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

[AJA]

thank you both.

So at MK, we have gone on Buzz, small world, etc, at 11 get SSE for 6. Then at 1 , can I get Nemo at 6:45 and at 3, listen to the land at 7 and 5 get Soaring at 7:30.....of course just guessing at times. Just seeing if rides can occur that close.

The only ride that will be harder to get I think will be Remi.

But chances are, after doing the rides without Remi, we will be done and go back to resort.

Yes exactly

A Former DAS only user might be surprised that they can scan in to one ride (say Nemo) then immediately make another return for Spaceship Earth, walk right to it and get in the LL. -They are use to the stand-by time maybe being 30 minutes so they have to wait out that time.

Headliner Rides do take some planning.

For those trying Genie+ for the first time (especially all adults) it may be better to go with a mindset that some headliner rides might be skipped this trip. It would lesson the stress you put on yourself regarding G+. You might surprise yourself and be a pro after the first few hours or it might take a few days for a learning curve. Either way you WILL get plenty of rides and the headliner rides aren’t going anywhere, they will still be there on your next trip.

The horror stories you hear on social media about G+ and just getting 1-2 rides, they are either at MK on Christmas Day or it’s user error.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

The horror stories you hear on social media about G+ and just getting 1-2 rides, they are either at MK on Christmas Day or it’s user error.

To be fair Genie+ as it is now isn't what it started off being. Disney added their disclaimer to their website as a response to how Genie+ was when they first came out with it when there was pre-purchasing of it rather than strictly only day of, when you couldn't modify Genie+ return times, when it wasn't able to sell out, when there wasn't an option to purchase a park hopper Genie+ option, when park reservations were in play for everyone.

I wouldn't say it's either user error or MK on Christmas day either even today but would say that often when people post (whether here or on other social media) there often isn't the full story. Just like with FP+ there are strategies involved in Genie+ so some of it comes down to the time of day someone wants their return time to be. I would say just like with FP+ the later you want that return time OR the later a return time is (if speaking about high demand times or attractions) the harder it would become to get subsequent selections just because of the time limitation Disney places on when you can get your next selection and all this combines with what attractions you're wanting to use Genie+ and ILL for. User error often implies incompetence and while I do think sometimes there are errors people are making other times it's just how does Genie+ and ILL work with the way they tour (which for enough posters here on this thread is a main reason why there is apprehension about using it). I still think people would want to give it a go if for no other reason than the product Genie+ is now is much better in its flexibility than it was when it was first released.

 

[AJA]

To be fair Genie+ as it is now isn't what it started off being. Disney added their disclaimer to their website as a response to how Genie+ was when they first came out with it when there was pre-purchasing of it rather than strictly only day of, when you couldn't modify Genie+ return times, when it wasn't able to sell out, when there wasn't an option to purchase a park hopper Genie+ option, when park reservations were in play for everyone.

I wouldn't say it's either user error or MK on Christmas day either even today but would say that often when people post (whether here or on other social media) there often isn't the full story. Just like with FP+ there are strategies involved in Genie+ so some of it comes down to the time of day someone wants their return time to be. I would say just like with FP+ the later you want that return time OR the later a return time is (if speaking about high demand times or attractions) the harder it would become to get subsequent selections just because of the time limitation Disney places on when you can get your next selection and all this combines with what attractions you're wanting to use Genie+ and ILL for. User error often implies incompetence and while I do think sometimes there are errors people are making other times it's just how does Genie+ and ILL work with the way they tour (which for enough posters here on this thread is a main reason why there is apprehension about using it). I still think people would want to give it a go if for no other reason than the product Genie+ is now is much better in its flexibility than it was when it was first released.

I did use it the way it was when it was first released. You couldn’t modify. Besides wanting headliner rides or having to have a ride at an exact time, there is No Way you could only pull 2 rides in the entire day. Yes it would be a total lack of understanding something you purchased or “user error” even under its original rules.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I did use it the way it was when it was first released. You couldn’t modify. Besides wanting headliner rides or having to have a ride at an exact time, there is No Way you could only pull 2 rides in the entire day. Yes it would be a total lack of understanding something you purchased or “user error” even under its original rules.

I think we need to be more understanding here. You need to look at it through the eyes of other people rather just your own experience.

