Should I be this anxious about DAS?

[Starwind]

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!

Something also to consider is whether your entire group has to go on all the rides, or are you ok with waiting some out while others in your group go on a ride ?

I can't do most rollercoasters and certain other rides. The rollercoasters in particular are an instant severe migraine trigger, which is something I would really rather avoid ;-) But my sister, who I travel to WDW with, loves roller coasters especially Space Mountain, which for me is the *worst* migraine trigger !! So while she goes on Space I hang out and shop or sit and relax or do some reading on my phone or ride Carousel of Progress to pass the time. When they still had Fast Passes, we we both get FP for Space, and she would go ride it in the single rider line, then come out and we would swap magic bands and then she would go ride it again using my magic band/FP. Made her happy and I was quite content occupying myself. We do this even though I have DAS, because it gives something to do while waiting for a DAS return time for another ride, or when we don't have an active DAS return time.

 

[Evita_W]

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!

Yeah, that is a guest relations window, you should be fine there.....I thought you meant the blue umbrellas in some of the parks, sometimes they can issue and sometimes they can't.

 

[cobright]

I suffer with severe anxiety and panic attacks, especially when surrounded by people and for some reason queuing. ...

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.

Have you been to WDW? Even when my anxiety disorder was far less managed than it is now I always found I breathed easier once in the bubble. My wife jokes that it's the only place she sees me strike up a conversation or just smile for no reason. The fireworks don't even make me jump.

But, everyone is different and anxiety will straight up ruin a mood. Here's a few things I suggest whenever this comes up. Talk to your doctor/shrink about your vacation ahead of time. Often people have their anxiety managed to a point but the baseline is whatever your average day is like, then they go on vacation and the techniques and medicines they take to manage their anxiety don't work the same. You'll be confronting way more stressors and triggers in a day at WDW than usual so see if a temporary adjustment to your normal interventions are a good idea. I haven't found too many CM interactions that a mg of klonopin won't get me through but YMMV.

Now, asking for DAS... Figure out if this will be easier with your husband there or if he should go get a souvenir popcorn bucket while you has this out with guest relations. You won't get a mean CM, I promise. Just an amusing aside... on my last trip before the pandemic hit, my wife and I were in GR straightening out an annual pass issue. While you're in line they send 'outriders' up and down the line to see if your issue is something they can clear up real fast and easy and get you on your way or if you need to wait all the way to the counter and get helped by someone with a computer. So wife and I are at the counter and I'm just keeping tabs on some conversation I can't see. Somone a couple lines over is getting more and more upset about something. I notice the CM helping us has noticed this too and then the person starts to say something and ... you know that voice adults get when they're about to cry in public and they really don't want to? whatever this woman was about to say it came out just like that. Seamlessly, the CM helping us leaned back told another CM something and then that CM and a manager of some sort moved quickly and quietly to that guest and took her out of line and over to a bench near the window. They fixed her problem (I assume because she was smiling when we saw her as we left the building a few minutes later), more than that they de-escalated a problem that was by all appearance terribly distressing for this woman.

Cast members in GR are elite customer service pros. they'll take care of you.

 

[Evita_W]

Have you been to WDW? Even when my anxiety disorder was far less managed than it is now I always found I breathed easier once in the bubble. My wife jokes that it's the only place she sees me strike up a conversation or just smile for no reason. The fireworks don't even make me jump.

But, everyone is different and anxiety will straight up ruin a mood. Here's a few things I suggest whenever this comes up. Talk to your doctor/shrink about your vacation ahead of time. Often people have their anxiety managed to a point but the baseline is whatever your average day is like, then they go on vacation and the techniques and medicines they take to manage their anxiety don't work the same. You'll be confronting way more stressors and triggers in a day at WDW than usual so see if a temporary adjustment to your normal interventions are a good idea. I haven't found too many CM interactions that a mg of klonopin won't get me through but YMMV.

