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

[Yinn]

I don’t know much about DL. Do they have rides that do not have a lightening lane? Or you just mean some of the rides aren’t on G+ and you have to purchase a LL for them? If the second, that is the same at WDW.

I'm more familiar with WDW but when I was at DL, they seemed to have more rides that don't have LL than rides that do.

DAS was a lifesaver there and was often directed to enter through the exit as there was no dedicated LL available.

 

[jennab]

I'm more familiar with WDW but when I was at DL, they seemed to have more rides that don't have LL than rides that do.

DAS was a lifesaver there and was often directed to enter through the exit as there was no dedicated LL available.

Oh interesting. So maybe that’s part of the AQR at DL, checking with the CM at the ride entrance and asking what to do. They might have more options.

 

[Yinn]

Oh interesting. So maybe that’s part of the AQR at DL, checking with the CM at the ride entrance and asking what to do. They might have more options.

That would be my assumption. For anyone who used Riders Swap in the past, I would imagine it's similar to that.

That said, AQR still concerns me a bit - mostly after you're already in line. While we were there, there was an instance where we decided not to use DAS as the line for space mountain was a low enough displayed time (and currently wouldn't be eligible, but AQR eligible) It ended up being wrong and we needed to step out of line, we left half our party in line and half stepped out to address the issue. Upon returning, the CM had no way of reuniting us with our party. They told us that it's best if we just locate our party at the exit (ie, sorry you're going to miss this ride) That was disappointing to us and after a little back and forth we were allowed to push through to find our party - it was the most awkward thing ever to push past people and repeatedly apologize that I'm just trying to locate my party. I eventually called ahead and told the other half "Just stay where you are and let the line through pls, I've already pushed past so many people"

I'm hoping since AQR is official, they have figured out a way to solve it. But to me it's more of a concern at DL than WDW. During our time there, we saw SOOOO many people trying to cut lines. We saw people literally walk around LL entrances while the CMs were distracted. We saw folks cutting up through exits, it was pretty bad during our week there. In contrast we've never seen rider swap or line cutting as an issue at WDW...

 

[Angel Ariel]

I don’t know much about DL. Do they have rides that do not have a lightening lane? Or you just mean some of the rides aren’t on G+ and you have to purchase a LL for them? If the second, that is the same at WDW.

Many rides have no lightning lane, especially in fantasyland (which has more rides than WDW's fantasyland also). (Keep in mind that Disneyland's 2 parks have as many attractions as WDW's 4 parks)

 

[jennab]

That would be my assumption. For anyone who used Riders Swap in the past, I would imagine it's similar to that.

That said, AQR still concerns me a bit - mostly after you're already in line. While we were there, there was an instance where we decided not to use DAS as the line for space mountain was a low enough displayed time (and currently wouldn't be eligible, but AQR eligible) It ended up being wrong and we needed to step out of line, we left half our party in line and half stepped out to address the issue. Upon returning, the CM had no way of reuniting us with our party. They told us that it's best if we just locate our party at the exit (ie, sorry you're going to miss this ride) That was disappointing to us and after a little back and forth we were allowed to push through to find our party - it was the most awkward thing ever to push past people and repeatedly apologize that I'm just trying to locate my party. I eventually called ahead and told the other half "Just stay where you are and let the line through pls, I've already pushed past so many people"

I'm hoping since AQR is official, they have figured out a way to solve it. But to me it's more of a concern at DL than WDW. During our time there, we saw SOOOO many people trying to cut lines. We saw people literally walk around LL entrances while the CMs were distracted. We saw folks cutting up through exits, it was pretty bad during our week there. In contrast we've never seen rider swap or line cutting as an issue at WDW...

Was this before the DAS change? I thought they were supposed to have you go through the LL (or another way) to meet up with your party in that situation?

 

[DiznyDiva]

It is most of Fantasyland that does not have lightening lanes. Jungle cruise also doesn't have one.I think everything else has been or is being modified to have them.

CLARIFICATION BY MODERATOR: This is in reference to Disneyland, not WDW

 

[Yinn]

Was this before the DAS change? I thought they were supposed to have you go through the LL (or another way) to meet up with your party in that situation?

Yes it was prior to DAS change, I expect it to be better post DAS change.

That's normally our experience as well was we would come back through LL, but in this case (space mountain) our party was already past the merge point when we needed to leave. So by the time we came back..it was a mess.

 

[2tinkerbell]

I don’t know much about DL. Do they have rides that do not have a lightening lane? Or you just mean some of the rides aren’t on G+ and you have to purchase a LL for them? If the second, that is the same at WDW.

There are some rides that do not have a lightening lane.

I am not sure how AQR would work when there is no lightening lane or merge points.

Disneyland has many rides, mainly all of Fantasyland, that do not have lightening lanes. With DAS we utilize the exits. The Storybook Canal, Mr Toad’s Wild Ride, and Peter Pan are really difficult queues for my DD. We try hard to rope drop so the wait times are lower.

 

[lanejudy]

@Yinn does

I am not sure how AQR would work when there is no lightening lane or merge points.