When you say there is no way...that is looking at through the way you tour. Not the way others could. It is possible for someone to only have gotten a few rides at most not due to user error but because the return times they wanted were later in the day. Just like FP+ strategy was primarily spoken about when someone looked to park hop to another park in the last half of the day, the availability of FP+ options were typically less as opposed to someone who used their FP+ selections earlier in the day. Essentially it was a trade off. I did make it a point to say often the full story isn't told because I think that's the truth, people may say they only got a handful of rides and leave it open to criticism of Genie+/ILL when it may have just been because of their touring style; usually there's important stuff missing from the conversation but leaping to user error seems rather judgy.

Basically let's be kinder about talking about user error. It really doesn't help someone understand how to use the product never mind on a thread where enough posters are very apprehensive about using Genie+ and ILL. I do think all the talk about possible park plans or putting in writing how a scenario might play out helps, not basically telling people if you could only get a few rides it's your fault. Disney's system doesn't work perfectly for everyone

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

And Universal does pay to play and no one is raking them over the coals for it. (Deluxe resorts and paid Express Passes)

I agree with this although people do talk a LOT about how expensive Universal's system is but they usually don't get into comparing the two products. Comparing them is hard though because Disney's system and Universal's system function differently.

Universal's Express Pass comes in two options 1) Once through 2) Unlimited (which is the version that Premier resorts come with). Both of these options allow people to just walk up to the EP line and enter it whenever they want.

I def. agree that when cost is in the conversation Universal's option on the surface is going to stand out like a sore thumb. However, for the posters posting about that open window aspect of DAS when compared to Genie+ that is accomplished with Universal's EP system. So if a person who didn't qualify for Universal's assistive program (just a hypothetical here) and opted for Universal's EP system and had the issue with uncertainty about when they could make it back that just isn't an issue with how Universal's system operates.

Someone still can make the conversation about how they feel they got the value out of it (especially since cost of Genie+ has been spoken about enough on this thread) but in terms of the product that main concern of that window of return time is non-existent at Universal with their EP product.

But at the core yes Universal has long had a pay to play but it's system is also much more flexible than anything Disney has come out with so there might be more positive talk about it, less focus on the cost, especially with people who need that flexibility for one reason or another.

 

[nalababybear]

People experience the park in different ways. Yes, there a rather large population that favors rides most efficiently and effectively to maximize rides within the hours of the park opening to close......that's probably not the majority of folk here

More folk tend to finish a land and move on to the next simply because of physical logistics. G+ certainly helpmwith that too by coordinating the e ticket ride with smaller rides afterwards, it just takes a bit of learning in the G+ for many utilize it's potential. Most wdw are not professional theme park goers.

That is why many wdw goers who need/want to plan continue to have challenged with G+ value.

At dlr we had max pass for several years which is the predecessor to G+....many locales loved it for the evening passes for them since it was truly unlimited and included rides like radiator springs.

Yes G+ will at least get anyone 2 rides in. It can potentially get 15+ too. It's a paid option that folk here can supplement their experience irrespective of DAS or any other accommodations.

 

[PrincessV]

I know we’re drifting from the topic some, but I’ll 2nd @Mackenzie Click-Mickelson on how much easier is Universal’s EP to use. I never had it because it was WAY out of my budget, but that was also before I started having problems with lines, and we worked around long wait times for my son by visiting in the evenings, when wait times tend to plunge over there.

But. Thanks to a pretty amazing deal for FL residents, I recently went for the FL AP with EP included after 4pm… and oh my, I am very spoiled now! I giggle a little every time I waltz into a EP queue because it’s so stupidly simple. No planning, no prioritizing, just show up and you’re in! Worth every single penny.

If WDW offered “free” G+ in the evenings for a slightly more expensive AP, would I go for it? IDK… because G+ still requires the planning and prioritizing and time fiddling with my phone. That has much less value to me for how I like to visit a park. TBH so does DAS to a lesser degree.

 

[disneyseniors]

Off-topic for this thread, however just to note you agreed to not participate in a class action lawsuit when you accepted the terms of doing the video chat. There has been more discussion on that matter in the other thread.

I feel that Disney knew exactly what would happen legally when they changed the DAS. They aren't dumb and have a lot of lawyers who I imagine looked closely at all of this before it was introduced. They would have checked all the boxes on what is legally allowed by them and required. They knew there would be pushback from this change and I bet they are fully prepared for whatever comes.

 

[prettypatchesmsu]

We typically buy Genie+ at 6:50am or whatever.
7am: book your first LL then buy whatever ILLs you want for the day (optional)

>> next step depends on when park opens and when the first ride is. For the sake of arguments let’s assume park opens at 9am.

