Should I be this anxious about DAS?

[Ellie Webbs]

I suffer with severe anxiety and panic attacks, especially when surrounded by people and for some reason queuing. I literally wont buy groceries if there is a queue. It takes heavy medication to get me on a plane to Disney because I have been known to claw at the walls of the plane.
No pity party here! I am better than I have been in the past and I have never asked for or looked for special treatment but I think next year I may just try and be a little kinder to myself on our wdw trip.

So I thought I could ask for DAS. The only trouble is that now my husband has had to listen to anxiety fueled pacing rants about how I ask for it, what if I'm humiliated, how i can't deal with confrontation etc (which kind of proves that I'm not stable imho!)

Has anyone ever been humiliated asking for the pass? Are panic attacks a good enough reason? Do I need a doctor's note? I'm so worried I'll be stuck with a mean cm and end up crying, having a panic attack and ruining my husband's day.

 

[Selket]

Some folks suggest writing out the reasons why you are requesting a DAS (why you cannot wait in the regular line) before you go to Disney and take it with you and hand it to the CM. I realize this may not completely solve the issue you mention (yes the CM could still deny the request) but perhaps it gets you past the explaining part - if you think that would be helpful.

You do not need a doctor's note however since they don't give a DAS based on a diagnosis. People with the same diagnosis can have different issues and would not need a DAS. Of course it is fine to tell them your diagnosis as a way to start the conversation... as in "I have "XXX" condition and I will have trouble waiting in the regular lines because "YYY."

 

[Evita_W]

I can understand being concerned, but generally most cast members at guest relations really just want to help, so they may ask a few questions to make sure they help you with the most appropriate assistance for your needs.

They can't even look at a doctor's note. You can write down your needs (not diagnosis, but what would happen if you waited in the regular queue) and they can look at that. In this instance it may help to have your husband there with you to help explain, I do not know for sure.

 

[trivan]

go with your husband and have him explain to the cm the need for the DAS. i find the CMs dealing with DAS have to be at the top of the customer service list as they are dealing with potentially sensitive situations. They will most certainly not be there to judge, humiliate or confront you they are there to help if you fall into the definition of requiring a DAS. If they deny it, so be it and move on with your trip.

 

[SueM in MN]

as others said, you don’t need a doctor note and CMs are most likely to tell you they can’t look at it if you do have one.
many people do write out something to show the CM
- make sure the CM knows it’s something you wrote out so they don’t think it’s a doctor note
- keep it focused on your needs or concerns in line with waiting in lines
- bullet points are easier to read than entire sentences
- diagnosis is not important because different people with the same diagnosis can have very different needs
- dont be surprised if the CM asks a few questions - they may need to clarify or get more information

 

[welshman_us]

I suffer with severe anxiety and panic attacks, especially when surrounded by people and for some reason queuing. I literally wont buy groceries if there is a queue. It takes heavy medication to get me on a plane to Disney because I have been known to claw at the walls of the plane.
No pity party here! I am better than I have been in the past and I have never asked for or looked for special treatment but I think next year I may just try and be a little kinder to myself on our wdw trip.

So I thought I could ask for DAS. The only trouble is that now my husband has had to listen to anxiety fueled pacing rants about how I ask for it, what if I'm humiliated, how i can't deal with confrontation etc (which kind of proves that I'm not stable imho!)

Has anyone ever been humiliated asking for the pass? Are panic attacks a good enough reason? Do I need a doctor's note? I'm so worried I'll be stuck with a mean cm and end up crying, having a panic attack and ruining my husband's day.

Disney is GREAT about getting the pass - nothing to be humiliated about at all. We have 4 kids, all with disabilities (some non-visible/obvious, others physical) and Disney is like the ONE PLACE we can go and have fun AND the kids don't feel too stressed out and/or made to feel unwelcome. Out of 21 years of traveling there, with disabilities, we've had ONE incident where a CM attempted to confiscate my son's physical disability aid and an area manager swiftly took action, and actually accompanied us for about half the day to make sure something like that never happened again (ie. observing CMs in action, etc) and to express us through lines. Now, GUESTS on the other hand - traveling at Disney when I am one-on-one with one of my kids with a non-visible disability, other people can be jerks - but ya gotta just ignore them. CMs will quickly sort that out if they spot such behavior - saw at least one person ejected from the park that day for raising a ruckus in line.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I totally get where you are coming from. I have a panic disorder and social anxiety and the idea of being people right now for an extended period of time is freaking me out. Like at the store I feel closed in if anyone is around and I start catastophizing. But my husband and kids are ready to go and I’m faking it till I make it. It just may result in me crying in the shower at night to release all the anxiety I held in during the day. I can’t imagine getting a DAS for me, since they could just say don’t go until you feel more comfortable.

