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

[fla4fun]

Disney does not prohibit these. Additionally it's not a "suggestion" people are coming up with, it's something a person with a visual impairment may use, meaning it's not like someone on the DIS is suddenly suggesting something that isn't already being done. To even think about it like a person with a visual impairment is out there hitting children is insensitive to say the least and makes me wonder if you've seen these actually being used or are just assuming how someone would use it (which if I'm thinking the better out of people I would think more this).

I have seen at least one person using one of these on every trip. They are more common in the parks than people realize.

 

[Ms Bibbidi]

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[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Well yes if I knew I was going into the park late then stacking is fine. The problem being that I don’t know if I will be going. I could book and stack them all day and still not be able to go- hence the waste of $100 ish.

So no for what your saying about the two hours, looking at how it all works and speaking to others about genie+ then I would have booked a ride at 7am, hopefully for an early return time. But then I can’t book another until the park has been open two hours which is when we left. So unless what these people have been telling me is wrong then that particular day I would have gotten 1 ride from genie and that’s IF I had a return time before 10am.

I use these as examples as they happen often. I don’t spend long in the parks

I know you don’t want to hear this, but you not spending long in the parks does not entitle you to DAS. And it’s up to you to decide if you think that you will be well enough to go into the parks on a given day when you are making the decision about whether Genie+ is worth it for that day. The good news is that you don’t have to buy it every day. You can, for example, plan to use it every other day and use the “off” days as mostly rest days.

For your sake I hope that you qualify. But if you don’t, the Genie+ option is not nearly as bad as you are making it out to be.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

I would have booked a ride at 7am, hopefully for an early return time. But then I can’t book another until the park has been open two hours which is when we left.

Why would you wait 2hrs before getting your next return time? You can book the next ride as soon as you've used the first one.

 

[lanejudy]

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 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.

Actually, it wasn't because of DAS that you were allowed to use the Guardians VQ late; only TRON is strict on VQ returns. At GotG they allow anyone to enter the queue any time after the boarding group has been called. So this example is a non-issue when it comes to DAS.

As we are all still leaving the queue is this not the same as DAS but with the cast member actually just issuing it. Sounds like 2019 when we went to the blue umbrella

No, it isn't the same as the old manual DAS. It's Attraction Queue Re-entry (AQR) and I don't believe you would all be leaving the queue. Unless you need your husband and children to assist you, they remain in the queue while you exit to take care of your disability. Then you rejoin them -- most likely via the LL.

 

[lanejudy]

I think there is a misunderstanding circulating that Disney just took the digital app based DAS 1 program and handed the authority to the CMs at the individual attraction. I do not think that is true.

You are correct, and I've pointed this out several times earlier in this same thread. Attraction Queue Re-entry is NOT the same as DAS (old DAS, manual DAS, etc.).

Attraction Queue Re-entry (AQR) is granted once someone enters the queue and subsequently informs a CM of the need to leave the queue. Generally speaking your party will remain in the queue -- there may be some exceptions to this for individuals needing assistance and/or those with a single adult and young children. The procedure to re-enter/re-join your party may vary somewhat based on the attraction but will usually involve using the LL to meet up at the merge point so the party can ride together. AQR may involve a "return time" but not necessarily.


Now just a little clarification on DAS... DAS started in 2013 replacing GAC. At that time it was intended that limited individuals would qualify. Other needs were instructed to ask at the attraction. Over time, more and more people were granted DAS for a variety of "needs" to avoid the queue. DAS in 2013 was a paper card with handwritten return times equal to the posted standby minus 10 minutes. It wasn't long (2015?) before DAS was connected to your ticket digitally but still the same program. In 2021 pre-registration started and DAS shifted into MDE where parties could select the Return Time instead of going to the attraction or blue umbrella, but still DAS as a program worked essentially the same way. DAS today still works essentially the same way -- posted standby minus 10 minutes. DAS as an accommodation has really not changed; who qualifies for DAS is now tightened up considerably but DAS is still the same base accommodation it has been since inception in 2013.

Disney has now made public information about other accommodations available -- namely that is the Attraction Queue Re-entry but also highlighting other tools/services/accommodations that may work for a disabled individual and their traveling party. These are not restricted in who can access or use the accommodations; it's available to anyone. No need to "qualify" -- thus the statements to ask at the attraction because specific procedures may vary a bit based on attraction and the situation at the time. CMs at the attractions are quite capable of explaining and providing direction for these procedures and in most cases they have already been in use.

 

[lanejudy]

And when they probe a toddler?
I think people need to think about their suggestions in terms of being in a queue vs normal daily tasks.

I'm not sure what you are picturing as "probe" but the PP was referring to a very traditional device used by those who are blind or visually impaired. Since we are an international group here, possibly it is known by a different term in your area -- it might be referred to as a white cane, a long cane, a probing cane, etc. It's internationally recognized as a symbol of vision impairment.

