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

[fabfemmeboy]

I'm surprised and thrilled to say that my DAS was approved right away. I was really afraid it wouldn't be, based on what other people like me (adults, mix of neuro- and physical disabilities, calling on our own behalf) had reported. A few notes about my experience:
* This was for Disneyland. I have Magic Key. We're heading down for a last-minute trip over the weekend, so we're only about 5 days before the first park day.
* I waited about an hour and a half from the time I requested registration until a CM came into the chat. The actual conversation was maybe 10 minutes.
* I had prepared in advance and written notes for myself in case I got flustered. Key areas I focused on were: What happens when I wait in line; what accommodations or planning I use in everyday life (e.g. grocery store, airports, etc.); and why other accommodations I knew they might offer would not meet my needs. I didn't need to discuss the last one at all. She did ask specifics about what happens when I melt down or get overstimulated, which I hadn't written out, but she seemed to understand what I was saying.
* The CM was very enthusiastic and understanding. She clearly had a script and boxes to be ticked, but she wasn't hostile at all which I had worried about.
* The fact that I was already exhausted and nervous and therefore not masking very well probably helped, as did the fact that I could talk about specific strategies I use in conjunction with DAS. I didn't exaggerate anything or lie in any way, I just didn't fall into my "must present the best possible face to the world and win at internet conversations!" mode that I need to use in my professional life.

Overall, it was an insanely stressful experience but with a much better result than I feared.

 

[Snap Crackle Pop]

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[Maryrachel713]

Approved for my daughter, process was very similar to before. I was asked a couple questions and the cast member approved us. She confirmed all 7 people in my party (this is my first time with more than 4) and told me the pass is for 4, as expected. Hopefully I get to pick which 4 each time (we mostly plan on having my niece with them but she's only 5 so there will be some things she can't ride). We did not have to speak to anyone besides the original cast member.

 

[SueM in MN]

Approved for my daughter, process was very similar to before. I was asked a couple questions and the cast member approved us. She confirmed all 7 people in my party (this is my first time with more than 4) and told me the pass is for 4, as expected. Hopefully I get to pick which 4 each time (we mostly plan on having my niece with them but she's only 5 so there will be some things she can't ride). We did not have to speak to anyone besides the original cast member.

You will be able to choose which guest for each attraction.
The guest registered for DAS will be on their own line in the app and is already checkmarked when you start to book a DAS Return Time.
The other guests in your party are listed in a section below that. Each person's name will have checkbox next to it for you to choose whether to include them or not. So, when booking a DAS Return Time, you will be able to choose which 3 of those guests to include with your daughter.
It's very simple. After choosing everyone, there is a 'confirm your choice' button to complete the process. Sometimes people miss that screen and think they have booked it, so make sure you confirm it. I also take a screenshot from the 'My Day' screen to make sure it showed up.

Have fun.

 

[kathleendsm]

My 16 year old son with a rare chromosome disorder and cognitive disabilities was approved this morning for our December trip with no transfer to the medical professional. The CM was incredibly kind and empathetic. The main difference I noticed is asking about how we handle waiting and lines in our life outside of WDW, and frankly I think those are good questions. I was also happy to hear that the DAS is applicable for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights, both of which we’ll be attending.

 

[simonsayz]

My wife couldn't get approved even though she has PTSD and waiting in line can cause her to have panic attacks along with vertigo & nausea. The CM said she won't be approved for DAS but use another option which is tell a CM before entering each ride and because it is just the two of us and I have to accompany her and when we decide to go back the CM will decide where to put us. What? so if the queue is 120 min wait. And 20 minutes in, decide we have to get out of queue, they are going to put us at the 100 min wait. If another 20 min goes by again and have to step out of queue, then go back we will have to be put in the 80 min wait and so on?

I am sorry but I have to constantly tell the CMs for each ride why we might have to get out of queue? Not exactly fond of constantly telling the same story every single time.
I am going to be there 10 days.

We really needed this vacation and booked it way in advanced so we are going to go. But I think this is our last trip to Disney unless we get some major deal going on that outweigh the ride lines.

