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

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

I know for shows that there should be a section for those who need ASL interpreters, so I would assume just letting a CM know in that case. Unsure what they would do on rides. I know that some characters (Captain America in DCA, Tigger in WDW) know sign language as I’ve seen them sign in videos before. I’m sure Disney has some of their characters learn at least a little bit of ASL beforehand for easy communication, I can’t speak to other languages, but that’s what I’ve seen for ASL specifically.

The ASL shows are amazing! Note though that they are only offered at specific times. Guests who need interpreters set this up in advance and are given special access so that they can sit near the interpreter. Most would agree that’s a very reasonable accommodation.

 

[cat4hurricane]

The ASL shows are amazing! Note though that they are only offered at specific times. Guests who need interpreters set this up in advance and are given special access so that they can sit near the interpreter. Most would agree that’s a very reasonable accommodation.

This is great information to know, I’ve heard really good things about the Disney intrepreters. I’ve never had to use them as I don’t have hearing loss, but I do know they are usually available for big things like that. I wasn’t sure if there was specific timing or anything, but it makes sense that there is. Thanks for helping me figure that out. Setting up in advance makes sense due to the limited space, something that Guest Relations would probably be very happy to help guests figure out.

Similarly to an extent, the last time I went to WDW (for 2019’s Not So Scary) they were wonderful at helping accommodate my lactose intolerance concerning some of the candy, all it really took was a quick conversation with someone at the front of the MNSSP area to find out where to go, then talking to someone at the candy drop off for a blue bag and I was set, 5 minutes tops probably. I have no doubt that Guest Relations meets a lot of people with hearing issues or only knowing one language, and I’ve never heard a bad report about figuring out accommodations for those.

 

[Debbie Jean]

Respectfully, there are limits to how much should be expected of Disney vs what is reasonable to expect people to do on their own. Eg when I travel to a foreign country where I don’t speak the language, it’s on me, not everyone else, to adapt. Am I grateful when someone will respond in English to my horrendous attempts at that language? Absolutely. But I can’t expect every sign, every conversation, every map, etc to be in English just because that’s what I need.

Disney is giving people 30 days to find someone who can help or figure out an alternative solution that works for you (eg chat software that translates does exist), plus whoever happens to be with you in the park. That really should be enough.

Respectfully, given that there are a large number of native Spanish speakers in and around WDW and DL who go to the parks and may very well have annual passes, I would hope they are seeking bilingual CM’s for disability services to accommodate this population in navigating the DAS and alternative offerings.

 

[nalababybear]

If this would be helpful to you, the WDW website has this information in the Live Video Chat section of this page.

• Guests using a mobile device or tablet will need to download the Zoom application to connect to the video chat.
• Video chat is screen reader-friendly for Guests with visual disabilities and available with text chat for Guests with hearing disabilities.

It's not in the Disneyland DAS information, but it had been added to the WDW a few weeks ago after the switch on May 20. I'm expecting it will probably be added to the Disneyland website also after June 18.
I'd suggest downloading the Zoom app to your smartphone or tablet ahead of time and playing with it to make calls to friends to get comfortable with how it works.
That's especially important if you use AAC (Alternative & Augmentative Communication). My daughter used Zoom sessions while things were closed during COVID. It wasn't hard, but took a little bit of a learning curve to get used to Zoom and have it work with her AAC

I think Disneyland is going to operate a little different and one being the availability of on-site assistance in the Esplanade itself. I would venture that California has laws/regulations in place that the Disney folk deemed it worthy to make this available.

There is a fairly large population of Spanish first language speaking guests that makes sense to have in-person folk to assist with disabilities here and outside to minimize the whole no park reservation issue which is still quite prevalent in DLR unfortunately.

 

[Bearval]

That's likely a non-starter. I suspect the CM would terminate the call with notation of why. They want to speak to the individual, parent/guardian or maybe a close family member. A random Accessibility Team CM isn't authorized to speak on behalf of Disney with a guest's legal representative.

