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So we are at Disneyland today. We have two kids with asd, one of whom is pdd nos before dsm change. We were denied disability pass because we didn't answer question about why it would be difficult correctly. both kids look very neuro typical. We answered anxiety, the crowd, hard to wit in line causes falling apart, etc. What on earth did we say wrong? Now I'm falling apart bc it's quickly become a nightmare
Last edited by betsyjo; 02-16-2015 at 01:06 PM..
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I'm sorry you didn't have a better experience.
I don't know what you could have done.
At this point, you should just try to forget the disappointment of getting the passes, get a happy face on for your kids and do the things that will work for you and skip those that you know won't be a good fit. You can still have a good day. ixie;
We are here for two more days. The assistant said that falling apart from crowds and anxiety about waiting in lines is just a part of disney. My kids look neuro typical and I think she made the decision based on their appearance.
I'd ask to speak with a manager and explain the problems to him/her. Granted you could still be denied but at least you will have tried. As for doctor's note don't bother even if you have one as from what I've read Disney wont look at it.
Doctor's notes are useless, as they are too easily falsified by anyone with a computer and an ounce of creativity (and never mind international travelers, whose doctors' letter is likely not even in English!).
However, asking to speak to a manager or supervisor is very good advice. Really, it's the only option you have at that point.
Doctor's notes are useless, as they are too easily falsified by anyone with a computer and an ounce of creativity (and never mind international travelers, whose doctors' letter is likely not even in English!).
However, asking to speak to a manager or supervisor is very good advice. Really, it's the only option you have at that point.
Agree with the information about doctor's notes.
They are easily faked and don't usually give any helpful information (even the ones written in English). CMs are likely to say they will not look at them.
Quote:
Originally Posted by betsyjo
So we are at Disneyland today. We have two kids with asd, one of whom is pdd nos before dsm change. We were denied disability pass because we didn't answer question about why it would be difficult correctly. both kids look very neuro typical. We answered anxiety, the crowd, hard to wit in line causes falling apart, etc. What on earth did we say wrong? Now I'm falling apart bc it's quickly become a nightmare
If the things in bold are what you said, you did not really give the CM (Cast Member) much to go on. DAS is given based on needs, not diagnosis, so you don't need to give a diagnosis. And if you used the letters as in your post or even those specific diagnoses, those don't necessarily mean anything to the CMs.
People with the same condition can have very different needs. Some may need a lot of assistance, but some do well with just using FASTPASS and planning. your task is to explain what those needs are. The accommodation provided by DAS is being able to wait outside of the line, so everything you talk about needs to relate to waiting in line.
Anxiety and crowds are not things just happening in lines, so you need to think about how to handle them outside of lines. DAS might be able to help you with the waits for attractions, but you need to explain how.
No one will tell you what to say - you need to think of how to explain....
What does 'causes falling apart' mean to you? What happens?
Think of other places or situations where your children have to wait. What happens? How do you handle it? What helps?
Those are the things you need to think about and be able to talk about. I would not suggest asking for a Manager right away if you go back to request DAS - that would make me think 'red flag'. If you have issues, yes, but not right when you get in.
Last edited by SueM loves WDW; 02-18-2015 at 07:01 AM..
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I'd be curious to know how things have developed with the OP. Please report back to us.
Also, I know it's too late now for her situation, but in general I agree with Sue. In the past, I have explained that my son has trouble with waiting for long periods of time in the line, due to close quarters and bumping. With the implementation of DAS, a longer wait is going to be the norm. For us, the DAS accommodation of waiting outside the queue and being able to find something to do works well, but it is important to be able to explain in specifics how your kids' issues will manifest.
The changes to getting a assistance pass these days sucks. I also found Disneyland is much harder than Disney world. I use a scooter and was denied one at DL. They said I didn't need one to use a alternate entrance, but when I tried the CM refused me access. Hopefully on our upcoming trip to WDW I won't have issues. Sad that cheaters ruined it for those that really need the help.
There are almost no alternate entrances at WDW; most attractions do have Mainstream accessible lines and there is no need for DAS to use a wheelchair or ECV in lines/attractions.
The few that have a different entrance at WDW do have things set up for access. Generally, that is to get a wheelchair return time ticket at the attraction.
It's also important to NOT assume there is a different or alternate entrance, even if there was one before.
For example, Peter Pan at MK at WDW previously did not have an accessible line. So, guests entered near the exit.
