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

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

We were just approved Monday for DAS. Today, a new ticket promo for Disneyland was released and we want to take advantage of it. I am concerned that we have to reregister with DAS if our tickets change (used a TA). Anyone have experience with DAS CMs in this situation? Could we potentially lose our DAS if a CM deems we are not qualified for some reason? All of the uncertainty with approval now makes me nervous.

It does appear to be tied to the specific ticket at Disneyland. I am an AP DAS user but we don't go often enough that it makes sense for my (minor) children have APs so we had to go to Guest Relations each time to add them to a DAS party if we need to use DAS together. Maybe you can try to get the new tickets and confirm they are linked with the DAS designation before cancelling the old ones? I'm not SURE this will work but probably safer than canceling first?

 

[nalababybear]

Same as we’ve experienced, which is why I’m always surprised when people Say “well, the standby wait times are exaggerated”. That’s literally never been my experience.

Our son doesn't do GotG or Incredicoaster in DLR. We routinely beat out the posted wait times throughout the day. After a breakdown and at closing -- not even close. 1/2 the posted wait times.

 

[Disneychick75]

Nvm
I talked my husband put of reporting the CM.

 

[nalababybear]

It does appear to be tied to the specific ticket at Disneyland. I am an AP DAS user but we don't go often enough that it makes sense for my (minor) children have APs so we had to go to Guest Relations each time to add them to a DAS party if we need to use DAS together. Maybe you can try to get the new tickets and confirm they are linked with the DAS designation before cancelling the old ones? I'm not SURE this will work but probably safer than canceling first?

DAS party changes have to be made all the time for us; like daughter comes only 1/2 the time, yet she manages to pop up on the DAS party even though no park reservation.

Annoying for sure and will see how that works with the new revamp -- it seems they are directing to app chat but haven't heard of live reports back on this much.

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

Did you see how long the LL wait was at that time too? I bet it was 30min+ too for those folk too.

Most appropriate DAS holders would never get in that line.

I have been an appropriate DAS holder who has been in the WDW Soarin' LL for more than 45m-- not on purpose though! I would never get in that line (and have subsequently avoided it) if I knew it was more than 10-15m and, as many have pointed out, one reason Disney is trying to limit DAS parties using AQR is to allow the LLs to work for the people who really can't handle more than 10-15m waits and avoid the huge swells in LL at popular times (post-parade, post-fireworks, post-ride breakdown)... yes, there are other reasons the lines can swell unpredictably (especially if the ride has been down a lot that day) but it was very easy for DAS superusers to request a DAS return for a ride for 6 people while they watch a parade or fireworks. We love Space Mountain but won't do it if we can't get on it before/during evening show/fireworks because it's so often a long wait in the LL afterwards.

 

[Cierese]

She has lots of things she does to accommodate the issues that come with her condition. But in her normal everyday life she doesn't stand still for an hour at a time. It's a very complicated condition and sometimes her tips/tools work and sometimes they don't. I don't know if prolonged sitting without being able to change positions would be any better. I am not arguing one way or another, I was just explaining how someone could be okay walking, but have a hard time standing.

My fiancé and I were watching a show on how the Blue Angels train to deal with g forces without wearing a g suit... I was sitting there the whole time wondering why/if the drs that deal with autonomic issues like POTs think to use some of the same techniques for dealing with flare up symptoms. I know this is way off topic, and I'm very sorry to everyone, but it was definitely thought provoking when thinking of my own symptoms.

 

[lanejudy]

LOL, well an encounter today was the opposite of yesterday’s pixie dust. Soarin broke down and I could not stand in the line any longer. Oh and I got it with Genie+. Went to the CM and she asked if I had DAS and I said yes but before I could say that I got the reservation through Genie+, she shut me down with “ rider switch” and would not allow me to explain that I had used Genie+. Don’t really care about the rider switch but she was in a group of other CMs and very rude. My husband, T, said we’re going back to get her name and report her. Like he said, we’ve been emphasizing manners with our grandsons on the trip and how does it loom if we allow an adult to act rude to us?