Your next LL can be booked 2 hours after park opens OR as soon as you tap into your LL. So let’s say that you got an early slot for Jungle Cruise. As soon as you tap in you would book Pirates or Haunted Mansion, which likely have immediate returns. Once you get off Jungle Cruise your window for your next ride should be available. If you wanted to do Flying Carpets you can SB that on the way over. After tapping into Pirates/Haunted, pick your next ride. Repeat until you need to leave the parks.

Depending on what your priorities are, you’ll need to make some decisions about which rides you select. The most popular ones are going to fill faster (so the return times are later), while some of the lesser rides may have near-immediate returns for quite a while. If you don’t get your first return time until noon, for example, then you would probably want to wait to go to the parks for a bit and book your next LL at 11am (2 hours after park opens), and then you will have 2 ready to go once you get to the parks.

Or if you wanted to do a couple of the more popular rides, you may end up wanting to target going in the afternoon, so you’d book at 7am, 11am, 1pm, and even 3pm. Keep modifying the time slots to get to your preferred start time, but you’d have 4 rides ready to go the minute you walk into the park, and the ability to continue to book less popular rides as you go along.

One more thought about "worth it" or not. It’s an extremely personal decision, but I would almost always choose to have it and figure out another place to cut the $25 out of my daily budget than not have it and have to stand in lines. Genie+ is roughly the cost of one quick serve, or two trips to Starbucks. It isn’t a big deal for me to make a sandwich back at the hotel and bring snacks, and I have become a lot more selective about the food stalls during festivals. I also don’t buy that many souvenirs after so many trips. I don’t “deprive” myself in any way, but there are definitely ways that I can still have a great trip AND try to avoid standing in lines, which is something that just isn’t worth my very limited vacation time.

Thanks for this. I think this is the best explanation I’ve seen of how to handle Genie+ bookings.

I loved FP+ because it was easy to understand and manage. With Genie+ if feels like a lot of effort to manage and remember all this, and actually do it all. My disabilities, limit me mentally and the parks are exhausting enough. We don’t go early to the parks, sleep in some as we typically do later nights if possible. So I wouldn’t be doing anything at 7am, maybe up at 9am, and in parks around noon. I understand you can also edit and move your times with genie+, but again that seems like a lot of work. I try to enjoy the parks atmosphere and take it all in. I don’t think I’d enjoy being on my phone that much managing everything. It’d just increase me being overwhelmed. We hardly ever even get on the the virtual queues as I can never remember to do it, I miss the 7am and the in park one I always miss even with an alarm set. My husband could also never do all this, he’s really not good with this stuff at all and I do our Disney app stuff etc. I’ve bought some ILLs a few times, but I don’t thing Genie+ is for us. I think it’d be a waste of money for us. I’m glad it works for some though. I’m just never going to be an adequate user of any of this stuff.

 

[jo-jo]

Thanks for this. I think this is the best explanation I’ve seen of how to handle Genie+ bookings.

I loved FP+ because it was easy to understand and manage. With Genie+ if feels like a lot of effort to manage and remember all this, and actually do it all. My disabilities, limit me mentally and the parks are exhausting enough. We don’t go early to the parks, sleep in some as we typically do later nights if possible. So I wouldn’t be doing anything at 7am, maybe up at 9am, and in parks around noon. I understand you can also edit and move your times with genie+, but again that seems like a lot of work. I try to enjoy the parks atmosphere and take it all in. I don’t think I’d enjoy being on my phone that much managing everything. It’d just increase me being overwhelmed. We hardly ever even get on the the virtual queues as I can never remember to do it, I miss the 7am and the in park one I always miss even with an alarm set. My husband could also never do all this, he’s really not good with this stuff at all and I do our Disney app stuff etc. I’ve bought some ILLs a few times, but I don’t thing Genie+ is for us. I think it’d be a waste of money for us. I’m glad it works for some though. I’m just never going to be an adequate user of any of this stuff.

I fully intend to ask DD for help. When there were FP, she would hunt for them for us.

I also think it could work for us because we do mostly low key rides. Not like slinky dog that runs out in 3 seconds.

 

[Unity]

definitely gotta agree with Universal's system being much more flexible.

The first time we got the Universal's pass, I didn't completely understand what we had gotten. I thought it was for three rides only and I was stressed out of the wazoo. I didn't ever use it before as the last time I had been to Universal Orlando at that was roughly seven years ago to that time.

