DAS changes coming WDW May 20/ DL June 18, 2024

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

True - the level of accommodation may not be available; but it is. That's a training issue as clearly it is available.

Same for Disney - not all CMs are aware of DAS at special events. Or extra hours and how that works with DAS either. - so training issue is more often than not the sticking point at ground level.

I'm thinking things like strobe effects, fog effects, scary elements, nighttime, guests may be screaming, etc if talking about HHN. What accommodation you have (and I'm speaking generically at the moment) may not be available because the conditions have changed.

For that one poster it sounded like their dad was able to get it, it doesn't make it only possibly a training issue on a TM to be thinking about an event like HHN and accommodations provided outside of that. A person doesn't stop being disabled but the conditions around them, experiences they opt for, etc may change how that interacts with it. And it's also a broad-speak of "accommodations" for which that cannot be universally applied to say what accommodations a guest got during a normal park day obviously can be provided for all the time as you change the conditions you can change how that accommodation worked. Like I said in my other comment sometimes it's putting yourself in the shoes of that employee. I think we largely can error on the side of assuming the TM wasn't meaning the guest stops being disabled after night, or maybe I'm just more trying to presume employees aren't as awful as sometimes they are spoken about.

 

[lanejudy]

If Disney played by hard rules, that wouldn't have happened either. I prefer CMs having the ability to pixie dust.

Actually, in that situation, I would NOT call it "pixie dust." I consider that correcting a wrong decision. This is a new process with (at least some) new CMs making following some new rules. To tell a blind person to rent an ECV is simply a wrong decision. I'm glad the guest was able to get that corrected. I suspect a new employee was a little to tight with sticking to some new rules. There is always room for something to be corrected.

now the scammers know it’s a 2 point process instead of 1

Other than 1 person who had an obviously UNSAFE suggestion made, I haven't heard of anyone else getting a 2nd shot. So no, that in no way indicates someone will get approved if they try again. It's going to depend on the situation -- the needs, the recommendations, how/why that recommendation was tried and didn't work, etc. Just reconnecting to say "it does work, give me DAS" is unlikely to have success whether that's the 2nd try, 3rd try, or 10th try.

It's also creeping dangerously close to practicing medicine without a license. Disney needs to be really careful about having CMs tell people how to handle their medical conditions.

Sorry, but no. Suggesting non-medical ways to help one prepare and cope is not anywhere close to "practicing medicine." Offering accommodations, and alternative suggestions to offset challenges, is not practicing medicine.

they couldn’t cut off DAS approvals so LLs should shorten

That depends on how they do the cut off. X number of DAS given out per day? Nope, can't do that. Who can qualify for DAS? Yes, that's exactly how they are managing it.

With the "100" day approval, do you still have to do the video chat 30 days prior to your stay or can you do it farther out since the booking falls in the 100 day window if approved?

No, you have something confused. One may request DAS up to 30 days prior to your first park day. Once approved, that DAS is valid for the length of your ticket (for single or multi-day tickets) or up to 120 days for an AP.

the earlier second hand report of a CM telling the person their autism wasn’t severe

Again, that isn't practicing medicine. The person didn't present a case strong enough to show their need was great enough to be granted a DAS. Right or wrong I can't say because none of us were part of that conversation and it's all been reported 3rd hand. "Not severe enough" for DAS again is not diagnosing an individual, it's commenting about their level of need for accommodation -- or more directly, their request for the DAS.

Not sure if this was already mentioned - but I’ve read in other forums you can call and see if you would qualify if you’re not within the 30 days. Others have been doing this to see if they would theoretically qualify for their specific conditions. This could be helpful for those, such as myself, who are skeptical about booking a trip due to the changes.

I have not heard this but I don't think it will work, unless the individual has an AP and makes a theme park reservation for a sooner date. Last I knew the requirement to have tickets to prove first park day is still part of the process. This sounds more like a suggestion someone floated and someone else repeated and someone else repeated again, etc.

