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

[Angel Ariel]

I also wonder if reading from something like this might come off as a red flag so think the simpler question approach here may be better.

I was one of those that had a bit of a "gossipy" CM when I was approved for DAS (pre-changes) and she went off on a few tangents about DAS abuse and mentioned twice how she saw so many people "read from scripts they wrote" during their interviews. While that assumption is unfortunate, especially for folks that struggle describing their conditions who might write things down to help prepare, it might rub other CMs with a preconceived notion on that approach the wrong way.

While I do hear and understand this - there are also people whose disabilities legitimately impact their ability to self-advocate in the moment. Whether it's a motor-speech disability, selective mutism, anxiety (which may be unrelated to the needs for which they're asking for the attraction accommodation)..people should not be punished for finding ways to accommodate their disabilities that impact their ability to self-advocate. The ADA does have an entire section related to effective communication. A business doesn't have the right to deny a person access to effective communication - and the business can't determine what mode of communication is effective for an individual.

People take verbal communication for granted and assume everyone can access it all the time. They can't, and those disabilities also need to be accommodated (not by DAS in case anyone thinks I'm saying that, but in honoring a person's chosen communication method).

 

[dreamer17555]

The thing is that I’m not sure the DAS video call CMs are telling most folks to use RTQ. I seriously think most such reports were suggested AQR but the caller heard “return to queue” because that’s what was so often discussed during the lead-up.

To be fair RTQ and AQR are similar enough sounding to confuse anyone. Disney could have made these sound more distinct and really different but I think they are struggling with messaging which is a typical issue for Disney (see Oceaneers mess earlier this year). If a caller leaves a DAS call confused that they can get RTQ when they really can just do AQR that is Disney's shortcoming, especially if it's happening en masse.

Disney is in charge of making things roll out smoothly and part of that it is making sure guests really understand what is being offered. Disney current track record on this is pathetic. Look at Genie VS Genie+, most common guests do not understand what Genie is (and yes, it really does not work as intended but again Disney failed with a product). If you hear most guests mention Genie they are really referring to Genie+ as a paid service. Disney needs to fix their messaging.


ETA- Also you are assuming that people are not understanding. There is a chance like with Oceaneers Disney is once again throwing front line CMs under the bus and mentioning RTQ.

 

[BingoJoe]

In terms of making yourself understood to other guests I think you should do whatever makes you feel comfortable. If you want to print out a card with an explanation you can but as someone with a lot of experience with this I wouldn’t sweat it too badly.

My daughter can’t say anything the average person could understand with her voice and the kind of sign language she uses isn’t understood even by sign language signers in the USA. BSL vs ASL.

Most people are friendly and polite and will try to help as much as they can, especially when they can’t understand you.

 

[Unity]

The thing is that I’m not sure the DAS video call CMs are telling most folks to use RTQ. I seriously think most such reports were suggested AQR but the caller heard “return to queue” because that’s what was so often discussed during the lead-up.

I don't think it's fair to say everyone who has reported back the DAS CMs saying to use RTQ are wrong.

Some might be, but I do not think all of the reports are wrong.

 

[jennab]

Whelp. Just got banned from a DAS FB group for trying to tell people the new accommodations, what has worked for some people (trying those then going back to Disney and getting approved based on evidence), that people need to explain the “why” instead of the disability, and my opinion that medical documentation is not the answer. It seems like some groups don’t want to look at what to do next and possible solutions. I guess giving people information I’ve read and seen from others is “mean”.

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

Whelp. Just got banned from a DAS FB group for trying to tell people the new accommodations, what has worked for some people (trying those then going back to Disney and getting approved based on evidence), that people need to explain the “why” instead of the disability, and my opinion that medical documentation is not the answer. It seems like some groups don’t want to look at what to do next and possible solutions. I guess giving people information I’ve read and seen from others is “mean”.

Is the group even more doom and gloom than the sentiment here?

 

[keishashadow]

it is really too early in the process to assume anything about how things will work. If you can wait a few weeks or a month, the information will be much better

There will definitely be more first-hand info out there in a few weeks as people start to use the system in the parks.

My family is lucky to be covered under the old system until mid July. Although, I do plan on inquiring of attraction CMs when we do visit twice beforehand if I get the opportunity

Don't you also have DVC? can try that route on issues; but Disney really doesn't give much hoot about DVC in the past

I wouldn’t expect DVC to have any input as to DAS. Owners always have always had the option to divest themselves if they no longer are interested in visiting the parks. Sad to think it might get to the point for many

I was one of those that had a bit of a "gossipy" CM when I was approved for DAS (pre-changes) and she went off on a few tangents about DAS abuse and mentioned twice how she saw so many people "read from scripts they wrote" during their interviews.

During last DAS conversation (pre 5/20) I inquired as to possible perceived negativity as to using notes going forward.

Didn’t get a direct answer. However, The CM indicated it’s a good idea for guests to concisely organize their thoughts before calling in to them.

