Just back, DAS return time

[cmwade77]

It would be absolute insanity to try and manage a DAS system where there were "convenient" kiosks but only SOME DAS holders could use them. Nevermind the fact that NOBODY is in any place to judge the depth, or details of a DAS need. DAS access (especially now that mobility/fatigue is not eligible for DAS) has to be consistent for ALL who are granted DAS, CM's are not medical personnel and cannot judge the severity or details of anyone's needs.

No, kiosks should be available to all, it works at Disneyland, it can work at Disney World, but obviously Disney World would need many more kiosks, but they have so much unused space there that it could be done with no issues. Of course I said previously, even better would be allowing DAS holders to use the Disney World/Disneyland app to request a return time and then kiosks for the rest, this would reduce the number of kiosks needed while keeping lines manageable.

 

[DLgal]

You can also get a return time from each attraction at Disneyland, you don't have to go to the kiosk anymore if you are already by the attraction, so you get your choice.

Since when can you do this? I have never been told this is allowed. And I've never seen anyone do so.

 

[cmwade77]

Since when can you do this? I have never been told this is allowed. And I've never seen anyone do so.

I don't know if it works for every single attraction, as I usually use the kiosks and Maxpass to avoid the back and forth, but I know it works for those with FP and those that give wheelchair return times, they also give DAS return times. I have done this at Pirates, Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion and several others, but those three jump to mind, when walking up, they just ask if you already have a return time and if you say no, they give you one. Now there is a kiosk near Mansion, but the reason I did it at Mansion was because there was a massive line for the kiosk due to some Maxpass issues that day and they had no issue in doing so.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Thank you everyone for your comments, it's interesting to hear the different viewpoints.

If they did that it would just make the DAS an open fast pass. It would open it to abuse

I don't see what difference it would make if it was still based on the standby time and the DAS holder still has to present to ride. It would only save the walk to the ride to get the return time scan.

I'd like the option of a return time for the longest current SB in that park. (I.e., I go to any ride with FP to get an "any ride" return time for the longest wait of that entire park.)

I can't leave my 2 DS on their own (both are disabled) - to be a return time runner - and the less they walk the better. Even if it was 3+ hours (FoP at AK), sometimes I'd prefer that (we could just eat lunch, or watch a show, etc.) to getting my kids to/from the other side of the park.

Yes, I often plan to get a return time, then do things in the area of that ride, but I'd like the option - especially when there's nothing near the desired ride and its a far walk in August heat.

That sounds like a good option also.

Why doesn't WDW use the Guest Relations kiosks like DL does for DAS? It is SO much easier! They have about 4-5 kiosks set around each park and you can go to any of them and get a return time for any ride in either park. I hate the way WDW does it, because the WDW parks are SO huge. Also, it doesn't work well with park hopping that you can't get your DAS in advance of going to the second park.

Once again, DL finds a way to be more efficient while WDW lags behind.

I didn't know it was an option in DL, that is great to know since we are planning a trip there next winter.

I think WDW really needs kiosks like Disneyland has where you can get a return time for any attraction at any kiosk or at the attraction, or even better simply allow requesting the return time from the MDE app once you are setup with a DAS.

 

[Lilsia]

No, kiosks should be available to all, it works at Disneyland, it can work at Disney World, but obviously Disney World would need many more kiosks, but they have so much unused space there that it could be done with no issues. Of course I said previously, even better would be allowing DAS holders to use the Disney World/Disneyland app to request a return time and then kiosks for the rest, this would reduce the number of kiosks needed while keeping lines manageable.

I think the kiosks work better at DL because of the smaller size. They would need more kiosks at WDW and that means more cast members to do something that other cast members already are. I am sure they are thinking "why should we schedule dozens more cast members just to do something the existing ones are already doing." Either way, if there is 1 kiosks per "land" and you are not in that land, you are still walking to it. No different then walking to the ride. Plus then you will get the people who keep walking around and can not find the kiosk in that area getting frustrated. The rides are much easier to find then a small kiosk. I think that this is a case of, "you can't make everyone happy."

