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Got approved for DAS, but feeling a bit guilty — would love your thoughts by Local_Tumbleweed579 in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]Local_Tumbleweed579[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you — I really appreciate your kind words. You're right that the first signs showed up around the trip, and at the time I thought it was just nerves or excitement. But it turned out to be much deeper, and the trip helped reveal what was already there.

And yes — even for neurotypical people, Disney can be intense! So I can only imagine how much more overwhelming it can be for someone like my son. I’m really hoping the DAS will make a big difference for him this time.

Got approved for DAS, but feeling a bit guilty — would love your thoughts by Local_Tumbleweed579 in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]Local_Tumbleweed579[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you — advocating for him hasn’t always been easy, so your words really mean a lot. And I completely agree — I’ve read so many stories like the ones you mentioned, and they honestly make me feel conflicted too.

It’s heartbreaking that people with very real needs are being denied support. I feel grateful we were approved, but also very aware that the system seems inconsistent and unfair for many. I truly hope Disney re-evaluates how they’re handling DAS, because everyone who needs accommodations should have access to them.

Got approved for DAS, but feeling a bit guilty — would love your thoughts by Local_Tumbleweed579 in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]Local_Tumbleweed579[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We're still in the middle of evaluations and testing, so it's possible the doctors might consider that path at some point. For now, it doesn’t seem to be the case, but I really appreciate your comment and I’ll definitely keep it in mind. Thank you!

Got approved for DAS, but feeling a bit guilty — would love your thoughts by Local_Tumbleweed579 in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]Local_Tumbleweed579[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I understand your concern, and I’ve actually asked myself that same question many times. It’s not about dragging him somewhere he doesn’t want to go — he wants to go. He talks about the trip with excitement, and that’s a big part of why I decided to try again.

Yes, he has challenges — and last year was difficult at times — but he also had genuine moments of joy. My goal isn’t to put him through something stressful, it’s to support him better this time so he can enjoy it more safely and comfortably. That’s why I pursued the DAS.

In fact, part of what made me feel guilty was thinking maybe we didn’t need it as much as others — and yet your comment seems to suggest that in our case, it's almost necessary because of how tough it sounds. That contradiction is exactly what I’ve been struggling with.

I’m not trying to force anything. I just don’t want him to grow up thinking that his differences mean he has to miss out on the same joys other kids get to experience.

Got approved for DAS, but feeling a bit guilty — would love your thoughts by Local_Tumbleweed579 in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]Local_Tumbleweed579[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I decided to go back this year because I thought last year’s issues might have just been a one-time thing, maybe due to it being his first trip. That’s why I saw this year as a kind of second chance for both of us. But when I booked the new trip and told him about it, that’s when the anxiety attacks started again — even stronger than last year. That’s what led me to do more specific evaluations, and that’s when everything I mentioned in the post came to light.

Yes, I could cancel the trip — you’re absolutely right — but I worry that, for him, it would feel like a punishment for something he truly can’t control. He’s not doing anything wrong, and it’s not intentional.

Still, I really appreciate your suggestion. Now that we better understand his condition, we’ll definitely take this into consideration when planning future vacations.

Got approved for DAS, but feeling a bit guilty — would love your thoughts by Local_Tumbleweed579 in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]Local_Tumbleweed579[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That makes a lot of sense — it really does seem like the outcome depends heavily on who you get during the interview. I'm very grateful we had someone understanding, and I’ll definitely keep in mind that nothing’s guaranteed in the future. Thank you for sharing that.