21stamps
Well-Known Member
Other parks do provide it, but with a pass that has specified times to enter an attraction.. if the family wants a different time, then they have to wait in line.
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Anti- Autism Suit Against Disney Update
- Thread starter The Mom
- Start date
Other parks do provide it, but with a pass that has specified times to enter an attraction.. if the family wants a different time, then they have to wait in line.
lazyboy97o
Well-Known Member
It is different because the place doesn’t cause psychological torment and for many it is the opposite, encouraging the person to open up more than in other places.
He is a member here and there is a thread detailing this experience.
Gitson Shiggles
There was me, that is Mickey, and my three droogs
docdebbi
Well-Known Member
I want to chime in too, as the grandparent of a high functioning autistic child. Waiting in line was horrible for us and those around us. As a matter of fact, I was just reading the thread on loss of manners and someone complained about misbehavior waiting in line- yeah, not by choice on our part- he just doesn't understand how to be still/quiet/respect personal space. He thinks rolling around on the ground and knocking into you is normal- he doesn't really even know you're there.
So, anyway, it was a horrible experience for all of us. But my daughter wouldn't ever let us use the GAC because she felt he didn't deserve to get on the ride any faster than anybody else. It's not fair to cut in front of people. Praise God for the DAS coming along, since we don't cut in front of anyone, just use the time to take him somewhere else (like get a mickey bar) while waiting, we are not being unfair to anyone else, so she lets us use it.
I think this system is fair and equitable. I realize that some kids do focus on one ride and want to do it over and over again, but you have to look at the overall picture. If every DAS in the park wanted to do the same ride over and over (think FoP) regular people would never get on it.
We have had very good experiences with DAS, and sometimes the CM even fudges on the return time a little (we don't ask, they just do). I bet if someone explained the situation to the CM at the attraction, they may fudge a time a little for them- unofficially of course. But over and over seems out of proportion and we all know the degree of dishonesty that would ensue if this were enacted. Isn't that the reason for the switch from GAC to DAS in the first place?
So, anyway, it was a horrible experience for all of us. But my daughter wouldn't ever let us use the GAC because she felt he didn't deserve to get on the ride any faster than anybody else. It's not fair to cut in front of people. Praise God for the DAS coming along, since we don't cut in front of anyone, just use the time to take him somewhere else (like get a mickey bar) while waiting, we are not being unfair to anyone else, so she lets us use it.
I think this system is fair and equitable. I realize that some kids do focus on one ride and want to do it over and over again, but you have to look at the overall picture. If every DAS in the park wanted to do the same ride over and over (think FoP) regular people would never get on it.
We have had very good experiences with DAS, and sometimes the CM even fudges on the return time a little (we don't ask, they just do). I bet if someone explained the situation to the CM at the attraction, they may fudge a time a little for them- unofficially of course. But over and over seems out of proportion and we all know the degree of dishonesty that would ensue if this were enacted. Isn't that the reason for the switch from GAC to DAS in the first place?
CaptainAmerica
Premium Member
"For many" is the problem with this type of conversation. As we all know, autism is a spectrum, not just in severity but also in nature. I'm not making blanket statements about all people with autism and how they handle WDW. I'm talking specifically about those for whom the prospect of waiting in a line sends them into full psychological meltdown. I don't think it's very smart for parents of that type of child to bring them into an environment that is sure to set them off.
If your child can't handle lines and crowds, it's borderline abusive to take them somewhere that's made up 100% of lines and crowds. Seriously, it's like taking a kid with severe nut allergies on a tour of the Planters factory.
Paper straw fan
Well-Known Member
I think that goes back to the 'this is more for these parents than it is the child' point I was making as well. I'm not doubting that maybe the kid will enjoy certain things, but if the child's condition demands routine and consistency, a theme park would be nearly the last environment I'd want to put that child in, maybe right after 'Megadeth concert' and 'artisanal wine and cheese pairing'
jaklgreen
Well-Known Member
The people that disagree with that are the ones that are living in an fantasyland(pun intended). No where on the planet is life fair and equal. This utopia that some people are trying to push on everyone is never going to happen. Life stinks for a vast majority of people. That does not mean that those who have any kind of less then perfect life should be given something better then everyone else just because they have to deal with other issues. Almost everyone has some kind of issues with themselves or a family member, do we all get to have the world change for our own specific needs every place we go? I am sympathetic to those who have issues, my own niece is autistic so I am very familiar with the limitation. But at no time do we expect businesses to change for her. Instead we do the best to teach her how to live in society as it is or when some things are not possible, she does not go. That is life.
