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

[lanejudy]

I really do think Disney needs to allow people to call 45 days in advance instead of 30.

And 45 days doesn't help those who purchased airfare months earlier. 45 days, 60 days, even 90 days are all somewhat subjective points in time.

I’ve said this a few times - no one cared before. A few years ago you had to apply while at Disney…. This isn’t new.

Yes. The ability to pre-register for DAS only goes back less than 3 years. Prior to fall 2021 everybody applied for accommodations in-person at the park (most didn't even have ability to do it the day prior but on their first park day). Many apparently assumed they would be granted DAS but there was always possibility it could have been denied.


Last I heard, WDW has allowing for cancellations due to DAS and waiving any penalties. It's also possible to book a room-only reservation that may be cancelled up until 7 days prior to arrival (8 days starting in 2025). Tickets through some third-party vendors are refundable minus a fee, so you not only save a bit on the ticket but you buy some security as well. Or fully-unused tickets retain credit as value towards future tickets, and unused tickets can be transferred to a friend or family member if there is little to no chance you plan to visit at all.

 

[2tinkerbell]

An honest question: how does having DAS help you when you have a problem passing out? Couldn’t you pass out in the LL? Going down Main Street USA? Waiting for transportation or in line to get food? How do you accommodate your passing out in the community? No need to answer but I think the CMs maybe having the same questions.

I have come to the conclusion that things that “may” happen, or “might” happen are things that are being accommodated in a different way than DAS.

Being angry, canceling your trip, not wanting to try the available accommodations, lashing out at others, etc. are all personal choices. Yes, you may feel that Disney isn’t accommodating or understanding your disability. And those feelings are real, but what you do with those feelings are a personal choice.

 

[jennab]

I agree with you, but at the same time, even though technically Disney could have denied in-person (or later, online), they very, very rarely did...especially in person, where the guest could (and often did) make a scene. Given the scope of the changes, I think Disney could either take it out to 45 days or provide a no-hassle refund for anyone who had DAS previously and is now turned down.

I think people should assume they will not be eligible and plan accordingly based on the new criteria offered by Disney. I’m not sure how 45 days would be any better. People would still have park and plane tickets.

Another option for people is to book room only reservation which can be cancelled up to 5 days in advance with no penalty (I think). People have brought up buying tickets from undercover tourist as they have a small restocking fee only, but someone could get most of their money back. another thing people should consider is trip insurance.

 

[TLSnell1981]

An honest question: how does having DAS help you when you have a problem passing out? Couldn’t you pass out in the LL? Going down Main Street USA? Waiting for transportation or in line to get food? How do you accommodate your passing out in the community? No need to answer but I think the CMs maybe having the same questions.

I have come to the conclusion that things that “may” happen, or “might” happen are things that are being accommodated in a different way than DAS.

Being angry, canceling your trip, not wanting to try the available accommodations, lashing out at others, etc. are all personal choices. Yes, you may feel that Disney isn’t accommodating or understanding your disability. And those feelings are real, but what you do with those feelings are a personal choice.

I have used the example of my DD’s visual issues many times. Just this last month we missed out on our annual trip to the rodeo because I couldn’t get seats up front. I totally love the Oakley Rodeo and have been going for at least 20 years. We missed out on the symphony because the venue was outside and seating was not guaranteed. We didn’t even try to get close enough to the drone show because of the dark and the crowds. I can be disappointed and feel angry but there is nothing I can do about it. The rodeo and the sympathy simply are not going to accommodate my DD.

Some claim being approved for DAS with certain conditions related to syncope.

 

[jennab]

I have come to the conclusion that things that “may” happen, or “might” happen are things that are being accommodated in a different way than DAS.

This exactly! If it MIGHT happen then it’s not a need EVERY time.

 

[Genie+]

Specific to a conversation here - the poster has made it explicitly clear that they've made their decision. They haven't asked for feedback or suggestions. They've clearly set a boundary. I don't think it's over the top to suggest asking before ignoring boundaries others set. YMMV.

