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

[connie254]

My son was approved two days ago. I did have to download Zoom on my phone, and from the time I agreed to the terms and conditions, then went into the chat and was assigned a CM, it was probably 1 minute. My son has autism and DD and was approved. I did see somewhere the kind of questions that were probably going to be asked, so I didn't fumble my answers too much, and I was honest with the answers.

 

[KittyBaby]

My 20-year-old son was approved this morning for DAS at WDW. The process was very fast. The chat was instant and after I answered the YES/NO questions in the chat and typed out my family's names, we were connected to CM immediately. The whole processes took less than 15 minutes, maybe 10. The cast member didn't ask too many questions. I did ask them if it was ok if I said the diagnosis. They said "I am ok with you saying whatever you want". I said a bunch of diagnosis first really quick, then gave about 7-8 short detailed reasons/things that he would do in a stalled line. She said DAS would be best. She was very nice.

My son has autism, DD, and is non-verbal. The party including my son has 4 people. There are 3 adults and one 17-years-old that will be 18 by the time we go.

 

[Jack Kerouac]

Our oldest son, now 9, was deemed eligible for our trips in 2022 (done in person at MK), and then virtually in 2023, February 2024, and for our trip in 8 days. We made the call in late April. The CM for this coming trip took my son's photo before getting into the discussion of his needs for DAS. Additionally, she could already see his past history with DAS. It was a relatively easy experience for us, but we were under the old rules.

Just an update. We did the DAS call today and our oldest was approved for DAS under the new rules. So my original vote for yes that I couldn’t change to a non-answer is now correct.

 

[CeCe0906]

THIS

The reports I've been seeing on Social Media from people who were told about meeting up, but haven't gone yet are concerned with pushing past people and being accused of line jumping.
The reports I've seen from people who have actually done it have almost all been positive. Exactly what they reported happened varied a little. Some were told the first group would be waiting at the Fastpass/Standby line merge point and group 2 entered the LL to meet up with them. Others were brought in another way by a CM. It depends on the line/attraction. The only experiences I've read where the guest had to push past other guests in line were people who didn't talk with a CM first and assumed they needed to figure it out themselves

How does Return to Queue work with 1 adult and 3 minors? I will be at WDW next summer with an 8, 10, and 12 yr old . The 12yr old has had DAS. She doesn't have an autism diagnosis, we have, and will buy the new fastpass system for stuff she won't ride.
We mitigate the noises with headphone or ear plugs depending on ride, and make sure to take snack breaks in quieter locations, and take advantage of early entry.

I can't stay in the queue and leave her alone, I cant leave (wont) leave the 8/10 yr old alone to wait with her, they don't have phones anyway to call me.

Trying to make a plan if denied. She was approved at Universal this summer, but she only used it once, bc we had Express passes via our hotel. That got us in their version of LL all day, without having to reserve a time or choose which ride to use it on in advance. So we could do things without being on a schedule, and be mindful of how she was doing.

 

[SueM in MN]

How does Return to Queue work with 1 adult and 3 minors? I will be at WDW next summer with an 8, 10, and 12 yr old . The 12yr old has had DAS. She doesn't have an autism diagnosis, we have, and will buy the new fastpass system for stuff she won't ride.
We mitigate the noises with headphone or ear plugs depending on ride, and make sure to take snack breaks in quieter locations, and take advantage of early entry.

I can't stay in the queue and leave her alone, I cant leave (wont) leave the 8/10 yr old alone to wait with her, they don't have phones anyway to call me.

Trying to make a plan if denied. She was approved at Universal this summer, but she only used it once, bc we had Express passes via our hotel. That got us in their version of LL all day, without having to reserve a time or choose which ride to use it on in advance. So we could do things without being on a schedule, and be mindful of how she was doing.

I can't say for sure and things may change by next summer.
One of the things I've seen reported for groups like that is being told to try the line and leave if necessary; talk to a CM when leaving OR ask ahead of getting in line, "what do we do if we need to leave the line?"
The answer may vary depending on the attraction and what they have available

EDITED TO ADD: I don't think they will change who qualifies or what the accommodations will be. They may change how some of the things exactly work

 

[DVCkidsMOM]

I was so dysregulated by the unknown questions, unknown needed information, and unknown wait time; plus I called before the new system was in place but within 30 days of our trip during which the new system would be in place, and called with the sure knowledge that I would be approved - so I wasn't prepared and was denied.