I wholly agree with you here. The questions you are asked are pretty straight forward, hiring a lawyer would be a waste of money.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Respectfully, given that there are a large number of native Spanish speakers in and around WDW and DL who go to the parks and may very well have annual passes, I would hope they are seeking bilingual CM’s for disability services to accommodate this population in navigating the DAS and alternative offerings.

True, and I can’t imagine that Disney isn’t looking for bilingual cast members. But as far as the transition goes, making chats available in Spanish (especially if they also need to ensure that there are healthcare professionals also available in Spanish) is probably lower down on their list of priorities vs working out all of the issues that everyone is facing.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

True, and I can’t imagine that Disney isn’t looking for bilingual cast members. But as far as the transition goes, making chats available in Spanish (especially if they also need to ensure that there are healthcare professionals also available in Spanish) is probably lower down on their list of priorities vs working out all of the issues that everyone is facing.

And not just Spanish. The Portuguese speaking population is huge as well. Where do you draw the line? Haitian/creole is actually the third most common language spoken in Florida. What about Chinese?

I’m not saying it shouldn’t be a goal. But the list of goals is quite long and someone is always going to get left out.

 

[Debbie Jean]

True, and I can’t imagine that Disney isn’t looking for bilingual cast members. But as far as the transition goes, making chats available in Spanish (especially if they also need to ensure that there are healthcare professionals also available in Spanish) is probably lower down on their list of priorities vs working out all of the issues that everyone is facing.

All they need do is deploy bilingual CM’s… I’m sure you’ve noticed plenty… to assist guests using in park IPad video chat acting solely as translators…for the guest, the disability CM and health care consultant.

This could be easily solved but as you say, this is not a priority.

 

[lanejudy]

All they need do is deploy bilingual CM’s… I’m sure you’ve noticed plenty… to assist guests using in park IPad video chat acting solely as translators…for the guest, the disability CM and health care consultant.

This could be easily solved but as you say, this is not a priority.

I'm not sure that we know it isn't currently available onsite. WDW has managed non-English-speaking guests at Guest Relations for years now, including those requesting accommodations. I'm sure this is on their radar.

 

[starlite_]

I'm not sure that we know it isn't currently available onsite. WDW has managed non-English-speaking guests at Guest Relations for years now, including those requesting accommodations. I'm sure this is on their radar.

Indeed, it's not like international visitors with disabilities have suddenly manifested out of the ether on May 20th. Those guests have always existed.

 

[2tinkerbell]

It is really hard when something you are used to is taken away. I certainly empathize.

It has become a problem in DLR when the LLs have negated the reason for a DAS in the first place. A PP stated that her DS has not been on RSR for several trips because the LL has been too long for him. We have experienced the same thing on many attractions, both as a Genie+ and a DAS ride. Like the PP, we have had to miss out on the attraction because the LL is too long.

Disney cannot accommodate all of my DD’s needs. We have had to learn to accommodate many ourselves. We are not local so a trip to DLR is something we look forward to and plan for. In a previous post I have explained how we had a park day and didn’t ride a single ride just to accommodate my DD’s needs and wants. We have to choose to miss out, sit and wait, or pay for things in order to accommodate my DD. While it is a hard reality for us, it is our reality. I would love for Disney to accommodate her needs, but that isn’t feasible.

Disney has drawn a line in the sand. It is a hard and difficult line. I understand why they have had to do it. Even though I understand it, it doesn’t make it any easier for those involved. In my reading I have come to the conclusion that the line has been drawn on the sometimes or
maybe happenings. I also think the line has been drawn where one can accommodate themselves or help to accommodate others. They are using other things to make this possible.

I think it comes down to a matter of choice. If Disney is no longer possible for you and your family, then that is something you have to choose to not do. I understand it is a hard, hard choice. If you can utilize the strategies Disney has suggested then great! Do that and be happy that you have the opportunity to experience Disney. I think it is a matter of attitude. There are many who don’t have the opportunity. It is a hard choice and I think you can take whatever time you need to be angry, sad, and other feelings you are having.