JMHO, a big difference between reading off a script vs using notes as bullet point sort of reference JIK one tends to easily get flustered when stressed.

 

[jennab]

Is the group even more doom and gloom than the sentiment here?

Very.

 

[dreamer17555]

Whelp. Just got banned from a DAS FB group for trying to tell people the new accommodations, what has worked for some people (trying those then going back to Disney and getting approved based on evidence), that people need to explain the “why” instead of the disability, and my opinion that medical documentation is not the answer. It seems like some groups don’t want to look at what to do next and possible solutions. I guess giving people information I’ve read and seen from others is “mean”.

I think right now a lot of people are grieving the lost of a place they loved in a way that worked for their needs.

Also sharing second hand information (which is what you said you were doing) often isn't helpful as first hand account has likely already been shared. Considering some of the social media posts I have seen that are down right ableist I think groups might be being extra cautious these days and maybe over reactive.

This can happen anywhere. I was recently suspended for a FB group for a Magic sailing in Sept for creating a group WhatApp for our sailing. The Admin said I was invading people's privacy by providing a link for them to join if they wished to. I have found them helpful on previous sailings to stay in touch while on the ship without needing to pay for wifi but the admin saw it differently. Try not to take it personally. I know it stings.

 

[dreamer17555]

Is the group even more doom and gloom than the sentiment here?

I think saying this group is doom and gloom is under cutting how these very real changes are upending some families plans to be able to safely travel to one of the few places that offered accommodations for their needs and a place they loved.

It is not as simple as attempt it and if it doesn't work hope a DAS call will go differently mid trip when you are talking about thousand of dollars and safety and health concerns. I can tell you if my son is not approved for DAS it will be the end to our Disney trips and that is heartbreaking. He has so very few places he can enjoy.

 

[jennab]

I think right now a lot of people are grieving the lost of a place they loved in a way that worked for their needs.

Also sharing second hand information (which is what you said you were doing) often isn't helpful as first hand account has likely already been shared. Considering some of the social media posts I have seen that are down right ableist I think groups might be being extra cautious these days and maybe over reactive.

This can happen anywhere. I was recently suspended for a FB group for a Magic sailing in Sept for creating a group WhatApp for our sailing. The Admin said I was invading people's privacy by providing a link for them to join if they wished to. I have found them helpful on previous sailings to stay in touch while on the ship without needing to pay for wifi but the admin saw it differently. Try not to take it personally. I know it stings.

You are probably right. I would say “these are the new accommodations I’ve heard about”. Or “I’ve seen someone try this and it worked for them”. I think people got really upset when I gave my opinion on why I didn’t think medical documentation was the answer. Again, my opinion as I thought it was a discussion, but guess I was wrong! Peoples emotions are probably high. I get that. Just wish people would stop assuming bad intent.

 

[jennab]

I think saying this group is doom and gloom is under cutting how these very real changes are upending some families plans to be able to safely travel to one of the few places that offered accommodations for their needs and a place they loved.

It is not as simple as attempt it and if it doesn't work hope a DAS call will go differently mid trip when you are talking about thousand of dollars and safety and health concerns. I can tell you if my son is not approved for DAS it will be the end to our Disney trips and that is heartbreaking. He has so very few places he can enjoy.

I can understand that. I am a “solutions or fixer” type person so usually my responses are “here are the new rules” or “people have reported trying this then that”. But as someone else stated, emotions are running high so my written text could be taken totally different than how I meant it.

 

[dreamer17555]

I can understand that. I am a “solutions or fixer” type person so usually my responses are “here are the new rules” or “people have reported trying this then that”. But as someone else stated, emotions are running high so my written text could be taken totally different than how I meant it.

I understand you have good intentions. For many families there is no "fixing" this. Some of the new accommodations being offered will not work safety or health wise for their loved ones.

I think many ppl wish medical documentation was being considered because there is such a loud echo of if you don't qualify under the new DAS rules you must have been "faking or lying" about your disability. I understand why Disney is not taking it but I also understand to many guests a CM is clearly not going to understand the extent of their disability as well as a doctor they have known for years, especially when their doctor believes for their health and safety they should be approved for DAS when a CM does not.

There is no easy solution here.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Is the group even more doom and gloom than the sentiment here?

Honestly, I don't think this group is as negative as some others do. All are acknowledging that the system needed changes to be sustainable. There's been much less focus on blame (thanks to the moderators). People are disagreeing, yes. People are voicing reasonable concerns, yes. Some people have chosen to cancel trips when they were denied DAS, yes - and that is their right. But the feel I get from this thread is that people are cautious but on the we hope it works out better than it seems on paper view, rather than a this is all doomed to fail. I put myself in that category. I'm sure some here think I'm nothing but negative. But I am cautious and have reasonable concerns while also hoping that even if we do get denied that we will find a way to make it work. Disney means enough to our family that it's worth that.

Other places I've read there's a lot more blaming, shaming, discounting of disabilities, telling people to stay home if they are disabled. It's truly negative and disappointing on a human level. That's not this place, and for that I am grateful.

