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

[Philsfan77]

I have to respectfully disagree with you on this. Maybe some schools are lax with 504s but not all schools. Where I work there is only a handful of students with 504s and they are warranted. Most are for T1 diabetes and food allergies. They aren't getting any crazy accommodations. Accommodations for the SAT and ACT are actually difficult to get. I'm sure some schools are more lenient but we develop plans based on their needs, not whatever the parent wants.

I think the key here as it relates to Disney is whether they are warranted as it relates to DAS. Someone being allergic to peanuts, doesn't mean they need DAS for instance. Agree with you on the ACT being tough to get, but I've found the SAT's fairly easy (just time consuming) so long as you provide the proper documentation of needing testing accommodations normally with your current 504/IEP. I'm not going to get into whether the original commentators situation warrants DAS, as I don't know them or their child at all. However, someone saying they get movement breaks during testing is a fairly standard accommodation (I'd guess of the roughly 22% of our student body who qualify for an IEP or 504 plan...more than half receive this accommodation and Im probably underestimating that number). I'm also not sure how being granted the ability to take a movement break from the queue to regather oneself and then be able to re-enter the queue at a later time to ride the ride wouldn't be the same as being given a movement break in the school setting to regather oneself when necessary during a testing situation.

 

[Greenlawler]

I have registered my son several times for DAS, it always makes me a little nervous because I read about other folks getting denied. Today he was approved again, but it was so much faster. We were on a video chat within 5 minutes, and the CM was kind and approved with zero hesitation. I am curious if people are not applying to get the DAS because so many people are now being denied?

 

[Jdavidm]

Neurodivergent adult at DLR, we called today to get everything handled ahead of my DAS expiring later this month since our next planned trip wasn’t until after expiration. I was approved/re-registered. Good for a year since we have magic keys.

Video call only took about 5-10 minutes and focused on how DAS was working/helping me. Partner was able to complete the call on my behalf again, CM only requiring my presence after approval for an updated photo.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Signed on tonight around 7:20 to do approval #2 since the changes, and I'm grateful that DD was approved again. Whole process from chat through approval was 10 mins, maybe less - no wait at all.

There are 5 of us this time, grandparents are coming, so this time we're going to have to navigate the added complexity that brings (won't be a big deal for thrill rides as grandma doesn't ride those anyway, but will be more of an issue for rides like Jingle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Remy, Soarin'. I hope wait times are low for the week we are there.

 

[Claudia1]

Our adult DGD received her pass today but it wasn't clear cut. She has easily qualified for it for nearly a decade. We always say the same things (which are 100% truthful). The CM today listened then said, "I see you spoke with a mental health professional last time but you must have told her something different than you are telling me because she doesn't qualify".

What?!?!?! I won't share her particular limitations but they are significant, specific, and closely aligned with austism. Doing crowded queues without a pass promotes an attack. (Yes, I know WDW is crowded but we make adaptations that work for her like being outdoors most of the time, having her walk between DH and I to avoid crowding, etc... We know what works.)

She has limited executive function and I'm her legal guardian so I usually do most of the talking. When she responds, it is obvious to a professional that she has limitations. But the CM today didn't believe me and wanted my DGD to speak up for herself. As the conversation went on, I believe she saw the limitations and granted the pass. But she kept saying that my DGD needs to advocate for herself and she was proud that she advocated for herself. I didn't say it but if she was capable of advocating for herself with a stranger, she wouldn't necessarily need a legal guardian. Just because she is adult-aged doesn't mean she has a functioning adult brain.

I wonder how it would have gone if she were younger and not been able to articulate how she reacts.

On a different note, we are also visiting Universal this trip so I applied online for theirs. I had a doctor's statement and DGD meet all of the criteria without chatting with anyone.

 

[gap2368]

Signed on tonight around 7:20 to do approval #2 since the changes, and I'm grateful that DD was approved again. Whole process from chat through approval was 10 mins, maybe less - no wait at all.

There are 5 of us this time, grandparents are coming, so this time we're going to have to navigate the added complexity that brings (won't be a big deal for thrill rides as grandma doesn't ride those anyway, but will be more of an issue for rides like Jingle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Remy, Soarin'. I hope wait times are low for the week we are there.

You can always ask at the ride when you go for your DAS time if one more person can join you.

 

[HopperFan]

On a different note, we are also visiting Universal this trip so I applied online for theirs. I had a doctor's statement and DGD meet all of the criteria without chatting with anyone.

