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

[mistysue]

I think a lot of folk who have been out of physical queues for awhile will be pleasantly surprised how much shorter the wait times are.compared to posted.

They have been artificially elevated for quite some time now. When we travel without our son or ride ones that are no go's for him like incredicoaater and gotg (loves.spins and motion, but not zero g stuff!) , the waits are padded at least 10minutes. 20min if end of the evening.

For the 'just in case' folk, they may gave a better experience with the new official accommodations and once folk get used to it an enforced, the queue experience itself improve with less folk pushing forward

Absolutely agree - I don't think people realize how inflated those return times are. We are usually off the ride and back out front in under the posted wait time the past few years. Obviously there are exceptions, but we've been using the posted wait time as a general rule for when we will be available to move to the next opportunity.

 

[sprem96]

Realistically, they were probably never going to approve an adult with IBS/IBD. I really think this (and other washroom issues) was the biggest bulk of users they wanted to weed out. At this point I would let it go and try to enjoy your trip. I remember you were stressed out leading up to your meeting, making your symptoms worse.

I think you said you’ve used LL/Genie+ in the past with DAS. I bet you’ll do fine, especially as your trip is towards the end of August, so most likely lower crowds. Try the AQR if you find it necessary. But try not to worry ahead of time about how it exactly works. Change is hard, especially if you’ve relied on DAS for a number of years. But I think going forward, even without DAS, you can still have a great time.

forgot to mention, medical expert agreed that Rider Swap was not a viable accommodation for my condition and riding party (myself, wife and 2 kids under 7), he specifically said he does not recommend that accommodation

 

[mhautz]

I used the 10 minutes cool down on 7/4 at DL/DCA. We would scan in and then I would ask Siri to set a 10 minute timer on my watch. I swear it went off during the ride just about every single time. I think by old habit I tried to do one right away and got an error about waiting 10 minutes or not yet being eligible for the next one.

I also would set my ten minutes on my watch and I don’t know how many times it would go off mid-ride. One time my daughter gave me a hard time because I was setting up our next pass when I was supposed to be lowering my lap bar and I delayed us by a couple seconds. LOL

I never confirmed the exact way the ten minutes worked, but I know if I tried after eight or nine minutes it usually erred out. It always worked when my watch buzzed though, so it’s somewhere around precisely 10 minutes.

 

[cat4hurricane]

A little diversion: have you seen that Rise has been running a Single Rider line the last few days? Makes me wonder if there’s a plan to add more Single Rider options to the rides that historically get extra long lines to accommodate solo visitors instead of AQR, since they have no party to wait in SB and meet at the merge. It skips a big chunk of the story, though, so it would be a disappointment for first-time riders. What’s interesting to me, though, is that a third line exists and has existed this whole time - I had no idea! It’s unmarked: a CM has been standing near its entry point with a handheld sign saying Single Riders.

Are there other rides that are set up in a way that could add a Single Rider line like that?

To add to this, apparently some of the CMs said it was done as part of accommodations with the new DAS changes? If so, that would be nice, but I’ve also heard you miss the pre-show and get booted to roughly the middle of the attraction. Seems sort of like a trade off, a super quick wait, but roughly half the attraction gets missed. I know some other rides have Single Rider, and it does make me wonder if some of the more busy rides will get them if they don’t have them already.

I am sort of worried that groups will see that and decide to split up for a shorter wait, but I think ultimately this is a good thing accommodation wise. It lets everyone who can ride the ride, there’s not a huge wait, and you still get to have some of that experience.

 

[preemiemama]

Cross-posting this from the other thread- in case it helps someone and you haven't seen it there...

I will chime in here and agree with speaking to someone before getting in line. We’re here now. DH was denied DAS. Agent told us we could leave/rejoin queue as an accommodation. We have done ok most days with rope drop for early hours, taking a midday break and returning after dinner. We also went to the 2 extended hours parks since we’re DVC. Most waits using those methods have been ok- we’ve not had to leave the line. We’ve aimed for under 30 minutes and been able to manage.

A few notes (other than my previous posts):
We had Genie+ for our DHS full day. It was great at night, but not so much in the morning. Rise was down at rope drop, Slinky’s Genie time was at night and we couldn’t make a time for another until 11am. We accomplished very little before we left for breakfast and were incredibly frustrated. The pm went very smoothly with Genie, though. I’m optimistic the new system will work better for us in that park. (Adding here that we only purchased Genie + that one day.)

