Walt Disney World and Diabetes Secret Planning Tips

12/5/15 UPDATE AND DISCLAIMER:  This information last posted was from our trip during 2013.  Since our last Naturally Sweet Sisters update, Walt Disney World has changed their policy on for guest assistance cards and will no longer be issuing GAC passes.  

The NEW Disney Access Service Card policy is HERE.  

• What is DAS and how does it work?
  The DAS Card is designed to accommodate guests who aren’t able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). DAS will be issued at Guest Relations main entrance locations and will offer guests a return time for attractions based on the current wait time. As soon as the Guest finishes one attraction, they can receive a return time for another. This service can be used in addition to Disney’s FASTPASS Service and Disney FastPass+ service.
• What will Disney Parks do if a Guest is concerned DAS doesn’t meet their needs?
  Disney Parks have long recognized and accommodated guests with varying needs and will continue to work individually with guests with disabilities to provide assistance that is responsive to their unique circumstances. Guests should visit Guest Relations to discuss their individual needs.
• Who will be eligible for DAS?
  Disney Parks’ goal is to accommodate guests who aren’t able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). Guests should visit Guest Relations to discuss their assistance needs.
• How will guests get DAS?DAS will be issued at Guest Relations main entrance locations. Guests will participate in a registration process, which also includes having their photo taken.
• Why is Disney Parks doing this?
  Disney Parks is modifying the current Guest Assistance Card program so it can continue to serve the guests who truly need it. The new program is designed to provide the special experience guests have come to expect from Disney. Disney Parks also hopes it will help control abuse that was, unfortunately, widespread and growing at an alarming rate.
• Does the guest utilizing DAS have to be present to obtain a return time at an attraction?
  No. Another member of the DAS Cardholder’s travel party may obtain a return time but the DAS Cardholder must board the attraction with his or her party.
• Where do guests utilizing DAS go to receive return times?At Disneyland Resort, guests will go to Guest Relations kiosks located throughout the parks to receive a return time. At Walt Disney World Resort, guests will go to the attraction to receive a return time.
• Does a guest utilizing DAS have to ride the attraction at the exact return time listed?No. Return times are valid until redeemed by the guest utilizing DAS.
• How long is DAS valid?DAS card is valid for up to 14 days depending on a guest’s ticket entitlement.
• Is DAS issued at one Disney theme park valid at other Disney theme parks?
  Yes, DAS will be valid throughout the resort at which it was issued.
• Why doesn’t Disney Parks ask for proof of disability, such as a doctor’s note?Disney Parks takes Guests at their word and there are legal restrictions around asking for proof.
• Is this the only service available to Guests with disabilities?Disney Parks offer a variety of services to guests with disabilities, such as Disney’s Handheld Device that offers assistive listening, captioning and audio description. Additionally, Disney Parks has developed a “Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities.” This serves as a tool on how best to experience its theme parks and is expected to be available online by mid-October.
  
  Disney Parks will continue to provide excellent guest service and accessible experiences. Guests should visit Guest Relations at any park should they feel they need assistance due to a disability.
• Does a Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter need DAS?
  No, a Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter does not need DAS. Depending on the attraction, the Guest will either wait in the standard queue or receive a return time at the attraction based on the current wait time. For some attractions at Disneyland Resort, these guests will go directly to an alternate entrance. Guests with additional needs should discuss them with Guest Relations.
• Will Disney Parks continue to provide a service to wish-granting organizations? 
  The change will not affect those who are visiting on trips organized by wish granting organizations. There is a separate program for children with life-threatening illnesses.
• For further questions, please contact: Disability.services@disneyparks.com or (407) 560-2547.

From 2013 - Taking a vacation while living with type 1 diabetes to Walt Disney World?  Or maybe you are in the initial planning stages and not quite sure where to start first.  Here is our "Free NaturallySweetSisters.com 2013 Insiders Tidbit List" with everything that you need to get started on planning a vacation to the most magical place on earth! 

Simply click on each of the headlines to read and print the article. 

Disney and Diabetes: Part 1 Thinking about Booking a Trip To Walt Disney World?


Disney and Diabetes:  Part 2  So You Booked Your Walt Disney World Trip, Now What?


Disney and Diabetes:  Part 3 Packing Your Duds For Walt Disney World!


Disney and Diabetes:  Part 4 Identify Your Team and Make Some Walt Disney World Shirts! Free Tutorial


Disney and Diabetes:  Part 5 Secret Places at Magic Kingdom To Test Your Blood Sugar!


Disney and Diabetes:  Part 6 When Things Go Bad Use This List Of Emergency Numbers.


Disney and Diabetes: Part 7 and Final Look At All Of The Tidbits And Tricks To Make Your Vacation The Most Magical!



BONUS CONTENT:

Disney Tips from A 9-Year Old

2013 Disney and Diabetes Vacation (With Pictures)

2013 Disney Guest Assistance Card For People Living With Diabetes (With Pictures)

Comment From Readers On Why People Living With T1D Need A GAC

We Hope You Enjoy Your Magical Walt Disney World Vacation!!!!