DAS Approval/Denial with New DAS Guidelines START 5/20 WDW & 6/18 DL

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

No, if Disney wants to treat their customers with Disabilities like this, then I’m done with them. Many people are saying the same thing.

I’m sorry that you feel that way. Disney is such a happy place for many.

It’s important to remember that Disney is not judging whether you have a disability, its severity, or how it has impacted your daily life. Their sole mission is to evaluate a) whether you are limited in your ability to wait in line, and b) what is the least disruptive accommodation they can provide to enable you to wait in line because that will allow them to continue to help as many disabled guests as possible enjoy the magic. That’s why everyone’s experiences will be different, because everyone’s needs are different.

 

[jlundeen]

No, if Disney wants to treat their customers with Disabilities like this, then I’m done with them. Many people are saying the same thing.

I'm so sorry - and I have to say, I feel somewhat the same way. As someone who grew up with big screen Cinderella and Bambi, spent a ton of $$ on long distance trips and APs, and onsite resorts, have ridden all the rides countless times, to say nothing of all the tee shirts and Mouse related knick-knacks over the last several decades, I also am feeling pretty dejected.

And before someone comments about how that should not have ANY bearing on a disability pass, I know that. It's more so that I feel those days are now behind me as my choices are now limited as to my activities there, and it's pretty crushing from my perspective to think that I may never have that opportunity again.

Please let's not judge how people feel right now... everyone is still trying to understand and process how these changes will affect them and their families personally.

 

[lovethattink]

Just curious, is your son an adult or a minor?

Adult

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

No, if Disney wants to treat their customers with Disabilities like this, then I’m done with them. Many people are saying the same thing.

Trust me I get it. I have a neurological and physical developmental disability and had been approved in the past and I'm not sure if I will be approved now BUT it has at least since GAC became DAS that simply needing to sit while in line because you cannot stand for that long of a period at one time that Disney has suggested a ECV/wheelchair. In my opinion there are valid reasons as to why not everyone can use one. For example if your stroke made it difficult to use an ECV or wheelchair, you would need to explain what the difficulty is .
You need to explain these types of issues and escalate to the medical professional.

 

[preemiemama]

DH was also just declined, but told to use RTQ. He has not had it in the past- our last trip was with his father who had it so we didn't need it separately for DH. He was advised to let a CM know about his concerns before getting in line and that if he needed to leave line he could have a caregiver (me) with him for RTQ. He was told the ride CMs have been trained for the specific procedures at their ride. I am anxious about it, but we are willing to try. ETA: He was also told that if he encountered a CM that was having a bad day/less than magical to let a supervisor know, so that made us feel a little better.

 

[jo-jo]

DH was also just declined, but told to use RTQ. He was advised to let a CM know about his concerns before getting in line and that if he needed to leave line he could have a caregiver (me) with him for RTQ. He was told the ride CMs have been trained for the specific procedures at their ride. I am anxious about it, but we are willing to try.

Could you please post how your trip went when you return ? I think DH will also be denied .

Hope your trip goes well. Safe travels.

 

[preemiemama]

Could you please post how your trip went when you return ? I think DH will also be denied .

Hope your trip goes well. Safe travels.

I will- I may even be able to sneak in a few updates while we are there. We usually take afternoon breaks from the heat/crowds so I sometimes can get on here and check in.

 

[only hope]

I was denied. Waited 90mn. I have a condition that causes dangerous symptoms 100% of the time in unshaded areas half the year here (I live in Florida). I was told to use AQR or rider switch despite usually being a party of 2, being unable to even attempt to queue in the sun, and using an electric wheelchair which makes it just about impossible to backtrack through lines even if I could attempt to wait in an outdoor queue. I was transferred to a coordinator without me asking and after I explained everything again (this time including what I do to mitigate heat as much as possible and how it is being stationary in the sun that’s an issue as being on the move I have a breeze) was still denied, though she did go into more detail than the first cast member saying I would be given a modified version of AQR where I wait in the shade somewhere and once my party reaches the indoor portion of the line, I would be escorted there. She suggested rider switch if I was there with a larger group. They both also said DAS is only for developmental disabilities. The first CM said there’s just no way to avoid heat In Florida and so DAS isn’t appropriate which I find inappropriate to say. I should not be unable to access Disney just because my body won’t tolerate heat. And it’s not a matter of planning vacations other months, I am a local and the only way to get value out of the pass is to go more than six months out of the year. I make day trips mostly.

