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

[DiznyDiva]

This would be interesting…. I feel like they won’t do it though because what if someone has a trip in 30 days then tries the new accommodations and don’t work while there so wants to call back?

Good question. Though there is no guarantee even saying the accommodations don't work for them will get an approval. Maybe they do the length different ly for MK and single tickets?

 

[MinnieMSue]

I know because so MANY of them are all over the Internet saying they calling back day after day after, never stepping foot into the parks. They are not hiding that they are literally calling back the same day over and over and telling others to do so.

Being accepted at different parks, by Disability and whatever means nothing to Disney. DAS is not something that is required. There are accommodations. If Disney suddenly got rid of DAS, then what? I suspect because then no body can have it, those people would suddenly find ways to adapt.

I have sympathy and compassion too. I also have a some concerns for those who have such extreme panic attacks, PTSD, and other issues how they handle being stuck on rides, long LL for return DAS, Parades, crowds, dinning and anything lse at a huge, loud, overstimulating, smelly amusement park. I don't believe they are being realistic to what DAs really does. And those who so immune compromised.. but DAS suddenly protects them?

I feel for people and the money they have spent....I do believe Disney should rerun any unused Magic Keys and any other travel. Then if they continue to come that is up to them to plan how to navigate the parks. I don't have compassion for those that instigate with lies and half trues just to sir up trouble and encourage others to confront and record CMs.

Not sure about making people wait 120 days to reapply. I called a couple of weeks ago and panicked and never told the guy anything at all except stutter nonsense. He politely explained return to queue. I decided to call back Sunday and told the person about how I panicked and wanted to actually explain my issues if I could. She and the medical professional listened and asked a lot of questions and approved the DAS. But I suppose that could have changed in the last couple of days. IDK if whatever record they keep collaborated the fact that I couldn’t really talk to him the first time. I have heard people are repeatedly calling which is unfortunate. I was nervous about calling back but figured it couldn’t hurt. No way I would have called any more though.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Newest change? Have seen screenshots and reports on multiple pages.

People now have to wait 120 days to reapply? Honestly, this makes sense to me and if confirmed and done by all CMs, good change. It gives those who have been denied a cooling off period to reassess and actually try the other accommodations. It also gives Disney time to really nail down it rules for the new program going forward, so all the inconsistencies stop.

Most of all it stops all those on Facebook and Tik Tok from endlessly calling back and encouraging others to do it as well. That is where much of the"CM was mean and rude to me " comes from. They keep trying and trying and getting angrier and angrier, making their stories more and more outlandish.

Folks with disabilities other than cognitive are seriously out of luck. Cool off and reassess while sitting in your hotel room after spending thousands of dollars. Meanwhile the new mom with PPD qualifies. I am NOT making this up! It's insulting to demean, blame and minimize those with real needs who are being declined under the new qualifications.

Having disabilities is a struggle. Trying to live a "normal" life can be very challenging and embarrassing. This is especially difficult when others put you down for not being able to physically adapt to the ever changing guidelines. Blaming and shaming these ''guests'' isn't okay.

 

[DiznyDiva]

Folks with disabilities other than cognitive are seriously out of luck. Cool off and reassess while sitting in your hotel room after spending thousands of dollars. Meanwhile the new mom with PPD qualifies. I am NOT making this up! It's insulting to demean, blame and minimize those with real needs who are being declined under the new qualifications.

Having disabilities is a struggle. Trying to live a "normal" life can be very challenging and embarrassing. This is especially difficult when others put you down for not being able to physically adapt to the ever changing guidelines. Blaming and shaming these ''guests'' isn't okay.

That is not and never has been what I am or feeling. Please don't speak for me. It is not shaming or blaming to ask people to go through the interviews. Nor is it to say some don't qualify. No one said you are making it up, but your experience is not the only one out there....Some needs are real and some where never meant to qualify because the DAS got too lax. Sooner or later it was always going to have to tighten up. Mobility was never meant to be included.

Curious since I had PPD, how does that prevent you from standing in ride lines only?

EVEN with DAS most will end up back in there rooms having to reassess and cool off.. because there are no only 20 minute straight to ride, anti anxiety places in the park. Disney is not a right and it is their decision to go to it knowing they could flare and will flare. DAs only works in ride lines so what about everywhere else in the parks???

