Anxious About the New System

DrunkJam · Jul 1, 2016

OK, so, Hi everyone. I used the DIS a LOT in 2010 when I got married at the YBC, and when we went back the following year, but now have a new account and new questions. We are booked at the Poly over Christmas 2017

I have read the starter information, and think I am clear on the basics.

We got a GAC for our son when we went and it transformed our holiday. He has autism, and the crowding and sensory issues make it hard for him to stand in line with a LOT of people for a long time. We never had a problem getting a GAC for him, and I assume getting a DAS will be similar?

However, this time when we go, his Dad also has leukaemia. He gets very tired, of course, and would find standing in line challenging. Would he qualify for a DAS of his own?

We also have a toddler we didn't have during our previous trips. (which doesn't affect our DAS use, but gives you a picture of our trip)

This is likely to be our last big family holiday (as long as my husband stays well enough to be able to go - we wanted our little girl to be old enough to remember it, as it is likely she won't have too many daddy memories) and the GAC transformed our wedding trip (we didn't get it until we had been there for 4 days, and it was SO wonderful not to spend time just crying because we couldn't do anything but get out of the way of everyone) So, I am hoping the DAS will come to our rescue this time.

I know lots of people in our position go to Disney World, but, I really want our holiday to be magical, and not just about autism and leukaemia.

Any info and advice welcome

stenmarks · Jul 1, 2016

I would check out the sticky at the top of this forum, it has a lot of great information!

DrunkJam · Jul 1, 2016

Hi, yeah, I did that, I was just seeing if I could calm my anxiety with EVEN MORE info

thanks though

SueM in MN · Jul 1, 2016

DrunkJam said:
Hi, yeah, I did that, I was just seeing if I could calm my anxiety with EVEN MORE info
thanks though

In case you didn't notice, there are 2 threads that will be helpful.
The disABILITIES FAQs thread here:
http://www.disboards.com/threads/di...disabled-1st-trip-next-trip-wish-trip.595713/
The first post in that thread is an index that tells east each post in the thread is about.

There is also a thread about DAS at WDW. Only the first post in that thread is updated:
http://www.disboards.com/threads/wd...15-digital-das-on-tickets-magicbands.3178976/
That thread was started at the time DAS was beginning, so the other pages are either conjecture or early experiences.

It would be helpful to know when you are going - is it a Christmas season trip, but not actually at Christmas? Or is the trip actually including the holidays?

gap2368 · Jul 1, 2016

disney is very good at helping people with all kids of disables you will need to go to GR and talk to them like when you got a GAC think about things your son and husband will need in line and see what they suggest

DrunkJam · Jul 2, 2016

SueM in MN said:
In case you didn't notice, there are 2 threads that will be helpful.
The disABILITIES FAQs thread here:
http://www.disboards.com/threads/di...disabled-1st-trip-next-trip-wish-trip.595713/
The first post in that thread is an index that tells east each post in the thread is about.

There is also a thread about DAS at WDW. Only the first post in that thread is updated:
http://www.disboards.com/threads/wd...15-digital-das-on-tickets-magicbands.3178976/
That thread was started at the time DAS was beginning, so the other pages are either conjecture or early experiences.

It would be helpful to know when you are going - is it a Christmas season trip, but not actually at Christmas? Or is the trip actually including the holidays?

Thank you.
It is an actual Christmas trip. 12/23-1/2
I will have a more thorough read of the faq thread too, thanks

DrunkJam · Jul 2, 2016

gap2368 said:
disney is very good at helping people with all kids of disables you will need to go to GR and talk to them like when you got a GAC think about things your son and husband will need in line and see what they suggest

Yes, they were very helpful to us before, for sure

Ms_Butterfly · Jul 2, 2016

GAC isn't for mobility/stamina issues, so they'll tell him to rent a wheelchair or ECV, which makes sense since Disney involves miles of walking around outside of standing in the lines. Your son should qualify for the GAC, though, so you'll have one in your family anyway.

I hope you have a wonderful trip and get lots of photos taken!

DrunkJam · Jul 2, 2016

Thank you, yes, my son qualified for the GAC both times we were there before. And it transformed our trip. Actually, our first Christmas trip taught him that Christmas was not scary or horrible!
I suppose, like everyone else, with the changes, I am less certain, and, of course, being responsible for TWO people with disabilities / illnesses (and a then 4 yr old) I am feeling the responsibility weighing a bit.

DisneyOma · Jul 2, 2016

DrunkJam said:
Thank you, yes, my son qualified for the GAC both times we were there before. And it transformed our trip. Actually, our first Christmas trip taught him that Christmas was not scary or horrible!
I suppose, like everyone else, with the changes, I am less certain, and, of course, being responsible for TWO people with disabilities / illnesses (and a then 4 yr old) I am feeling the responsibility weighing a bit.

Would it be possible to have someone else come with you to help? The Poly sleeps 5 to a room.

DrunkJam · Jul 2, 2016

DisneyOma said:
Would it be possible to have someone else come with you to help? The Poly sleeps 5 to a room.

Thanks. That IS an idea, although I am not sure it would work for us.

gap2368 · Jul 2, 2016

I would rent an ECV for your husband if he finds walking standing long tunes hard

DrunkJam · Jul 2, 2016

gap2368 said:
I would rent an ECV for your husband if he finds walking standing long tunes hard

Thanks. Yeah, if after the first day he is struggling, we might well do that. Of course, he doesn't want the kids to think of him as ill, so, he really is hoping not to need anything visible. But, if he needs it, we'll get one. Is is hard to sort that out?