I previously had DAS just before the rule change and explained how I appropriately used it only for lines I couldn’t safely wait in.

I hope to goodness the cast members at outdoor queues provide some type of accommodation. I’m frankly concerned about being able to even approach a CM, sometimes there is no shade there either. I was assured I wouldn’t need to disclose any medical information and that everyone was trained as of May 20 on how to accommodate those who can’t wait in line. Nervous about going to the park and trying this with nothing on MDE indicating I have a need, if it doesn’t work I will be politely telling guest services and will not get another AP.

 

[PrincessDadx2]

I was denied. Waited 90mn. I have a condition that causes dangerous symptoms 100% of the time in unshaded areas half the year here (I live in Florida). I was told to use AQR or rider switch despite usually being a party of 2, being unable to even attempt to queue in the sun, and using an electric wheelchair which makes it just about impossible to backtrack through lines even if I could attempt to wait in an outdoor queue. I was transferred to a coordinator without me asking and after I explained everything again (this time including what I do to mitigate heat as much as possible and how it is being stationary in the sun that’s an issue as being on the move I have a breeze) was still denied, though she did go into more detail than the first cast member saying I would be given a modified version of AQR where I wait in the shade somewhere and once my party reaches the indoor portion of the line, I would be escorted there. She suggested rider switch if I was there with a larger group. They both also said DAS is only for developmental disabilities. The first CM said there’s just no way to avoid heat In Florida and so DAS isn’t appropriate which I find inappropriate to say. I should not be unable to access Disney just because my body won’t tolerate heat. And it’s not a matter of planning vacations other months, I am a local and the only way to get value out of the pass is to go more than six months out of the year. I make day trips mostly.

I previously had DAS just before the rule change and explained how I appropriately used it only for lines I couldn’t safely wait in.

I hope to goodness the cast members at outdoor queues provide some type of accommodation. I’m frankly concerned about being able to even approach a CM, sometimes there is no shade there either. I was assured I wouldn’t need to disclose any medical information and that everyone was trained as of May 20 on how to accommodate those who can’t wait in line. Nervous about going to the park and trying this with nothing on MDE indicating I have a need, if it doesn’t work I will be politely telling guest services and will not get another AP.

Thank you for sharing. My wife has similar issues, not as severe, among others often resulting in a trip to first aid. This makes me feel better about cancelling our trip. She would not like the hassle of playing roulette and hoping for the best. Disappointed that we are on the wrong side of the new Disney profit line, but have reached acceptance stage. Sucks to have a physical disability, but we are used to it by now. Will see how it plays out and if they come up with any actual accommodations that will work for people or if it remains one size fits all. Until then my money goes to other places. Had a great time at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and their services worked well with a return time. Of course there you can also actually buy a real front line ticket instead of a money grab genie + so people who want the service can pay for it.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

I was denied. Waited 90mn. I have a condition that causes dangerous symptoms 100% of the time in unshaded areas half the year here (I live in Florida). I was told to use AQR or rider switch despite usually being a party of 2, being unable to even attempt to queue in the sun, and using an electric wheelchair which makes it just about impossible to backtrack through lines even if I could attempt to wait in an outdoor queue. I was transferred to a coordinator without me asking and after I explained everything again (this time including what I do to mitigate heat as much as possible and how it is being stationary in the sun that’s an issue as being on the move I have a breeze) was still denied, though she did go into more detail than the first cast member saying I would be given a modified version of AQR where I wait in the shade somewhere and once my party reaches the indoor portion of the line, I would be escorted there. She suggested rider switch if I was there with a larger group. They both also said DAS is only for developmental disabilities. The first CM said there’s just no way to avoid heat In Florida and so DAS isn’t appropriate which I find inappropriate to say. I should not be unable to access Disney just because my body won’t tolerate heat. And it’s not a matter of planning vacations other months, I am a local and the only way to get value out of the pass is to go more than six months out of the year. I make day trips mostly.