My Kiddo doesn't try to live a "norma"l life. She lives her life. Normal is subjective to those who choose to go by that label. We end up many times leaving early, skipping lines, or just cooling off and we also make sure to never let it affect the family trip because we are prepared and we let her lead which gives her power over her day. Is she disappointed ..sure.. but we always have plan A.B . and C. Any trip can be salvaged.... well okay not maybe not the one where she threw up all over the Disneyland Hotel

 

[DiznyDiva]

Not sure about making people wait 120 days to reapply. I called a couple of weeks ago and panicked and never told the guy anything at all except stutter nonsense. He politely explained return to queue. I decided to call back Sunday and told the person about how I panicked and wanted to actually explain my issues if I could. She and the medical professional listened and asked a lot of questions and approved the DAS. But I suppose that could have changed in the last couple of days. IDK if whatever record they keep collaborated the fact that I couldn’t really talk to him the first time. I have heard people are repeatedly calling which is unfortunate. I was nervous about calling back but figured it couldn’t hurt. No way I would have called any more though.

I am so happy for you. If my kiddo was alone, I am sure that would have been her. She is fine once she gets going, but starting usually pretty rocky.

From what I can ge they keep brief records. The knew how long she has had it and for what for when I called. They also had noted That she doesn't talk and I have done the talking.

Have an awesome trip

 

[TLSnell1981]

That is not and never has been what I am or feeling. Please don't speak for me. It is not shaming or blaming to ask people to go through the interviews. Nor is it to say some don't qualify. No one said you are not making it up, but your experience is not the only one out there....Some needs are real and some where never meant to qualify because the DAS got to lax. Sooner or later it was always going have to tighten up. Mobility was never meant to be included.

Curious since I had PPD, how does that prevent you from standing in ride lines only?

EVEN with DAS most will end up back in there rooms having to reassess and cool off.. because there are no only 20 minute straight to ride, anti anxiety places in the park. Disney is not a right and it is their decision to go to it knowing they could flare and will flare. DAs only works in ride lines so what about everywhere else in the parks???

My Kiddo doesn't try to live a "norma"l life. She lives her life. Normal is subjective to those who choose to go by that label.

I have no idea why the woman with PPD was accepted other than it is a cognitive issue.

Sitting in your room and not touring with your family works for you. We cool down are reassess while having a nice TS meal. Transportation to/from parks/hotels can be a bit challenging ...running around the park hoping an alternative option is available is too. Again this works for you but not everyone. The latter is now left out.

Correct DAS was never meant for ''just mobility'' Although for many it's often multiple diagnoses...one being mobility. It is condescending at best to criticize those who are now left behind. Knowing a system was in place to enable you to participate in a ''normal'' way was empowering. It's a hard realization knowing you no longer have that option.

 

[ShaneDJ]

...running around the park hoping an alternative option is available.

An alternative option IS available: AQR

You just don’t like it.

 

[TLSnell1981]

An alternative option IS available: AQR

You just don’t like it.

I guess you know my limits and abilities better than I do. You've made this determination on a message board. This may be part of the issue with determining needs via video chat.

 

[DiznyDiva]

Correct DAS was never meant for ''just mobility'' Although for many it's often multiple diagnoses...one being mobility. It is condescending at best to criticize those who are now left behind.

DAS was never made for mobility period. There are other accommodations. No-one is left behind. Das like the MK always change and will again. It's a choice to eat this destroy your life to the point of tears and panic attacks or take your money elsewhere if you feel you can't do the parks they way they are presented.

Being critical or asking questions is not condescending or any other term you want to use. Please stop accusing others have having malice. No one is feeling superior, when giving an honest opinion.

 

[TLSnell1981]

DAS was never made for mobility period. There are other accommodations. No-one is left behind. Das like the MK always change and will again. It's a choice to eat this destroy your life to the point of tears and panic attacks or take your money elsewhere if you feel you can't do the parks they way they are presented.

Being critical or asking questions is not condescending or any other term you want to use. Please stop accusing others have having malice. No one is feeling superior, when giving an honest opinion.

I didn't say it was for mobility issues. All disabilities aren't visible ...a bit more complex in many instances. Perhaps you misread my post? Ironically If I cried and had panic attacks I'd be approved for DAS under the new guidelines. Although I reluctantly and sadly choose to take my money and family elsewhere.

 

[DiznyDiva]

I didn't say it was for mobility issues. All disabilities aren't visible ...a bit more complex in many instances. Perhaps you misread my post? Ironically If I cried and had panic attacks I'd be approved for DAS under the new guidelines. Although I reluctantly and sadly choose to take my money and family elsewhere.