Other than trying to get detailed about why lines at a theme park are specifically problematic, what can I do to be better prepared to self-advocate next time I call (for a future already-paid trip)? Even this is very hard for me because every time I think about what went wrong last month in the park after being denied DAS, I lose between a half and full day of adult function (errands, self-care, household chores) at home. I can't keep doing this - I need clear and specific direction. I'm trying to 'list my issues with lines' but even that process is barely doable because I melt-down each time I get a few specifics typed into my list. I know I sound like a whiner-baby to people without similar neuro-diversities, but this is the reality with which I live.

Please, if anyone has ideas about how to better navigate this new attempt-at-DAS-approval process, post or PM. Meanwhile I will continue to read through this thread as I can. TIA

 

[jennab]

I was so dysregulated by the unknown questions, unknown needed information, and unknown wait time; plus I called before the new system was in place but within 30 days of our trip during which the new system would be in place, and called with the sure knowledge that I would be approved - so I wasn't prepared and was denied.

Other than trying to get detailed about why lines at a theme park are specifically problematic, what can I do to be better prepared to self-advocate next time I call (for a future already-paid trip)? Even this is very hard for me because every time I think about what went wrong last month in the park after being denied DAS, I lose between a half and full day of adult function (errands, self-care, household chores) at home. I can't keep doing this - I need clear and specific direction. I'm trying to 'list my issues with lines' but even that process is barely doable because I melt-down each time I get a few specifics typed into my list. I know I sound like a whiner-baby to people without similar neuro-diversities, but this is the reality with which I live.

Please, if anyone has ideas about how to better navigate this new attempt-at-DAS-approval process, post or PM. Meanwhile I will continue to read through this thread as I can. TIA

Write down how you deal with lines in other scenarios (airport, zoo, other theme parks, stores, etc). If you have any accommodations that you use in life elsewhere (like work) detail that as well b

 

[Angel Ariel]

I was so dysregulated by the unknown questions, unknown needed information, and unknown wait time; plus I called before the new system was in place but within 30 days of our trip during which the new system would be in place, and called with the sure knowledge that I would be approved - so I wasn't prepared and was denied.

Other than trying to get detailed about why lines at a theme park are specifically problematic, what can I do to be better prepared to self-advocate next time I call (for a future already-paid trip)? Even this is very hard for me because every time I think about what went wrong last month in the park after being denied DAS, I lose between a half and full day of adult function (errands, self-care, household chores) at home. I can't keep doing this - I need clear and specific direction. I'm trying to 'list my issues with lines' but even that process is barely doable because I melt-down each time I get a few specifics typed into my list. I know I sound like a whiner-baby to people without similar neuro-diversities, but this is the reality with which I live.

Please, if anyone has ideas about how to better navigate this new attempt-at-DAS-approval process, post or PM. Meanwhile I will continue to read through this thread as I can. TIA

I am sorry it's so challenging for you to work through listing the difficulties you've had. Is it the act of thinking about the past difficulties that is triggering meltdowns, or is it maybe the combination of thinking about it and writing it down?

I'm wondering if maybe a speech to text app would help, as it might lessen the mental load with not having to process typing at the same time? Or maybe talking to a friend and they take notes for you? Or would it perhaps help to intentionally break it up - come to it once a day and just write/speak/scribe one thing at a time, once a day and maybe that would help not reach a meltdown point where you lose so much time?

As for navigating the call itself even with notes - is there a friend or family member who could be on the call with you to help make sure you articulate all of your points? Speech to text works the other way as well - there are apps and extensions that will read aloud what you type, if that might be helpful. You can tell the cast member you need to use a speech to text/text to speech app on the call and will need additional wait time.

 

[StarCruzer]

I was so dysregulated by the unknown questions, unknown needed information, and unknown wait time; plus I called before the new system was in place but within 30 days of our trip during which the new system would be in place, and called with the sure knowledge that I would be approved - so I wasn't prepared and was denied.

Other than trying to get detailed about why lines at a theme park are specifically problematic, what can I do to be better prepared to self-advocate next time I call (for a future already-paid trip)? Even this is very hard for me because every time I think about what went wrong last month in the park after being denied DAS, I lose between a half and full day of adult function (errands, self-care, household chores) at home. I can't keep doing this - I need clear and specific direction. I'm trying to 'list my issues with lines' but even that process is barely doable because I melt-down each time I get a few specifics typed into my list. I know I sound like a whiner-baby to people without similar neuro-diversities, but this is the reality with which I live.