DH went to ride Space yesterday am for EE. (I don’t ride it- back issues.). It went down as he was in line. Since he was close enough to the loading point, he was able to flag down a CM. She assured him it was only going to be 5-10 minutes, and found him a quiet place to wait until it was back up "if he could hold on that long". She then let him back in line as soon as it restarted. That was the only instance where we needed an accommodation- and got it.

Wait times are definitely being exaggerated. Almost every line we’ve been in has posted a wait time about double what we’ve actually waited. YMMV- and we’ve not ridden midday, so that may affect things. Routinely in the am and the evening the lines have been half of the posted wait time.

My final point is make sure you talk to a CM before getting in line if you think there will be an issue. The inside parts of the queues have no CMs stationed around from what we’ve experienced all week. Just at entry and load points, typically. So planning an escape route prior to getting in line is a very good idea.

I plan to email once the trip has ended about this specific issue. If the are asking people to try the line and exit if needed, I don't necessarily have an issue with that (for DH's issue, not generically). HOWEVER, if you are asking people to do that I also feel that you (Disney) need to help out and actually have CMs posted in the queues to assist with that. It would also help with guests behaving badly and the loads of trash just thrown around in the queues.

 

[preemiemama]

To add to this, apparently some of the CMs said it was done as part of accommodations with the new DAS changes? If so, that would be nice, but I’ve also heard you miss the pre-show and get booted to roughly the middle of the attraction. Seems sort of like a trade off, a super quick wait, but roughly half the attraction gets missed. I know some other rides have Single Rider, and it does make me wonder if some of the more busy rides will get them if they don’t have them already.

I am sort of worried that groups will see that and decide to split up for a shorter wait, but I think ultimately this is a good thing accommodation wise. It lets everyone who can ride the ride, there’s not a huge wait, and you still get to have some of that experience.

We have not tried this personally, but one of the videos I saw yesterday on Twitter showed the path and it inserts you into the line at the Stormtrooper room. So you basically miss the whole pre-show/story.

 

[cat4hurricane]

We have not tried this personally, but one of the videos I saw yesterday on Twitter showed the path and it inserts you into the line at the Stormtrooper room. So you basically miss the whole pre-show/story.

Awesome, good to know. Still a decent way to experience the ride if that’s the only way it can be done for you, but it does suck that you miss out on the story.

 

[disneyseniors]

If 2 siblings both have needs that would qualify them, they should both be approved the same as if they were 2 individuals from different families who qualified.
I agree there will probably be more scrutiny of the party size and who is part of the group.
There were people before the changes reporting on some Facebook groups that mom, dad and 2 out of 3 of their children registered for DAS, with each having 5 additional guests linked to their DAS. I haven't seen a lot of posts regarding what is happening now in situations where more than one person in a family is approved for DAS, but I think it's likely to be just family.


I don't know exactly what groups/websites Disney is currently monitoring, but I am aware of reports that they do monitor a lot of social media

I agree with disney monitoring groups and websites. I also feel that Disney knew that this would happen and some people would react like this, threatening everything including lawsuits.
I imagine they have had their lawyers examining each and every possibility that would come up. I feel that they have already discussed and analyzed each and every negative outcome that would come from the changes in the DAS, and have legal plans in place.
They would be remiss not to, before they changed the DAS. JMO.

 

[DiznyDiva]

I agree with disney monitoring groups and websites. I also feel that Disney knew that this would happen and some people would react like this, threatening everything including lawsuits.
I imagine they have had their lawyers examining each and every possibility that would come up. I feel that they have already discussed and analyzed each and every negative outcome that would come from the changes in the DAS, and have legal plans in place.
They would be remiss not to, before they changed the DAS. JMO.

I agree, IMO Disney went over everything with very fine tooth comb. I think we all forget that DAS is ABOVE what they have to offer.

Threatening lawsuits is one thing, though I think many forget that there is a part in every lawsuit in regards to harm done where you have to also try to mitigate the harm that could come to you if you can. For instance if you can't stand in the sun, you know this, so you need to visit when the sun is not the highest and maybe even brings UV umbrella or something.... I work really hard to let my child try new things but also to not put her in situations that I know at THIS moment of her life she can't handle yet...