Now, asking for DAS... Figure out if this will be easier with your husband there or if he should go get a souvenir popcorn bucket while you has this out with guest relations. You won't get a mean CM, I promise. Just an amusing aside... on my last trip before the pandemic hit, my wife and I were in GR straightening out an annual pass issue. While you're in line they send 'outriders' up and down the line to see if your issue is something they can clear up real fast and easy and get you on your way or if you need to wait all the way to the counter and get helped by someone with a computer. So wife and I are at the counter and I'm just keeping tabs on some conversation I can't see. Somone a couple lines over is getting more and more upset about something. I notice the CM helping us has noticed this too and then the person starts to say something and ... you know that voice adults get when they're about to cry in public and they really don't want to? whatever this woman was about to say it came out just like that. Seamlessly, the CM helping us leaned back told another CM something and then that CM and a manager of some sort moved quickly and quietly to that guest and took her out of line and over to a bench near the window. They fixed her problem (I assume because she was smiling when we saw her as we left the building a few minutes later), more than that they de-escalated a problem that was by all appearance terribly distressing for this woman.

Cast members in GR are elite customer service pros. they'll take care of you.

Also, go in with a good attitude and be polite and it helps a lot, especially if you see the CM just had a difficult time with the guest in front of you.

 

[welshman_us]

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.

My son is a T1D kid, has neuropathy - he uses a discrete folding chair that fits into a shoulder sling rather than use a wheelchair as he cannot stand in place for long - he *hates* using a wheelchair in public places... and your comment is exactly why the Area Manager kinda went ballistic on the CM and then walked us around for most of the rest of the day - did a LOT of standing in the background watching CM interactions... was actually *really* good of the manager - used it as a learning tool... WHY we LOVE disney honestly - someone screwed up, but then they really bent over backwards to try and make it honestly better and do better... kudos to them.

 

[welshman_us]

one other thought!!! Since we use the DAS a LOT on our trips with our kids (and even some extended family with various issues) - people think it is just a line-jumping pass... that is NOT what it is (these days at least) - what it IS is a way to bypass the standard queue OR provide alternate means of boarding - this can be for many reasons (physical, ride entry restrictions, mental/psychological, etc) - one of the key things is that you can WAIT somewhere else for your slot to be ready - this can be outside the ride, it can be in a quiet room, it can be in a plain bland tan hallway that skips things that are too loud/scary/flashing lights/stressful... trust me - this can make or break your trip having access to this sort of 'break' =) seriously best wishes on your trip!!

 

[welshman_us]

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!

Disney does Disabilities of all kinds SO FREAKIN WELL - it is like the one place we can go with disability-enabled family members and actually have a good time... =)

 

[Timandalicia]

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.

You can and should get it. The irony and problem is the anxiety kicks in when you even think about going to get it. It makes you almost rather not ask but then you can’t handle your visit. That irrational behavior is why it’s a disorder. I completely get it.

I recommend having your spouse first approach guest services and chat with them. And when he has a specific cast member assigned to him, have him explain the situation. Then have that cast member wait, he comes over to get you to bring you over. That way he has them prepared to interact with you appropriately. Leaving the cast member wait and him coming back over with you, instead of you coming over by them really helps reduce the anxiety that comes with you walking over. Having that liaison role is clutch in emotional regulation.

 

[mamabunny]

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!

First of all, you are *not* difficult! :::hugs::: You are someone who just feels the world differently than others do. That's all. You are NOT broken, you are NOT weird (unless you are like me, and name inanimate objects, especially appliances... I don't know why, I just *do* LOL) and you ARE perfect as you are. I have family members with anxiety, and other similar issues, and so I understand your concerns.

Planning ahead can be helpful - but always make sure you have a "Plan B" in case your optimal situation cannot occur. Know your resources; in the case of WDW, obviously FP+ would be helpful (and may return - we just don't know, right?) and DAS might be useful as well. But... if you don't have either of those, create strategies now, in concert with your family and any other travel party members, for how you can handle the situation. "Know before you go" is one of our big mottos when we travel at our house!

