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

[lanejudy]

I do find it interesting that Disney CMs keep repeating that DAS is meant for people who do not understand what a line is.

My theory on this is that CMs are using it as a conversation shut-down, not necessarily as a complete definition. Obviously I haven't been directly on any of these calls, but those reporting this are people who were refused DAS. My guess (only a guess) is the CM uses such wording because it's obvious that guest doesn't qualify by the stated need ("people who do not understand what a line is" or sometimes "people with autism" or similar statements). It isn't necessarily inaccurate but is not intended to be a complete definition of DAS, it's simply a "you don't qualify" conversation ender to avoid going in circles with guests who may try to get more info from the CM about what does qualify.

 

[KrzyKtty101]

My theory on this is that CMs are using it as a conversation shut-down, not necessarily as a complete definition. Obviously I haven't been directly on any of these calls, but those reporting this are people who were refused DAS. My guess (only a guess) is the CM uses such wording because it's obvious that guest doesn't qualify by the stated need ("people who do not understand what a line is" or sometimes "people with autism" or similar statements). It isn't necessarily inaccurate but is not intended to be a complete definition of DAS, it's simply a "you don't qualify" conversation ender to avoid going in circles with guests who may try to get more info from the CM about what does qualify.

I am not a lawyer but honestly if anything is gonna get them into legal trouble it will inevitably be that. Putting verbal qualifiers with specific diagnosis labels on it could inevitably be what leads them to trouble. They would probably be much better served simply stating, "I'm sorry your needs are not best served with DAS, we have these other accommodations we feel are better suited to your requirements" and leave it at that.

 

[lanejudy]

On the page you mentioned, you quoted specific requirements. The top part says: (I bolded part of it.)

You bolded commercial facilities such as office buildings, warehouses and factories. I think the reason that those types of facilities are only subject to design standards is because they may not necessarily be open to any public individual walking in off the street; they are expected to be utilized by a business with primarily (if not exclusively) employees -- and work accommodations are covered by a different section of the ADA (Title I vs Title III).

 

[jennab]

My theory on this is that CMs are using it as a conversation shut-down, not necessarily as a complete definition. Obviously I haven't been directly on any of these calls, but those reporting this are people who were refused DAS. My guess (only a guess) is the CM uses such wording because it's obvious that guest doesn't qualify by the stated need ("people who do not understand what a line is" or sometimes "people with autism" or similar statements). It isn't necessarily inaccurate but is not intended to be a complete definition of DAS, it's simply a "you don't qualify" conversation ender to avoid going in circles with guests who may try to get more info from the CM about what does qualify.

You are probably right, more like a conversation ender.

 

[lanejudy]

They would probably be much better served simply stating, "I'm sorry your needs are not best served with DAS, we have these other accommodations we feel are better suited to your requirements" and leave it at that.

I don't disagree that is best.

But I also don't know that the individual to whom the statement is made has much of a legal case based on the verbal statement. If that individual clearly does understand what a line is, they have no legal case to say the statement is inaccurate. And to clarify, I don't think such statements are made as the initial denial but rather when conversation continues and it's obviously not going anywhere.

 

[KPeterso]

I am not a lawyer but honestly if anything is gonna get them into legal trouble it will inevitably be that. Putting verbal qualifiers with specific diagnosis labels on it could inevitably be what leads them to trouble. They would probably be much better served simply stating, "I'm sorry your needs are not best served with DAS, we have these other accommodations we feel are better suited to your requirements" and leave it at that.

I don't disagree that is best.

But I also don't know that the individual to whom the statement is made has much of a legal case based on the statement. If that individual clearly does understand what a line is, they have no legal case to say the statement is inaccurate. And to clarify, I don't think such statements are made as the initial denial but rather when conversation continues and it's obviously not going anywhere.

I think it is a means to end the conversations too. The above quoted would be a nice way to say it, but too many people are arguing that it is DAS only (and that nothing else will work). The first will not end the conversation if the person is not willing to accept that accommodation. But basically saying that the DAS is only for those that do not understand the line tends to shut things down faster. Or hopefully does since that one Facebook group is arguing every single denial. I accepted my denial and moved on. My mom was approved.

 

[Bearval]

That is absolutely incorrect...

The ADA also has specific requirements for businesses that are open to the public.​

​

For example, as a business, you must:​

• Communicate with people with disabilities as effectively as you communicate with others.
• Make reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and procedures where needed.
• To make sure that a person with a disability can access the businesses’ goods or services.
• Allow service animals to be with their person even if you have a no pets policy.
• Follow specific standards for physical accessibility when building or altering a building or facility.
• Follow specific requirements for ticket sales and testing accommodations.
• Remove architectural barriers in buildings when it is readily achievable to do so.