Then I learned it was for any ride at any time [the regular one without repeats]. Suddenly, the stress left me like a balloon. I didn't have to worry about that. Nor did I have to worry about working around return time windows, or times we wanted to eat, and could explore details of the park without that worry being constantly at the back of my mind. Instead when we wanted to go on a ride... we just went to the EP line!

Not to mention not having to hop across the park for the best rides. We could circle and meander around the park without fearing we're losing out on this or that ride.

And for those who have people who only want to go on one ride? I'm sure it is a dream come true. And it is available to all who pay for it!

It is IMO a much better upgrade purchase than Genie+ from what I know about the latter.

 

[Yinn]

Why can't you walk through the line with your daughter's assistance?

I paused on your comment, and I truly hope it was genuine as it can be seen ana insensitive.

We can ask “Why can’t you___?” For any of the disabilities on here.

I have never been legally blind - I’ve always been able to correct my vision to a point where I can see. But at no distance can I see the letter E without correction and navigating life in that manner - assisted or not - is not easy.

I’ll treat your question as genuine, and I’ve had to experience some of this myself when I lost my glasses on a ride.

Someone else can certainly guide me as we walk. General guidance is easy, they can point me left, right, let me know when the line moves. They can even take my arm and walk side by side - if the line is wide enough, they aren’t always.

What the other person will generally struggle to do is pay attention to the smaller details - because they don’t have to live with it. Small ledges, the gems, rocks, textures that Disney builds into the queue are now all obstacles.

Let’s assume they do pay attention, there’s a pacing issue. Orientation when sound is clear is easier. In a crowded environment, especially in the caves where it echos, it can be more difficult. (Not to mention sensory overload/exhaustion) We’ll move at the slower pace, and as nice as some folks are - others can be downright rude. Pushing past, making comments, even if it’ll take us an hour to get to the same place.

We’re also assuming that we’re not bumping into other people in the repeated stop and go.

So, is it possible? Technically yes. But unless you understand it, it’s a proposal that can be as insensitive as suggesting someone with IBS wear diapers…just my 2 cents.

 

[lanejudy]

Your right. It’s not really what I wanted to hear as it kind of makes me feel like people don’t understand but that’s fine. Most people don’t, same as there’s lots of others I don’t understand how they affect people either. I also hope for my sake I qualify as currently I am on the fence with Disney as to even bother going back and trying.

I wouldn't say people here don't understand your situation -- in fact I believe there are many posters facing a similar dilemma. Folks here are trying to offer suggestions to consider. DAS worked really well for your needs, but it's Disney who has decided they will only grant DAS for a limited set of specific needs. Disney has drawn the line in the sand. There is a large number of former DAS-holders who now have to adjust their usual touring which includes deciding whether paid options might be "worth" the expense for their party. That will be a personal decision and might be different even for individuals with very similar disability needs. No right or wrong, we'll each make our own decisions about how we react to the changes Disney has put into place.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I paused on your comment, and I truly hope it was genuine as it can be seen ana insensitive.

We can ask “Why can’t you___?” For any of the disabilities on here.

I have never been legally blind - I’ve always been able to correct my vision to a point where I can see. But at no distance can I see the letter E without correction and navigating life in that manner - assisted or not - is not easy.

I’ll treat your question as genuine, and I’ve had to experience some of this myself when I lost my glasses on a ride.

Someone else can certainly guide me as we walk. General guidance is easy, they can point me left, right, let me know when the line moves. They can even take my arm and walk side by side - if the line is wide enough, they aren’t always.

What the other person will generally struggle to do is pay attention to the smaller details - because they don’t have to live with it. Small ledges, the gems, rocks, textures that Disney builds into the queue are now all obstacles.

Let’s assume they do pay attention, there’s a pacing issue. Orientation when sound is clear is easier. In a crowded environment, especially in the caves where it echos, it can be more difficult. (Not to mention sensory overload/exhaustion) We’ll move at the slower pace, and as nice as some folks are - others can be downright rude. Pushing past, making comments, even if it’ll take us an hour to get to the same place.

We’re also assuming that we’re not bumping into other people in the repeated stop and go.

So, is it possible? Technically yes. But unless you understand it, it’s a proposal that can be as insensitive as suggesting someone with IBS wear diapers…just my 2 cents.

It was a genuine question, and your concern is noted.