I realize that we, as a family, miss out on many things because of my DD’s disability. It is life. It isn’t fair and no one or law can make it fair no matter how much I think they should or would like them to do so.

Personally, I am not sure my DD will get the DAS pass even though she has had it or GAC from our 2nd trip some 20 years ago. We have used FP (different from WDW), MaxPass, and now Genie+ along with DAS every trip. We are going to give everything a good try one more time. If we can’t accommodate my DD’s needs or it becomes too much for us, then we will have to decide to do something else.

 

[Vampiress88]

Genuinely curious, And if there is no way to answer without divulging information you don't want I completely understand.

Just curious how Genie+ doesn't work but DAS does? Is it because genie+ tends to have a fixed window of return?

It’s to do with having to leave the park and return windows.

For example I only managed 2 hours in animal kingdom one day before having to leave and also had a rest day the next day. That would have been a waste of genie+ as I would have only booked that first one at 7am. Then as we left after two hours I wouldn’t have actually gotten around to booking anymore. So that’s whatever it costs x4 that would be wasted. As we had DAS we managed one ride. But didn’t lose out on anything.

Second example for last year is we were up getting a return time for Guardians and we got a virtual queue and it was a really good time, like one of the first boarding so it was before 9.30am. We were just leaving the villa at 8.10am and it hit me and we couldn’t go (luckily my kids love the villa so they don’t get too disappointed at a pool day)
We eventually managed to get in at around 4.30 and I just explained to the CM under the blue umbrella and as I had DAS she said it was all ok and to go on. It was only just an off chance I asked as I thought it might have just been gone.
This could have gone a little worse though-as in I might not have gotten to the park at all that day.

However if we had of bought genie+ at same time we did the virtual queue at 7am to book a first ride and then not gotten into the park at all that is again “cost x4” wasted. However on DAS I didn’t lose anything.

The only reason I even knew about DAS was after talking to CM in 2019 when I was having to leave and return to a line. They originally suggested it. They didn’t even see the lines/parks I left and just didn’t go back.

It’s not even like we do a lot of actual rides.
I managed 8 days (not full days-max 5.5hrs)
The most DAS I have used in a day was 4. And that was once. There were two days I had 3 DAS. Other day was 1 DAS.
Four of the days were no DAS as they were for Fireworks and I got a virtual queue.

So I’d even be quite happy if they gave me say 4 passes a day.

So those four days I would need extra help on I would have to pay around $100 per day roughly just to manage rides that others can.

The return to queue would only work in certain circumstances as sometimes I need my hubby’s help and I can’t leave 9&8yr old in the line themselves, sometimes I have to leave the park all together.

 

[jlundeen]

So, tell me if I'm way off here, but aren't the DAS users at WDW now (not all, but many) still under the old rules as the new rules for approval went into effect May 20? I realize some folks didn't apply until directly before their trip but a lot of folks register at or around the 30 daymark from their trip.

My friend (non-disabled person) in WDW yesterday was chatting with a ride CM that told him that the LL line was "much less due to the new DAS, so not as many in the lines right now. "

It seems to me that some of the negativity that we are getting is being spread with false assumptions - still - and not just from other guests.

We all need to try to stay positive and support each other in understanding how things will work for us going forward... I know most folks here are in the same boat, but elsewhere, we need to try to stay positive and assume that Disney has our interests at heart, but there will be wrinkles and hurdles...

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

It’s to do with having to leave the park and return windows.

For example I only managed 2 hours in animal kingdom one day before having to leave and also had a rest day the next day. That would have been a waste of genie+ as I would have only booked that first one at 7am. Then as we left after two hours I wouldn’t have actually gotten around to booking anymore. So that’s whatever it costs x4 that would be wasted. As we had DAS we managed one ride. But didn’t lose out on anything.

