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

[mistysue]

There is no Pollyanna approach or remedy. Two weeks ago we were planning a fall break at Disney. It's all come to an abrupt end. I'm sad and my family is disappointed. I am very aware of my limitations and capabilities. It's no longer doable or a vacation much less a ''magical experience''. So as you stated...moving on, dumping my DVC and eating the eight grand I spent two months ago on annual passes is my only option at this point. No nudge but a swift kick in the gut to do what's ''best''.

I'm sorry this is what you are experiencing. We have had disappointing times. Maybe while you still own the DVC you can enjoy some of the other locations - like Hilton Head or checking out Aulani? Who knows, perhaps things will change and an accommodation that meets your expectations may come about.

 

[Disneylover99]

Focus on rides with short standby lines? Occasionally buy LLMP or ILL? The cost of doing that seems relatively small in comparison to the $8k that might otherwise be wasted.

For sure.

And if you can do rope drop or park closing you’re sure to walk on at least a few rides without the need of a DAS. Bonus!

I really can’t understand when someone says they’ve had DAS for years, and even with DAS they’re lucky if they can go on 2 to 3 rides a day. But if they can’t get DAS, they’re done. If that’s the case, then rides really were never a priority anyways. I think people should just try to do Disney differently. Set a new plan.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I really can’t understand when someone says they’ve had DAS for years, and even with DAS they’re lucky if they can go on 2 to 3 rides a day. But if they can’t get DAS, they’re done. If that’s the case, then rides really were never a priority anyways. I think people should just try to do Disney differently. Set a new plan.

We don't have to understand why something may be the straw that broke the camel's back for someone else. @TLSnell1981 has made it pretty clear what their decision is - and that's their right. As is being frustrated, sad [insert any feeling] at feeling like that call has to be made. We don't have to understand it to accept and support the decision, rather than question it and say the person should just do xyz instead.


@SueM in MN has shared posts making it pretty clear we aren't supposed to be commenting like "well, this works for me, so it should for you" but, honestly, it feels like that's been happening a lot the last couple of pages.

 

[sunburnin]

Now I understand Disney's approach in refusing to accommodate some needs/disabilities. Thank you for simplifying their position.

This is false, and you know it. Accommodating needs is much different from accommodating wants. Disney offers many accommodation options, despite your "want" to get VIP treatment.

 

[Disneylover99]

We don't have to understand why something may be the straw that broke the camel's back for someone else. @TLSnell1981 has made it pretty clear what their decision is - and that's their right. As is being frustrated, sad [insert any feeling] at feeling like that call has to be made. We don't have to understand it to accept and support the decision, rather than question it and say the person should just do xyz instead.

I get that it’s not for us to understand. But when people are adamant they are not going back simply because they no longer qualify for DAS, I don’t think there is anything wrong with questioning it or trying to offer alternatives, especially when they just bought annual passes.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I'm sorry this is what you are experiencing. We have had disappointing times. Maybe while you still own the DVC you can enjoy some of the other locations - like Hilton Head or checking out Aulani? Who knows, perhaps things will change and an accommodation that meets your expectations may come about.

My DISer friend went to Aulani for the first time using their DVC points last year and LOVED it!

We went to Hawaii back in 2016 and while we didn't stay at Aulani we did go there as a day guest exploring a bit having lunch, it is pretty.

It's a bit off topic for year but just want to say I agree with you about a more resort trip, it could be at one of the other locations OR they could go back to Disney and do just a resort focused trip on the first one back after the changes. Understandably if Disney brings up too many feelings then like you mentioned trying one of the other ones could be a possibility.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I get that it’s not for us to understand. But when people are adamant they are not going back simply because they no longer qualify for DAS, I don’t think there is anything wrong with questioning it or trying to offer alternatives, especially when they just bought annual passes.

IMO, it's respectful to ask if they're interested in further ideas that can help rather than assume that they are. It gives agency to the person to decide if they're in a place to be able to hear those suggestions or not.

 

[Stitchlover2024]

They are denying even people who have autism

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

They are denying even people who have autism

Seeing as how DAS is about needs, not diagnosis, if the person didn’t need it then that is appropriate.

 

[Stitchlover2024]

Seeing as how DAS is about needs, not diagnosis, if the person didn’t need it then that is appropriate.