 

[Grim Grinning Ghostie]

But if I feel I must buy Genie+ at this point, I would definitely be maximizing my investment and book every single ride offered… Slinky? SF? TOT? Other feature attractions? Never ride them… but you can bet I’d be booking them. Since I won’t actually ride it I can book it again. And again. Since I ride so few attractions, I can at least maximize my ability to book everything available regardless of my ability to ride.

Haven’t tried for any VQ since Rise opened years ago. Never had a need since I’m not able to ride any currently offered. Since I’m throwing extra money at Disney, though, you can bet I’ll be aiming for those slots, too. Won’t ride, of course, but happy to know I have a slot since I paid for it.

1) Disney doesn't care whether you use your Genie+ or not, once you've bought it, they have your money and couldn't care less whether you use the slots you reserve or not. You don't get a refund at the end of the day if your Genie+ goes unused. The only people harmed by your plan are you (who paid for something you won't use) and other people who paid for Genie+ (including those who now also have to use it after no longer qualifying for DAS). The only entity that wins is Disney.

2) Booking a spot in a VQ doesn't require Genie+ and doesn't cost any money.

 

[lanejudy]

Avoiding the back and forthing and getting back to what the new options are…

THANK YOU!

Folks - arguing fault, who's to blame, whether Disney just wants money, how DAS could be made better, etc. is not helpful to anyone at this point. Discussion of the new accommodations, how it is working, suggestions for helping oneself/family member to deal with changes -- those are the things we should now be discussing.

 

[5kidsmommy]

You're conflating "can" - as in the system technically allows this to happen, vs. "can" the limitations of the person with the disability using the system. The majority of DAS users actually cannot do this - physically or mentally. Continuing to categorize DAS as a "ride skip system giving people using it a superior experience in the park" is ableist and damaging. DAS is designed for and used by people with disabilities who literally can't do 3 queue lines back-to-back as you are describing. What you are describing is how someone without a DAS qualifying disability is imagining they would/could use it (and therefore projectioning on what they THINK people on DAS are experiencing in comparison to themselves). Please stop pushing this narrative because it is damaging to those who really do need DAS.

This right here. My son has used DAS for years. We generally spend maybe four hours in the park with him. That’s all he can handle even now as he is an adult. Last trip in January we went to the parks for four days. He did maybe 12 rides the entire time. That’s pretty typical. I imagine a lot of DAS users are very similar to this.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Avoiding the back and forthing and getting back to what the new options are…

My condition is non-physical and the symptoms that make spending more than a short amount of time in a traditional line problematic are very much in line with many of those that cause lines to be problematic for people on the ASD spectrum. My next handful of park days will still be covered by a DAS activated under Old Rules, so I’m good there. But I’m curious about how RTQ would work - and IF it will actually be an option - for someone like me if denied, so if we don’t see many real-life reports before then, I’m willing to try it out on my next park day in a few weeks.

I’ll be solo and I’m only visiting for the chance of getting into the AP preview for Tiana’s, so I’ll have no plans in place and nothing I especially need or want to do most of the day - I’m game for taking the time to see if RTQ would work for someone like me! Because if it does, awesome: I’m happy to do that instead of using DAS.

I'm still covered for my trip in a couple weeks as well but if we don't have more reports and I see a quiet line with CMs not occupied I plan to ask how they're handling leaving the standby line for medical issues as I'd like to get a feel for the processes if I can. I know the details at each ride can easily change by my next trip, but I want a general feel for the new program.

 

[sprem96]

How can you know what other DAS users should have been doing? You know what your situation is and that’s it. You have no clue what other DAS users “should have been” doing because you don’t know what their situation was. We should never judge someone’s need of an accommodation by assuming they have our abilities and judging them from there. You are able to DAS, G+ and ILL, cool. Others aren’t in your same boat.

I was referring to disabled (true) vs abusers (fake)

If someone is claiming they "truly" need DAS to be able to ride rides, then those people should be using all the tools available, that's just common sense, Disney even promotes it

Abusers will want to get DAS as a way to avoid having to spend money on buying G+ and ILL (they can buy it on top if they choose), I'm sure I speak on behalf a lot of legitimate users (some have already mentioned they do) that we buy G+ and ILL to help us even more because we struggle as it is with DAS alone. G+ and ILL are available to everyone, it's not a secret that people that can afford it or can master them, will tend to benefit from it, regardless if DAS or not.