 

[SueM in MN]

I'm not sure what you are picturing as "probe" but the PP was referring to a very traditional device used by those who are blind or visually impaired. Since we are an international group here, possibly it is known by a different term in your area -- it might be referred to as a white cane, a long cane, a probing cane, etc. It's internationally recognized as a symbol of vision impairment.

Exactly.
It's a cane used by a blind or visually impaired person to 'feel' their path. The cane is almost always in contact with the ground, either sweeping or tapping. This video shows a blind person probing with their white cane.
Link to Video about white cane awareness

 

[jo-jo]

I know you don’t want to hear this, but you not spending long in the parks does not entitle you to DAS. And it’s up to you to decide if you think that you will be well enough to go into the parks on a given day when you are making the decision about whether Genie+ is worth it for that day. The good news is that you don’t have to buy it every day. You can, for example, plan to use it every other day and use the “off” days as mostly rest days.

For your sake I hope that you qualify. But if you don’t, the Genie+ option is not nearly as bad as you are making it out to be.

I’m assuming we won’t get das, and looking at buying genie plus a few days.

But at 7 am, DH is hardly ever awake. Can’t buy it the night before…..who knows what kind of night he’ll have , and for sure I’m not waking him up to ask how he feels.

Does genie plus sell out on any days beside holidays? Probably wouldn’t buy it until 8 or so. But would be looking at mostly low key rides and try the early evening stacking.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

I’m assuming we won’t get das, and looking at buying genie plus a few days.

But at 7 am, DH is hardly ever awake. Can’t buy it the night before…..who knows what kind of night he’ll have , and for sure I’m not waking him up to ask how he feels.

Does genie plus sell out on any days beside holidays? Probably wouldn’t buy it until 8 or so. But would be looking at mostly low key rides and try the early evening stacking.

Genie+ rarely sold out except for extremely crowded days. You can buy it starting at midnight the night before, IIRC, but that won’t help you if you need to see how your husband is feeling before booking. You cannot start booking rides until 7am the morning of.

If you are looking for low key rides hopefully it won’t matter if you aren’t logged in exactly at 7am. For headliners, it can be a different story.

You *should* be able to book at 8am and then beginning 2 hours after park open, but don’t quote me on that one. We are among the ones that have multiple alarms set just in case. Booking Genie+ rides has kind of become a game.

One other thought - is it just the 2 of you or is your party larger? If he isn’t having a good day does everyone stay behind or just him? Because if others will be going to the parks regardless of how he is feeling, you may want to start at 7am anyway, and then just write off the cost of his Genie+ if he ends up not using it.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Exactly.
It's a cane used by a blind or visually impaired person to 'feel' their path. The cane is almost always in contact with the ground, either sweeping or tapping. This video shows a blind person probing with their white cane.
Link to Video about white cane awareness

I had a blind coworker for a few years in NYC. She managed quite well for most situations because (even in NY) people were respectful about getting out of her way, but when it was extremely crowded she might ask to take someone’s arm for a little bit. It was never a big deal to help her for a few minutes until she could manage on her own again. I imagine that someone with a visually impaired family member would be used to that, if needs be.

 

[fairy8i8]

I’m assuming we won’t get das, and looking at buying genie plus a few days.

But at 7 am, DH is hardly ever awake. Can’t buy it the night before…..who knows what kind of night he’ll have , and for sure I’m not waking him up to ask how he feels.

Does genie plus sell out on any days beside holidays? Probably wouldn’t buy it until 8 or so. But would be looking at mostly low key rides and try the early evening stacking.

Even when it sells out, it doesn't sell out until 10am on those days, so you shouldn't have a problem. 7am is only important if you want a VQ or the most popular rides, especially if you want earlier times in the day. However, I think for some rides, there are additional drops of LL times, so maybe look those up so you know when they are and can pick up a LL during the day. Also, you can get another time either 2 hours after park opening OR after you tap in both points for your first LL ride, whichever comes first.

 

[jo-jo]

Genie+ rarely sold out except for extremely crowded days. You can buy it starting at midnight the night before, IIRC, but that won’t help you if you need to see how your husband is feeling before booking. You cannot start booking rides until 7am the morning of.

If you are looking for low key rides hopefully it won’t matter if you aren’t logged in exactly at 7am. For headliners, it can be a different story.

You *should* be able to book at 8am and then beginning 2 hours after park open, but don’t quote me on that one. We are among the ones that have multiple alarms set just in case. Booking Genie+ rides has kind of become a game.