Wouldn't Rider Switch have allowed your party to stay in the queue and ride, then you could ride -- possibly with one of the grandchildren? I'm not sure the "how" you got into the LL mattered at that point, the solution might be the same. Since you have DAS you also could have simply made a DAS reservation, gone on your way to take care of needs or have a snack or shop and returned to ride later.

I agree there is no excuse for rudeness, but as I tell my daughter frequently -- "we can't let someone else's grumpiness interrupt our happiness."

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Rollators can be transported when flying. They can be used up to the gate and gate checked - I see that often. Mobility devices fly for free and don't count toward the traveler's baggage allowance

Crazy thing is that SWA now considers (neck) pillows and blankets as carry-on items. So you can no longer have a roll-on, blanket+ pillow unless you are able to put the pillow in your bag.

Except a person in that situation is just going to end up having to pull the pillow out as soon as they are on the plane. I don't see how that's going to speed up boarding.

I mention because I think many people bring travel pillows to help with medical needs. I don't know if there is way to request a medical exception for pillows.

I was just a bit shocked to hear their new policy.

 

[cat4hurricane]

Noticed that DAS was gaining traction on Twitter again, one of the people I follow on there posted a good explanation about the accommodations that Disney offers now:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1795834547743142232

https://twitter.com/x/status/1795834552054861949

Figured this would be good to place here, because I know people are getting the acronyms all mixed up, me included. Basically it goes DAS, RTQ (Old school DAS, get a return time at the start of the line) and AQR (still need that key, but this is the “bathroom pass”, so leave the line and meet up with your party at the merge point when you’re done)

Note: posted edited by moderator to remove inaccurate tweets​

 

[PrincessV]

LOL, well an encounter today was the opposite of yesterday’s pixie dust. Soarin broke down and I could not stand in the line any longer. Oh and I got it with Genie+. Went to the CM and she asked if I had DAS and I said yes but before I could say that I got the reservation through Genie+, she shut me down with “ rider switch” and would not allow me to explain that I had used Genie+. Don’t really care about the rider switch but she was in a group of other CMs and very rude. My husband, T, said we’re going back to get her name and report her. Like he said, we’ve been emphasizing manners with our grandsons on the trip and how does it loom if we allow an adult to act rude to us?

Making sure I’m understanding it right: you left the line and asked to return, or were still in line when you talked to the CM? (Either way, rudeness isn’t acceptable, to be clear! Just trying to understand the details.) And rather than utilize AQR, she wanted you to use Rider Switch? That’s weird in every way!

If you haven’t left the park, please check MDE and/or visit a Guest Services umbrella CM, as when rides break down, your G+ can be used at a later time. You should see a notation in MDE, but GS can explain it in detail. ETA: I’e only used G+ a couple times, but once when a ride I had booked was down, I didn’t receive the notification until… the following DAY! That’s why I suggest seeing a CM if it’s not right there in MDE for you

 

[HashberryOTG]

These terms, RTQ and AQR, are they documented from Disney? Or just something we've all latched onto from CM rumors (who may also not be using them as official acronyms, maybe), or other places? It's all becoming a jumble, trying to keep things straight.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Unless you are traveling alone or as the sole caregiver of children too young to wait alone, the answer to the first question will probably be "no, but you can rejoin your party in the line when you are done", whether by being escorted back to them, having them call you when they are at the LL merge (at which point you could enter through the LL and reunite with them), or some other method depending upon the attraction. And for the second question, for example if the ride is SDD, the CM may tell you to wait somewhere shady until the rest of your party enters the part of the line that is undercover, at which point you could join them, so you never have to wait in the sunny part of the line. In both cases, problem solved, with no RTQ return times needed.

Thanks for writing this out. It has been a little while since I last rode Slinky, but the last time we did, it was very hot out. We thought about trying to do this, but like where? Instead, we ended up buying a lemonade to share. It would be great if HS had shaded park benches nearby.