geekza
Well-Known Member
Parents of kids with autism know what their kids can tolerate better than anyone else because they have to deal with their child's autism on an intimate, daily basis. My son is on the spectrum, but you probably wouldn't know unless you were around him on a regular basis. Autism is a broad categorization, to be sure. I know what my son can handle and what kinds of things might not sit too well with him. While his mother and I certainly nudge him to experience life outside of his comfort zone, we know what his limits are and don't force him into situations he can't handle. My son would be (and has been) fine in WDW, as long as he has some structure and guidance. Some kids will never be. The parents of those kids, as much as they have the best of intentions in wanting their children to experience something as wonderful as WDW, are not doing their kids any favors by wanting to force Disney to go above and beyond what they already have in place to accommodate their issues. It isn't teaching the kids anything but the ill-advised notion that the world will bend over backwards for everything.
justintheharris
Well-Known Member
This whole thing is parents using their special needs children to their advantage. Apparently it’s not enough not having to stand in line. As parents of children with autism, they should know how to handle meltdowns and knows that sometimes their children cannot be accommodated. I am NOT saying Disney shouldn’t accommodate them as best they can and I am NOT saying that dealing with meltdowns is easy nor do I think Disney should be inconsiderate of meltdowns. But this lawsuit is basically a bunch of parents wanting Disney to march them to the fronts of every line and a free pass to do whatever they want. To those parents, shame on you.
Minthorne
Well-Known Member
How does Disney accommodate the individual who needs to ride the attraction multiple times with no wait time if:
1. The attraction is down.
2. the individual get stuck on the attraction during an e-stop.
While I support reasonable accommodation, it is my personal opinion that some of the requests seem, well, unreasonable.
1. The attraction is down.
2. the individual get stuck on the attraction during an e-stop.
While I support reasonable accommodation, it is my personal opinion that some of the requests seem, well, unreasonable.
geekza
Well-Known Member
They do! It's called After Hours and only costs you $100 and change!
I'mwatchinguWizowski
Active Member
I have a son on the spectrum and we are here now. We use the DAS sparingly and as needed along with a plan, breaks and FP. It’s hard for him to wait in the lines especially with personal space and sensory issues. Touch is actually painful for him, he cringes if he doesn’t see it coming and can anticipate it. I’m appreciative that Disney has this system. I don’t think skipping every line and riding things over and over is a fix for kids in the spectrum. I do however get when they are fixated it’s hard/impossible to change their minds and a meltdown ensures. It’s actually heartbreaking to watch because you can’t fix it for them despite wanting to but these children just can’t help it. Couple that with all the dirty looks from other parents and it one of those moments you want to hide under a rock. People lack empathy these days and just look at you as being a bad parent. Plus autism is an invisible disability.
For those of you that day just don’t take them to a theme park. Yes it’s hard but why don’t you go volunteer with your local autism society, learn about these kids and then imagine for just one minute that’s your child. Every parent gives birth imagining this “perfect” life where you go have family vacations and just enjoy yourselves. So then around 2 years old imagine that being stripped of you and instead you are dealing with a nonverbal child who had meltdowns and now you are faced with countless doctor appointments, medical bills, medications, therapy...trust me you can’t even imagine. So years down the line you want to give your child the experience that you dreamed of when they were born...Disney. If you think maneuvering this place with a undisabled child can be hard then try a child with autism and in your heart all you want you kid to have is a “normal” moment. So for those of you so flippantly saying just don’t go to a theme park...walk a MILE in a parents shoes with a kid with autism. I can guarantee you’ll drop to your knees thanking god for your blessings. Have some empathy.
I do think Disney is doing a great job with the DAS and can see both sides of the story but cannot imagine just being able to skip the lines whenever I want.