To answer your point, there is a lot of DAS users complaining that they wont be able to ride anything and claim G+ and ILL wont work for them. Have they tried them before, and as I said they should have tried them over the years and learned if they could help out even more. I have noticed parks starting to clamp down on certain disabilities getting the DAS-equivalent treatment over the last couple years, so I have been taking it upon myself to start learning 100% what each park can offer me to help me make queues shorter for me to guarantee I can ride them still; JUST IN CASE I NO LONGER QUALIFY ANYMORE. Fast lane upcharges, early entries, late exits, learning the park layouts better, understanding queue lengths, food line lengths (mobile ordering if available). I noticed that a lot of DAS users on here seem like they do do that, they overplan the day, they learn how to schedule almost to the minute, they do whatever it takes to make the day work for them. Which is why I said if you truly need DAS, you should be exploring every option, it only adds to the credibility of needing it. At Canada's Wonderland, I was able to provide them ample proof of me trying everything imaginable and ultimately still needing their DAS-equivalent service. No abuser will be able to do that because they don't know what it truly is like to live with a disability and could not give that first hand experience (unless given a script from someone who has).

It's like the story of the lady with eye issue and the 5yr old girl, she proved their solution was not accommodating enough, and ultimately gave her one, but the point is, she tried it. Sorry if this seemed like a ramble. Do I think what Disney is doing with DAS qualifications is great, no, do they have adequate recommendations for every disability under the new rules, time will tell.

 

[audrey2580]

Here at Wdw now.
1) at HM they were NOT telling us to fill in all available space. I was shocked how much room we had. Could have easily fit another 15 people in there
2) talked to the blue umbrella GS. For return to queue, each ride has its own procedure. You may be given a pass or maybe a password to return. It depends how far along your waiting party is. Going through the LL is not guaranteed. They agree this is a terrible idea.
I lodged my friendly complaint with them and they said they are getting a lot and passing them along.

 

[BingoJoe]

One eye opener for me has been the number of deaf people complaining about the changes in - deaf Facebook group.

My daughter has been deaf mute since birth but we have never claimed DAS as it is completely unrelated to the ability to hear.

The reaction to the change on a Facebook thread has been 50 percent of people surprised anyone ever claimed it and 50 percent of people annoyed and seeing it as a perk of being deaf.

It’s crackers to me that Disney didn’t see stuff like this coming.

 

[sprem96]

Not sure if this was already mentioned - but I’ve read in other forums you can call and see if you would qualify if you’re not within the 30 days. Others have been doing this to see if they would theoretically qualify for their specific conditions. This could be helpful for those, such as myself, who are skeptical about booking a trip due to the changes.

Though I’m sure this could vary based on the CM, but it’s still worth a try.

may have to try this in a couple weeks when the dust settles a bit, to settle my nerves, trip is in 12 weeks

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Clearly the right answer would be for Disney to use the Sorting Hat to determine what accommodations are ACTUALLY needed. Too bad Universal owns the rights to Harry Potter instead!

 

[Debbie Jean]

Soooo if Disney doesn't give you the accommodation you want you will be super petty by using up access other guests want that you don't need while at the same time getting on less rides you actually want so you can use that access? Not gonna lie, it sounds really messed up so I hope that's not what you meant.

If I am in a position where I feel my only alternative is to purchase Genie+, I will use it as Disney specifies… not necessarily the way I normal do the parks. It is not good value to spend that money to ride Winnie the Pooh and IASW once. The ability to book attractions is the main feature and advantage. So that’s what I’ll do.

Not sure why that’s a problem. Using Genie+ in exactly the way nondisabled guests who paid for it do… Disneys decision sounds fair to me. Unless, of course, the intent is to take my money with the understanding I won’t use it to book those attractions that are the most sought after. I paid just like everybody else. Equal playing field.
Disney made the rules.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Clearly the right answer would be for Disney to use the Sorting Hat to determine what accommodations are ACTUALLY needed. Too bad Universal owns the rights to Harry Potter instead!

