I was unhappy with the responses I got when I initially asked questions about
DAS. Not because people here were rude, mean or condescending, but because I also did not like the answers I got re: my progressive neurological and autoimmune diseases. My mobility is at times very good, except for standing still.
However, that was NOT why I was granted a DAS. The neuro things also create sensory issues and I had to leave the FP line at Test Track and also at 7dmt (never mind Buzz Lightyear with flashing lights and loud noise). And holy cow, Jungle Cruise was impossible. It didn’t seem like it would be, but it was LOUD and crazy.
So even through I did get a DAS for my other issues, it’s still not a magic fix because waiting in the FP line can also be impossible for me. And the walking in the FP queue can be a LONG walk (FOP). It’s 50/50 that I can do even a FP queue, but I do try. I’m hoping when I take my grandkids in May that I can have the them make a ‘bubble’ around me, and I’ll feel really stupid wearing earplugs or earphones, but I will try that so that I can ride with them, or at least be in the line with them while I attempt it.
Anyway, I totally understand the reaction of not wanting to rent an ECV. I had a conversation at MK back in December with a woman about my age ‘walking’ next to me in an ECV. I almost rented one myself after speaking with her- but the crowd around overwhelmed me and I know I wasn’t going to be able to learn that evening with all of those people (shoulder to shoulder crowd that evening). I’m now open to it. After all, it’s just a tool to assist us with moving through the parks.
It takes time to process that our illnesses (which suck) have changed the way we have to live, vacation, even interact with others in stores. I’m thankful that WDW is as welcoming to the disabled as it is- I can’t imagine going into Cedar Point and asking for accommodations for the roller coasters there and having it go as well as it does at WDW.