Can I just vent for a minute?

There seem to be a lot of people posting as ‘Disney CMs’ out there whose advice doesn’t even sound like they have been in the parks, much less work at one.
I get into some of those same things on Facebook groups.
There was a recent one discussing pool hopping. Most of the posters said it’s perfectly fine. A couple said it’s not OK and that there are fences around the pools and signs that say the pool is for guests of that resort only. Then, other people posted that they pool hopped and didn’t see any signs.
So, I posted pictures of signs.

On that same page, multiple people posted that guests using wheelchairs get taken directly to the front of lines - it doesn’t matter how menyu wheelchair users/families of wheelchair users post test is not correct - the original poster will almost never back down.
from what I have read wonder if CM is from overseas park because it seems that is required there if I have read right
It is true that the Disney parks outside of the USA do require proof - either in the form of a government disability card (which the US does not have) or a Doctor letter.
The reason the US parks don’t require a doctor’s letter is that the ADA states that a person with a disability can’t be required to provide proof of disability in order to receive reasonable accommodation. Disney doesn’t want to get into even the appearance that they are requiring proof, which is why the CMs refuse to look at letters.

Many people think HIPAA is involved, but it is not. HIPAA has to do with healthcare workers, healthcare facilities and insurance companies accessing and sharing information. Disney is not subject to HIPAA since they are not healthcare providers/facilities.
As a healthcare worker, I am only allowed to access information I need in order to do my job/provide care and I can only share it with others who need that information to do their job/provide care.
As a patient, I can share my medical information with whoever I want. If I want my doctor to write a letter about my medical information, HIPAA would not prevent the doctor from writing it, prevent me from showing it or prevent snyone from looking at it.
 
It must be a long time misconception that WC users go to the front of the line. I know I've had people (who don't go to WDW much if at all) who when they find out I rent an ECV for the parks mention that "that gets me to the front of the line right?" I'm like lol - no. Of course there is a big difference between being misinformed and being obstinately, relentlessly wrong.
 
It must be a long time misconception that WC users go to the front of the line. I know I've had people (who don't go to WDW much if at all) who when they find out I rent an ECV for the parks mention that "that gets me to the front of the line right?" I'm like lol - no. Of course there is a big difference between being misinformed and being obstinately, relentlessly wrong.
My mom still says this. Now, it's true that once upon a time, this was the case. That was before the ADA, before FastPass, before almost all the lines were upgraded to accommodate wheelchairs and ECVs. I tell her every time that things have changed in the past 25 years, but she still insists that it gets you front of the line access because that's what happened when our exchange student broke his foot....in 1990.

(on a side note, I just realized that 1990 was over 25 years ago and now I feel old.)
 
My mom still says this. Now, it's true that once upon a time, this was the case. That was before the ADA, before FastPass, before almost all the lines were upgraded to accommodate wheelchairs and ECVs. I tell her every time that things have changed in the past 25 years, but she still insists that it gets you front of the line access because that's what happened when our exchange student broke his foot....in 1990.

(on a side note, I just realized that 1990 was over 25 years ago and now I feel old.)
I have people ask me the same thing. And can't believe it when I say, no. They are sure that it is still that way.

Of course, these are the same people that don't think you need a touring plan. As long as you "go left" you will miss all of the crowds and get on any ride you want without a wait.
 
My mom still says this. Now, it's true that once upon a time, this was the case. That was before the ADA, before FastPass, before almost all the lines were upgraded to accommodate wheelchairs and ECVs. I tell her every time that things have changed in the past 25 years, but she still insists that it gets you front of the line access because that's what happened when our exchange student broke his foot....in 1990.

(on a side note, I just realized that 1990 was over 25 years ago and now I feel old.)
One of the last trips with my parents we were in FOP line the wheelchair ECV line was too our right they were loaded right away and my dad says look wheelchair do not have to wait I was like no they have to wait too he would not believe me because a few minutes latter another wheelchair user came and got right on. We got on then too but there was just no changing his mind. I wish my dad would go when I go with a friend the uses an. ECV and see how front of the line wheelchair ECV user get.
 


It must be a long time misconception that WC users go to the front of the line. I know I've had people (who don't go to WDW much if at all) who when they find out I rent an ECV for the parks mention that "that gets me to the front of the line right?" I'm like lol - no. Of course there is a big difference between being misinformed and being obstinately, relentlessly wrong.

I have been going with my niece and Mom to WDW and/or Disneyland for a lot of years. I had a co-worker tell me that it must be nice always going to the front. I said that is not how it works now and that most lines can accommodate the wheelchair. And he told me I must not be doing things right if I have to wait and am not going straight to the front. Ummm, ok then. And this was from someone who had an AP. Told him to come with us once and see how it really works. He declined.
 
Slightly off topic-
But as an above pp stated-I used to work for the govt.
It was incredible how many people knew how to do my job better than me!!

However,one of the saddest tales I recall was an elderly man using his late wife's disabled parking pass-as it had a photo of her.
No matter how many times I explained he required one in his own right- he kept repeating was worth the fine.