For those of you that day just don’t take them to a theme park. Yes it’s hard but why don’t you go volunteer with your local autism society, learn about these kids and then imagine for just one minute that’s your child. Every parent gives birth imagining this “perfect” life where you go have family vacations and just enjoy yourselves. So then around 2 years old imagine that being stripped of you and instead you are dealing with a nonverbal child who had meltdowns and now you are faced with countless doctor appointments, medical bills, medications, therapy...trust me you can’t even imagine. So years down the line you want to give your child the experience that you dreamed of when they were born...Disney. If you think maneuvering this place with a undisabled child can be hard then try a child with autism and in your heart all you want you kid to have is a “normal” moment. So for those of you so flippantly saying just don’t go to a theme park...walk a MILE in a parents shoes with a kid with autism. I can guarantee you’ll drop to your knees thanking god for your blessings. Have some empathy.
I do think Disney is doing a great job with the DAS and can see both sides of the story but cannot imagine just being able to skip the lines whenever I want.
justintheharris
Well-Known Member
Ya know if you go to guest relations and say all the right things, you can get a disability pass for crowd anxiety. My friend has done it and it kinda angers me.
Bairstow
Well-Known Member
Refunds and comped rooms I would suppose.
Shouldigo12
Well-Known Member
I wish every kid would be able to go to WDW and have a great time. That would be amazing. Unfortunately, that's just not possible. Financial things aside, some kids just won't be able to handle it. If you have a child who can't handle waiting or lines or who will get fixated on one and demand to ride over and over again, it's you job as the parent to recognize an extremely popular theme park with long lines is not a good place for them. It just isn't. Instead of giving in and taking your kid to a place you know will just make them suffer, put your foot down, be a parent, and find an activity they'll enjoy more.
Justahealer
New Member
My son has autism and we have used both systems and to us it works just as well.i get a return time and I just tell me son we have to wait for our time and we keep him busy
StarWarsGirl
Well-Known Member
- In the Parks
- No
So I have a younger brother on the spectrum. My parents actually refused to use the old system because they were afraid that it would cause entitlement issues with him thinking he didn't have to wait in line. Plus, lines are a part of life, and wdw is a good place to practice life skills. They finally broke down and got it when we were having trouble getting FPs for RSR out in DLR and we were all having a miserable trip because of all the meltdowns. They felt bad about it, but we had to start using it for the entire trip because we were all so miserable and it just was not worth it.
Now that the DAS is out, we use it all the time. We explain that it's an extra Fastpass he gets because he has autism, and he still has to wait for what he wants to ride...it just might be that we ride something else, walk through a shop, or eat before we get on. It's basically teaching delayed gratification.
The idea that Disney discriminates against those with autism is pure nonsense. I'd argue that having the DAS still gives us a better experience than most visitors get. Heck, the other night, we were at DHS during EMH. DAS was allowing us to go straight through the FP line on Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers, and RnRC. I can't argue any discrimination there.
Now that the DAS is out, we use it all the time. We explain that it's an extra Fastpass he gets because he has autism, and he still has to wait for what he wants to ride...it just might be that we ride something else, walk through a shop, or eat before we get on. It's basically teaching delayed gratification.
The idea that Disney discriminates against those with autism is pure nonsense. I'd argue that having the DAS still gives us a better experience than most visitors get. Heck, the other night, we were at DHS during EMH. DAS was allowing us to go straight through the FP line on Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers, and RnRC. I can't argue any discrimination there.
Jon81uk
Well-Known Member
But under the current system all that allows you to do is wait the same amount of time as you would in line, elsewhere.
So if the queue for Splash Mountain is 60 minutes, you show the pass and get a "FastPass" to come back in 50 minutes and enter the FastPass line. You still need to wait, but can avoid the crowded environment of the queueline. Of course it is up to you to find somewhere more pleasant to wait or another distraction such as a shop or restaurant. You can only have one of these passes at a time (so after your 50 minutes is up you can get one for Big Thunder just before riding Splash for example).
So even if you do lie to get the pass, all you gain is the ability to get additional "FastPasses", and therefore can multi-task a bit more.
What the lawsuit wants is the ability to have zero wait time and even skip the crowd in the FastPass line. Some children just want to ride one ride over and over again. But if the line is an hour long they currently have to keep getting off and coming back after 50 minutes and getting in the FP line. The lawsuit parents want even less of a wait, which is then putting them at a significant advantage over the average guest.