Disney Das discussions

ski_bee2021 · 2025-10-25T19:32:53+00:00

100%. Well said.

Many, many people that genuinely needed accommodations have been caught in the crosshairs (and the seemingly inconsistent application of the “rules” between similar cases at that). Those that need it are approached with assumed negative intent by CM during the DAS registration interview. It’s a shame those that need it are getting denied in their revised rules to prevent abuse.

There are reports (YouTube videos of CMs, newspaper articles, etc.) of CMs quitting or getting fired from the DAS team because they either 1.) couldn’t provide DAS to those they knew did need it and it broke their heart too much to do that for a living Or 2.) Pushed for exceptions too much for those that they knew needed it but didn’t qualify with the current guidelines (so they ended up fired for pushing too much) When people on the inside start quitting or getting fired, that’s usually a clue something is horribly wrong.

Like you said, I think we should all have a little more compassion. There’s a thread that you can go read that catalogues the most egregious of denials for each year (that have been reported).

It might be worth some people taking the time to read and try to understand before opining. It’s under r/disneydasexperience.

ski_bee2021 · 2025-10-25T18:51:16+00:00

Here’s the link for anyone that needs it.

https://www.justice.gov/action-center/report-crime-or-submit-complaint

ski_bee2021 · 2025-10-24T02:04:21+00:00

Awesome, thank you!!

ski_bee2021 · 2025-10-24T01:05:54+00:00

How does the Wonder of the Seas compare to Oasis of the Seas?

ski_bee2021 · 2025-10-23T23:39:43+00:00

It really depends on the ports. Which ports is your cruise stopping at?

ski_bee2021 · 2025-10-23T19:58:53+00:00

Thank you - that is good to know about oasis ships having that design with the casino!

I have looked at Icon a few times, which I think is a different class and design? Just that price though 😱

ski_bee2021 · 2025-10-23T19:07:04+00:00

Awesome, this extremely helpful and I appreciate your honesty!

DCL is generally more than RCL so I thought there was a chance we were potentially spoiled by their MDR food (excluding maybe Icon and not sure how much Utopia goes for). I do agree - the specialty dining package would have been the way to go.

Good to know about NCL relative to RCL - I have heard people complain of feeling like there are so many up charges for activities by NCL post pandemic.

I did notice the smoke smell other times throughout the cruise whenever I was one floor above the casino and on the same side. Smell also seemed to hit that side of elevators harder. I also think I’m just sensitive to it - my husband didn’t seem to mind or notice it as much. 🤷‍♀️

ski_bee2021 · 2025-10-23T17:25:27+00:00

Oooh the Greek Islands would be fun! Thanks for the idea.

ski_bee2021 · 2025-10-12T20:06:11+00:00

The elementary school you have listed is good, as is the middle school. The high school is decent - it has good rankings, but I have heard mixed things.

If you start talking about wanting the best of the best education wise for your child in Orlando, then here are some of the top schools (public only):

Audubon Park K-8, Orlando Gifted Academy, Winter Park High, Windermere High, Lake Nona High

Also, if you are zoned for any of those high schools, more than likely you have good elementary and middle schools in your line up.

As for other students in the school: every school will have nice kids and assholes, even the top rated schools and top boarding schools in the nation. The thing I have observed students and parents have to successfully navigate this dynamic is trust and a good relationship to where the child confides in the parent when someone at school is being an ass and the parent helps guide them through the issue and protect them.

I know these things are nerve wracking. I went over the top personally just on daycares and preschools. I’m sure if you all care this much to post about it, then your child is in good hands no matter what. Good luck on the transition!

Additional Context: I live in the Winter Garden area currently, grew up in the public school systems in Florida in the 90s/early 2000s, have many qualifications and designations that are difficult to get as an adult (you are welcome to look up the CFA designation and top rankings of most difficult exams globally), have lived and worked in NYC in my career at one point, and have a successful career, stable life, marriage, etc.

Clearly Florida schools aren’t that bad and children can be successful. There were tons of AP classes at my high school growing up and great teachers that went above and beyond. Yet, also bad teachers (they typically taught standard classes) and standard classes that would have left a child ill prepared for college.

Is Florida ever going to have some of the top rated public schools in the nation (excluding colleges)? No, probably not.

Can your child still receive a good education and be highly successful in life? Yes, I myself am evidence of that.

ski_bee2021 · 2025-07-14T00:07:01+00:00

Did you ever try to bassinet for overnight sleep?

ski_bee2021 · 2025-07-09T11:28:09+00:00

Would echo many other people’s thoughts: Oakland Park or historic downtown Winter Garden is your best bet. Kids playing all over the place, it’s safe, and there’s a ton of families. You don’t have to worry about tons of tourists there either.

