t walk the extra steps in a parking lot but can carry a ladder and climb??
Yesterday, at Epcot, a family parked in the wheelchair ramp area. I even took a photo and no one did anything.
I have MS and have difficult walking. Great! I own my own pride ecv and now Fold & Go to go out to eat. Guess what? I shouldn’t get a DAS for that!!
Yes, I need assistance loading, swap to a wave at rides that have it, but it’s my bowel issues to why I can’t “risk” being stuck in the middle of a 45min queue with no way to rush out.

I feel weird having a DAS because I had, until my last Disney trip, thought that my issues could be handled with only a scooter. I own my own, I use it to have a semblance of normal life and be able to go shopping, to the zoo, and to museums. I have used one at Disney for years and never thought that my added issues would need the added accommodations until a white shirted cast member sent me to GR to get one while I was in line for Haunted Mansion. I got half a sentence out of my mouth along with showing the CM at GR my 2 remotes before he said no problem, let me get your picture. It seems Disney doesn't want me lifting my shirt or reaching inside my bra to access/activate my medical devices where children and others are forced to see me. Could I do it while waiting in line? Yes, I did it before the CM sent me to get one. Is it easier not to? Oh yes! I no longer have to try to hide in a crowd, I no longer have to make sure there are no children in the line who can see me because some idiot would be sure to think something sexual about me reaching into my bra. It is a big psychological relief and definitely reduces my anxiety. You and I are both examples of why just a mobility device isn't always the answer. Am I worried about getting one with the new system? Yea, I am. If I don't though, I will go back to taking care of things in line until another white shirt intervenes.

 

[PJ]

Yes! Just because you can walk, doesn’t mean you can stand or sit for extended periods of time without excruciating pain. I think those who haven’t been in your situations or had loved ones in those situations don’t get it at all.

If we stop to visit while walking our dog, after 15 minutes he apologizes because he has to keep moving. So it's not just theme parks where this an issue.

 

[MS_Warrior]

If we stop to visit while walking our dog, after 15 minutes he apologizes because he has to keep moving. So it's not just theme parks where this an issue.

Yeah, those of us who have issues, don’t just have them at a theme park. Unfortunately, people who’ve never been in our shoes don’t really understand.

 

[Yinn]

but it’s my bowel issues to why I can’t “risk” being stuck in the middle of a 45min queue with no way to rush out.

We had this debate at home prior to our last trip. Newly diagnosed similar type of issue and we went back and forth on whether to even attempt for a DAS. We felt like it was legitimate, if we could wait by a bathroom it would be great.

But what bugged us was - what's the keep every potty training parent (including us) to ask for a DAS because the toddler is out of diapers but doesn't have a big enough bladder to hold it for an hour? The best answer amongst ourselves was that the toddler would technically be able to go back into pull ups. But, an adult could technically wear adult diapers. Sure there's the humiliation, discomfort, etc. But that all applies to a 3-4 year old as well.

It was a tough debate amongst just ourselves, and yes we found ourselves leaving multiple lines because our toddler needed the restroom. Disney does a pretty good job at letting you back in, but it is extremely difficult to get a cast members attention sometimes.

What we found if you are stuck, take a direct path out. That usually gets a cast members attention. If it doesn't and you get back out just go to the rider swap/DAS/FP area and tell them you left the line because you/someone in your party needed to use the facilities. They will give you a return time. Worst case, even CM in character will do the right things.

We had to leave the line urgently during slinky dog, frozen, test track, speedway, dumbo, mine train, runaway railway, smugglers run, even rise of the resistance!! That one was the most difficult and got us a backstage tour to some of the most pristine bathrooms we've ever seen.

 

[CBMom01]

Being a toddler is not a disability. The answer to “what’s to stop us?” : basic human decency

 

[magicalfoursome]

We had this debate at home prior to our last trip. Newly diagnosed similar type of issue and we went back and forth on whether to even attempt for a DAS. We felt like it was legitimate, if we could wait by a bathroom it would be great.

But what bugged us was - what's the keep every potty training parent (including us) to ask for a DAS because the toddler is out of diapers but doesn't have a big enough bladder to hold it for an hour? The best answer amongst ourselves was that the toddler would technically be able to go back into pull ups. But, an adult could technically wear adult diapers. Sure there's the humiliation, discomfort, etc. But that all applies to a 3-4 year old as well.