I understand more than you know about invisible disabilities. And yes they are very complex.

However, you just proved the point on why DAS had to change. Just SAYING you have panic attacks should not be reason for DAS. Nor should being upset because you have to explain. It should be more complicated to get it and it should have a much smaller pool.

I hope you are happy where ever you choose to spend you money.

Night.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Ironically If I cried and had panic attacks I'd be approved for DAS under the new guidelines. .

Wow. Just wow. You just did the very thing you have been arguing against - lumping everyone with panic attacks in the same group. And it’s not even true. Lots of people with panic disorders or GAD have posted being denied.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

@TLSnell1981 - it sounds like your family (or friends) have a very challenging situation - a mom with multiple disabilities and a child with oxygen. What you haven’t shared, and perhaps it is because the mods don’t want you to, is how those disabilities prevents them from waiting in line. Would it be easier not to have to? Of course! And admittedly I know very little about what being in oxygen entails, but in the surface it’s hard to envision why someone on oxygen couldn’t wait in line the same way they would wait elsewhere. So if there is something about the situation that Disney doesn’t seem to be understanding perhaps you might spend some time think about what barriers they have that are not obvious, and that might help to have better conversations with the CMs on the phone and in the parks. Otherwise, it may just take time to reframe how Disney will work (or not work) for that family.

As an aside there is a trip that my daughter really wants to take her brother on, but the way that she is envisioning said trip would drive him up the wall. So mentally this morning I was making a plan for how I could “divide and conquer” so that both kids get the trip that they would most enjoy, involving a mix of “all of us” time and “one on one/special time” with each child. Being at Disney is really no different.

 

[LilyWDW]

I didn't say it was for mobility issues. All disabilities aren't visible ...a bit more complex in many instances. Perhaps you misread my post? Ironically If I cried and had panic attacks I'd be approved for DAS under the new guidelines. Although I reluctantly and sadly choose to take my money and family elsewhere.

Wow... just wow. To belittle people with depression and panic attacks really doesn't help. We know you are upset. We know you don't like what has been decided. That's fine. That's understandable (mostly). But to belittle the challenges of others is just not right. I hope you rethink that.

- someone who has had a panic attack in a line at Disney due to sensory issues and feeling trapped

 

[TLSnell1981]

@TLSnell1981 - it sounds like your family (or friends) have a very challenging situation - a mom with multiple disabilities and a child with oxygen. What you haven’t shared, and perhaps it is because the mods don’t want you to, is how those disabilities prevents them from waiting in line. Would it be easier not to have to? Of course! And admittedly I know very little about what being in oxygen entails, but in the surface it’s hard to envision why someone on oxygen couldn’t wait in line the same way they would wait elsewhere. So if there is something about the situation that Disney doesn’t seem to be understanding perhaps you might spend some time think about what barriers they have that are not obvious, and that might help to have better conversations with the CMs on the phone and in the parks. Otherwise, it may just take time to reframe how Disney will work (or not work) for that family.

As an aside there is a trip that my daughter really wants to take her brother on, but the way that she is envisioning said trip would drive him up the wall. So mentally this morning I was making a plan for how I could “divide and conquer” so that both kids get the trip that they would most enjoy, involving a mix of “all of us” time and “one on one/special time” with each child. Being at Disney is really no different.

It's not as simple as making it easier or not ''wanting'' to try. You know your abilities and limitations. Disney isn't worth negatively affecting one's health or risking injury. I know this person articulated the multiple issues that affected the need for accommodations. The CM on video chat stated DAS is now strictly for cognitive issues i.e. autism, ADHD or anxiety. I will not put myself or my family through what they experienced. I'm not spending a small fortune to be miserable.

We love to travel and do so frequently. It involves a bit of research but I have a plan in place with the tools to make it work. Most are supportive and accommodating...others not so much.

 

[lanejudy]

Just a reminder that here on the disABILITIES Forum we try to be supportive of ALL disabilities without pointing one as "more deserving" or "less" disabled. Sometimes by our own experiences we may not necessarily understand another disability, but that doesn't make it any less disabling to the individuals dealing with it.


Each party will make their own determination whether or not they feel the changes to DAS impact their vacations enough to cancel. That is entirely everyone's right. Disney vacations are expensive; if it starts out stressful with poor expectations, it probably will be a waste of money and not the best of vacations. Everyone deserves to enjoy their vacations however that works for them. Personal choices.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Just a reminder that here on the disABILITIES Forum we try to be supportive of ALL disabilities without pointing one as "more deserving" or "less" disabled. Sometimes by our own experiences we may not necessarily understand another disability, but that doesn't make it any less disabling to the individuals dealing with it.