One other thought - is it just the 2 of you or is your party larger? If he isn’t having a good day does everyone stay behind or just him? Because if others will be going to the parks regardless of how he is feeling, you may want to start at 7am anyway, and then just write off the cost of his Genie+ if he ends up not using it.

Just 2.

If we were a larger group, we would stay behind.

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

I’m assuming we won’t get das, and looking at buying genie plus a few days.

But at 7 am, DH is hardly ever awake. Can’t buy it the night before…..who knows what kind of night he’ll have , and for sure I’m not waking him up to ask how he feels.

Does genie plus sell out on any days beside holidays? Probably wouldn’t buy it until 8 or so. But would be looking at mostly low key rides and try the early evening stacking.

Unless you are trying to get the few headliners that frequently sell out, if you are stacking for later in the day, there is no penalty to waiting until shortly before park open to buy and reserve for your first LL. Ex: for a 9AM park open, if you book at 7AM or 8:58, it makes no difference, your next LL will be available at 11:00. Then you pick the next one at 1:00, 3:00, etc. in the meantime you modify your original suggestions back to a start time that you plan to be in the park (and I try to line them up geographically so we aren’t zigzagging the parks).

I’m actually unsure how the timing works if you start at AK on a 7AM park open day—I don’t think you can get your first LL until 7 either way and your next one is 9? Does anybody know? And what happens if you switch parks for your second LL? Haven’t tried G+ since they started allowing park hopping earlier in the day.

 

[Ms Bibbidi]

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[HashberryOTG]

having to agree to not be part of class action in order to be considered to receive legally required accommodations based on Ada access; that is laughably not going to hold up in court.

Actually, it's likely to hold up just fine. Just as everyone here is happy to point out, everyone is different. Every situation is different. Disney agrees with this by not offering a blanket type of solution. Because everyone is different, a class action becomes incredibly complicated, and would actually could result in the case being weaker for the individuals.

 

[OurBigTrip]

Actually, it's likely to hold up just fine. Just as everyone here is happy to point out, everyone is different. Every situation is different. Disney agrees with this by not offering a blanket type of solution. Because everyone is different, a class action becomes incredibly complicated, and would actually could result in the case being weaker for the individuals.

Yep - I'm pretty sure that the last lawsuit Disney won regarding accessibility (lasted from 2014 - ~2022) was dozens of individual lawsuits rather than a class action. IIRC, when Disney won the first one, the remaining ones were dropped.

 

[PrincessV]

Yes HA.

Fair assessment!

I understand what you are thinking, though and it will be helpful to the community. I think you should use your DAS like normal and ask the CMs how their AQR process works when you encounter them throughout the queue. i.e. CMs at entry scan, merge, ride load, etc. Just tell them you are curious if you don't get a DAS in the future, as this is all new. It would be helpful to hear if they are consistent for that ride and to also hear what differences you find from ride to ride.

The thing is, others have asked CMs at the attractions how it would work and gotten vague, hypothetical answers. My aim was to actually put AQR for a solo visitor into action. For the good of the group, but also because if it will work for me, I won’t be worried about DAS the next time around. Which I could explain to a CM if they ask why I’m not using DAS, I’m realizing as I type this.

 

[dbriggsq]

I know you don’t want to hear this, but you not spending long in the parks does not entitle you to DAS. And it’s up to you to decide if you think that you will be well enough to go into the parks on a given day when you are making the decision about whether Genie+ is worth it for that day. The good news is that you don’t have to buy it every day. You can, for example, plan to use it every other day and use the “off” days as mostly rest days.

For your sake I hope that you qualify. But if you don’t, the Genie+ option is not nearly as bad as you are making it out to be.

No, if it’s a ‘choice’not to spend more than a couple of hours in the parks that’s obviously not a reason for DAS. But if your medical condition means that you can’t spend more than 2/3 hours that’s a different matter. You still pay the same entrance fee, Genie+ is a waste of money for a couple of hours. With a chronic medical condition it can be impossible to predict how one will be feeling the next day, or even later that day.
I still think it’s not reasonable to tell people who should qualify for DAS to buy G+. Genie+ should be a choice not a necessity

 

[OurBigTrip]

No, if it’s a ‘choice’not to spend more than a couple of hours in the parks that’s obviously not a reason for DAS. But if your medical condition means that you can’t spend more than 2/3 hours that’s a different matter. You still pay the same entrance fee, Genie+ is a waste of money for a couple of hours. With a chronic medical condition it can be impossible to predict how one will be feeling the next day, or even later that day.
I still think it’s not reasonable to tell people who should qualify for DAS to buy G+. Genie+ should be a choice not a necessity

It's really not a different matter though - the DAS was never intended as a way to get stuff done in a shorter period of time. How long someone can spend in the park is irrelevant to disability accommodations. I do agree that if you can only spend a couple of hours in the park, Genie+ probably isn't worth it.