If you notice in the link none of the examples refer to any disabilities such as autism.

 

[Angel Ariel]

If you notice in the link none of the examples refer to any disabilities such as autism.

The ADA applies to autism and cognitive disabilities as well.

"Under the ADA, an individual with a disability is someone who has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities. People who have a history of, or who are regarded as having, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity, are also covered. Major life activities include caring for one's self, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, working, performing manual tasks, and learning. Thus, many individuals with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD) are protected under the ADA."

https://www.research.chop.edu/car-autism-roadmap/the-americans-with-disabilities-act-of-1990-ada

ETA: autism is also explicitly listed on the ADA's site as an example of a covered disability:

https://www.ada.gov/topics/intro-to-ada/

 

[nalababybear]

I am not a lawyer but honestly if anything is gonna get them into legal trouble it will inevitably be that. Putting verbal qualifiers with specific diagnosis labels on it could inevitably be what leads them to trouble. They would probably be much better served simply stating, "I'm sorry your needs are not best served with DAS, we have these other accommodations we feel are better suited to your requirements" and leave it at that.

It won't get Disney into trouble as the needs themselves have been assessed and accommodations offered to that requestor.

I do like your Midwest nice comment. The reality is the requestor will blow right through that and continue to talk about their needs will not be satisfied. As upthread mentioned, many will just keep trodding along

It's a conversation ender to stop the 45+min calls. Even then some will repeatedly call and Disney resorting to a time-out situation

 

[Ms Bibbidi]

My theory on this is that CMs are using it as a conversation shut-down, not necessarily as a complete definition. Obviously I haven't been directly on any of these calls, but those reporting this are people who were refused DAS. My guess (only a guess) is the CM uses such wording because it's obvious that guest doesn't qualify by the stated need ("people who do not understand what a line is" or sometimes "people with autism" or similar statements). It isn't necessarily inaccurate but is not intended to be a complete definition of DAS, it's simply a "you don't qualify" conversation ender to avoid going in circles with guests who may try to get more info from the CM about what does qualify.

Agreed! I think you are right on the money there.

 

[lanejudy]

If you notice in the link none of the examples refer to any disabilities such as autism.

The clothing store example could well be an individual with autism. And the testing accommodation example could easily be extrapolated to an individual with autism.

Examples are just that...examples. They aren't intended to represent every permutation of different disabilities/needs and business types. As @Angel Ariel shared, the ADA absolutely does pertain to more than physical disabilities.

 

[DiznyDiva]

The mad push for answers has gone to extreme forcing lines like this from CM's who are being attacked for just doing their jobs and following the guideline that have been approved by Disney. The callers hate the script, like all of us, but this pushing is going to make it so that is really all the CM's can do besides hang up with the continual harassment. I hope the 120 helps the cool off period..

Disney would do well, IMO, to get a press release and new instructions up on their website, after of course reviewing it with their lawyers, that specifically states their phone and interview etiquette. Something that clearly says what DAS is accepting and not while also highlighting the other accommodations it offers. Even going as far to say how many times they will allow someone to call back after being denied and what those specific reasons allowed are. Then following that up explaining the 120 days for multiple calls and CM harassment. It is their right as the business to set expectations. And maybe if it's in black and white....But let's be honest no matter how nicely worded, there will be those who will find it offensive.

The crazy I hope will die down after D23. It seems to hav hit a fevered pitch this week, again. That website is now moving on from just the Billboards to mass emailing any actor that will be there. I have a family member who does these cons and works with the actors that attend them, and she had this insight. : The actors will never be in front of the building to see the billboards or even see these mass emails. They will be brought up through garages and not eh rooms to wait for their panels and then if going to the parks back in their cars ant to the Disney hotels, never leaving the safety of the Disney bubble. Not saying the actors wouldn't care but they have no say on how Disney runs it's busines.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Applied today, denied. I had talked myself out of applying being 99% certain I would be denied but today I decided that was dumb and I should ask and see what options they gave me. I waited 0 mins before a CM joined the chat. I was passed off to a medical professional who asked more q's and was told they have other options that should work for me. The original CM told me to discuss my needs with CMs at each attraction for their attraction queue re-entry process and told it may work differently for me as a solo traveler than if I had others with me. She sent me to the Accessing Attractions Link. Nothing there I didn't know from here.

At all times both CMs were polite and professional, I never felt like they were interrogating me or didn't believe me (which was how I felt when I applied right before the changeover) and not once did they say "this is only for autism" or anything remotely similar.