Other things to remember:
- Staying onsite if you can might be helpful; you can more easily return to your hotel room if you get overwhelmed and need a break. (Also, you can use the onsite transportation system, and don't have to worry about driving or parking once you get to your hotel!)

- Don't rush for "rope drop" - let everyone else clear out while you have a nice, leisurely breakfast, or sleep in a bit. It will all still be there when you arrive, I promise! If starting your day in a calm and relaxed fashion helps at home, then that should be your focus at WDW as well.

- In fact, bring *all* of your best strategies with you, and be sure to stick to your "home schedule" as closely as you can; it can be really helpful.

- Remember that First Aid in all 4 Parks is a good place to go if you need a bit of assistance. In a pinch, they have generic Tylenol (I know, it sounds crazy, but for some of my family members, it helps them through the roughest part of a flare-up) and a quiet place where you can lay down for a bit if needed. (Provided they are not full already).

One last thought for you - Everyone in our family has an app that we keep on our phones, called "Emergency Chat". The logo for it looks like this:

​

It's an app that will let you text someone when you are too overwhelmed to speak.

You can customize the opening screen (shown below) to help give the person you are communicating with more information.

​

You "text" with the other person, by handing the phone back and forth so you don't have to try and talk when you are not comfortable with speech in the moment. It's just another tool to have ready (like knowing that you can use First Aid at the Parks) in case you need it.

I'm so glad you found us here! ❤❤

 

[lanejudy]

he uses a discrete folding chair that fits into a shoulder sling rather than use a wheelchair as he cannot stand in place for long - he *hates* using a wheelchair in public places

First let me say that I am very sorry your family had a negative experience.

However... a folding chair is expressly prohibited at WDW and I have not known of exceptions for disabilities. It is for safety reasons. There are other options that WDW allows, and this is a case where the preferred accommodation is not allowed. I understand your son doesn't want to *be* different than any other kids and you want to help him fit in quietly and discretely. However I do recommend you explore other options for a future visit or you could end up with another negative experience -- and without a manager willing to walk you around the park to ensure the exception is allowed. More than once I have observed similar situations where a chair was not allowed so the chances of using again in the future are slim.

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.

As others have said, no note needed and WDW is unlikely to even look at it if you do bring one. But absolutely write down some short notes in your own words, either use that on your phone to help guide your request, or print it and share it with the CM instead of speaking your request. Forget about "mean" CMs and just remember they are doing their jobs and not trying to be mean or humiliate anyone. However, the CM may need to ask a few questions. Have your DH nearby and he can help answer if the situation is too overwhelming for you.

 

[NOLA_Tink]

Everyone else has given great advice, but I want to give you a HUGE virtual high-five for being so brave! I know it's not easy, but you are doing it! Way to go!!!
P.S. We use a DAS for my son's panic disorder & the CM are always very, very kind and undetstanding. We've been to WDW over 40 times and never had a problem!

 

[frannn]

Kinda know how you feel- DD has high functioning Autism, Asperger's and ADHD. She has major anxiety which affects her mood, behavior, and mannerisms...making it uncomfortable waiting on long lines. We have always just dealt with it each annual trip to WDW, not realizing this would be recognized for a DAS pass & then too nervous to ask for it for fear of being turned down. Fast forward to this past March, just the 2 of us went so, thanks to these boards, I inquired at the start of our trip and was able to get the DAS pass. It made a tremendous difference in our trip. We would sign in at the ride entrance, then go sit at the closest bench and wait, or go on a quiet walk-on like LWTL. I only hope we can get the pass when we go (hopefully) in Aug.