Just an FYI ~ IBCCES is only verifying that she has a disability. They are not approving her for anything at Universal. Universal should be calling you just before your trip and asking you some similar questions to the ones Disney asks. They are trying to determine IF they will offer accommodations and what kind. You should have received an email with your case number and it starts like this ...

Thank you for registering for the IBCCES Accessibility Card (IAC). Your IAC has been approved, marking an important step towards ensuring your visit to Universal Orlando Resort is comfortable and enjoyable. The next step is for you to discuss accommodations with the team at Universal Destinations & Experiences. This conversation will allow a greater understanding of your specific requirements in detail, ensuring that your experience is tailored to best suit your individual needs.

Once you clear that you go to one of the Concierge desks at the park (EPIC has at each land) and they will fill out and give you your AAP card with notations. Now they did say folks who did not get a phone call to get approved will have to go to Guest Relations at front of park, and in their words "plead their case."

Just wanted you to know that in case you haven't had an interview with Universal. IBCCES is not approving you for the AAP, they are just verifying a disability.

 

[Philsfan77]

Our adult DGD received her pass today but it wasn't clear cut. She has easily qualified for it for nearly a decade. We always say the same things (which are 100% truthful). The CM today listened then said, "I see you spoke with a mental health professional last time but you must have told her something different than you are telling me because she doesn't qualify".

What?!?!?! I won't share her particular limitations but they are significant, specific, and closely aligned with austism. Doing crowded queues without a pass promotes an attack. (Yes, I know WDW is crowded but we make adaptations that work for her like being outdoors most of the time, having her walk between DH and I to avoid crowding, etc... We know what works.)

She has limited executive function and I'm her legal guardian so I usually do most of the talking. When she responds, it is obvious to a professional that she has limitations. But the CM today didn't believe me and wanted my DGD to speak up for herself. As the conversation went on, I believe she saw the limitations and granted the pass. But she kept saying that my DGD needs to advocate for herself and she was proud that she advocated for herself. I didn't say it but if she was capable of advocating for herself with a stranger, she wouldn't necessarily need a legal guardian. Just because she is adult-aged doesn't mean she has a functioning adult brain.

I wonder how it would have gone if she were younger and not been able to articulate how she reacts.

On a different note, we are also visiting Universal this trip so I applied online for theirs. I had a doctor's statement and DGD meet all of the criteria without chatting with anyone.

IBCESS is just a rubber stamping service...you will still need to talk to someone at Universal as your trip gets closer for accommodations, but it's typically an easier process. People do still get denied accommodations though at Universal even after getting IBCESS approval.

 

[Angel Ariel]

You can always ask at the ride when you go for your DAS time if one more person can join you.

The CM on the DAS call did say we could ask. We will, but definitely don't expect it. DH has said he would not ride some things if needed for both grandparents to be able to ride with her (he's more into thrill rides than the rides I mentioned above).

 

[Claudia1]

Just an FYI ~ IBCCES is only verifying that she has a disability. They are not approving her for anything at Universal. Universal should be calling you just before your trip and asking you some similar questions to the ones Disney asks. They are trying to determine IF they will offer accommodations and what kind. You should have received an email with your case number and it starts like this ...

Thank you for registering for the IBCCES Accessibility Card (IAC). Your IAC has been approved, marking an important step towards ensuring your visit to Universal Orlando Resort is comfortable and enjoyable. The next step is for you to discuss accommodations with the team at Universal Destinations & Experiences. This conversation will allow a greater understanding of your specific requirements in detail, ensuring that your experience is tailored to best suit your individual needs.

Once you clear that you go to one of the Concierge desks at the park (EPIC has at each land) and they will fill out and give you your AAP card with notations. Now they did say folks who did not get a phone call to get approved will have to go to Guest Relations at front of park, and in their words "plead their case."

Just wanted you to know that in case you haven't had an interview with Universal. IBCCES is not approving you for the AAP, they are just verifying a disability.

Thanks! I was not aware of that. Yes, I got that email. Our trip is within the next 2 weeks. Do you have any idea how soon they typically call? Or can I call them? Or do I have to do this at each park, every day?

IBCESS is just a rubber stamping service...you will still need to talk to someone at Universal as your trip gets closer for accommodations, but it's typically an easier process. People do still get denied accommodations though at Universal even after getting IBCESS approval.

Thanks for the info!