It was a tough debate amongst just ourselves, and yes we found ourselves leaving multiple lines because our toddler needed the restroom. Disney does a pretty good job at letting you back in, but it is extremely difficult to get a cast members attention sometimes.

What we found if you are stuck, take a direct path out. That usually gets a cast members attention. If it doesn't and you get back out just go to the rider swap/DAS/FP area and tell them you left the line because you/someone in your party needed to use the facilities. They will give you a return time. Worst case, even CM in character will do the right things.

We had to leave the line urgently during slinky dog, frozen, test track, speedway, dumbo, mine train, runaway railway, smugglers run, even rise of the resistance!! That one was the most difficult and got us a backstage tour to some of the most pristine bathrooms we've ever seen.

I don’t think it is fair to compare a toddler wearing a pull-up and an adult wearing a depends. Anyone can have an urge to go to the bathroom in line but we all can’t get a DAS. The DAS is for an accommodation for a disability and potty training is not a disability. Taking a toddler to the restroom before getting in line is a good idea. Also, waiting in such a long line can be pretty boring, so maybe leaving to go to the bathroom might seem like a fun idea for a toddler. I am not saying your child didn’t need the bathroom, but every hour seems like a lot.

 

[Yinn]

Being a toddler is not a disability. The answer to “what’s to stop us?” : basic human decency

I think you’re missing the point. I’m not trying to argue that a toddler is a disability.

But some disabilities can lead to “need quick access to use the bathroom” which my DW has.

But what’s the difference between my wife needing to use it and my toddler needing to use it? Different root cause but same circumstance.

Please don’t take this as I’m arguing for a toddler to be a DAS. I’m not.

But what we were discussing is feeling bad about getting and using the DAS for my DW when she actually needed less frequent access to the bathroom than my toddler did. If we can leave a line for him we could surely leave one for her right?

We honestly didn’t think we would be given one given that thought process as that didn’t make sense to us and we were honest with that when we went up to guest services. But the whole time we couldn’t help but feel the glares. Perhaps it was self conscious but I could just hear the mumbling about how it’s just a bathroom issue.

. I am not saying your child didn’t need the bathroom, but every hour seems like a lot.

We took our toddler prior to entering every line. With my DWs DAS, we still had to leave quite often for him to use the facilities while we were waiting in the shortened return line. With frequent hydration in 100+ temps it was not uncommon for him to need to go 15 minutes after going already.

 

[MS_Warrior]

We had this debate at home prior to our last trip. Newly diagnosed similar type of issue and we went back and forth on whether to even attempt for a DAS. We felt like it was legitimate, if we could wait by a bathroom it would be great.

But what bugged us was - what's the keep every potty training parent (including us) to ask for a DAS because the toddler is out of diapers but doesn't have a big enough bladder to hold it for an hour? The best answer amongst ourselves was that the toddler would technically be able to go back into pull ups. But, an adult could technically wear adult diapers. Sure there's the humiliation, discomfort, etc. But that all applies to a 3-4 year old as well.

It was a tough debate amongst just ourselves, and yes we found ourselves leaving multiple lines because our toddler needed the restroom. Disney does a pretty good job at letting you back in, but it is extremely difficult to get a cast members attention sometimes.

What we found if you are stuck, take a direct path out. That usually gets a cast members attention. If it doesn't and you get back out just go to the rider swap/DAS/FP area and tell them you left the line because you/someone in your party needed to use the facilities. They will give you a return time. Worst case, even CM in character will do the right things.

We had to leave the line urgently during slinky dog, frozen, test track, speedway, dumbo, mine train, runaway railway, smugglers run, even rise of the resistance!! That one was the most difficult and got us a backstage tour to some of the most pristine bathrooms we've ever seen.

People are generally quite a tolerant for a toddler with an accident. However, and adult who ”looks fine” having an accident in line would be far more humiliating. Not to mention staying in line with soiled garments for an adult would be very humiliating. Most toddlers aren’t humiliated.

You’re comparing apples and oranges. Those with a bowel issue, generally have other issues. Those other issues may make it very difficult to get out of line and try to get back in. Most would give up once they got out of line.