On the same token this thread is to help disabled people navigate their next trip. It’s not just about an individual, it’s about a community that comes through here looking for the best way forward. Everybody is welcomed to post but it cannot be expected that inaccuracies will be left unaddressed because it is a disservice to people looking for reliable information.

 

[lanejudy]

My situation isn't new and neither are the current accommodations.

Actually, how the new accommodations work IS new for many/most attractions. In the past were you allowed to re-enter a queue via the LL if you left it? My guess is no, but if you were that was an exception rather than the typical experience of most guests.

I know my abilities and limitations. I doubt I'm the only person who is no longer able to safely or comfortably adjust to the new guidelines.

Correct, you aren't the only one. It absolutely is your right to make that decision. There have been several others in this thread or the other who declared they are done with Disney vacations. However I will say that you are the only one I recall who has decided to continue posting 30+ times all the negativity you feel about the situation. Most others who have decided WDW no longer is viable for them posted their vent about it and then moved on. Anyone is welcome to stay and continue posting, but don't get upset if others continue to not agree with you.

 

[StarCruzer]

I think people should assume they will not be eligible and plan accordingly based on the new criteria offered by Disney. I’m not sure how 45 days would be any better. People would still have park and plane tickets.

Another option for people is to book room only reservation which can be cancelled up to 5 days in advance with no penalty (I think). People have brought up buying tickets from undercover tourist as they have a small restocking fee only, but someone could get most of their money back. another thing people should consider is trip insurance.

An honest answer from someone who does PR/change management for a living:

No matter how aware WE (a forum dedicated to Disney) are about changes to FAS, the average Disney vacationer is not. We've all seen in the parks how few people understand all of Disney's complex systems. I did a solo trip in 2019 and the couple in front of me in line didn't know how FP+ worked. One of them didn't even have a MDE account!

This has always been a struggle for Disney. It is a huge PR screw up to have the advance interview option be past the refund window. Some folks using DAS have not been to Disney since before the pandemic, or even longer. And they will not understand how the tiny language difference on the DAS page could have a catastrophic impact on their vacation investment. I would say this is even moreso the demographic of folks that can't simply budget the extra cost of LLMP--especially if they only have 30 days to figure it out.

As we've seen here, this whole change has resulted in some serious loss of goodwill. Some obviously which was unavoidable. But the reason the 30 day thing really gets me is that it truly doesn't cost anything for Disney to extend the interview period from 30 to 45 days. It would have really softened the blow for a lot of people. It gives off big corporate greed vibes--especially because people are being pushed to a paid solution as a substitute.

I understand that things worked differently in the past, but there are ways you can institute major changes like this while still providing empathy. Disney has simply (and oddly, IMO) chosen not to do it that way

 

[jennab]

An honest answer from someone who does PR/change management for a living:

No matter how aware WE (a forum dedicated to Disney) are about changes to FAS, the average Disney vacationer is not. We've all seen in the parks how few people understand all of Disney's complex systems. I did a solo trip in 2019 and the couple in front of me in line didn't know how FP+ worked. One of them didn't even have a MDE account!

This has always been a struggle for Disney. It is a huge PR screw up to have the advance interview option be past the refund window. Some folks using DAS have not been to Disney since before the pandemic, or even longer. And they will not understand how the tiny language difference on the DAS page could have a catastrophic impact on their vacation investment. I would say this is even moreso the demographic of folks that can't simply budget the extra cost of LLMP--especially if they only have 30 days to figure it out.

As we've seen here, this whole change has resulted in some serious loss of goodwill. Some obviously which was unavoidable. But the reason the 30 day thing really gets me is that it truly doesn't cost anything for Disney to extend the interview period from 30 to 45 days. It would have really softened the blow for a lot of people. It gives off big corporate greed vibes--especially because people are being pushed to a paid solution as a substitute.