And to be clear, there is nothing wrong with suggesting that someone with IBS wear diapers (as a backup) either, IMO. No different than suggesting that someone who has issues with heat consider a cooling vest, or someone with sensory issues wear ear protectors of some sort. Anything that someone can do to mitigate their disability on their own, or with assistance from companions, should be done, IMO.

 

[Yinn]

It was a genuine question, and your concern is noted.

And to be clear, there is nothing wrong with suggesting that someone with IBS wear diapers (as a backup) either, IMO. No different than suggesting that someone who has issues with heat consider a cooling vest, or someone with sensory issues wear ear protectors of some sort. Anything that someone can do to mitigate their disability on their own, or with assistance from companions, should be done, IMO.

That is true but it’s all context, some folks are embarrassed with it, others are not. Everyone is in a different headspace.

I’ve recently come to terms with using a mobility device, something common but I still feel a sense of literal embarrassment when using it. Why? Not sure. But I have no problems using my glasses which are aiding my vision.

Sense I do not make.

 

[OurBigTrip]

That is true but it’s all context, some folks are embarrassed with it, others are not. Everyone is in a different headspace.

I’ve recently come to terms with using a mobility device, something common but I still feel a sense of literal embarrassment when using it. Why? Not sure. But I have no problems using my glasses which are aiding my vision.

Sense I do not make.

I do get that people are embarrassed or uncomfortable with some things that they are or should be doing in order to accommodate their own disability to the greatest degree possible, but I would also say that it is the responsibility of all to do so.

Nearly everyone in my nuclear family has one or more conditions that are classified as disabilities under the ADA, but thanks in no small part to the tips & tricks picked up here on the disABILITIES discussion board, we've been able to continue our Disney trips without any Disney-provided accommodations because my family members do everything within their power to accommodate themselves. My sister has used DAS for the past few years due to her Chron's, but now that she knows she'll be able to leave the line and return, or that we can wait and she can join (depends on what the CM at the attractions suggest), she's not even going to apply for DAS.

I fully realize that not everyone with disabilities, even with the same disabilities that my family members have, can manage as we have - every person is different. But at the bare minimum, everyone should at least be trying to accommodate themselves as much as possible. Based on what I've seen here and in other groups to which I belong, there are many, many guests who see DAS as the first resort, rather than the last, and with the changes that Disney is implementing, that just isn't going to work anymore.

 

[fairy8i8]

But at the core yes Universal has long had a pay to play but it's system is also much more flexible than anything Disney has come out with so there might be more positive talk about it, less focus on the cost, especially with people who need that flexibility for one reason or ananother.

definitely gotta agree with Universal's system being much more flexible.

It is IMO a much better upgrade purchase than Genie+ from what I know about the latter.

I can attest to how awesome unlimited EP is at Universal. We stayed on property, and even though we got their disability pass, we found we didn't need it because waits were only 3-5 minutes in the EP line mid-November. However, I will caution that during really busy times, their system breaks down worse than LL. I had a friend go the week of New Years this year, and EP lines were only half the wait of the regular line- meaning a 3 hour standby line got you a 1.5 hour EP line, so if you really need shorter line waits, be careful when you go.

 

[dbriggsq]

I would be extremely surprised if Disney decided to include “high risk for bad outcomes from communicable diseases” as DAS qualifying for several reasons. The ones that immediately spring to mind include:

• It’s an easy claim to fake (they are trying to eliminate this category in general, it seems).
• Avoiding pre-LL crowded lines does nothing to help you avoid post-merge lines (which are almost always more likely to be indoors is even tighter spaces) or disease exposure on the ride itself.
• There is no law requiring crowded amusement spaces to provide safe access for immunocompromised individuals (since it is functionally impossible) and the last thing Disney needs is to be seen as trying to encourage high risk individuals to spend a higher ratio of time indoors to outdoors. I think the answer is “talk to your doctor and decide what precautions are necessary for your condition at a crowded amusement park”— which may be don’t go and may be wear a N95.
• There’s a tort law principle that if you try to help someone and screw up, you can have greater liability than if you did nothing. I think we can all imagine someone losing an immunocompromised loved one and trying to sue Disney saying “you gave us DAS knowing my child had no white blood cells and she came to the park and caught [x] and died.”

There are probably other reasons but these were the ones that spring to mind.