FortForever · Jul 2, 2016

Try not to stress. Disney will take care of you. Go talk to them when you get to your first park, and tell them what you have told us. They want your family to have a great time just as much as you do. The new system is not bad. It gives you time to spend together as a family experiencing the part of Disney that doesn't involve rides. It lets people slow down and smell the roses. You will have a fabulous time, and will not have to spend your time standing in lines. You may find the new system is actually a blessing.

DrunkJam · Jul 2, 2016

Thank you for this. I hope you are right. I think, having looked at a lot of information now, it just all needs a lot more forward planning. But, they really were SO helpful with us last time, that I really do have some faith that they will point me / us in the right direction to getting the best from our trip

DrunkJam · Jul 2, 2016

Ms_Butterfly said:
GAC isn't for mobility/stamina issues, so they'll tell him to rent a wheelchair or ECV, which makes sense since Disney involves miles of walking around outside of standing in the lines. Your son should qualify for the GAC, though, so you'll have one in your family anyway.

I hope you have a wonderful trip and get lots of photos taken!

Thank you. Yes, it is our goal to take a LOAD of pictures, with BOTH children having awesome disney fun WITH their Dad. My son still loves looking back at his trips, so, it will be really special to give both of the children this experience. Especially given the circumstances.

lanejudy · Jul 2, 2016

DrunkJam said:
It is an actual Christmas trip. 12/23-1/2

Please be aware that you are going at absolutely THE busiest week of the year. It is wall-to-wall people, especially MK. Lines will be long even with FP+ and/or DAS. Go knowing that it will be crowded and unlikely for any guest to do more than a handful of attractions in any one day, so plan your 3 FP+ and hope for the best. Even with DAS there will be minimal ability to get away from the crowds. I don't know if off-site ECV rentals sell out at that time of year, possibly; in-park rentals may be hard to get except early morning. I would recommend reserving from off-site in advance anyway. He can still try the first day without the ECV, but that way you'll definitely have one if needed, and it may be needed more as the week wears on. An ECV should be viewed as a tool. If he needed glasses, would he refuse to wear them so as to not look blind or visually disabled? Consider the ECV the same way you would consider glasses, a necessary item that otherwise makes him no different. He is the same wonderful dad taking his kids to WDW, and the kids won't think negatively about it if the parents don't.

Enjoy a your vacation and make some terrific memories!

DrunkJam · Jul 3, 2016

lanejudy said:
Please be aware that you are going at absolutely THE busiest week of the year. It is wall-to-wall people, especially MK. Lines will be long even with FP+ and/or DAS. Go knowing that it will be crowded and unlikely for any guest to do more than a handful of attractions in any one day, so plan your 3 FP+ and hope for the best. Even with DAS there will be minimal ability to get away from the crowds. I don't know if off-site ECV rentals sell out at that time of year, possibly; in-park rentals may be hard to get except early morning. I would recommend reserving from off-site in advance anyway. He can still try the first day without the ECV, but that way you'll definitely have one if needed, and it may be needed more as the week wears on. An ECV should be viewed as a tool. If he needed glasses, would he refuse to wear them so as to not look blind or visually disabled? Consider the ECV the same way you would consider glasses, a necessary item that otherwise makes him no different. He is the same wonderful dad taking his kids to WDW, and the kids won't think negatively about it if the parents don't.

Enjoy a your vacation and make some terrific memories!

Thank you. Yes, we are aware of the Christmas busy thing. But, we are going over Christmas because, Before we went at Christmas 2011, my son was scared of christmas. He would cry at school because they made things different at christmas, he hated wrapped gifts, hated singing, did not like decorations. Christmas at Disney taught him that Christmas is not scary, and can be enjoyed. So it is extra special for us.

Thanks for the heads up re ECVs. I do see the point re glasses. Although for him, he is anxious about creating a new difference iyswim? However, if they are likely to all book up, then we may have to reconsider.

mamabunny · Jul 3, 2016

DrunkJam said:
Thanks for the heads up re ECVs. I do see the point re glasses. Although for him, he is anxious about creating a new difference iyswim? However, if they are likely to all book up, then we may have to reconsider.

LaneJudy explained it very well; I would only add this: Your kids will cue directly off of their parents actions/reactions. So, if Mommy and Daddy are all stressed out and anxious about Daddy using the ECV, then the kids will sense that, and it can affect them as well. If, on the other hand, Mommy and Daddy say "OK, Daddy is going to use this little cart just for Disney World, and now we are going to go have fun!" then the kids will most likely shrug it off. There are lots of folks with ECVs at any given time at WDW, so it's not like Daddy will be the only one.

You can even prepare your kids by showing them a picture of the ECV you plan to rent for Daddy. Explain that only Daddy can drive the ECV, and that only Daddy can ride on the ECV for safety, and because Disney World rules say so. Let the kids know that people use a scooter all the time, just like Grandma has glasses to see better, or Grandpa has a hearing aid to help his ears. Just remember to cue your kids that it's no big deal, because Daddy will only use this at Disney World.

Regardless of whether he rents an ECV, or a Rollator (or some other solution) prepare the kids, but don't make a big deal out of it.

Dig through a few of my old posts for tips for newbies to ECV use if you need/want.

DrunkJam · Jul 3, 2016

Thanks. That is a very good point. Might be as well to get pics and prepare and such. And yes, WDW is definitely a time to say things are like this HERE, but not at home!
Luckily, I have ONE very, very rule oriented child. And the other is small enough to be put up on my shoulders if she gets tired or jealous.

And thanks for the heads up re old posts to new ECV users. We will be totally new to this aspect of the trip.

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