I understand that things worked differently in the past, but there are ways you can institute major changes like this while still providing empathy. Disney has simply (and oddly, IMO) chosen not to do it that way

I honestly don’t think a lot of outsiders even know about DAS. I’ve heard from a lot of people they didn’t even know it existed until a CM or other person told them about it. But I do think they should offer no penalty resort cancellations if someone is denied and that is their reason to cancel. Now park and plane tickets are separate.

ETA - I do think Disney is being empathetic as much as they can. They have to draw the line somewhere. Most reports are the CM was pleasant and kind, but they just didn’t approve the person calling for DAS.

 

[2tinkerbell]

We are going assuming my DD will not get the DAS even though she has for many years (GAC prior to DAS).

We are planning on getting LLMP. We have used FP, MaxPass, and Genie+ in the past so this is no different. We will do other accommodations such as rope drop, taking a break, sitting on the curb for hours so she can see the parade, etc. My DD also knows and is very aware of her limits. We might even try to have her leave the queue and return. I am the best queue stander. It doesn’t bother me that we aren’t always together on our family vacation. There is just the 2 of us so sometimes being separated is just fine. I don’t go on every ride with her either. There are several rides where I take the chicken exit. Not a big deal.

 

[jennab]

We are going assuming my DD will not get the DAS even though she has for many years (GAC prior to DAS).

We are planning on getting LLMP. We have used FP, MaxPass, and Genie+ in the past so this is no different. We will do other accommodations such as rope drop, taking a break, sitting on the curb for hours so she can see the parade, etc. My DD also knows and is very aware of her limits. We might even try to have her leave the queue and return. I am the best queue stander.

Same. I’m going into it with the mindset that DAS may not be available and planning for other options (which we’ve always done too). While it will mean that we might not be able to do things we want, we will try our best. If it ends up being horrible then guess we just won’t be back. I’m willing to give it a try though.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

truly doesn't cost anything for Disney to extend the interview period from 30 to 45 days.

Does the 45 days have a significance here? Trying to figure out if there's something special about 45 that I have forgotten about

I would say this is even moreso the demographic of folks that can't simply budget the extra cost of LLMP--especially if they only have 30 days to figure it out.

With respect why are you trying to tie financial means with disability?

We really shouldn't be assuming something like what you've done here, it also puts people down who are disabled (which comprises of many different conditions) with the presumption of their overall means and puts people down who are not disabled with the presumption of their overall means.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I honestly don’t think a lot of outsiders even know about DAS.

I think only in the last couple years did DAS get known more outside of the niche environment that it was in, by niche I mean people who knew about it and used it. There have been posters on the DIS even who shared that they didn't know about DAS or didn't even think to consider it until a CM mentioned something to them. I think the notableness at the moment is mostly due to very vocal blogs that went viral and a few other random news outlets but if you backed up time you'd likely find a lot less people who even knew Disney had a program much less what it was about. I can remember so many sarcastic comments about people who toured the parks but didn't know about FP or thought it cost money for example. People tend to overestimate what the general public is aware of.

 

[DiznyDiva]

Some claim being approved for DAS with certain conditions related to syncope.

Anyone can claim anything. With this DAS situation there have been many many claims...most hearsay... enter the internet trolls....

People can make accusations and ridicule my situation but it doesn't change anything.

You keep making claims of people attacking you and name calling. Disagreeing is not attacking, nor ridiculing or condescending. No one has made you come back to defend anything. They were just suggesting ways for you keep you money and have a great vacation. Your situation is hard, but you can chose how to respond to that in a positive or negative way.

This exactly! If it MIGHT happen then it’s not a need EVERY time.

IMO, that is where al those who are applying and then reapplying are having issues. They are not detailing everyday, they are going to could or might happen and then extremes. I said this before if the exrtremes are happening in the park, then you need to be having a different. conversations. They only want to know how this effects you in a line. I IF you can pass out outside the line, can't walk, need constant air condition, are so severely immune compromised that cold could kill you, DAS isn't going help much.