Guests still need to be able to walk at least 15 feet to ride Peter Pan, but the lines are now accessible. Guests using mobility devices will go into the regular line. In order to enter the Fastpass line, they need to have a Fastpass or be using DAS. Guests using mobility devices will be directed to a mobility device parking area just before the boarding area.
Small World at WDW has a similar situation. There is still a different boarding area. Guests using Fastpass or DAS will be sent to that area (for DAS, at their Return Time) . Guests without Fastpass or DAS will be sent into the regular line and will stay in that line until the last turn before passing the accessible boarding area.
I have seen people who did not understand that saying they were not allowed to use the wheelchair entrance because they did not have DAS - that is not correct. if the regular line is accessible, guests will be sent into that line (not the Fastpass line or somewhere else).
If there is a separate entrance, those guests will most often be given a wheelchair return time and can enter the separate entrance.
If it's not busy, guests may be sent directly yo the accessible entrance, but that is not to be expected.
The changes to getting a assistance pass these days sucks. I also found Disneyland is much harder than Disney world. I use a scooter and was denied one at DL. They said I didn't need one to use a alternate entrance, but when I tried the CM refused me access. Hopefully on our upcoming trip to WDW I won't have issues. Sad that cheaters ruined it for those that really need the help.
We were at Disneyland in June 2014, and I made one trip to guest relations on our first morning, explained my son's condition and difficulties that he would have in longer lines. He was given the DAS almost without question. Frankly, I was surprised how smooth the process was for us. Go figure. I think it often depends on the CM you are dealing with.
I do agree that "cheaters" have made it harder on those who actually need accommodations. However, in our case, it's become a learning opportunity for my son. Life isn't easy, but we need to be able to adapt and make the best of a difficult situation. We've altered our touring as a result of the return times on the DAS. It means doing something that I don't like, which is traipsing back and forth a bit more across areas of the park. But, it is what it is, and we adapt as needed.
I am very sorry to hear that the OP was never able to successfully get any accommodations for her children. I agree with Darlene that it doesn't seem very Disney. However, what seems very strange to me is that they were denied based on neurological disability. That should not happen. Disability is disability, seen or unseen. If I had been in that situation, I would have asked for, shall we say, a second opinion. No company should deny accommodations just because a person's disability can't be seen. Not having been there, I don't know the specifics of this situation, but it doesn't seem to add up. Neither Disney nor any other company can simply decide to NOT accommodate a disabled person.
However, in our case, it's become a learning opportunity for my son. Life isn't easy, but we need to be able to adapt and make the best of a difficult situation. We've altered our touring as a result of the return times on the DAS. It means doing something that I don't like, which is traipsing back and forth a bit more across areas of the park. But, it is what it is, and we adapt as needed.
.
I LOVE this approach to what, otherwise, would just be a frustrating situation. This is a really good point. We have lines and waits in airports, grocery stores, traffic jams ... you name it! Seeing it as a teachable moment is a wonderful way of looking at it.
That being said, all I'm hearing lately is that the lines have gotten absolutely out of control. This is from life-long Disney lovers!
There are so many reports of waiting over an hour to pay quite a price for a Dole Whip or a burger. That, on top of over two hours for a primary attraction?
More and more, I'm hearing all types of people say they'd never go back because of the lines.
It makes me feel bad because I love what Walt created, but maybe the question isn't so much how can they treat guests with disabilities that way, as how can they treat ANYONE that way?
I hope everything turned out OK for the OP. I had an equally frustrating experience with getting a GAC a few years ago in Disneyland. I explained that my Crohn's was very active and I often have to leave the line to use the restroom. Being able to have access to the restroom as soon as possible before I got on the ride would help. Her response was "my boyfriend has Crohn's and he never gets a GAC." My response was "lucky him! It's nice that he is well enough to enjoy the park without help." .....Blank stare..... "is he also lucky enough to live close by and come here often?" Then I explained to her that I was half way through the trip and there were several things I had not been able to get on because I had to leave the line. Still blank stare so I tried a different approach and decided to give her some information about the Crohn's and Colitis foundation and some websites so that she could educate herself on what her boyfriend is going through and be supportive. She cracked and told me she feels he shuts her out of that aspect of his life...ect. She then begrudgingly gave me the pass for my last two days and made it very clear that it expired in two days.
I wonder if they had people selling the passes so they feel extra protective of them. I really wish this was something we could arrange in advance so it doesn't have to be such a struggle to communicate.
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