I previously had DAS just before the rule change and explained how I appropriately used it only for lines I couldn’t safely wait in.

I hope to goodness the cast members at outdoor queues provide some type of accommodation. I’m frankly concerned about being able to even approach a CM, sometimes there is no shade there either. I was assured I wouldn’t need to disclose any medical information and that everyone was trained as of May 20 on how to accommodate those who can’t wait in line. Nervous about going to the park and trying this with nothing on MDE indicating I have a need, if it doesn’t work I will be politely telling guest services and will not get another AP.

I’m sorry that it happened but from Disney’s perspective I kind of get it. Unless you don’t leave your house for 6 months a year, or only go out at night, you still have to deal with the Florida sun in your day to day life. Even within the context of Disney the sun isn’t avoidable on the walk from the parking lot to the parks, and even a lot of the park walkways aren’t shaded. So my guess is that Disney expects you to take the same precautions that you use in those circumstances (UV clothing, UV umbrellas, cooling products, doing something else in the middle of the day, etc) to wait in the lines as well.

Does it stink? Absolutely. But as they are looking to reduce the number of people using DAS accommodations and choices have to be made, I can understand why they thought that other needs might be greater.

 

[jaqsdad]

I was denied. Waited about an hour to be connected and had about an hour-long chat with the DAS cast member, a DAS leader, and eventually a "Medical Professional".

I have a variety of conditions which lead to my heart not being to self-regulate very well (too fast, too slow, and even completely stopping for a length of time). I have a pacemaker to help but it only works so well. Under instructions from my Dr., we have worked to identify and limit stressors on my heart.

I explained my concerns to the first CM, how it affects my daily life, and what I do at home and at Disney to mitigate. I explained that I have already used the alternate accommodations, and that it doesn't always work for me. She specifically mentioned that I have a unique and complicated situation and brought in the lead.

I then explained the same things to the lead who asked how it affects me mentally. He too agreed it was complicated and needed to bring in the "medical professional".

I explained the same things to the "medical professional" who I could see tuned out as soon as she realized it is physical needs and not neurodivergent. I was summarily denied by her. When I asked why specifically I was denied and how to mitigate my concerns, she just repeated the company line.

I do feel that the CMs listened to me and wanted to help me but their hands were tied by the one-size-fits-all checkboxes (unless they were gaslighting me). The lead gave me the email address to voice my concerns and specifically told me to mention the bad experience I had. He also told me to try again in the future should I try the alternate accommodations and they don't work.

 

[foxybynature]

I just did my registration this morning and was approved fairly quickly. I was so nervous beforehand, so this is how I organized my notes (because I knew I would not remember everything under pressure in the moment):

1. Medical conditions
2. What triggered attacks/flares and what the warning signs were
3. What happened during an attack/flare
4. Finally, I mentioned what other accommodations I planned to use or had used in the past (mobility aids, planned breaks, etc.)

After I went through all of that, the cast member immediately suggested registering me. I did not speak to anyone else. I am so beyond relieved that I could cry. I feel really lucky that I had a very kind, patient CM who made me feel comfortable.

 

[only hope]

I’m sorry that it happened but from Disney’s perspective I kind of get it. Unless you don’t leave your house for 6 months a year, or only go out at night, you still have to deal with the Florida sun in your day to day life. Even within the context of Disney the sun isn’t avoidable on the walk from the parking lot to the parks, and even a lot of the park walkways aren’t shaded. So my guess is that Disney expects you to take the same precautions that you use in those circumstances (UV clothing, UV umbrellas, cooling products, doing something else in the middle of the day, etc) to wait in the lines as well.