Second example for last year is we were up getting a return time for Guardians and we got a virtual queue and it was a really good time, like one of the first boarding so it was before 9.30am. We were just leaving the villa at 8.10am and it hit me and we couldn’t go (luckily my kids love the villa so they don’t get too disappointed at a pool day)
We eventually managed to get in at around 4.30 and I just explained to the CM under the blue umbrella and as I had DAS she said it was all ok and to go on. It was only just an off chance I asked as I thought it might have just been gone.
This could have gone a little worse though-as in I might not have gotten to the park at all that day.

However if we had of bought genie+ at same time we did the virtual queue at 7am to book a first ride and then not gotten into the park at all that is again “cost x4” wasted. However on DAS I didn’t lose anything.

The only reason I even knew about DAS was after talking to CM in 2019 when I was having to leave and return to a line. They originally suggested it. They didn’t even see the lines/parks I left and just didn’t go back.

It’s not even like we do a lot of actual rides.
I managed 8 days (not full days-max 5.5hrs)
The most DAS I have used in a day was 4. And that was once. There were two days I had 3 DAS. Other day was 1 DAS.
Four of the days were no DAS as they were for Fireworks and I got a virtual queue.

So I’d even be quite happy if they gave me say 4 passes a day.

So those four days I would need extra help on I would have to pay around $100 per day roughly just to manage rides that others can.

The return to queue would only work in certain circumstances as sometimes I need my hubby’s help and I can’t leave 9&8yr old in the line themselves, sometimes I have to leave the park all together.

Why wouldn’t Disney argue that G+ would have worked for you in all of these circumstances, but you didn’t buy it because you couldn’t justify the cost (a personal decision)?

Why do you think CMs wouldn’t be able to accommodate some kind of return to queue option IF you have an episode where your husband needs to help you and your kids can’t be left alone? I genuinely believe that most CMs want to help give guests a good experience. That’s why so many of us have pixie dust stories about people who went above and beyond.

As someone said above, Disney is drawing a line between maybe/sometimes and always/absolutely.

 

[PrincessV]

So, tell me if I'm way off here, but aren't the DAS users at WDW now (not all, but many) still under the old rules as the new rules for approval went into effect May 20? I realize some folks didn't apply until directly before their trip but a lot of folks register at or around the 30 daymark from their trip.

I’d guess it’s a good mix of old and new rules right now. I’ve seen a good number of people who’ve had DAS in the past only applying in the last week a day or couple days ahead of their trips. A CM I know told me there are plenty of folks showing up at the parks, requesting (trying, anyway) DAS in-person, as they always did before. Had this thread not shown up on the sidebar when I happened to log in a month or so ago, I’d have had NO idea anything was changing: I didn’t previously frequent the DISability section and I’m a local regular at WDW, so I don’t spend time looking at things on WDW’s website - I just book my park reservations and show up. The majority of visitors are not typical DIS planners!

 

[Jrb1979]

So, tell me if I'm way off here, but aren't the DAS users at WDW now (not all, but many) still under the old rules as the new rules for approval went into effect May 20? I realize some folks didn't apply until directly before their trip but a lot of folks register at or around the 30 daymark from their trip.

My friend (non-disabled person) in WDW yesterday was chatting with a ride CM that told him that the LL line was "much less due to the new DAS, so not as many in the lines right now. "

It seems to me that some of the negativity that we are getting is being spread with false assumptions - still - and not just from other guests.

We all need to try to stay positive and support each other in understanding how things will work for us going forward... I know most folks here are in the same boat, but elsewhere, we need to try to stay positive and assume that Disney has our interests at heart, but there will be wrinkles and hurdles...

At the same time it hasn't been that busy the last few weeks. Average wait times has been 60 minutes or less for the major attractions. That could play a part too.

 

[SueM in MN]

I think Disneyland is going to operate a little different and one being the availability of on-site assistance in the Esplanade itself. I would venture that California has laws/regulations in place that the Disney folk deemed it worthy to make this available.

There is a fairly large population of Spanish first language speaking guests that makes sense to have in-person folk to assist with disabilities here and outside to minimize the whole no park reservation issue which is still quite prevalent in DLR unfortunately.

