While in the past the strollertag went hand-in-hand with a GAC (you had to have the GAC with the stroller tag), my understanding is the DAS will NOT be issued for the stroller tag. The stroller tag will stand on it's own. So the fact that you also will have a DAS should not be construed to be directly related to the stroller tag but for the other needs.
Enjoy your vacation!
Yes.
That is correct from everything I have read/been told.
Children whose only need is mobility/ to have the stroller in line will just get the stroller tag.
Children who have additional needs that are not met by having the stroller in line would get a stroller and a GAC.
For my DD it's the alternate waiting area that made the show possible. I don't see how the DAS as described (return time means nothing to us since we generally time it so that we're in the next show just by walking in the regular queue so this is the exact type of scenario we typically use DD's GAC for) will put us in the same place as when using the GAC. My DD can not handle those unstructured waiting areas where everybody is in one big mob being told to crowd forward. There aren't enough of us to create a barrier around her so waiting in the wheelchair waiting area was the only way to wait while providing her the space she needs.
We have had the same experience at some of those attractions.....
The wait is for the event show.
My family will be using those waiting areas at any rate because DD uses a wheelchair. But, the extra space was also helpful for her invisible needs, the same as for your DD.
It has not been confirmed whether all attractions will have DAS. It's possible that some of those with fairly consistent short waits may not be included in DAS or may only be included during busy times. If they don't use DAS for those, I don't know what the mechanism will be for people with invisible needs to get access to those areas.
It sounds like your DD has multiple needs, the wheelchair being only one of those. Therefore, you will want to speak to Guest Relations regarding her other needs and whether a DAS is appropriate.
Be prepared to clearly explain ALL her needs. This may or may not require more discussion than in the past, depends on how quickly such interactions occurred previously. I know some posters say "I just showed my old GAC and got a new one." While my own experience has involved discussion each time. If her "invisible" needs aren't all that obvious, I'd definitely expect to be required to explain more detail.
I agree.
Our experience also usually involved some discussion each time, not just showing the old card and them giving a new card.
As to being a "wheelchair guest" vs DAS -- I think again that depends on her needs and possibly even the specific attraction. If you think she can handle the standby queue at certain rides, then she's simply a "wheelchair guest" and would follow the accessible entrance instructions. If the standby queue is not appropriate, you'll need to use the DAS. Hopefully CMs will be aware that many people have both mobility issues as well as "invisible" needs, that should be part of the new training.
A lot of people, us included, did not use DD's GAC on each attraction. For those, she was just a "wheelchair guest". I don't think that will work the same with DAS as it did with GACs.
I know that Disney parks have a lot of experience dealing with guests who have both mobility and invisible needs, so I am sure that won't suddenly change when the program changes.
My understanding is the DAS guest does not need to be present when the Return Time is put on the card, but must be present when returning to ride. This would allow mom or dad or someone else to get the Return Time noted on the DAS while your DD is busy elsewhere.
Again, presumably CMs will be adequately trained. Only time will tell, and unfortunately for you, your trip is right as this rolls out so you'll have to report back and let the rest of us know whether it works smoothly or not.
Enjoy your vacation!
The rumors are that the person with the DAS does not need to be present to get a Return Time, but does need to be to ride. That rumor is very likely true.
There isn't going to be more scrutiny...they are going to ask what your needs are and take it from there.
As I mentioned before my daughter has been training the CMs on the new policies and they are trying to anticipate each need that might occur...as you can imagine that is going to be very difficult. I know the first full week of this she is scheduled to assist when situations arise that they don't quite have figured out. I would not expect everything to be 100% smooth sailing the first day to be honest but I do know she has been working on this for about three weeks now in various capacities and the CMs don't want to make it difficult for you either.
I believe that anyone can be the "runner" for the times...it's just when it is time to ride/view/whatever the guest whose name/picture is on the card needs to be participating in the attraction.
Liz
i hope the process rolls out well and guests are patient.