To the first point

I would be extremely surprised if Disney decided to include “high risk for bad outcomes from communicable diseases” as DAS qualifying for several reasons. The ones that immediately spring to mind include:

• It’s an easy claim to fake (they are trying to eliminate this category in general, it seems).
• Avoiding pre-LL crowded lines does nothing to help you avoid post-merge lines (which are almost always more likely to be indoors is even tighter spaces) or disease exposure on the ride itself.
• There is no law requiring crowded amusement spaces to provide safe access for immunocompromised individuals (since it is functionally impossible) and the last thing Disney needs is to be seen as trying to encourage high risk individuals to spend a higher ratio of time indoors to outdoors. I think the answer is “talk to your doctor and decide what precautions are necessary for your condition at a crowded amusement park”— which may be don’t go and may be wear a N95.
• There’s a tort law principle that if you try to help someone and screw up, you can have greater liability than if you did nothing. I think we can all imagine someone losing an immunocompromised loved one and trying to sue Disney saying “you gave us DAS knowing my child had no white blood cells and she came to the park and caught [x] and died.”

There are probably other reasons but these were the ones that spring to mind.

To the first point - yes that’s true and if they don’t start requesting doctors‘s letters this will continue. Anyone legitimately claiming a need for DAS would be more than happy to provide this rather than experience the stressful lottery that exists at the moment.
Secondly, using some common sense it’s possible to mitigate the worst of possible infection opportunities and DAS would be part of this.
Your other argument would apply to anyone they grant DAS to and then has an unfortunate outcome so with this logistic they wouldn’t grant DAS to anyone.

 

[SueM in MN]

To the first point

To the first point - yes that’s true and if they don’t start requesting doctors‘s letters this will continue. Anyone legitimately claiming a need for DAS would be more than happy to provide this rather than experience the stressful lottery that exists at the moment.
Secondly, using some common sense it’s possible to mitigate the worst of possible infection opportunities and DAS would be part of this.
Your other argument would apply to anyone they grant DAS to and then has an unfortunate outcome so with this logistic they wouldn’t grant DAS to anyone.

Providing proof doesn't really get rid of fakers like people think it will. People who think it will point to the what Universal is doing.
The company used by Universal is NOT a third party medical group. It's a marketing group that started out providing certification for ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis for Autism) providers. From that, they got into Autism Certification of facilities/theme parks, etc. and that led to registration of people with autism to receive some of the services at the facilities they certified, which led into their current registration program.

Just requiring documentation doesn't mean less abuse. Honest people will give honest proof and ask for the amount of access they need.
Dishonest people will come up with ways to fake documentation and will lie or exaggerate their access needs.
There are 'rent-a-doctors' who will pretty write whatever someone wants for a price and there are people who will make their own fake documents.
The system used by Universal for documentation doesn't appear to be very robust. Many of the things they accept don't say anything about needs in a theme park queue (for example, handicapped parking permit or National Park Access Pass) and the 'requested accommodations' are filled out by the person, not verified by documentation.
Also, I've read a lot of reports from people who got temporary approval within an hour or less of submission and final approval soon after. So, pretty much just rubber stamping that the document exists.
There are a lot of people who say anyone who is 'really disabled' would provide documentation, so those who don't must be faking. Many of us COULD provide documentation, but don't want to share with a marketing company with no medical background.

 

[dbriggsq]

Providing proof doesn't really get rid of fakers like people think it will. People who think it will point to the what Universal is doing.
The company used by Universal is NOT a third party medical group. It's a marketing group that started out providing certification for ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis for Autism) providers. From that, they got into Autism Certification of facilities/theme parks, etc. and that led to registration of people with autism to receive some of the services at the facilities they certified, which led into their current registration program.

Just requiring documentation doesn't mean less abuse. Honest people will give honest proof and ask for the amount of access they need.
Dishonest people will come up with ways to fake documentation and will lie or exaggerate their access needs.
There are 'rent-a-doctors' who will pretty write whatever someone wants for a price and there are people who will make their own fake documents.
The system used by Universal for documentation doesn't appear to be very robust. Many of the things they accept don't say anything about needs in a theme park queue (for example, handicapped parking permit or National Park Access Pass) and the 'requested accommodations' are filled out by the person, not verified by documentation.
Also, I've read a lot of reports from people who got temporary approval within an hour or less of submission and final approval soon after. So, pretty much just rubber stamping that the document exists.
There are a lot of people who say anyone who is 'really disabled' would provide documentation, so those who don't must be faking. Many of us COULD provide documentation, but don't want to share with a marketing company with no medical background.

So what is the solution for people who actually need it when the system seems to be a lottery with people with no medical knowledge making arbitrary decisions