We are going assuming my DD will not get the DAS even though she has for many years (GAC prior to DAS).

It never hurts to try. Be honest be sincere, but don't embellish. Talk to them not at them. And above all, don't let this ruin you hour, day, or trip. Disney is so much more than just rides. There is so many ways to get rides done without DAS.

Rope drop, Many places in Disneyland do RT times and if you get there early morning before 10 or after 10 when the parades are over, many are only 10-15 minutes and move fast. Right around 4 is good time because many are leaving for dinner. Right after fireworks before they reopened Fantasy land you could get many done there if you plan. CA , rope drop is so easy together so many done fast. Its usually quiet there until 10 ish and around 9 wbslins and guardians can be walk on at times.

 

[Disturbia]

It's not an exaggeration. I 1000% believe the encounter. They were refused at Pooh and moved on to teacups. The Pooh CM tried to intervene. This person is very non confrontational and was shocked. I'm sorry if you believe this is a perfect scenario and doubt my account. It happened.

BTW.. this person wanted the names of CMs that told them they could ask to rejoin the line. I would've called their supervisor over and reported their behavior. It's not okay and I doubt Disney would approve.

I have been asked the names of the CMs multiple times at FOP and TOT. I believe this part to be accurate. I now take down what they said and info from their badge (home location) and time. Also screen shot any multi pass/ RS issued and who has the entitlement (make sure all members are visible).

At space220 a senior CM checked us in and allowed our toddler to be held as an exception at a table for 2. Our allergy order couldn’t be found and the Manager came towards the end to the meal and said we never checked in and to tell her who checked us in (fortunately I had tried to give a CM compliment-screen froze and had the info available)

 

[fla4fun]

Does the 45 days have a significance here? Trying to figure out if there's something special about 45 that I have forgotten about

I think they were referring to the cancellation deadline for packages, which hits at 30 days. So a 45 day interview period would give them a fifteen day cushion to cancel without penalty. That’s the point I got from their post, that the interview should take place before any cancellation penalties come into play so that it doesn’t have to be on a case by case basis where it could be denied.

 

[DiznyDiva]

Honest question/ thought.

No disrespect intended, but not sure how to say this. If not allowed please delete.

I wonder if while people are tying to explain their symptoms/issues with being in aline they are depersonalizing themselves so much that it's hard for the CM listening to follow so they might think it made up. I have seen so many people talk about their symptoms, but the call them deregulation, meltdowns, elopement, syncope, and so on... to me those don't sound like real person. I wonder if someone went in there just talking like you would a friend, not trying educate the CM if they might have better luck explaining?

 

[Disturbia]

Honest question/ thought.

No disrespect intended, but not sure how to say this. If not allowed please delete.

I wonder if while people are tying to explain their symptoms/issues with being in aline they are depersonalizing themselves so much that it's hard for the CM listening to follow so they might think it made up. I have seen so many people talk about their symptoms, but the call them deregulation, meltdowns, elopement, syncope, and so on... to me those don't sound like real person. I wonder if someone went in there just talking like you would a friend, not trying educate the CM if they might have better luck explaining?

Here I was thinking the CMs are not well trained and are looking at a script for key words.

 

[Angel Ariel]

On the same token this thread is to help disabled people navigate their next trip. It’s not just about an individual, it’s about a community that comes through here looking for the best way forward. Everybody is welcomed to post but it cannot be expected that inaccuracies will be left unaddressed because it is a disservice to people looking for reliable information.

To be very clear, i am not and never was referring to inaccuracies.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I think they were referring to the cancellation deadline for packages, which hits at 30 days. So a 45 day interview period would give them a fifteen day cushion to cancel without penalty. That’s the point I got from their post, that the interview should take place before any cancellation penalties come into play so that it doesn’t have to be on a case by case basis where it could be denied.

Ahhhh okay that makes sense