I'm hoping as part of this new approach, WDW adds/brings back more park benches.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Figured this would good to place here, because I know people are getting them acronyms all mixed up, me included. Basically it goes DAS, RTQ (Old school DAS, get a return time at the start of the line) and ARQ/AQR (still need that key, but this is the “bathroom pass”, so leave the line and meet up with your party at the merge point when you’re done)

I can't figure out why Disney would ever advertise the RTQ as an option. That just encourages people to ask at every ride and gum up the works at the worst possible location. It should never even be brought up. It should, IME, never even be an option. Allowing it to be used "sparingly" is just setting the guests/CMs up for disappointment when it isn't granted, which will be the vast majority of the time. It doesn't seem to benefit Disney in any way to indicate that this might be an option. Just tell people that if they don't qualify for DAS at this time, they can use AQR or rider swap. As an added bonus, then they can call it RTQ / AQR interchangeably - because if there's only the one option, who cares what you call it.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I can't figure out why Disney would ever advertise the RTQ as an option. That just encourages people to ask at every ride and gum up the works at the worst possible location. It should never even be brought up. It should, IME, never even be an option. Allowing it to be used "sparingly" is just setting the guests/CMs up for disappointment when it isn't granted, which will be the vast majority of the time. It doesn't seem to benefit Disney in any way to indicate that this might be an option. Just tell people that if they don't qualify for DAS at this time, they can use AQR or rider swap. As an added bonus, then they can call it RTQ / AQR interchangeably - because if there's only the one option, who cares what you call it.

I was just thinking the same thing.

 

[Disneychick75]

Wouldn't Rider Switch have allowed your party to stay in the queue and ride, then you could ride -- possibly with one of the grandchildren? I'm not sure the "how" you got into the LL mattered at that point, the solution might be the same. Since you have DAS you also could have simply made a DAS reservation, gone on your way to take care of needs or have a snack or shop and returned to ride later.

I agree there is no excuse for rudeness, but as I tell my daughter frequently -- "we can't let someone else's grumpiness interrupt our happiness."

I talked him out of reporting her.

 

[diablodancer]

Noticed that DAS was gaining traction on Twitter again, one of the people I follow on there posted a good explanation about the accommodations that Disney offers now:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1795834547743142232

https://twitter.com/x/status/1795834552054861949

Figured this would be good to place here, because I know people are getting the acronyms all mixed up, me included. Basically it goes DAS, RTQ (Old school DAS, get a return time at the start of the line) and AQR (still need that key, but this is the “bathroom pass”, so leave the line and meet up with your party at the merge point when you’re done)

The first tweet about DAS seems to be incorrect (realise that’s not the reason you’ve shared it). We’ve seen numerous reports now of people being approved for non-developmental disabilities.

Just clarifying as I’m still seeing people repeat the ‘it’s only for developmental disabilities’ narrative on a lot of other sites and it’s adding to people’s confusion about the changed (Disney’s comms have not helped at all here though).

 

[Norton figment]

I can't figure out why Disney would ever advertise the RTQ as an option. That just encourages people to ask at every ride and gum up the works at the worst possible location. It should never even be brought up. It should, IME, never even be an option. Allowing it to be used "sparingly" is just setting the guests/CMs up for disappointment when it isn't granted, which will be the vast majority of the time. It doesn't seem to benefit Disney in any way to indicate that this might be an option. Just tell people that if they don't qualify for DAS at this time, they can use AQR or rider swap. As an added bonus, then they can call it RTQ / AQR interchangeably - because if there's only the one option, who cares what you call it.

I don’t understand why there can’t be some kind of coding built-in that after the DAS call and approve people for rtq first say when rides are longer than a certain length of time. Especially since the video chat, people are telling those that are not approved to ask for this request.
my mom for example no way can she do an hour even 30 minutes is pushing it you add ride time and Pre show.
Having people having to ask cm at every long ride for an Rtq is ridiculous. First you have to hope they’re not busy to talk to them then you have to hope that they’ll agree to allow allow you by the sounds of it isn’t going to happen. How many people are going to start yelling at these cast members?