 

[avtrokrator77]

It's been over a year since I have been using the new DAS system and wanted to report on the subsequent three interviews I have had with CM's since the initial one in July of 2024. I was pleasantly surprised that the wait times had decreased significantly, as the first time my wait to speak with a CM was rather lengthy. The subsequent two renewals involved less than five minutes of waiting and less than five minutes for renewal.In both cases the CM's started by confirming the renewal process and asking what my needs were. I briefly reiterated what I had told the original CM back in July of 2024, and was quickly approved, and the process was over. The two individuals were pleasant, and supportive from the start with less than one minutes of questioning. Recently, the latest interview was different. Perhaps because the renewal is now one year for Magic Key holders they want to scrutinze individuals more, or also likely, it is solely based on the individual conducting the interview. The CM while friendly was kept repeating the questions and I answered trutfully as I had before and as she asked the same question I gave the same answer. I can't same I find this pleasant, and in any situation I find myself being asked the same thing over and over, I take it to mean the person is simply waiting to get the answer back that they want, like a child. This game went on for about ten minutes, and I went out of my way to expand my answers, emphasizing the safety issues; also pushing back on the ridiculous alternative option of having to explain yourself and each ride and come back later. Finally, she triggered the intervention of an additional team member coming in. This person had a fancy title, I forgot it, but this individual merely seemed like a supervisor. This was the first time an additional person had been called into the interview. She specifically asked if I was given accommodations in other environments, a new question for me. I again answered truthfully, and that I think was the end of the process, and she then approved me. All in all I want to say it was about ten minutes to wait, and fifteen minutes for the process. Once the supervisor cleared me the other CM was pleasant and expedited the rest of the process and provided some additional information, including the year long status for Magic Key Holders. I was a bit flustered but relieved. In the end, I get it. The DAS service is superior to the Lighting Lane Pass, which is 30-40 bucks a person a day. It is on par with the Premiere Lighting Pass, which is I think $400 a day per person. So, this is an incredible value and privilege Disneyland is offering specific people at no cost. I can honestly said without it that my family would not be able to enjoy the park, or most of the rides without it. I am even more relieved I will not have to go through the process again for a year. I thought this update would be helpful, and hopefully as the new system evolves they don't throw anymore wrenches in the system. I will emphasize I was calm, polite, respecful, and maintained my patience the entire time, a challenge, and suggest everyone do the same. It was loud in in their office and I could tell she was distracted, and in a less pleasant environment then I was. In the end it worked out for me. Best of luck to others.

 

[HopperFan]

Thanks! I was not aware of that. Yes, I got that email. Our trip is within the next 2 weeks. Do you have any idea how soon they typically call? Or can I call them? Or do I have to do this at each park, every day?



Thanks for the info!

They will call you. For me in June they called about 3 days before our park day. We were only doing one day so I'm not sure with the new process how they handle multiple days. Prior we only had to do it once and our card stated the days we would be there.

Make sure you have your case number with you, that is how they pulled it up on their computer at the park.

NOTE: When they called me I was in a Disney Park and missed the call but they left a message and number I could call back.

 

[lanejudy]

I won't share her particular limitations but they are significant, specific, and closely aligned with austism.

I'm sure you know this but I'm responding for others who come across this -- "autism" does not automatically qualify for a DAS. I'm sorry you had challenges with the discussion that you didn't have in the past. In the future, maybe think about how you made the request and keep discussion to what happens within a queue environment vs other related/unrelated challenges. There are many autistic traits or "limitations” that aren't really within the scope of DAS accommodation, and those tend to just muddy the waters within a DAS discussion.

I didn't say it but if she was capable of advocating for herself with a stranger, she wouldn't necessarily need a legal guardian. Just because she is adult-aged doesn't mean she has a functioning adult brain.

Legal guardianship is granted for different levels of disability. In and of itself, guardianship does not mean the adult cannot speak or advocate or at least answer some basic questions. The comment about "it is obvious to a professional" doesn't ring well with me; I can think of many disabilities where it may be obvious the individual is disabled but that alone doesn't necessarily qualify for a DAS.

 

[lanejudy]

She specifically asked if I was given accommodations in other environments, a new question for me.

This has been asked for well over a year now. If you haven’t run into this question previously that’s surprising.

I do think they are more closely scrutinizing “returning” DAS users — those who were previously approved under the new rules. It just seems there are a lot of guests in that situation reporting “tougher” DAS interviews. Though it does seem maybe your first CM was fairly new and fishing for a specific word/phrase from you.