Please, if anyone has ideas about how to better navigate this new attempt-at-DAS-approval process, post or PM. Meanwhile I will continue to read through this thread as I can. TIA

I'm sorry you're going through this! Do you have someone in your life--therapist, close friend, family member?-- who you can sit down with and come up with a plan to help you advocate for yourself? I do this with my therapist, husband, or sister when I'm really struggling.

 

[lovethattink]

I was so dysregulated by the unknown questions, unknown needed information, and unknown wait time; plus I called before the new system was in place but within 30 days of our trip during which the new system would be in place, and called with the sure knowledge that I would be approved - so I wasn't prepared and was denied.

Other than trying to get detailed about why lines at a theme park are specifically problematic, what can I do to be better prepared to self-advocate next time I call (for a future already-paid trip)? Even this is very hard for me because every time I think about what went wrong last month in the park after being denied DAS, I lose between a half and full day of adult function (errands, self-care, household chores) at home. I can't keep doing this - I need clear and specific direction. I'm trying to 'list my issues with lines' but even that process is barely doable because I melt-down each time I get a few specifics typed into my list. I know I sound like a whiner-baby to people without similar neuro-diversities, but this is the reality with which I live.

Please, if anyone has ideas about how to better navigate this new attempt-at-DAS-approval process, post or PM. Meanwhile I will continue to read through this thread as I can. TIA

Do you have someone you trust to do the zoom with you? And help you make a list.

My son was so anxious with the new changes. He was pacing back and forth in the room until I hit for video. Then he joined me.

The cm asked him only two questions before approving him. So most of what we wrote ahead of time was never even needed.

 

[LAH LAH]

My son (13 - adopted) was approved for DAS today. He had a lot of anxiety that the changes would disqualify him, so we were very relieved when it was approved. We have used DAS before, but more for his anxiety. He isn't diagnosed with autism, but is diagnosed with a syndrome (thanks to his bio mom's very poor choices ) which can often present with symptoms similar to autism and this is certainly the case for him. Most people who meet him would assume he is neuro-typical, but his issues become pretty clear when he is presented with a challenge or an unexpected situation.

The process went very smoothly and we were never transferred to a "higher-up". My phone call with the CM probably lasted less than 7 minutes. I think being very clear with the accommodations he needs in every day life and in school helped the CM make his decision so quickly.

I can't tell you how relieved we both are that he was approved!

 

[trishy]

My son, 12, was approved. Process was easy peasy. Chat first with questions about people in the party so make sure everyone is linked first. Then the video link provided and was immediately connected to a cm. CM was super nice and wanted me to explain difficulties, which I did. Then asked to speak to my son, which he did. Then took a photo. Best part was explaining the program and since we're doing the MNSSHP I was getting info about how to use the DAS for that, which I had no idea about. Very grateful for the simple process. We got DAS last year and had a similar experience with a very nice CM. Didn't really notice a change in the questions at all. This was for WDW. I'll need to do DL when we get back because we haven't gone since early June.

 

[clairenutter]

My son, 12, was approved. Process was easy peasy. Chat first with questions about people in the party so make sure everyone is linked first. Then the video link provided and was immediately connected to a cm. CM was super nice and wanted me to explain difficulties, which I did. Then asked to speak to my son, which he did. Then took a photo. Best part was explaining the program and since we're doing the MNSSHP I was getting info about how to use the DAS for that, which I had no idea about. Very grateful for the simple process. We got DAS last year and had a similar experience with a very nice CM. Didn't really notice a change in the questions at all. This was for WDW. I'll need to do DL when we get back because we haven't gone since early June.

My friend has DAS and we are going to MNNSHP. Does it work the same during this event as it does the rest of the time?

 

[jennab]

My son, 12, was approved. Process was easy peasy. Chat first with questions about people in the party so make sure everyone is linked first. Then the video link provided and was immediately connected to a cm. CM was super nice and wanted me to explain difficulties, which I did. Then asked to speak to my son, which he did. Then took a photo. Best part was explaining the program and since we're doing the MNSSHP I was getting info about how to use the DAS for that, which I had no idea about. Very grateful for the simple process. We got DAS last year and had a similar experience with a very nice CM. Didn't really notice a change in the questions at all. This was for WDW. I'll need to do DL when we get back because we haven't gone since early June.