I am already spending roughly $7000 for the trip, not going to be forced to pay for the lightning passes that used to be free.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

My wife couldn't get approved even though she has PTSD and waiting in line can cause her to have panic attacks along with vertigo & nausea. The CM said she won't be approved for DAS but use another option which is tell a CM before entering each ride and because it is just the two of us and I have to accompany her and when we decide to go back the CM will decide where to put us. What? so if the queue is 120 min wait. And 20 minutes in, decide we have to get out of queue, they are going to put us at the 100 min wait. If another 20 min goes by again and have to step out of queue, then go back we will have to be put in the 80 min wait and so on?

I am sorry but I have to constantly tell the CMs for each ride why we might have to get out of queue? Not exactly fond of constantly telling the same story every single time.
I am going to be there 10 days.

We really needed this vacation and booked it way in advanced so we are going to go. But I think this is our last trip to Disney unless we get some major deal going on that outweigh the ride lines.

I am already spending roughly $7000 for the trip, not going to be forced to pay for the lightning passes that used to be free.

You don’t have to tell the same story over and over again. You just need to say that you may need to exit the queue and ask what the procedure would be.

Also I understand why people are frustrated that LLs used to be free but now they are not. Unfortunately costs have gone up for almost everything in life, and while I might pine for the days that it only cost me $150 to go to Trader Joe’s they aren’t coming back any time soon. At least Disney gives you the option to pay or not.

 

[simonsayz]

You don’t have to tell the same story over and over again. You just need to say that you may need to exit the queue and ask what the procedure would be.

Also I understand why people are frustrated that LLs used to be free but now they are not. Unfortunately costs have gone up for almost everything in life, and while I might pine for the days that it only cost me $150 to go to Trader Joe’s they aren’t coming back any time soon. At least Disney gives you the option to pay or not.

I understand Disney will keep trying to make more money, i am not bashing on that. I just can't justify the price when i am already spending almost 7k for 2 people trip.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

I understand Disney will keep trying to make more money, i am not bashing on that. I just can't justify the price when i am already spending almost 7k for 2 people trip.

And that’s totally your prerogative. But others might decide that after spending $7k they would rather spend a little more so that they can ride more rides/get their money’s worth without having to stand in long lines (ie their time is valuable as well), so they will cut corners in other places and pay for LLs. Neither decision is right or wrong. It just comes down to how each guest prioritizes their family’s vacation budget.

 

[lanejudy]

so if the queue is 120 min wait. And 20 minutes in, decide we have to get out of queue, they are going to put us at the 100 min wait. If another 20 min goes by again and have to step out of queue, then go back we will have to be put in the 80 min wait and so on?

I am sorry but I have to constantly tell the CMs for each ride why we might have to get out of queue? Not exactly fond of constantly telling the same story every single time.

That’s not quite how it works. Yes, speak with the CM at the entrance but you only need to say something basic like “we may need to leave the queue for a disability. What should we do?” No long detailed explanation. How it’s handled may vary by attraction or even time of day/crowds/etc. so it’s best to ask. Your return will most likely be through the LL; if you have others in your party you’ll meet them at the merge.

 

[Sheryl2059]

In the end it all comes down to two simple propositions.

Person one: I have a lot I want to see and do so I dont have time to wait in long lines. But to avoid the wait I now have to buy LL passes when previous options were free. To continue to avoid the wait as before I have give up all table service dates to afford it. Or simply find the money and pay more. I'm not happy but those are the choices I have. But I havent yet decided whether to pay the extra money to keep TS or suck it up and spend more time waiting. Even if it means fewer rides during the day. It will depend on my budget.

Person two: I have a lot I want to see and do but waiting in long lines also poses significant health risks. DAS helped with that a great deal. However, they are no longer conisdered risks but possible inconveniences. I will have to buy LL passes if I want to continue as it is now and avoid them. To do so I will need to give up all table service dates or find the money and pay more. Unfortunately, simply sucking it up and spending more time waiting in line is not a risk I am willing to take. I suppose my only two options now are to give up TS or pay more money. I could probably find the money but its pretty bad that I now have to make that kind of choice to avoid the health risks.

This is the disconnect I see sometimes. But I suppose it depends on which perspective you are viewing it from. For many its not simply about the money.

 

[jlundeen]

In the end it all comes down to two simple propositions.