I expect it is done using the exit at attractions without a LL. But I haven’t seen any first-hand reports confirming that.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I'm bringing this over from DAS approval/denial thread:

For now, wait, be polite, sincere, expect nothing, demand nothing, and be honest and if the CM is defensive or seems angry, then deescalate.

I think the issue that is really baffling to me is the inconsistency among the CM's at Disneyland, especially as it relates to this new DAS process.

I agree with you about demeanor of the CMs as I know some posters have written that type of interactions they've had which is unfortunate. In person there may be a difference too in DL and WDW CMs just based on the different parks (speaking towards a few of your comments on the other thread). I know when we went to DL one of the things we noticed is that it was set up more for locals who just know things, signage for instance didn't feel as robust as WDW.

Ideally in a customer service position you have to be able to separate out what is going on with the customer but there are also times where it is going to directly impact the interaction. And ideally the CM on the call should be the one to deescalate but I think you're right to mention sometimes the caller may end up being the one to bring it back to the core discussion if things slide off.

Your first comment I quoted and a few others on the other thread I didn't quote were IMO good advice. Obviously in the moment nerves and worry as well as how the CM interacts with you can interact. However the CM on the other line is not the enemy in the end and you're right that Disney doesn't owe people anything although I'd preface that with considerations towards ADA discussions. Both of those can be a huge difference in how someone may interact with a CM on the call when discussing their situation. Intaking what other accommodations that may be offered to them in lieu of (or in some cases combination with DAS like seeking other places when an issue arises) DAS can also be a huge difference even though in the moment may be difficult to hear.

 

[DiznyDiva]

Weird Question.

So before when you applied, DAS didn't start until the day you checked into the park. I mean if it started the day you signed up you could potentially waste a whole month as you could call up to 30 days before.

Now I am seeing all kinds of info that is form he moment you call, which would not make sense, but who knows.

We applied about two weeks before we were supposed to go, but Kiddo got sick, so we cancelled and out next trip is for D23. It showed up immediately in my app, like it always has. So does that mean form the date for call?

 

[jennab]

Weird Question.

So before when you applied, DAS didn't start until the day you checked into the park. I mean if it started the day you signed up you could potentially waste a whole month as you could call up to 30 days before.

Now I am seeing all kinds of info that is form he moment you call, which would not make sense, but who knows.

We applied about two weeks before we were supposed to go, but Kiddo got sick, so we cancelled and out next trip is for D23. It showed up immediately in my app, like it always has. So does that mean form the date for call?

Was there more than a 30 day lapse (or 120 days if AP) between your original trip and new trip? If so, then you may need to reapply. Someone else mentioned they had to because of the rescheduled trip.

 

[DiznyDiva]

Was there more than a 30 day lapse (or 120 days if AP) between your original trip and new trip? If so, then you may need to reapply. Someone else mentioned they had to because of the rescheduled trip.

Original trip was on 16 of this month. Couldn't go. Next trip is in August for D23. Just trying to figure out end date.

 

[lanejudy]

Original trip was on 16 of this month. Couldn't go. Next trip is in August for D23. Just trying to figure out end date.

Assuming this is DLR - did you pre-register before or after the changes on June 18th for the July trip? If before, expect the DAS to expire before your Aug. trip.

If after June 18th - do you have MKs or regular tickets? MK should be valid; regular ticket may need a new DAS registration.

 

[DiznyDiva]

Assuming this is DLR - did you pre-register before or after the changes on June 18th for the July trip? If before, expect the DAS to expire before your Aug. trip.

If after June 18th - do you have MKs or regular tickets? MK should be valid; regular ticket may need a new DAS registration.

Yes, Disneyland.

Registered on July 6th. MK.

So trying to figure out when the first day is and when it expires. Does the 120 start the day of thirst reservation(which was July 16) for the Day we sign in(which will Be August 10th for D23))?

 

[SueM in MN]

Yes, Disneyland.

Registered on July 6th. MK.

So trying to figure out when the first day is and when it expires. Does the 120 start the day of thirst reservation(which was July 16) for the Day we sign in(which will Be August 10th for D23))?

People have reported being able to find out the date of their DAS expiration by asking in the chat inside the app. I haven't done it, so don't know for sure, but I've read other people have been able to

 

[lovethattink]

People have reported being able to find out the date of their DAS expiration by asking in the chat inside the app. I haven't done it, so don't know for sure, but I've read other people have been able to

The CM we talked to gave the date at the interview.

 

[MinnieMSue]

People have reported being able to find out the date of their DAS expiration by asking in the chat inside the app. I haven't done it, so don't know for sure, but I've read other people have been able to

When I had a DAS I was able to ask in chat for the expiration of it.

 

[SueM in MN]

The CM we talked to gave the date at the interview.

Yes. The CM has told us at interview too, but not everyone writes it down

 

[StarLime]

I’ve been following this thread since the beginning, but haven’t kept up with replies for the past month or so.

Just catching up some now - it’s baffling to me that people are being told by cast members the new DAS is only for developmental disabilities, while I see others being approved for other medical conditions. You’d think by now, information wouldn’t be so murky. I was planning on going this fall and applying for DAS due to several heart conditions. I hope I’d have a clearer picture by now if I’d get approved or not, but I’m still as confused now as I was at the beginning.