Did they ask your son questions about his disabilities as well, or just need him to take his picture?

 

[Disturbia]

My friend has DAS and we are going to MNNSHP. Does it work the same during this event as it does the rest of the time?

The only place we were denied DAS accommodations were at Winnie the Pooh meet & greet (we asked to add extra time and issue a DAS or let some of us who can stand stand for our DD4 within view, but the CM still refused and directed us to go to Guest Services if we had ‘issues’. The meet and greet was 45 mins so we skipped it entirely).

We did meet the seven dwarfs and CMs were very kind and explained the process. Be aware that during the transition time all snack carts are closed for 1.5 hr (Fantasyland). It gets really hot/humid and this was end of Oct. DD4 (with disabilities) had a huge melt down and we had to leave shortly after.

 

[clairenutter]

The only place we were denied DAS accommodations were at Winnie the Pooh meet & greet (we asked to add extra time and issue a DAS or let some of us who can stand stand for our DD4 within view, but the CM still refused and directed us to go to Guest Services if we had ‘issues’. The meet and greet was 45 mins so we skipped it entirely).

We did meet the seven dwarfs and CMs were very kind and explained the process. Be aware that during the transition time all snack carts are closed for 1.5 hr (Fantasyland). It gets really hot/humid and this was end of Oct. DD4 (with disabilities) had a huge melt down and we had to leave shortly after.

Thank you so much. We have decided to get food at Cosmic Rays during the change over so we can stay cool and find a more relaxed quiet spot. We thought the people mover might also be a good shout after that.

I am not sure we are going to do many character meets. I didnt realise you could use DAS during this time. Very handy to know incase someone changes their mind!........which could very easily happen! Lol

 

[gottalovepluto]

… this is very hard for me because every time I think about what went wrong last month in the park after being denied DAS…

I’m sorry but you have to detail that out to them on the call or don’t bother to try for DAS. Don’t halfway it hoping you can skip this part. Adults with Nuero issues are usually denied so if you want approval the convo will be long, in-depth and probably passed off to a specialist where you’ll have to go through all of it again.

Next you need a Denied Plan. Have your plan laid out for yourself so if the request is denied you are ready to salvage your trip. For me this was key to me not being shook up the rest of the day after the call. And I was denied so good thing and it worked! (In case you need a starting point of ideas for a plan my Denied Plan is a combo of Early Mornings, park closings, LLMP/SP (I budgeted extra knowing this was probably needed) and a Touring Plans sub to better plan my days.)

 

[nalababybear]

Son was approved for DAS. Party 3. 120days; Expiration date given.
-Attached to Magic Key and Oggie Boogie passes.
-Got on Saturday morning 800A; entered chat at 830A done 835A

Even though we've had GAC and DAS forever with him and was fairly certain that he'd get it; it was STILL anxiety provoking this time around.

I can only fathom those with generalized anxiety how they have to navigate through this process.

 

[DiznyDiva]

Even though we've had GAC and DAS forever with him and was fairly certain that he'd get it; it was STILL anxiety provoking this time around.

I can only fathom those with generalized anxiety how they have to navigate through this process.

Kiddo has that among other things....I felt like I was babbling idiot during the process,, but when I stopped talking Asked if she needed anything more and she was like nope you answered everything. LOl.

So happy that you got it and can enjoy your Disney family time. Even with some of the wild things that happened this last trip.. we still loved it!

 

[StarGirl11]

Son was approved for DAS. Party 3. 120days; Expiration date given.
-Attached to Magic Key and Oggie Boogie passes.
-Got on Saturday morning 800A; entered chat at 830A done 835A

Even though we've had GAC and DAS forever with him and was fairly certain that he'd get it; it was STILL anxiety provoking this time around.

I can only fathom those with generalized anxiety how they have to navigate through this process.

It’s not fun I’ll tell you that much as someone who has GAD. Between it and my other stuff I went almost into full shutdown mode last time having to go through the new DAS process.

And that was dealing with a CM who genuinely was kind to me.

The only thing keeping me from worrying about applying for DL right now. Is the hope that they’ll take the fact I’m already approved for WDW into consideration.d