Anyways, those threats happen anytime people who think they are owed something don't receive it (either justified or not), it's the harassing of others and the CM's and out and out lying is where it crosses the lines..and WAY too many have done that lately. I understand the anger, I don't get the nastiness... but that is just me.

Disney is not the only place enow days that accommodations meant for the most disabled of us are being abused... think flying...

 

[OurBigTrip]

Even with DAS, with my Daughter there is a lot of planning and adjusting that has to happen. DAS is a tool ut it doesn't make everything all better. We have found attitude and just being in the moment does wonders.

Have a great trip.

Great point - and there is a ton of planning without DAS as well.

 

[ShaneDJ]

I think we all forget that DAS is ABOVE what they have to offer.

Interesting. Is that the general consensus:

That DAS is so much better than any other accommodation that it has led to the “too much DAS” problem today?

If DAS went away completely, and AQR was the only accommodation for everyone, would that work?

 

[DiznyDiva]

That DAS is so much better than any other accommodation that it has led to the “too much DAS” problem today?

If DAS went away completely, and AQR was the only accommodation for everyone, would that work?

Very tricky question. The ultimate catch 22. No answer is not going to get someone in trouble or accused of being insensitive.

DAS is helpful in many ways, but to explain would give too many ideas on how to play the system.

IMO, DAS lead to many( Not all) people with slight issues that in everyday life that just deal, deciding at Disney, since it was offered. they didn't want to to deal. I think there was a bit of FOMO because all the influencer and websites said if you have this, you HAVE to have DAS too. Regardless if you actually needed it or not. Now people are trained to do Disney with it and can't remember how to not, so it becomes a NEED.

For instance, mobility was NEVER supposed to be part of DAS, but over the last few years it got real lax and then started to tighten this year again. Yet now all those pole who got it, knowing the shouldn't don't want to give it up. So they star yelling its a violation of ADA and discrimination.

Yes, there are many that DO need DAS But, again IMO, that is a very, very small group.

I think that DAS will never go completely away for those who it is NOW serving. But for the rest, will it relax, of course, to the degree it was before, doubtful. The only reason, now those who are angry would be happy DAS went away fro everyone is out of spite.

All IMO and not meant to harm anyone.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Very tricky question. The ultimate catch 22. No answer is not going to get someone in trouble or accused of being insensitive.

DAS is helpful in many ways, but to explain would give too many ideas on how to play the system.

IMO, DAS lead to many( Not all) people with slight issues that in everyday life that just deal, deciding at Disney, since it was offered. they didn't want to to deal. I think there was a bit of FOMO beaus all the influencer and websites said if you have this , you HAVE to have DAS too. Regardless if you actually needed it or not. Now people are trained to do Disney with it and can't remember how to not, so it becomes a NEED.

For instance, mobility was NEVER supposed to be part of DAS, but over the last few years it got real lax and then started to tighten this year again. Yet now all those pole who got it, knowing the shouldn't don't want to give it up. So they star yelling its a violation of ADA and discrimination.

Yes, there are many that DO need DAS But, again IMO, that is a very, very small group.

I think that DAS will never go completely away for those who it is NOW serving. But for the rest, will it relax, of course, to the degree it was before, doubtful. The only reason, now those who are angry would be happy DAS went away fro everyone is out of spite.

All IMO and not meant to harm anyone.

As I read all of the reports of AQR working well, of people able to stand through most lines, etc, I had a similar thought. There is no doubt that having DAS is better than not having DAS - and in no way am I criticizing those who qualified in the past - but clearly there are people who had it and didn’t NEED it (where need is defined as absolutely unable to do the parks in any way, shape, or form without it). For all the flack that Disney is getting, formalizing/expanding the AQR process and making rider swap more broadly available really does make a lot of sense from a park operations perspective.

 

[DiznyDiva]

Great point - and there is a ton of planning without DAS as well.

With mine, it really, really depends on her mood and feelings. We build our day around that. Everyday is different. Some days it's endless pirates and jungle cruise and other days it's both parks. I will never know and that makes even DAS sometimes hard to navigate,

 

[PrincessV]

We have not tried this personally, but one of the videos I saw yesterday on Twitter showed the path and it inserts you into the line at the Stormtrooper room. So you basically miss the whole pre-show/story.