I think it is a great idea to write down what your needs are. I haven’t ever heard of a CM being rude about a DAS request unless it is a person who could use a mobility aid but refuses to because they want a DAS instead.

 

[Evita_W]

Disney is GREAT about getting the pass - nothing to be humiliated about at all. We have 4 kids, all with disabilities (some non-visible/obvious, others physical) and Disney is like the ONE PLACE we can go and have fun AND the kids don't feel too stressed out and/or made to feel unwelcome. Out of 21 years of traveling there, with disabilities, we've had ONE incident where a CM attempted to confiscate my son's physical disability aid and an area manager swiftly took action, and actually accompanied us for about half the day to make sure something like that never happened again (ie. observing CMs in action, etc) and to express us through lines. Now, GUESTS on the other hand - traveling at Disney when I am one-on-one with one of my kids with a non-visible disability, other people can be jerks - but ya gotta just ignore them. CMs will quickly sort that out if they spot such behavior - saw at least one person ejected from the park that day for raising a ruckus in line.

What crazy kind of person tries to take a disability aid from any disable person, let alone a child? Glad a manager sorted it out, but that isn't cool.

 

[ctl]

I totally get where you are coming from. I have a panic disorder and social anxiety and the idea of being people right now for an extended period of time is freaking me out. Like at the store I feel closed in if anyone is around and I start catastophizing. But my husband and kids are ready to go and I’m faking it till I make it. It just may result in me crying in the shower at night to release all the anxiety I held in during the day. I can’t imagine getting a DAS for me, since they could just say don’t go until you feel more comfortable.

I think it is a great idea to write down what your needs are. I haven’t ever heard of a CM being rude about a DAS request unless it is a person who could use a mobility aid but refuses to because they want a DAS instead.

Just another idea, don't know if you already have some. But as well as your DAS pass; perhaps you might get your doctor to actually write a prescription for some anxiety medication for you to take prn (as needed). I write prescriptions for anxiety medication for patients who get major anxiety flying etc. It's only prn and if you don't need to take it you don't have to. Sometimes just knowing you have something extra to take may help calm your anxiety a little, even if you don't end up taking the medication. Hope your trip goes well

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Just another idea, don't know if you already have some. But as well as your DAS pass; perhaps you might get your doctor to actually write a prescription for some anxiety medication for you to take prn (as needed). I write prescriptions for anxiety medication for patients who get major anxiety flying etc. It's only prn and if you don't need to take it you don't have to. Sometimes just knowing you have something extra to take may help calm your anxiety a little, even if you don't end up taking the medication. Hope your trip goes well

Thank you for the idea. I do have some which I take VERY sparingly. (12 tablets lasts me over a year.) I will take it with me but since it makes me crash once the adrenaline rush is over, I would only be able to take it at night. I’m just going to keep reminding myself that we can only control what our family does and take all the precautions I feel we need to take.

 

[ctl]

Thank you for the idea. I do have some which I take VERY sparingly. (12 tablets lasts me over a year.) I will take it with me but since it makes me crash once the adrenaline rush is over, I would only be able to take it at night. I’m just going to keep reminding myself that we can only control what our family does and take all the precautions I feel we need to take.

Great! You may also know about "mindfulness exercises" which are super short and can help you refocus when you start to panic. They are super easy and quick and can help too. Have a wonderful trip

 

[Bjkandma]

There is no reason to feel humiliated! They may or may not ask you questions. I think it is important for you to know that with the DAS you may still have to wait in lines. With the DAS you are given a return time (usually the stand by time, minus 10 minutes). You then can find another area to wait, try riding another ride, etc. When you return you will enter the fast pass line. You may find other DAS holders, rider swap and "recovery" (when a ride breaks down and you are in line. Some rides offer a recovery "fast pass), also waiting their turn. A DAS is not a return and then you get " front of the line" access.

Also know DAS is only valid on rides, not in restaurants or transportation lines.

 

[Ellie Webbs]

Some folks suggest writing out the reasons why you are requesting a DAS (why you cannot wait in the regular line) before you go to Disney and take it with you and hand it to the CM. I realize this may not completely solve the issue you mention (yes the CM could still deny the request) but perhaps it gets you past the explaining part - if you think that would be helpful.