 

[cmwade77]

I think the kiosks work better at DL because of the smaller size. They would need more kiosks at WDW and that means more cast members to do something that other cast members already are. I am sure they are thinking "why should we schedule dozens more cast members just to do something the existing ones are already doing." Either way, if there is 1 kiosks per "land" and you are not in that land, you are still walking to it. No different then walking to the ride. Plus then you will get the people who keep walking around and can not find the kiosk in that area getting frustrated. The rides are much easier to find then a small kiosk. I think that this is a case of, "you can't make everyone happy."

Actually, the size is precisely the reason they need the kiosks and I also said that it should be ok to get the return times from the attractions too. Of course the better option is to allow guests with a DAS the ability to request a return time from the app. Of course having all three options would be the absolute best.

The problem with the attraction is you have to go all the way to the attraction, then if there is a long wait go elsewhere and come back again and while mobility needs aren't a reason for a DAS, many people who do need the DAS also have mobility needs, which is where the issue lies. Even if you gave an ECV or wheelchair, that can double the amount of travelling necessary and wear out a battery or the person faster.

 

[Lilsia]

Actually, the size is precisely the reason they need the kiosks and I also said that it should be ok to get the return times from the attractions too. Of course the better option is to allow guests with a DAS the ability to request a return time from the app. Of course having all three options would be the absolute best.

The problem with the attraction is you have to go all the way to the attraction, then if there is a long wait go elsewhere and come back again and while mobility needs aren't a reason for a DAS, many people who do need the DAS also have mobility needs, which is where the issue lies. Even if you gave an ECV or wheelchair, that can double the amount of travelling necessary and wear out a battery or the person faster.

It is not that I am unsympathetic, we have issues in my family, just like many other families do. But I feel that Disney goes above and beyond trying to get every single person, no matter what their issues are, to be able to enjoy the park. But sometimes that can't happen. We have to keep in mind that this is an amusement park and not something people need to get by in life, like a grocery store. I am sorry but I just can not garner any kind of anger or disappointment in how they accommodate people. Sometimes a person just can't do something.

 

[cmwade77]

It is not that I am unsympathetic, we have issues in my family, just like many other families do. But I feel that Disney goes above and beyond trying to get every single person, no matter what their issues are, to be able to enjoy the park. But sometimes that can't happen. We have to keep in mind that this is an amusement park and not something people need to get by in life, like a grocery store. I am sorry but I just can not garner any kind of anger or disappointment in how they accommodate people. Sometimes a person just can't do something.

My point is that this is actually somoething simple they could do that would accommodate more people even better than they currently do and seriously, go to Sea World (at least in San Diego) to see how poorly Disney does by comparison and yes Disney is better than some, but not as good as others.

 

[gatormom2tots]

I am just grateful they HAVE a system. Its not perfect...but nothing is.

 

[Lilsia]

My point is that this is actually somoething simple they could do that would accommodate more people even better than they currently do and seriously, go to Sea World (at least in San Diego) to see how poorly Disney does by comparison and yes Disney is better than some, but not as good as others.

Seaworld does it the exact same way, you have to go to the ride to get your RAP. The only difference is you can get more then 1 at a time. They do this because they are much smaller, have less attractions and many of their shows overlap. Seaworld also gets a fraction of the amount of guests that WDW does. It is a lot easier to accommodate a much smaller crowd. They could probably make it so you can make a DAS reservation from the app. For all we know, they could be working on it now. Or maybe they don't want you to be able to. Maybe they want people to have to walk to the ride and take more time to get a DAS. There are so many people who have it now that I can imagine if everyone had instant reservations, the FP lines would get much longer. Who knows. I think the DAS is more then fair and accommodating.

 

[OurBigTrip]

Seaworld does it the exact same way, you have to go to the ride to get your RAP. The only difference is you can get more then 1 at a time. They do this because they are much smaller, have less attractions and many of their shows overlap. Seaworld also gets a fraction of the amount of guests that WDW does. It is a lot easier to accommodate a much smaller crowd. They could probably make it so you can make a DAS reservation from the app. For all we know, they could be working on it now. Or maybe they don't want you to be able to. Maybe they want people to have to walk to the ride and take more time to get a DAS. There are so many people who have it now that I can imagine if everyone had instant reservations, the FP lines would get much longer. Who knows. I think the DAS is more then fair and accommodating.