Does it stink? Absolutely. But as they are looking to reduce the number of people using DAS accommodations and choices have to be made, I can understand why they thought that other needs might be greater.

Waiting stationary in a line in the sun is very different from being on the move in and out of shade. The latter I can handle; the breeze from being on the move (I use an electric chair) and sticking to the shade when there is some, which is most of the time, is enough. Which is what I explained to the CM’s. I do leave my house of course but Disney is the only place where I would be stationary in the sun for a prolonged period. Nowhere else in life has outdoor queues. I really don’t go much of anywhere other than work, Disney, and running errands. Side note: I don’t go to AK because I’m vegan, but even if I wasn’t that park I would have to avoid this time of year since it’s almost all outdoors unlike the other three.

I hope just telling CM’s at the ride works, and that there will be shade in which to do so. One of the suggestions was a CM may have my traveling companion wait in the line and then have me rejoin her once she reaches the shaded part once I made it clear I don’t need a caregiver, but we don’t want to spend significant chunks of the day alone just because I don’t need a caregiver, and neither does my mom. We go there to have fun together.

 

[nalababybear]

I just did my registration this morning and was approved fairly quickly. I was so nervous beforehand, so this is how I organized my notes (because I knew I would not remember everything under pressure in the moment):

1. Medical conditions
2. What triggered attacks/flares and what the warning signs were
3. What happened during an attack/flare
4. Finally, I mentioned what other accommodations I planned to use or had used in the past (mobility aids, planned breaks, etc.)

After I went through all of that, the cast member immediately suggested registering me. I did not speak to anyone else. I am so beyond relieved that I could cry. I feel really lucky that I had a very kind, patient CM who made me feel comfortable.

Glad you were clear and concise with them.

From my understanding they have some baseline criteria need to be satisfied
-some type of neurodevelopment divergent condition
-how that impacts the ability to remain in a queue
-what happens when it flares/presents in a queue
-what mitigation plan have you in place to minimize and
-what action plan if flare arises

If those answers doesn't fit most of their boxes in some way - it appears you get kicked up to the next tier support.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Waiting stationary in a line in the sun is very different from being on the move in and out of shade. The latter I can handle; the breeze from being on the move (I use an electric chair) and sticking to the shade when there is some, which is most of the time, is enough. Which is what I explained to the CM’s. I do leave my house of course but Disney is the only place where I would be stationary in the sun for a prolonged period. Nowhere else in life has outdoor queues. I really don’t go much of anywhere other than work, Disney, and running errands. Side note: I don’t go to AK because I’m vegan, but even if I wasn’t that park I would have to avoid this time of year since it’s almost all outdoors unlike the other three.

I hope just telling CM’s at the ride works, and that there will be shade in which to do so. One of the suggestions was a CM may have my traveling companion wait in the line and then have me rejoin her once she reaches the shaded part once I made it clear I don’t need a caregiver, but we don’t want to spend significant chunks of the day alone just because I don’t need a caregiver, and neither does my mom. We go there to have fun together.

Would the breeze from a portable fan mimic the same benefit that you get from walking? If you use an ECV it’s very easy to attach one (hands free).

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Waiting stationary in a line in the sun is very different from being on the move in and out of shade.

Disney is the only place where I would be stationary in the sun for a prolonged period.

Would the breeze from a portable fan mimic the same benefit that you get from walking? If you use an ECV it’s very easy to attach one (hands free).

And/or a UV umbrella or shade for the ECV?

 

[lanejudy]

Another reminder that THIS thread is for first-hand reports of approvals/denials. NOT for discussion.

 

[sunburnin]

Another reminder that THIS thread is for first-hand reports of approvals/denials. NOT for discussion.

Aw man... I'd like to report I was denied having a discussion.....

HA!

 

[lanejudy]

Aw man... I'd like to report I was denied having a discussion.....

HA!

Discussion was moved to the other thread.

 

[sunburnin]

Discussion was moved to the other thread.

Yeah, I was making a joke.