Person one: I have a lot I want to see and do so I dont have time to wait in long lines. But to avoid the wait I now have to buy LL passes when previous options were free. To continue to avoid the wait as before I have give up all table service dates to afford it. Or simply find the money and pay more. I'm not happy but those are the choices I have. But I havent yet decided whether to pay the extra money to keep TS or suck it up and spend more time waiting. Even if it means fewer rides during the day. It will depend on my budget.

Person two: I have a lot I want to see and do but waiting in long lines also poses significant health risks. DAS helped with that a great deal. However, they are no longer conisdered risks but possible inconveniences. I will have to buy LL passes if I want to continue as it is now and avoid them. To do so I will need to give up all table service dates or find the money and pay more. Unfortunately, simply sucking it up and spending more time waiting in line is not a risk I am willing to take. I suppose my only two options now are to give up TS or pay more money. I could probably find the money but its pretty bad that I now have to make that kind of choice to avoid the health risks.

This is the disconnect I see sometimes. But I suppose it depends on which perspective you are viewing it from. For many its not simply about the money.

I feel much the same as you do. Some feel that the issues we face are just easily overcome with alternative X, Y or Z. Many, however, have similar issues, however varying degrees of depth and response to triggers. I feel overwhelmed sometimes when people respond by seeming to brush this off. Most of us all have/had the same love of Disney and the memories of previous experiences. The issues we face are not all the same, and simply doing X Y or Z may or may not be the same for all.

I feel I'm more in a Person three scenario: I have a lot I want to see and do but waiting in long lines poses significant health risks. DAS helped with that a great deal in the past. However, they are no longer conisdered risks but possible inconveniences. I will have to buy LL passes if I want to continue as it is now and avoid some of them. However, LL may not be the answer either due to the restriction of the return window...

It's not the money. If the money could buy the same kind of accomodation of being able to return anytime after availability, that might better fit my needs. There are times when I'm triggered that I have to leave the park, and may or may not be able to return. So now, I've already spent the money, but cannot use the LLMP/LLSP already purchased, and they are non-refundable. Waiting in the long lines is out of the questio for me. So it's purchase the passes or nothing. Kind of a no-win situation for us.

We've been regularly going to Disney since 1986, so we definitely know what works and what doesn't on the few attractions we really still enjoy. I'm a power planner and know how to arrange our time for our needs.

But DH and I are going to try a "Last Chance Trip" in March, buying LLMP and LLSP. We do not plan to do more than 1 TS and use my AP discounts to help offset costs. We're both in our 70's now, and don't foresee many more trips in our future. The biggest question for us is, "Do we want to continue trying to find the magic that once was Disney, or find ways to do the other bucket list things on our list while we still can." I will still try the call in for DAS at 30 days, but based on others' reporting here, don't hold out much hope.

We certainly are no longer the target of their marketing, so it may be time to move on.

 

[jo-jo]

I feel much the same as you do. Some feel that the issues we face are just easily overcome with alternative X, Y or Z. Many, however, have similar issues, however varying degrees of depth and response to triggers. I feel overwhelmed sometimes when people respond by seeming to brush this off. Most of us all have/had the same love of Disney and the memories of previous experiences. The issues we face are not all the same, and simply doing X Y or Z may or may not be the same for all.

I feel I'm more in a Person three scenario: I have a lot I want to see and do but waiting in long lines poses significant health risks. DAS helped with that a great deal in the past. However, they are no longer conisdered risks but possible inconveniences. I will have to buy LL passes if I want to continue as it is now and avoid some of them. However, LL may not be the answer either due to the restriction of the return window...

It's not the money. If the money could buy the same kind of accomodation of being able to return anytime after availability, that might better fit my needs. There are times when I'm triggered that I have to leave the park, and may or may not be able to return. So now, I've already spent the money, but cannot use the LLMP/LLSP already purchased, and they are non-refundable. Waiting in the long lines is out of the questio for me. So it's purchase the passes or nothing. Kind of a no-win situation for us.

We've been regularly going to Disney since 1986, so we definitely know what works and what doesn't on the few attractions we really still enjoy. I'm a power planner and know how to arrange our time for our needs.