You do not need a doctor's note however since they don't give a DAS based on a diagnosis. People with the same diagnosis can have different issues and would not need a DAS. Of course it is fine to tell them your diagnosis as a way to start the conversation... as in "I have "XXX" condition and I will have trouble waiting in the regular lines because "YYY."

Thank you, this is really helpful. I will definitely write out everything beforehand because then hopefully I can hold it together! I've always just vetoed rides with long lines and my husband has missed out constantly over the years and for once I would like to be able to not be difficult!

 

[Lilsia]

This is something that you need to prepare for. What if you do not get a DAS, how will you handle your trip? Not to mention that Disney is full of people and lines for everything, even the bathroom and DAS will not help with any of those. The cast members are very nice and would not intentional say or do something to "humiliate" you. But you can only be humiliated if you allow yourself to be. You control how you feel. Just remember that you have the power over how you feel. Have a fun trip.

 

[notatallmagic]

First of all, so happy to see the kindness and support offered in this forum. Disney people can be really awesome!

I can speak only to our family's recent DAS experience, which was super positive. My daughter is a fairly recently diagnosed T1 diabetic, and sees wild fluctuations in blood sugar, especially in heat. Disney is also her very favorite place on earth, so it was recommended we seek a DAS pass. The Cast members were wonderful, she was very nervous, and they were able to accomodate her request over Spring Break with no issues. The pass was much needed several times, and made our trip very do-able, where it would have been a disaster without the pass.

I would expect, as others have said, that the Cast Members at these kiosks (we went to the Epcot entry off the Skyliner) are there very best; and I hope the DAS is able to help you enjoy your trip. Hugs to you.

 

[Evita_W]

First of all, so happy to see the kindness and support offered in this forum. Disney people can be really awesome!

I can speak only to our family's recent DAS experience, which was super positive. My daughter is a fairly recently diagnosed T1 diabetic, and sees wild fluctuations in blood sugar, especially in heat. Disney is also her very favorite place on earth, so it was recommended we seek a DAS pass. The Cast members were wonderful, she was very nervous, and they were able to accomodate her request over Spring Break with no issues. The pass was much needed several times, and made our trip very do-able, where it would have been a disaster without the pass.

I would expect, as others have said, that the Cast Members at these kiosks (we went to the Epcot entry off the Skyliner) are there very best; and I hope the DAS is able to help you enjoy your trip. Hugs to you.

Just a note, sometimes the kiosks can issue the initial pass, sometimes not. If you don't want to risk having to explain twice, go to guest relations to begin with.

 

[notatallmagic]

Just a note, sometimes the kiosks can issue the initial pass, sometimes not. If you don't want to risk having to explain twice, go to guest relations to begin with.

Sorry - I meant to say we went to the window outside the Epcot Skyliner Entrance - is that called Guest Relations? That's what I meant - and they were super!

 

[Ellie Webbs]

This is something that you need to prepare for. What if you do not get a DAS, how will you handle your trip? Not to mention that Disney is full of people and lines for everything, even the bathroom and DAS will not help with any of those. The cast members are very nice and would not intentional say or do something to "humiliate" you. But you can only be humiliated if you allow yourself to be. You control how you feel. Just remember that you have the power over how you feel. Have a fun trip.

If I dont get it then we will just be gravitating towards lower stress areas, as we have in the past. I'm hoping FP will come back because that has really helped in the past. Disney is definitely worth the crowds but it would be good if it could be more manageable.
As for the bathroom, I can hold it

 

[Ellie Webbs]

Sorry - I meant to say we went to the window outside the Epcot Skyliner Entrance - is that called Guest Relations? That's what I meant - and they were super!

Thank you!!! Our first day we are having a very low pressure day and just playing fantasia mini golf so I can try here

Thank you everyone for being so helpful and also not mocking me. I understand a trip to Disney may seem counterintuitive to take if you have anxiety but as I think we all know it's a magical place and worth it!

 

[notatallmagic]

Thank you!!! Our first day we are having a very low pressure day and just playing fantasia mini golf so I can try here

Thank you everyone for being so helpful and also not mocking me. I understand a trip to Disney may seem counterintuitive to take if you have anxiety but as I think we all know it's a magical place and worth it!

We can all use some Disney Magic these days!

My son has diagnosed anxiety, so we understand a little bit. This spring, we were able to enjoy some mini golf and the Boardwalk area - it was lovely! Guest Services was so kind to my daughter - her diagnosis is recent, and she was so nervous. Enjoy the peace and calm that the DAS can provide, and have a magical trip!