I think one of the other reasons for in-person at Disneyland is the number of people applying for DAS there. I don't know numbers now, but in 2013 during the change over between GAC and DAS, it was reported that Disneyland issued more GACs per day than all 4 of the WDW parks.

This doesn't necessarily mean there was more abuse at DL; one of the main explanations was that DL has more day/short stay visitors than WDW

 

[nalababybear]

I think one of the other reasons for in-person at Disneyland is the number of people applying for DAS there. I don't know numbers now, but in 2013 during the change over between GAC and DAS, it was reported that Disneyland issued more GACs per day than all 4 of the WDW parks.

This doesn't necessarily mean there was more abuse at DL; one of the main explanations was that DL has more day/short stay visitors than WDW

Yes DLR much more local crowd and hence the second language is much more present and typically not repeat population either....hence the continued issue of theme park reservations and other logistical issues . Every time see this at parking and turnstiles.

So having a place in the esplanade really will help folk needing higher attention and not piling up at city hall or turnstiles.

Really don't see high DAS usage either as claimed so much. We are pretty mindful of other parties when we near tap in due to sons own beh issues that's part of his DAS reason, and less than 20% do we have any DAS party near us for those rides clearly attached to DAS...namely stairs

 

[CmdrThor]

I think one of the other reasons for in-person at Disneyland is the number of people applying for DAS there. I don't know numbers now, but in 2013 during the change over between GAC and DAS, it was reported that Disneyland issued more GACs per day than all 4 of the WDW parks.

This doesn't necessarily mean there was more abuse at DL; one of the main explanations was that DL has more day/short stay visitors than WDW

I would assume the fact that Disneyland can have a single location to serve both parks plays a big role. A large part of this move was taking the decision away from Guest Relations CMs which didn't have as extensive training making the decision of whether to issue DAS. At WDW there would need to be a location at every park and it's much easier to just have iPads so guests can call in.

 

[BingoJoe]

It’s to do with having to leave the park and return windows.

For example I only managed 2 hours in animal kingdom one day before having to leave and also had a rest day the next day. That would have been a waste of genie+ as I would have only booked that first one at 7am. Then as we left after two hours I wouldn’t have actually gotten around to booking anymore. So that’s whatever it costs x4 that would be wasted. As we had DAS we managed one ride. But didn’t lose out on anything.

Second example for last year is we were up getting a return time for Guardians and we got a virtual queue and it was a really good time, like one of the first boarding so it was before 9.30am. We were just leaving the villa at 8.10am and it hit me and we couldn’t go (luckily my kids love the villa so they don’t get too disappointed at a pool day)
We eventually managed to get in at around 4.30 and I just explained to the CM under the blue umbrella and as I had DAS she said it was all ok and to go on. It was only just an off chance I asked as I thought it might have just been gone.
This could have gone a little worse though-as in I might not have gotten to the park at all that day.

However if we had of bought genie+ at same time we did the virtual queue at 7am to book a first ride and then not gotten into the park at all that is again “cost x4” wasted. However on DAS I didn’t lose anything.

The only reason I even knew about DAS was after talking to CM in 2019 when I was having to leave and return to a line. They originally suggested it. They didn’t even see the lines/parks I left and just didn’t go back.

It’s not even like we do a lot of actual rides.
I managed 8 days (not full days-max 5.5hrs)
The most DAS I have used in a day was 4. And that was once. There were two days I had 3 DAS. Other day was 1 DAS.
Four of the days were no DAS as they were for Fireworks and I got a virtual queue.

So I’d even be quite happy if they gave me say 4 passes a day.

So those four days I would need extra help on I would have to pay around $100 per day roughly just to manage rides that others can.

The return to queue would only work in certain circumstances as sometimes I need my hubby’s help and I can’t leave 9&8yr old in the line themselves, sometimes I have to leave the park all together.

I think you should find a queue return quite workable. On those occasions where you need to leave the queue with your hubby I am sure the cast members will be able to issue a return time.

I honestly think you don't have much to worry about and will still have a good time.