But DH and I are going to try a "Last Chance Trip" in March, buying LLMP and LLSP. We do not plan to do more than 1 TS and use my AP discounts to help offset costs. We're both in our 70's now, and don't foresee many more trips in our future. The biggest question for us is, "Do we want to continue trying to find the magic that once was Disney, or find ways to do the other bucket list things on our list while we still can." I will still try the call in for DAS at 30 days, but based on others' reporting here, don't hold out much hope.

We certainly are no longer the target of their marketing, so it may be time to move on.

To add my 2 cents to your thoughts, and many times (but not all) people who used DAS are unable to do every ride option at the parks. Maybe 25% of the rides, so you are paying X amount for the option of riding quickly on 15 rides, but really can only manage 4 or 5 but would have loved to do a couple twice over.

My DH will be 80 in a few months, so we are thinking the same as you as last trips.

 

[Sheryl2059]

That’s not quite how it works. Yes, speak with the CM at the entrance but you only need to say something basic like “we may need to leave the queue for a disability. What should we do?” No long detailed explanation. How it’s handled may vary by attraction or even time of day/crowds/etc. so it’s best to ask. Your return will most likely be through the LL; if you have others in your party you’ll meet them at the merge.

They may have changed that recently then

 

[SueM in MN]

That’s not quite how it works. Yes, speak with the CM at the entrance but you only need to say something basic like “we may need to leave the queue for a disability. What should we do?” No long detailed explanation. How it’s handled may vary by attraction or even time of day/crowds/etc. so it’s best to ask. Your return will most likely be through the LL; if you have others in your party you’ll meet them at the merge.

They may have changed that recently then

What lanejudy wrote is basically what was put in place soon after the changes to DAS last Spring.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

To add my 2 cents to your thoughts, and many times (but not all) people who used DAS are unable to do every ride option at the parks. Maybe 25% of the rides, so you are paying X amount for the option of riding quickly on 15 rides, but really can only manage 4 or 5 but would have loved to do a couple twice over.

My DH will be 80 in a few months, so we are thinking the same as you as last trips.

In practical terms unless you buy the $$$ premier pass you are paying X to ride 1 tier 1 ride and 2 tier 2 rides. You may - but are not guaranteed - to get any more than that. On crowded days, especially at HS, you probably won’t. The individual LLs are separate and you are guaranteed a ride.

What you are describing is more akin to the premier pass experience.

If your disability does not let you ride the tier 1 rides you are more likely to get your money’s worth from the tier 2s.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

To add my 2 cents to your thoughts, and many times (but not all) people who used DAS are unable to do every ride option at the parks. Maybe 25% of the rides, so you are paying X amount for the option of riding quickly on 15 rides, but really can only manage 4 or 5 but would have loved to do a couple twice over.

My DH will be 80 in a few months, so we are thinking the same as you as last trips.

Not being able to/not wanting to ride everything and wanting to repeat favorites is certainly not unique to people who use(d) DAS though. Height restrictions, mobility restrictions, personal preferences, etc all come into play. So it’s hard to make a case that just because someone has limitations what they are charged for LLs should somehow be different, unless you wanted to move to a setup where everything is priced per (specific) ride. I can only imagine how complicated/expensive something like that would get.

 

[jo-jo]

Not being able to/not wanting to ride everything and wanting to repeat favorites is certainly not unique to people who use(d) DAS though. Height restrictions, mobility restrictions, personal preferences, etc all come into play. So it’s hard to make a case that just because someone has limitations what they are charged for LLs should somehow be different, unless you wanted to move to a setup where everything is priced per (specific) ride. I can only imagine how complicated/expensive something like that would get.

They did way back in the day with the ticket booklets. But I agree, families with 3 kids under 6 years old may want to do Pooh, small world , PP and buzz all the day long. Doesn't work with LL either.

 

[Sheryl2059]

Ah yes, the good ol E-Ticket rides.

 

[Fitzwoman27]

In the past my husband was always approved for DAS, but now I’m worried. He has a TBI from brain surgery . The dr says to think of it as autism. Once we went to sci-fi dinner and he went in bathroom. I didn’t know if there were two exits and he went out wrong one . Took us 30 minutes to find him. Luckily my son was with us and was about to go in and out the other way. Do you think he’s going to be able to qualify ? His short term memory is gone .