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

I think saying this group is doom and gloom is under cutting how these very real changes are upending some families plans to be able to safely travel to one of the few places that offered accommodations for their needs and a place they loved.

It is not as simple as attempt it and if it doesn't work hope a DAS call will go differently mid trip when you are talking about thousand of dollars and safety and health concerns. I can tell you if my son is not approved for DAS it will be the end to our Disney trips and that is heartbreaking. He has so very few places he can enjoy.

I did not intend to paint this whole group as doom and gloom, many of us are cautiously optimistic even as we expect to lose DAS and others are open-minded pessimistic, but there has been a major thread of “if I can’t use DAS or need to try AQR, I’ll just cancel my trips”—our moderators have themselves asked people to stop jumping to worst case scenario conclusions and spreading fear without trying the process offered by Disney. I personally (along with my elementary school aged children) am probably going to be negatively impacted by these changes but I’m choosing to be grateful that AQR will let me ride with my family when it really matters to my kids, even if my overall day isn’t as great as it was with DAS.

I do completely agree with you that nobody should plan a trip expecting they can overrule the initial DAS denial mid-trip or that they will get RTQ at most/all rides. Disney is indicating that DAS is no longer for widespread use and everybody should make the decision that works best for their family (as long as the decision doesn’t involve lying to cheat the system).

 

[jennab]

I did not intend to paint this whole group as doom and gloom, many of us are cautiously optimistic even as we expect to lose DAS and others are open-minded pessimistic, but there has been a major thread of “if I can’t use DAS or need to try AQR, I’ll just cancel my trips”—our moderators have themselves asked people to stop jumping to worst case scenario conclusions and spreading fear without trying the process offered by Disney. I personally (along with my elementary school aged children) am probably going to be negatively impacted by these changes but I’m choosing to be grateful that AQR will let me ride with my family when it really matters to my kids, even if my overall day isn’t as great as it was with DAS.

I do completely agree with you that nobody should plan a trip expecting they can overrule the initial DAS denial mid-trip or that they will get RTQ at most/all rides. Disney is indicating that DAS is no longer for widespread use and everybody should make the decision that works best for their family (as long as the decision doesn’t involve lying to cheat the system).

Yes this is my outlook too! I will try the new accommodations for my family. If they do not work I may reach back out to Disney CM about it. Now that doesn’t mean they will grant me DAS, but I may try. I also planning that our next trip may be a bit different. I’ll buy G+ and give it a try. It seems better than it was last time I used it in combination with DAS (can at least modify now). We also just may not be able to see and do all we want every day either. But that’s just like my everyday life. Things don’t always work out and we need to adjust. That may mean making changes like my family is, or completely cancelling. The choice will be different based on the family's needs.

 

[lanejudy]

I don't think it's fair to say everyone who has reported back the DAS CMs saying to use RTQ are wrong.

Some might be, but I do not think all of the reports are wrong.

I agree. Not sure where you think I said anything about “everyone” or “all.” Certainly not the post you quoted.

 

[nalababybear]

This group thread is far more information looking than anything.

There's certainly a palpable level of anxiety that lead up to and now going through the implementation and adjustment and how it will ultimately land in DAS approvals and alternative accommodations that will fly or fail and hopefully all stakeholders adjust to the new reality of what Disney will be going forward.

Myself have strong opinions on this, but mods don't want that here and that's fine too as this thread is much more discerning than even the large FB group of 100k folk...

 

[Flynn's Gal]

Has anyone seen/used large umbrellas to attach to wheelchairs at all? I have an issue in that I take medications that causes sun sensitivity but have also had a stroke so use my left hand to steer my wheelchair but my right hand is too weak to hold an umbrella. Also not sure how I am putting the umbrella up and down to go through queues.

Oh the complexities of navigating WDW with former DAS accommodating disabilities (the wheelchair use was not one of them) is stressing me out! I know people will think just don’t go but this was my happy place to the point of just purchasing DVC less than a year ago!

So as not to get off topic on this thread, hop over here where I posted a link to an umbrella I attach to my daughter's wheelchair. https://www.disboards.com/threads/i...helpful-to-some-people.3946936/#post-65521220

 

[Unity]

I agree. Not sure where you think I said anything about “everyone” or “all.” Certainly not the post you quoted.

Ah - you did say most. That was my fault for saying everyone. I disbelieve it to be most, for clearness, either way.

I think part of the confusion stems from reports where someone reported they were indeed given an accomodation with RTQ [I am on mobile so can't find it easily right now but it included their screenshot of their return time] for a solo and a child traveller.

Perhaps other than confusion between AQR and RTQ [which I am sure there is plenty on both person side and CM side], some people with only themself and a minor are reporting this versus AQR.

But it's hard to keep track of the report data, given the spread between different websites and forums [even with the threads we have dedicated to such!]. It would be an interesting challenge to make a spreadsheet with just the straight information and see what correlation exists. ... I do not have the time nor energy to put towards such a project but I still find it interesting idea lol.