Yes, I understand that they’re trying to accommodate us, with the aqr but we’re going on a family trip so every time my mom has to leave the line she’s not with her family.

So if my mom has to get out of multiple lines which she will based on most postings that I seen she’s not having family time while we’re waiting in line. I think they under underestimate how many people may have to leave a line and leave often from rides and how disconcerting this is to the person with the disability making them feel even more different by having to leave the line find a cast member to get the accommodation and then ensure that they can meet up with us later in the line, however that works. Usually, when she hast to leave a line anywhere it’s urgent. She doesn’t have the opportunity to talk to someone. Yes, someone’s going to have to go with her so even more family time broken up.

 

[PrincessV]

These terms, RTQ and AQR, are they documented from Disney? Or just something we've all latched onto from CM rumors (who may also not be using them as official acronyms, maybe), or other places? It's all becoming a jumble, trying to keep things straight.

AQR is listed as an option to any Guest on Disney World’s website: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/accessing-attractions-queues

RTQ has only been mentioned by posters online, to my knowledge. Some posters have reported that DAS CMs have used that exact terminology to provide a alternate to DAS, but there is no reference to RTQ on Disney’s website.

 

[cat4hurricane]

The first tweet about DAS seems to be incorrect (realise that’s not the reason you’ve shared it). We’ve seen numerous reports now of people being approved for non-developmental disabilities.

Just clarifying as I’m still seeing people repeat the ‘it’s only for developmental disabilities’ narrative on a lot of other sights and it’s adding to people’s confusion about the changed (Disney’s comms have not helped at all here though).

Agreed there, it’s not just for developmental disabilities and has been approved for non-developmental disabilities, however, Disney is advertising it as mainly for developmental disabilities and autism (on their site, also heard some CMs in DLR through reports saying that it’s meant for developmental disabilities. Note here, DLR hasn’t switched to the new DAS system fully yet, so there probably hasn’t been training for that yet) so I could see how others are going purely by that information. There’s also people who honestly believe it should just be for those who are developmentally disabled/autistic/“doesn’t understand the purpose and use of lines” but that’s not here nor there and that’s not super helpful. We’ve seen that DAS has been given to others via first-hand reports, but that the approvals are being locked down. That’s good information, the buckling down on who gets what and what someone “deserves” maybe not so much.

Do definitely agree that Disney Communications need to be better, between Guests being confused about RTQ or AQR, if they were told to do one or the other, what those even mean, and their communications on calls (being rude or snippy, saying things that plainly aren’t true like that it’s meant specifically and only for autism), Disney should be collecting feedback and making appropriate changes ASAP, whether that’s clarifying language on calls, placing the acronyms on the website (maybe after a DAS call, sort of like a recap?) or training their DAS CMs that they should not be using certain language or should be more careful about what they need to say, something really should be done. I also do realize that this system is still very new, and this will happen anyway as more reports come out and as Disney gets feedback.

 

[DisneyOma]

While in Florida as opposed to a video call from the UK before hand.

My nephew messaged me because I have been telling them it's vile for years! Her attitude was always that if its so easy to do everyone will be scamming it and if you can't beat them join them.

Yes, while in Florida - but did they talk to a person in Guest Relations, or were they handed an iPad to do the online thing?

Whether it is DAS or G+, this is all virtual queue for a guest.

DAS is a money losing proposition for TWDC. There is no revenue from DAS (i.e. no charge) and there is specific operating costs (i.e. CMs wages and benefits to staff the program). There is little incentive for TWDC to invest into the DAS program any longer. Goodwill and guest satisfaction is not as high of a priority for TWDC as compared to revenue and profits. The Parks & Experiences Division is a critical revenue stream for the entire company.

With G+, there is a revenue stream to pay for operating costs (attractions, CMs, utilities, etc. etc.). TWDC needs to maximize this pay option virtual queue by adding as many people to that stream as possible, including, without limitation, pushing this pay option even more to disabled guests by eliminating an option of DAS.

It's not about incentive - it's about ADA.