^BEST POST OF THE WEEK^

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

1) at HM they were NOT telling us to fill in all available space. I was shocked how much room we had. Could have easily fit another 15 people in there

I'm interested to see if there's a long-term consistency in this as it affects Standby and LL if less people are being let into the stretching room at one time. That's not speaking to if this is bad, good whatever just that if less are let in long-term time after time it will have an effect on the lines

 

[BingoJoe]

If I am in a position where I feel my only alternative is to purchase Genie+, I will use it as Disney specifies… not necessarily the way I normal do the parks. It is not good value to spend that money to ride Winnie the Pooh and IASW once. The ability to book attractions is the main feature and advantage. So that’s what I’ll do.

Not sure why that’s a problem. Using Genie+ in exactly the way nondisabled guests who paid for it do… Disneys decision sounds fair to me. Unless, of course, the intent is to take my money with the understanding I won’t use it to book those attractions that are the most sought after. I paid just like everybody else. Equal playing field.
Disney made the rules.

I think it’s perfectly right to use your genie plus however you want, but you may be overestimating how good it is!

 

[PainInIL]

But if I feel I must buy Genie+ at this point, I would definitely be maximizing my investment and book every single ride offered… Slinky? SF? TOT? Other feature attractions? Never ride them… but you can bet I’d be booking them. Since I won’t actually ride it I can book it again. And again. Since I ride so few attractions, I can at least maximize my ability to book everything available regardless of my ability to ride.

Haven’t tried for any VQ since Rise opened years ago. Never had a need since I’m not able to ride any currently offered. Since I’m throwing extra money at Disney, though, you can bet I’ll be aiming for those slots, too. Won’t ride, of course, but happy to know I have a slot since I paid for it.

If Disney wants to monetize me as a DAS, I will feel entitled to maximize that investment… just like all those healthy able bodied folks in the parks… whether I leave at noon having done 2 attractions or not. I can continue to book time slots.

I sympathize with you since you probably feel like Disney is taking away something that has brought you a great deal of relief and joy over the years. Additionally, you have probably given them tens of thousands of dollars over the years and that loyalty seems to mean nothing to them. Their approach to this issue screams of an ignorant decision made by someone with an Excel sheet instead of consulting with operations to truly improve the overall outcome.

However, your slash and burn approach only hurts other families that may not be able to get on the rides that they may have been looking forward to for years. I would hope you would show others the compassion that would like others to show you when it comes to your medical condition.

 

[Nikkimouse44]

Here at Wdw now.
1) at HM they were NOT telling us to fill in all available space. I was shocked how much room we had. Could have easily fit another 15 people in there
2) talked to the blue umbrella GS. For return to queue, each ride has its own procedure. You may be given a pass or maybe a password to return. It depends how far along your waiting party is. Going through the LL is not guaranteed. They agree this is a terrible idea.
I lodged my friendly complaint with them and they said they are getting a lot and passing them along.

I’m waiting for the TMZ article of “fight breaks out in Disney for accused line cutter” due to return to line.

There was an airport altercation on my flight home from WDW last week when a man had to be escorted out the airport after his trip to WDW with his wife and daughter - fighting started in front of me on the plane because a man accidentally bumped into him - and it spilled out into the terminal.. so I could see how some people might start fights over “HEY YOU CUT THE LINE! No I didn’t I have a password”

 

[CT Disney]

I qualified under the old rules for my trip in early June but have no idea what my September trip will look like. Trying to figure options since I do travel alone with a scooter.

I’m a Winnie the Pooh type ride girl. Don’t access anything more challenging…. no coasters, thrilling rides or ILL for me. But I confess, I’ve ridden it multiple times in a single day. For shame! When I’ve made my pre selections I’ve always gotten a chuckle out of the CM because I’m looking for attractions like Living with the land.

Genie+ has never been about the money… it’s utility and value… I’ve had both DVC and AP for several decades so Disney’s gotten plenty of cash from me. Don’t like the feeling of wasting money though and Genie+ for me has always seemed like going into the bathroom with my wallet and flushing random bills down the toilet.