So often I find myself reiterating you can't tell how someone is feeling by looking at them.
Just because you can't see something-doesn't mean it's not there.
 
Excellent information, Sue, as always. Thank you.

There seem to be a lot of people posting as ‘Disney CMs’ out there whose advice doesn’t even sound like they have been in the parks, much less work at one.
I get into some of those same things on Facebook groups.
There was a recent one discussing pool hopping. Most of the posters said it’s perfectly fine. A couple said it’s not OK and that there are fences around the pools and signs that say the pool is for guests of that resort only. Then, other people posted that they pool hopped and didn’t see any signs.
So, I posted pictures of signs.

On that same page, multiple people posted that guests using wheelchairs get taken directly to the front of lines - it doesn’t matter how many wheelchair users/families of wheelchair users post-test is not correct - the original poster will almost never back down.

It is true that the Disney parks outside of the USA do require proof - either in the form of a government disability card (which the US does not have) or a Doctor letter.
The reason the US parks don’t require a doctor’s letter is that the ADA states that a person with a disability can’t be required to provide proof of disability in order to receive reasonable accommodation. Disney doesn’t want to get into even the appearance that they are requiring proof, which is why the CMs refuse to look at letters.

Many people think HIPAA is involved, but it is not. HIPAA has to do with healthcare workers, healthcare facilities and insurance companies accessing and sharing information. Disney is not subject to HIPAA since they are not healthcare providers/facilities.
As a healthcare worker, I am only allowed to access information I need in order to do my job/provide care and I can only share it with others who need that information to do their job/provide care.
As a patient, I can share my medical information with whoever I want. If I want my doctor to write a letter about my medical information, HIPAA would not prevent the doctor from writing it, prevent me from showing it or prevent anyone from looking at it.
 
I've never been denied a DAS. I have had to rephrase my needs such that the CM understands. They are not Dr's and are thus put into a tough situation to decide if someone truly has a need for a DAS. A Dr's note wouldn't mean a thing to a CM. Most CM's seem to give the benefit of the doubt to the guest. It certainly helps us enjoy the parks where I would otherwise struggle. At the end of the day, someone with a DAS shouldn't be able to go on any more rides than someone without.
 
That could be a possibility - but if that were true, I would hope that they would have the good sense to qualify their reply and say something like "You have to have a doctors note to get DAS at Shanghai, where I work" or something similar, especially if the discussion was clearly centered around WDW Orlando.
If they work overseas, they may just assume it's the same policy all over Disney. Think about that for a moment. How many here knew it was different overseas? I don't believe the Cm's get cross training, only training for their division.
 
Abinormal, I agree about the stamina thing. That was part of what I was trying to explain. The person was affected by stamina issues but said she had no one to push her so 1. she said they couldn't ask her to get a wheelchair as that wasn't an accommodation and 2. if they did, they would have to provide her an electric one! I tried to explain that they didn't have to provide the accommodation of your choice, just an accommodation, period! Others argued that that wasn't ADA compliant and based on the ADA they couldn't even tell you "no" about the DAS. So people basically haven't ever studied the ADA either --what are you gonna do? lol
Everyone has different needs and requirements are different. Because Mary Smith can use a wheelchair doesn't mean Sally Jones can. It clearly states this is the ADA guidelines too, have you read them? It's tailored to the individuals appropriate needs and that's what DAS does. They don't generalize.Screenshot_20180811-144932_Samsung Internet.jpg
 
I'm very familiar, thank you. I'm also aware, and this was my point, that the DAS is only one kind of accommodation offered by Disney; they generally offer a mobility device rather than the DAS for stamina issues; and what they offer may not be what the person him or herself prefers. The cast members at guest services are not medical professionals and they are allowed to make the call based on Disney's policies. Disney's policies do not always match what the person wants (I know, I just repeated myself.) That's all I was saying.
 
I'm very familiar, thank you. I'm also aware, and this was my point, that the DAS is only one kind of accommodation offered by Disney; they generally offer a mobility device rather than the DAS for stamina issues; and what they offer may not be what the person him or herself prefers. The cast members at guest services are not medical professionals and they are allowed to make the call based on Disney's policies. Disney's policies do not always match what the person wants (I know, I just repeated myself.) That's all I was saying.
Correct, they are not medical professionals. Not everyone has the same situation is what I am saying too. You made it sound as if others didn't know what they were talking about when in fact they do. Merely because you and others state a stamina issue is mobility and requires a wheelchair, how do you legally force someone to upgrade to a scooter because they are alone when in fact a simple DAS for the day would work too. DAS is not one of a kind, it is for various reasons, not cut and dry. Disney does not give based on wants, but needs. The CM can in no way determine you are strong enough to use a manual wheelchair alone or be able to tolerate the the jerky short stops on the electric scooter either, besides the price.

My personal opinion, they should allow you to have documentation from your doctor. You need it to get a handicap plac card, why not DAS? That would definitely cut down on those who really do not need it and allow those who do to get it.
 