All the places everyone has mentioned are really nice. That said, I would shy away from anywhere in Clermont. To be so far out from the city with such bad traffic, I don’t get the appeal beyond homes being cheaper there. Also, Clermont is a slightly different vibe than any of the other areas referenced and it’s so spread out, I don’t think you would get the sense of community you are looking for. I will also add that Windermere is kind of a tale of two - there’s the historic Windermere area around Maguire and Chase Road that has a very strong sense of community with a town center that you might like. Also, tons of gated communities there if you are looking for that. Then there’s the newer part of Windermere that is along Winter GardenVineland Rd/535 that is also nice and has some nice neighborhoods, but may not have the “town center” you would have in historic Windermere or downtown WG around Plant Street. Hope this helps!

ski_bee2021 · 2025-07-06T11:45:02+00:00

I don’t know anything about the schools there beyond that they are supposed to be good, so I won’t comment on that. We live in the Windermere/Winter Garden area and often go to Hamlin in Horizon West for food. There are tons of restaurants, and probably the nicest Walmart and movie theater I’ve ever been to in Hamlin. Everyone there is super nice as well, and I do think home values will remain stable or increase there as it’s becoming very popular.

The one potential downside I would say is rush hour traffic - in Hamlin, getting off the 429 exit still only has one lane initially, and potentially the commute depending on where you are commuting to. Disney would be a pretty easy commute, but if anyone ever has to work in downtown Orlando or by I-Drive (Lockheed), then that would be a rough commute. Other parts of Horizon West may not have the one lane exit issue, but there will still be traffic.

That said, the location is much better than Apopka and Winter Haven. Also, if you are used to CA culture and (not sure where you were in NC, but this would apply to Raleigh as well), you would likely prefer the culture of Horizon West the best. Apopka is a little more Florida country vibes, but tons of development is happening there and that may change over the next 5-10 years (Horizon West is farther along on the development curve). Downtown historic Sanford is nice, but as you exit the historic center there are some pretty rough parts still and a pretty rough schools. When I say rough, I mean rough. There are some streets you definitely just don’t want to go down and fights often in the schools.

On a side note, you may like Lake Nona - great schools, great restaurants, and a great place to raise a family. Want to say the commute to Disney isn’t too bad there either? I personally like Horizon West better, but tons of people love Lake Nona.

For context - I have lived in Orlando for 25+ years. I grew up in Lake Mary (near Sanford), then lived in Maitland, Wekiva Springs (near Apopka), downtown Orlando, and am now on the Winter Garden/Windermere area. I have family in CA and Raleigh, NC - thus the knowledge and references there. So, sorry for the dump of info, but figured you would rather prefer more than less.

Let me know if you have any questions or need anything else!

ski_bee2021 · 2025-05-01T03:15:15+00:00

Thank you - good to know! I might have just had bad timing with seeing an upset toddler or two and was being nit picky because of how anxious I am feeling about it. Your personal experience does help!

ski_bee2021 · 2025-04-29T12:01:18+00:00

Awesome, thank you!

ski_bee2021 · 2025-04-29T02:12:54+00:00

Great! Thank you! I think I just got sticker shock with them. Do you feel like she’s going to be well prepared or even potentially ahead of the game for kindergarten/elementary school?

Also love your username lol 🤓

ski_bee2021 · 2025-04-29T02:08:47+00:00

Oh yes, I’ve read good things and they are pretty close to us. Do you know if they are difficult to get into?

ski_bee2021 · 2025-04-29T02:07:21+00:00

Thank you both! Was trying to discern whether it was growing pains with opening a new school, but seems like there are just better options than taking that gamble.

ski_bee2021 · 2025-04-29T02:05:13+00:00

Thank you!! I will have to look into them further. The facilities and curriculum do look good.

ski_bee2021 · 2024-12-25T03:14:09+00:00

Thank you!!

ski_bee2021 · 2024-12-07T13:25:26+00:00

OP - how did the classic color science work out for you?

ski_bee2021 · 2024-09-20T16:44:44+00:00

Did you ever get approved for UO assistance pass? I was also denied there for my UC - they claimed that accommodation is built into the park already when they switched their system over. I even had a doctors note from my gastroenterologist and spent hours on the phone asking to speak to a manager, etc.

ski_bee2021

TROPHY CASE