Each party will make their own determination whether or not they feel the changes to DAS impact their vacations enough to cancel. That is entirely everyone's right. Disney vacations are expensive; if it starts out stressful with poor expectations, it probably will be a waste of money and not the best of vacations. Everyone deserves to enjoy their vacations however that works for them. Personal choices

I've been on these boards for a long while. Many know I have family members with different challenges including developmental and/or cognitive. My response was strictly in reference to the comment directed towards me specifically. I would NEVER diminish another's struggles or tell them how to feel.

 

[nalababybear]

I've been on these boards for a long while. Many know I have family members with different challenges including developmental and/or cognitive. My response was strictly in reference to the comment directed towards me specifically. I would NEVER diminish another's struggles or tell them how to feel.

You have Inadvertently though while lamenting your situation which itself is very difficult. Folk are just pointing that out.

Many families with disabilities are trying to navigate this change and determine best course of action for their families. Some stay, some move on and close their chapter with Disney.

 

[jlundeen]

Just a data point about from my Bounceback trip for next April (note: you can only make changes or cancel a BB by calling, can't do it online.)

During the call, the CM was very friendly, and once she found the reservation, she asked for a reason she could enter, and suggested "change of plans?". I told her that she could use that, but also mentioned that my real reason was due to the changes of the Disabiity Access rules. She was very sympathetic and said that while she could not enter that into her notes, that she had had many people canceling trips, and that I should be sure and send Guest Services an email expaining how this new system affects me. I told her that I had heard many reports that people who had done that only received canned form letters in response. She said not to be put off by that response, and assured me that each email was read, and passed on to appropriated departments. She said that there were many that she knew about who were frustrated like me, and that Disney needed to hear from us.

So... not saying this is true or not, but if you have something that you want Disney to at least hear, here's the address again. Who knows, maybe if enough voices are heard, additional changes will happen.

Guest.Services@Disneyworld.com (I hope this is correct...I was trying to write while doing three other things at the same time)

Just a followup on this... I'm not looking for response or opinions on this, just wanted to add a data point to our knowledge about the new program.

On Monday I wrote an email to Guest.Services@Disneyworld.com and told them my thoughts. I worked on this message for hours, making sure I outlined my thoughts in a way that wasn't just grievance, but emphasized my long term love and nostalgia of Disney that started as a child in the 1950's and 1960's. I also talked about how over the years, even with inevitable changes, we were still able to find joy and magic in our trips, even when my issues started impacting our plans.

I mentioned that I had been an AP holder for several years, a stockholder, and made at least one cross-country trip (often more than that) a year with friends and family, and we had always been able to find ways of feeling that magic we loved. When my issues got to be a factor, I found the DAS program, and qualified for several trips starting when interviews were at the park and you had to get a ride time at the attraction location. But since the new Access Accommodations went into effect, I felt that for me, knowing my limatations and also being very familiar with the attraction queues, the magic that had burned, has gone out. Also, that what always had been clearly an icon of entertainment, offering “more and better” than the others in the industry, now, in the eyes of many of us is not “more” or “better” than any other organization – and seems to be instead looking only at the bottom line.

I told them that I had canceled my 2 upcoming trips, and will be letting my AP lapse, and for the near future at least, we will be traveling to other locations which can still accommodate our needs and are more worth it to us at our ages.

I immediately got the canned form letter - "Thank you for contacting us...." reply. This morning, I received the expected longer, and just as plastic, form letter stating no more than what the website says... Even though I knew it was coming, it still kind of puts the final nail in this.

So, I think the Disney Chapter is over, at least for the foreseeable future. Our limited time and money will be spent elsewhere.

 

[TLSnell1981]

As lanejudy mentioned, the child doesn't have to be there for the discussion.
If they allowed a parent to submit a photo, I have no doubt that some people would figure out ways to cheat.

The Disney DAS information used to say the person being registered for DAS had to be present at least to be introduced and have their photo taken if approved.
Now, it just says 'must be present during the video call'

This is disheartening. Although I like to believe the best in people and I believe most are honest. Seeing first hand who is being denied...actually cutoff before explaining their needs is distressing. Are there really that many who are trying to gain the system?

I wonder if COVID has had an effect. It's triggered multiple issues in otherwise healthy individuals. So many have been affected long term.

Curious.. is this also affecting Make A Wish?