Correct, they are not medical professionals. Not everyone has the same situation is what I am saying too. You made it sound as if others didn't know what they were talking about when in fact they do. Merely because you and others state a stamina issue is mobility and requires a wheelchair, how do you legally force someone to upgrade to a scooter because they are alone when in fact a simple DAS for the day would work too. DAS is not one of a kind, it is for various reasons, not cut and dry. Disney does not give based on wants, but needs. The CM can in no way determine you are strong enough to use a manual wheelchair alone or be able to tolerate the the jerky short stops on the electric scooter either, besides the price.

My personal opinion, they should allow you to have documentation from your doctor. You need it to get a handicap plac card, why not DAS? That would definitely cut down on those who really do not need it and allow those who do to get it.
never mind I am sure someone will come on and say what I want to better then I can
 
Okay, I am listening to you. But I was not arguing my personal opinion. The person in question stated that the park had to provide her a DAS or an electric wheelchair (not at ECV) because she wasn't bringing someone who could push her in the wheelchair. That is not necessarily true -- especially when it comes to electric wheelchairs because they simply do not offer them. They do offer ECV's, but she was saying I don't accept that, it has to be an electric wheelchair. I said GENERALLY speaking, for stamina issues they tell you to rent a wheelchair. And i stand by saying that it is not Disney's responsibility whether or not you have someone to push you in your chair or not. That is up to the guest to take care of those needs. Disney offers what Disney offers and it is up to guests to work around it. Disney does their best based on the policies they have set in motion. I'm really not trying to be argumentative.
 
...My personal opinion, they should allow you to have documentation from your doctor. You need it to get a handicap plac card, why not DAS? That would definitely cut down on those who really do not need it and allow those who do to get it.

Because doctors notes can be, have been in the past, and no doubt will be in the future, forged. But even more importantly, you are still talking about potentially revealing HIPPA protected information. Disney has (wisely) made the decision to not expose their employees to the risk and the requirement of trying to decide who has a legit doctors note, and who doesn't - and then on top of that, exactly what accommodations that person should be allowed. I used to work for a company that deals with it's customers health information that falls under the protection of HIPPA, and have been trained extensively on whats allowed by law, and what isn't. Disney has chosen, in my opinion, to take an approach that causes the least possible number of people to potentially be discriminated against, and allows for the greatest possible latitude when it comes to accommodations. Are there "scammers"? Sure. But what they soon find out is that under the current implementation of DAS, there is virtually no gain for the able-bodied. DAS is not a "front of the line" pass; if you see a person in a wheelchair being sent to the front of the line, that could be any number of things that are not readily apparent to you as a bystander. (MAW child, DAS return, pixie dust, or some other cogent circumstance that may not be readily obvious)

And to address the handicapped parking placard or permit: while the state I live in does require a form that is filled out and signed by a doctor, it does not actually call for a diagnosis or any other HIPPA protected information on the form. It simply states that I require the benefit of the parking placard and that the doctor has personally assessed me as a patient, and not much else (besides where to send the placard).
 
One interesting factor in all of this is how the parks manage the ones who need assistance. Knotts Berry Farm is a textbook case of how to NOT manage access for those with disabilities as their rules create a huge perception that only people with a wheelchair have the biggest advantage in the world. A friend who went to the park was angry at the people who were using the ADA pass because for some reasons, the employees were not doing any efforts to spread out the people coming up the exit among different rows. He had to wait an extra 30 minutes! for the front because train after train, the front row was always filled with someone from the exit. This is a big thing that leads to confrontation.

Back in the days when I was a Guest Relations cast member, internet was not yet the force it was now and Social Media was barely starting. Still, we did get scripts that people who had read online on "how to get a front of the line pass" and to be frank, there were times where I was wondering how come there were so many people requiring assistance? The oscar for worst actresses went to the mom and her daughter who tried to pull a fast one: mom argued "her daughter had traumatic back surgery and she was covered in scars" and she demanded a front of the line pass because she could not sit or stand in line. Unfortunately for her, her daughter had made a poor choice in clothing and her skimpy tanktop showed all her back... which had no visible scars! When we denied her request, her daughter sighed and dragged her mother out of there as if to say, ok mom, your scam didn't work...

I was also a cast member at Disneyland Paris eons ago and I worked at one of the three rides at the time that had this rule: you had to ride in the back car of the roller coaster AND had to be able to walk the length of the station to a bench at the back. This lead to some interesting situations and to some desperate guests. I can still remember when I had to clean up... the remnants of a lady's fresh plaster cast! Crazy lady got hurt that morning, broke her leg... and she still wanted to ride Space Mountain, LOL.
 
The person in question stated that the park had to provide her a DAS or an electric wheelchair (not at ECV) because she wasn't bringing someone who could push her in the wheelchair. That is not necessarily true -
::yes:: When actually all the park has to provide is a way for her in her self-provided mobility device, to access each attraction.
Because doctors notes can be, have been in the past, and no doubt will be in the future, forged. But even more importantly, you are still talking about potentially revealing HIPPA protected information.
Forged, heck. My neurologist once offered to provide me a note, just because i mentioned an upcoming trip.
 

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