IT- When the CM initiated the chat on my mobile device I got a notice to download zoom, I was able to do that and join the chat without having to set up an account. Just as the medical professional said Disney has other accommodations that will work for me my zoom app starting crashing, crashed about a half a dozen times over the next 3 mins. I think the medical pro was going to describe the other options but I got disconnected and upon getting back in I was talking to the original CM. Every time it crashed I immediately rejoined and got linked back to the original CM.

I was already laying out my MPLL and SPLL plan. It will work well enough for me. Right now I anticipate my biggest issues will be Remy (I love Remy so I will try to rope drop it from IG if I can't get a LL for it) and Tiana's (even MPLL odds are long on this one and my normal VQ process is get the earliest possible and arrive before park open but Tiana's is so dang unreliable I'm unlikely to be able to get a jump on everyone else so I anticipate discussing AQR with Tiana CMs).


ETA: I applied *before* the changeover sorry for the confusion, brain going a million miles an hour

 

[jennab]

At all times both CMs were polite and professional, I never felt like they were interrogating me or didn't believe me (which was how I felt when I applied right after the changeover) and not once did they say "this is only for autism" or anything remotely similar.

So you applied back in May and just called again? Or am I misunderstanding this statement?

 

[DiznyDiva]

At all times both CMs were polite and professional, I never felt like they were interrogating me or didn't believe me (which was how I felt when I applied right after the changeover) and not once did they say "this is only for autism" or anything remotely similar.

In your opinion, is this how this process should go. I understand you were denied, but I am curious, that if the process started becoming more team lined like this, especially since you experienced it at the begging and now, do you see all the cray dying down?

You calling back because you felt unheard and/or had more info is EXACTLY what a second call is for. I am so glad it was different. Everything is always crazy with initial rollouts.

I hope you have an awesome trip!

 

[gottalovepluto]

In your opinion, is this how this process should go. I understand you were denied, but I am curious, that if the process started becoming more team lined like this, especially since you experienced it at the begging and now, do you see all the cray dying down?

You calling back because you felt unheard and/or had more info is EXACTLY what a second call is for. I am so glad it was different. Everything is always crazy with initial rollouts.

I hope you have an awesome trip!

I only called once, this was my only call under the new program and I won’t be calling again unless I have issues in the park (which I don’t anticipate because I will not wait in long lines as the risk of an incident is too high for me to accept). Sorry I screwed that up in my report.

I believe the interview process is better now, I did not mind being passed off, I appreciated the original CM stayed on the line. It didn’t bug me the medical professional might not be one, I’ve had to describe my issues to plenty of people who aren’t medical professionals so whatever.

My only gripe is they have no other real accommodation for pre-approval. Like a pre-approval for a return time with a window at the attraction or something so the pressure of that choice is not on CMs.

So you applied back in May and just called again? Or am I misunderstanding this statement?

whoops!! Right BEFORE. BRB

 

[Ms Bibbidi]

I had another thought. Over on the militant Facebook DAS group they obviously do not appear to understand the differences among RTQ, AQR accommodations and self help. Their reiterations of what they believe the CMs told them on the call is they push through the line — walking or on an ECV! They repeatedly talk about pushing their way through standby to exit or re-enter the line without CM support instead of using special exit gates or doors or with CM coordination, using the LL. As I see it, going forward, when I see people pushing forward through the line, I think there is a very good probability that either they truly are aggressive line jumpers or they are part of that militant Facebook group that does not know to have the CM guide them in the re-entry. Either way, they are likely to be aggressive and confrontational. I am not going to engage with them! I value my future good standing with Disney and being able to continue to go to the parks. Step aside and let them pass.

 

[DiznyDiva]

I think they are supposed to meet at the merge, not fight their way in. Or wait in the LL until their party loads. I think that is more of their overblown hysterics. It might have happened in the very beginning, but doubt it does now. The might have to move past people to get out but there are always ways to get out fast and most are not going stop you from getting OUT. Especially since half haven't even tried or won't try for it and are only demanding RT or DAS.

I

 

[PrincessV]

I’m sorry @gottalovepluto - I’ve been hoping you’d be approved. I’m glad it wasn’t an awful experience at least. I strongly suspect I’ll be in the same boat, and I’m also hesitant to bother trying for DAS. The upside is that I did find AQR to work the couple times I’ve tried it! Hopefully that will continue.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I’m sorry @gottalovepluto - I’ve been hoping you’d be approved. I’m glad it wasn’t an awful experience at least. I strongly suspect I’ll be in the same boat, and I’m also hesitant to bother trying for DAS. The upside is that I did find AQR to work the couple times I’ve tried it! Hopefully that will continue.

I’m glad I applied. Having my alternate plan already planned out helped me mentally not be so nervous. I encourage you to apply, at the end you will get an answer one way or the other and your path forward becomes clearer.