I was denied even tho I couldn’t stander in a que for 2 hr the cast never denied me because it dosnt go to a medical team

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

I was denied even tho I couldn’t stander in a que for 2 hr the cast never denied me because it dosnt go to a medical team

I’m sorry, but you were denied because you couldn’t stand? DAS is not the appropriate accommodation for mobility concerns, so again, that would be appropriate with current guidelines. Or did I misunderstand your concerns?

 

[Stitchlover2024]

I’m sorry, but you were denied because you couldn’t stand? DAS is not the appropriate accommodation for mobility concerns, so again, that would be appropriate with current guidelines. Or did I misunderstand your concerns?

Because I gave a medical condition

 

[Disneylover99]

IMO, it's respectful to ask if they're interested in further ideas that can help rather than assume that they are. It gives agency to the person to decide if they're in a place to be able to hear those suggestions or not.

I see it differently.

I think when emotions are running high, decisions are clouded, and people have tunnel vision about something, that’s the perfect time to hear varying opinions, so people have an opportunity to hear different points of view, even when they don’t want to or think they’re not interested. It gives them time to mull things over.

Just my opinion.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Because I gave a medical condition

Your medical condition doesn’t matter. What matters is what prevents you from being able to WAIT in line, not STAND in line. The accommodation for not being able to stand is a mobility device. The accommodation for not being able to wait may be something else.

 

[Stitchlover2024]

I see it differently.

I think when emotions are running high, decisions are clouded, and people have tunnel vision about something, that’s the perfect time to hear varying opinions, so people have an opportunity to hear different points of view, even when they don’t want to or think they’re not interested. It gives them time to mull things over.

Just my opinion.

Not when in the park under 18 your not aloud to use a mobility device besides a wheelchair in the park also did I mention I pass out

 

[Angel Ariel]

I see it differently.

I think when emotions are running high, decisions are clouded, and people have tunnel vision about something, that’s the perfect time to hear varying opinions, so people have an opportunity to hear different points of view, even when they don’t want to or think they’re not interested. It gives them time to mull things over.

Just my opinion.

I rarely find people are able to truly hear something when "emotions are running high". If anything that's when the most *misunderstandings* happen, IME.

 

[nalababybear]

Now I understand Disney's approach to accommodating disabilities. Thank you for simplifying their position.

Disney is actually following ADA guidelines while others are creating barriers then doing determinations of need.

People may not like the revamped system that Disney has pivoted to, and they will have to make their own decisions to try the revamped system or move on from USA Disney theme parks for the near future.

People largely forget that ADA accommodations are needs based, not diagnosis based and no need to disclose the diagnosis. It may help set then stage for the need, but it in itself does not specify need.

Prime example is ASD. It's an entire spectrum and many high functioning can navigate a queue readily. Even level 2 may too if well adapted. Then again a level 1 with highly splintered disabilities can have a need for DAS level accommodations.

Needs based.

 

[DiznyDiva]

Not when in the park under 18 your not aloud to use a mobility device besides a wheelchair in the park also did I mention I pass out

Passing out is a symptom and could possibly happen anywhere in the park. They want to know why you can't wait in a line. A wheelchair might be appropriate if standing to long is the issue.

Anything mobility was never what DAS was intended for. You can get Return times in Disneyland for a few rides and even use the Disability cues for Jungle cruise, Big thunder and Pirates.

The accommodations they offer might not be what you want but they are still being offered. It is a choice to decide to try them or decide to not go at all. Either way it's not worth all the stress and tears. There are to many wonderful things in the world to see.

We have never been to Aulani. We go next summer. Very excited.

Can anyone at Disneyland confirm if pirates is still using their fastness system still?

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Not when in the park under 18 your not aloud to use a mobility device besides a wheelchair in the park also did I mention I pass out

If your mobility needs are intermittent then perhaps you may want to investigate whether a rollator or a cane chair might meet your needs. There are others on this board with much more experience when it comes to mobility concerns for children and teens, and may be able to help if we understand your concerns.

 

[OurBigTrip]

IMO, it's respectful to ask if they're interested in further ideas that can help rather than assume that they are. It gives agency to the person to decide if they're in a place to be able to hear those suggestions or not.

“Able to hear those suggestions?” Come on, people can ignore what they don’t like or they can ask people to stop offering suggestions.

But to say we should ask permission to offer suggestions? That’s just over the top, IMO.