All true. Additionally, the idea is to make it a like experience, so IMO, having to go the ride accomplishes that. There is already a built-in advantage to having a DAS, I don’t think it’s a lot to ask that DAS users go to the actual ride, just as non- disabled guests have to do.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Actually, the size is precisely the reason they need the kiosks and I also said that it should be ok to get the return times from the attractions too. Of course the better option is to allow guests with a DAS the ability to request a return time from the app. Of course having all three options would be the absolute best.

This gives DAS holders three times as many options as non-DAS holders.

 

[Lilsia]

This gives DAS holders three times as many options as non-DAS holders.

True, DAS is supposed to be EQUAL access, not better.

 

[gap2368]

All true. Additionally, the idea is to make it a like experience, so IMO, having to go the ride accomplishes that. There is already a built-in advantage to having a DAS, I don’t think it’s a lot to ask that DAS users go to the actual ride, just as non- disabled guests have to do.

I think Disney is doing a really good job with the DAS If I did not have a disability I would have to go to the line and wait in line because I have a disability that makes it very hard /imposable for me to wait in the stander line I get to wait elsewhere. I do like the fact for SDD and 7DMT they do have a place and 50-75 feet from the entrance where you get your DAS because the entrance to both these rides gets packed, I am all for equal access not better ( yes I do think there can be some tweaking here and there with the DAS and I wish it was not a one size fits all)

 

[cmwade77]

True, DAS is supposed to be EQUAL access, not better.

Depends on your definition of equal, does equal mean you have to walk further than everyone else in order to be accommodated or does it mean that you should be able to be accommodated with the same amount of walking? Etc.

See how that term can mean different things to different people?

 

[OurBigTrip]

DAS holders don’t have to walk farther than guests without DAS. If they choose to walk farther because they go to the ride, get a return time, then walk somewhere else to eat, use the restroom, or ride another attraction, that’s their choice, not a mandated part of using the DAS.

 

[Lilsia]

Depends on your definition of equal, does equal mean you have to walk further than everyone else in order to be accommodated or does it mean that you should be able to be accommodated with the same amount of walking? Etc.

See how that term can mean different things to different people?

It means that you can go on the ride without actually waiting in line. That alone is a huge benefit. No where else in life can you just skip the line. Not at the grocery store, restaurants, airport, etc. No one needs to go to an amusement park. These are the concessions that Disney gives you, if it does not work for you then maybe going there is not for you. I'm sorry, it sucks to have issues, I know. But at what point do we stop expecting the world to revolve around our wants and needs.

 

[gap2368]

Depends on your definition of equal, does equal mean you have to walk further than everyone else in order to be accommodated or does it mean that you should be able to be accommodated with the same amount of walking? Etc.

See how that term can mean different things to different people?

The DAS is not meant for mobility problems if you or the DAS holder has a mobility problem then the accoidatiom is a mobility aid there is nothing that say you have to walk to the ride get a return time then walk halfway across the park. You can find a sip close by to wait yes maybe a little bit more walking but your saving some walking by going in the FP line and not the standby line witch is much longer.

 

[Dawn&Vernard]

What I find most difficult is I have to be the one to go to the ride for our family's return time when I am the one with the walking/ standing difficulty and I can't be in the sun for long period of time and I use a wheelchair.So we all have to go to the ride because someone has to push me, I don't know if am missing something like maybe they could let my husband be the one to go to the ride to get the return time?
We are pass holders so I do the planing for our day and I make sure to just stay in one Area of the park, but for other's I know it's harder for them. I do wish Disney would give 2 or 3 access to fast-passes for hard to get fast passes for those with disabilities.

 

[Mrsjvb]

Depends on your definition of equal, does equal mean you have to walk further than everyone else in order to be accommodated or does it mean that you should be able to be accommodated with the same amount of walking? Etc.

See how that term can mean different things to different people?

.

Nothing says that the only way to get/use DAS if by walking further. It’s no different than having a FP return time for a ride. If I have a FP that is for x ride, I am in the vicinity of that ride giving myself enough time to not have to rush. I believe that DAS holders already have an advantage. Instead of standing in a line, they can visit the loo, grab a snack or even other ride or attraction.