But if I feel I must buy Genie+ at this point, I would definitely be maximizing my investment and book every single ride offered… Slinky? SF? TOT? Other feature attractions? Never ride them… but you can bet I’d be booking them. Since I won’t actually ride it I can book it again. And again. Since I ride so few attractions, I can at least maximize my ability to book everything available regardless of my ability to ride.

Haven’t tried for any VQ since Rise opened years ago. Never had a need since I’m not able to ride any currently offered. Since I’m throwing extra money at Disney, though, you can bet I’ll be aiming for those slots, too. Won’t ride, of course, but happy to know I have a slot since I paid for it.

If Disney wants to monetize me as a DAS, I will feel entitled to maximize that investment… just like all those healthy able bodied folks in the parks… whether I leave at noon having done 2 attractions or not. I can continue to book time slots.

Wow.

It was 3.3%...we have the data from the GAC lawsuit.

Thank you for adding this piece of data. Since I think we’re being asked not to speculate, we can just stick to the facts. 3.3% is an approximation of the prior percentage. Disney says DAS distribution has tripled in 5 years. I think we can all accept as fact that the current number sits at 8-9% conservatively.

The only thing that would sway that number is if DAS usage was significantly less than GAC usage as I assume the 3.3% presented in the lawsuit was GAC usage. Given the increase in information about how to obtain DAS disseminated via social media, I’d be shocked if DAS usage was less than GAC usage.

True. so is throwing out data like 8% and 24% utilization without clear support. Our experience is our experience---over decades. And can reliably reflect and attest that DAS utilization; while up, is nowhere as claimed as fact.

Yes, LL times have blossomed over the years to the point where as DAS holders, we routinely bail out of the wait he so patiently waited because our son simply cannot do 20+min lines for the safety of himself as well as other parkgoers. --- DAS utilization can be, and probably is a contributor to that. It's not 24%.

I'm sure some lawsuit will be attempted. This isn't a wholesale revamp of the program like GAC to DAS was. It is certainly narrowing the breadth and offering alternate accommodations again. Whether it will reach the courts or not, TBD.

Just to clarify, I didn’t say that 24% of people had a DAS pass. The 16-24% I quoted was the percentage of guests (non-disabled) attached to a DAS pass.

I think it’s conservative to say that the average DAS pass holder had somewhere between 2-3 people attached. Assuming the 8% stat as fairly accurate, the non-disabled attached guests would then represent 16-24% of all park-goers.

I know you said above that I threw out numbers without support; I hope that you see there is some substantiation.

 

[Jerseyprincess317]

I am one of those people that qualified for DAS in the past but probably won't under the new guidelines. My son should still qualify but may not depending on the cast member. I believe Disney in going hard on the denials right now and offering alternative accommodations. They are testing to see if it works, although we know it won't. Once they see how things play out, I believe they will make changes and loosen up a bit. This may just be me being hopeful but only time will tell. I'm lucky that we have one more trip under the old rules in a few weeks but I'm honestly scared about what our August trip will look like.

 

[nalababybear]

I'm thinking things like strobe effects,... opt for, etc may change how that interacts with it. And it's also a broad-speak of "accommodations" for which that cannot be universally applied to say what accommodations a guest got during a normal park day obviously can be provided for all the time as you change the conditions you can change how that accommodation worked. .... maybe I'm just more trying to presume employees aren't as awful as sometimes they are spoken about.

Totally agree - situations change; reassess the accommodation. Typically at that level, it still matches up. Also showing employees a little grace too - cuts both ways.

Actually, in that situation, I would NOT call it "pixie dust." I consider that correcting a wrong decision. This is a new process with (at least some) new CMs making following some new rules. To tell a blind person to rent an ECV is simply a wrong decision. I'm glad the guest was able to get that corrected. I suspect a new employee was a little to tight with sticking to some new rules. There is always room for something to be corrected.

You're right - lack of better wording to get point across -- Allowing CMs the latitude to make a decision at hand without overbearing supervisor/process