Yep, exactly. Which I’m totally fine with - I’ve been through the full experience enough times and don’t need the story re-told. I do wonder how much time is saved, though… if Single Rider is running 30 minutes when SB is 90, it would still be a problem for me, despite being a lot shorter. My concern is that they decide no AQR provision is available because you can use Single Rider instead, and if that’s not possible for someone, tough luck.

 

[DiznyDiva]

My concern is that they decide no AQR provision is available because you can use Single Rider instead, and if that’s not possible for someone, tough luck.

I would hope this is just another arrow in the quiver so to speak and not a either or.

I think it would go against the whole "different accommodations for different needs thing ' they are trying to do. IF DAS is only one option, then obviously there needs to be many more ideas for those that aren't approved.

I choose to have faith that Disney is trying to do what's right and not just in it for the money as some are screaming.

 

[preemiemama]

Yep, exactly. Which I’m totally fine with - I’ve been through the full experience enough times and don’t need the story re-told. I do wonder how much time is saved, though… if Single Rider is running 30 minutes when SB is 90, it would still be a problem for me, despite being a lot shorter. My concern is that they decide no AQR provision is available because you can use Single Rider instead, and if that’s not possible for someone, tough luck.

DS did both earlier today. Standby was 30 minutes actual wait. Single rider was walk on. Midday today.

 

[sunburnin]

Interesting. Is that the general consensus:

That DAS is so much better than any other accommodation that it has led to the “too much DAS” problem today?

If DAS went away completely, and AQR was the only accommodation for everyone, would that work?

Yes, the old DAS created the problem people are having today. In a sense, they became addicted to the luxury treatment.

Here's what I wrote a few weeks ago:

DAS was far superior to equity.

The baseline is a paid entrance to the park that uses only standby lines and has no access to ILL rides.
Upgrade one, available to everyone for free, is a VQ lottery.
Upgrade two, available to everyone for a cost, is purchasing 1-2 rides using ILL.
Upgrade three, available to everyone for a cost, involves purchasing G+, which adds another 3-5 rides per day for the purchaser.
DAS, free to those who qualified, was much better than G+ for you and your family (see arguments for the last 428 pages).

If it were equity, DAS users would average as many rides as unpaid standby lines.

 

[DiznyDiva]

“To eliminate the agitation and disappointment of desire, we need but awaken to the fact that we have everything we want and need right now.”

Tom Robbins.

 

[jennab]

Very tricky question. The ultimate catch 22. No answer is not going to get someone in trouble or accused of being insensitive.

DAS is helpful in many ways, but to explain would give too many ideas on how to play the system.

IMO, DAS lead to many( Not all) people with slight issues that in everyday life that just deal, deciding at Disney, since it was offered. they didn't want to to deal. I think there was a bit of FOMO because all the influencer and websites said if you have this, you HAVE to have DAS too. Regardless if you actually needed it or not. Now people are trained to do Disney with it and can't remember how to not, so it becomes a NEED.

For instance, mobility was NEVER supposed to be part of DAS, but over the last few years it got real lax and then started to tighten this year again. Yet now all those pole who got it, knowing the shouldn't don't want to give it up. So they star yelling its a violation of ADA and discrimination.

Yes, there are many that DO need DAS But, again IMO, that is a very, very small group.

I think that DAS will never go completely away for those who it is NOW serving. But for the rest, will it relax, of course, to the degree it was before, doubtful. The only reason, now those who are angry would be happy DAS went away fro everyone is out of spite.

All IMO and not meant to harm anyone.

I also think some people would prefer no one be eligible for DAS and it go away completely now that they have lost access…. Sad that some people see it as if they can’t have something then no one should and all should have to suffer. But in reality, not everyone is the same. I do think some should still be eligible but there were a lot that just got used to it and can stand in line some of the times.

As I’ve stated before people (adults) also have to take some responsibility as well. I have a sun allergy and issues with heat (autoimmune). So I try to go right away in the morning, take a break midday, go back out later. I try to stay in the shade as much as possible, reapply sunscreen often, plan things a certain way (outdoors for a bit then indoors). I know going to FL that it is most likely going to be hot and sunny and no one can change that. These are also issues I have to deal with at home every summer or anywhere else I vacation that is sunny.