 

[Ellie Webbs]

Kinda know how you feel- DD has high functioning Autism, Asperger's and ADHD. She has major anxiety which affects her mood, behavior, and mannerisms...making it uncomfortable waiting on long lines. We have always just dealt with it each annual trip to WDW, not realizing this would be recognized for a DAS pass & then too nervous to ask for it for fear of being turned down. Fast forward to this past March, just the 2 of us went so, thanks to these boards, I inquired at the start of our trip and was able to get the DAS pass. It made a tremendous difference in our trip. We would sign in at the ride entrance, then go sit at the closest bench and wait, or go on a quiet walk-on like LWTL. I only hope we can get the pass when we go (hopefully) in Aug.

Thank you for sharing, I would just love the opportunity to wait for a ride somewhere really quiet and out of the way, that would really make the trip so much less fraught.. this will be our 5th trip and I've never known about DAS / been too nervous to ask for it.

I did mention to my husband that probably a 30 minute anxiety ridden rant on multiple days, almost a year out from the actual vacation, about getting it and what ifs was probably a sign that I may need it

 

[cobright]

I did mention to my husband that probably a 30 minute anxiety ridden rant on multiple days, almost a year out from the actual vacation, about getting it and what ifs was probably a sign that I may need it

The DAS program can offer some very good options that can definitely help. The times I have requested it I went in with a very reasonable expectation sort of attitude. For example, attractions with mob-lines (haunted mansion and various shows) I just can't do those. A CM was happy to annotate the DAS with the message "Boarding/Entry Order Request" and a signature. Then I'd go through lines as normal but at the last CM ask if I could wait off to the side and be the last of each boarding group to enter. Everyone was so chill with that request that I haven't bothered to get a DAS for it since.

My strategy is ... figure out now what situations you can tolerate and work towards crafting those situations. If you don't like people too close to you, use people and things to create your bubble. A backpack with jangly bits hanging off it. A cane. Put members of your party ahead and behind you to keep the crowds back. Maybe not such a thing these days with distancing.

What you don't want is a mindset that you are inconveniencing anyone; that will undermine your day right there. All CMs are paid by the hour and really do have nothing better to do than make your visit magical.

 

[Ellie Webbs]

The DAS program can offer some very good options that can definitely help. The times I have requested it I went in with a very reasonable expectation sort of attitude. For example, attractions with mob-lines (haunted mansion and various shows) I just can't do those. A CM was happy to annotate the DAS with the message "Boarding/Entry Order Request" and a signature. Then I'd go through lines as normal but at the last CM ask if I could wait off to the side and be the last of each boarding group to enter. Everyone was so chill with that request that I haven't bothered to get a DAS for it since.

My strategy is ... figure out now what situations you can tolerate and work towards crafting those situations. If you don't like people too close to you, use people and things to create your bubble. A backpack with jangly bits hanging off it. A cane. Put members of your party ahead and behind you to keep the crowds back. Maybe not such a thing these days with distancing.

What you don't want is a mindset that you are inconveniencing anyone; that will undermine your day right there. All CMs are paid by the hour and really do have nothing better to do than make your visit magical.

For me it's a very unreasonable thought that as soon as I am in a queue I am trapped. I then start obsessing over my own behaviour, ie what if I need to leave the queue, what will people think, how can I escape. On the one occasion my husband took me to a show me got me the corner end seat next to the fire exit, lots of my friends sounded disappointed for ne without realising that he picked the only seat I could deal with and therefore sacrificed a better seat for himself. I have other symptoms then brought on by the anxiety which are very noticeable to others and I spiral. 2 minutes in the stretching room I could deal with, but 20 minutes queueing I start really panicking. Even on the flight over my doctor prescribes diazepam and I have to have a window seat so I can pretend I'm not inside. Sorry if this is tmi, like I said, no pity party here, but just an explanation.

I love your suggestions especially the backpack tip, that's a really great idea! It must be hard for the CMs with so many different people to try and help every day. I know I would find it very difficult. But I also take your point that it is their job!

 

[Selket]

I'm not sure when your trip is but some of the extra paid offerings that Disney had pre-covid were good for getting away from some crowds if you could afford it. I did the dessert party a couple of times to get a space to watch fireworks (it was less crowded but still many people). They also had the late night parties that looked to be low on crowds and would let you ride things without much wait. There were some other special events that looked like fun - if they bring those back and you have the money it could be worth it. We did the Glow Party at Typhoon Lagoon a couple of years ago - that was a lot of fun - no waits and very relaxing. I hope some of those offerings come back.

I also like to make dinner reservations so I can sit and get out of the crowds and not have to deal with QS. The more money you spend the quieter the restaurant sometimes - haha! Tiffins was super chill. I didn't mind a busy restaurant since I had my seat but it may be something to consider. A resort restaurant can sometimes be less hectic than the ones in the parks. Ideally you can travel when it is less busy - which these days or even pre-covid it was hard to tell when that would be!

 

[Ellie Webbs]

I'm not sure when your trip is but some of the extra paid offerings that Disney had pre-covid were good for getting away from some crowds if you could afford it. I did the dessert party a couple of times to get a space to watch fireworks (it was less crowded but still many people). They also had the late night parties that looked to be low on crowds and would let you ride things without much wait. There were some other special events that looked like fun - if they bring those back and you have the money it could be worth it. We did the Glow Party at Typhoon Lagoon a couple of years ago - that was a lot of fun - no waits and very relaxing. I hope some of those offerings come back.

I also like to make dinner reservations so I can sit and get out of the crowds and not have to deal with QS. The more money you spend the quieter the restaurant sometimes - haha! Tiffins was super chill. I didn't mind a busy restaurant since I had my seat but it may be something to consider. A resort restaurant can sometimes be less hectic than the ones in the parks. Ideally you can travel when it is less busy - which these days or even pre-covid it was hard to tell when that would be!

Such good points! I have planned to take some of our own food, especially breakfast and lunch snacks, so that we are mostly doing sit down meals and if we do qs hubby is great at collecting it. I am saving extra money to make this a more comfortable experience and I did have sticker shock at first when I did the maths but then I thought, well, we have cancelled 2 trips already and you cant really put a price on mental health!



I mean you can, and sometimes its verrrrrrry expensive, but I tell myself that it's ok

 

[Selket]

Such good points! I have planned to take some of our own food, especially breakfast and lunch snacks, so that we are mostly doing sit down meals and if we do qs hubby is great at collecting it. I am saving extra money to make this a more comfortable experience and I did have sticker shock at first when I did the maths but then I thought, well, we have cancelled 2 trips already and you cant really put a price on mental health!
I mean you can, and sometimes its verrrrrrry expensive, but I tell myself that it's ok

There was a thread somewhere not too long ago about the most quiet/calm restaurants if you can find it. Sometimes we'd also eat "off peak" at QS places so it wasn't so hectic. Also if you enjoy shopping in the parks, I've found the best time is the mornings because the stores are empty compared to the evenings when everyone is leaving and you can put things in a locker - just don't forget to get them on your way out!

 

[Ellie Webbs]

There was a thread somewhere not too long ago about the most quiet/calm restaurants if you can find it. Sometimes we'd also eat "off peak" at QS places so it wasn't so hectic. Also if you enjoy shopping in the parks, I've found the best time is the mornings because the stores are empty compared to the evenings when everyone is leaving and you can put things in a locker - just don't forget to get them on your way out!

Good point, I would definitely forget!!!

 

[Evita_W]

There was a thread somewhere not too long ago about the most quiet/calm restaurants if you can find it. Sometimes we'd also eat "off peak" at QS places so it wasn't so hectic. Also if you enjoy shopping in the parks, I've found the best time is the mornings because the stores are empty compared to the evenings when everyone is leaving and you can put things in a locker - just don't forget to get them on your way out!

In February they had just started back to allowing you to send things to the front of the park for pick up. Not as convenient as sending back to the resort, but still better than lugging it all day.