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

[Disneylover99]

Don’t you think the excess of people asking for DAS since the introduction of paid LL is because those people could cope using the old FP system. I’m sure there were/are people abusing the system but that doesn’t mean that some people genuinely need DAS. The new accommodations seem to be very hit and miss. eg how can someone request a return to queue in the middle of a queue when there are literally no cast members throughout most of the queue- it seems totally impractical.

Yes. I definitely think that was a big part of it. And those people legitimately asked for and received DAS. But over the past few years, way too many people became DAS users, to the point where it really wasn’t sustainable, so changes were necessary.

 

[prettypatchesmsu]

(removed link on purpose) and apologies on this length but I think it's important to present some info other than "it wasn't great and a mixed bag".

I watched that guy's video about Pirates just to get an idea and no offense to him but he doesn't sound like he did much looking into things. For example he's complaining about Pirates not being accessible...okay but did he look at the signage for the ride? I realize he's not in the U.S. but my assumption is the website would at least still mention the same thing which for Pirates says

View attachment 888801

And the sign for Pirates does give this
View attachment 888810

I don't have MDE downloaded but my assumption is it also states something about accessibility.

So he said he went into the line which was posted at 25 mins (which for me that's low for Pirates but I digress) but then is upset at that because the ride didn't have an accessible ride vehicle. We can talk all day long about why or how a ride should or could be made accessible but at the end of the day if you aren't looking at what the signage says for the ride then that becomes something on you. And sometimes that happens but that's not something Disney can be responsible for (or any company).

Now this next part is me not completely seeing the emergency exit he is showing but it looks like that one has a manual and automatic door with a ramp next to the stairs. The part I can't see is how that ramp looks.

So then I watched his video about Haunted Mansion and now he's complaining that about the time it took to stop the ride so he could use a transfer device (uh...okay...). Now this part is one that I do appreciate Tokyo Disneyland spelling out that the usage of their guest assistance is NOT meant to get you on rides faster. Okay back to MK and HM so now he's complaining that he did get on the ride but it took 90 mins because he had to wait both the standby time (which was 60 mins) then 15 mins in the LL, then 15 mins for the transfer device. So on Pirates he's complaining that the ride vehicle wasn't accessible and on Haunted Mansion he's still complaining about it.

I know you're just using this guy as an example but truthfully he just sounds like someone who is going to represent to people what one of the others that posters were talking about a lot---someone who isn't going to be happy with anything unless it was DAS and DAS like it used to be, he's polite and just to the point about it but yeah. Ironically he is showing exactly how the different attractions work based on the individual in question. I know that's not his point because he sounds like he wants it to be the same for every attraction (aka DAS) which while understandable is well you know.

I didn’t get that feeling at all from him. He said he had a good trip, some things worked and some didn’t and admits it’s a learning experience without DAS. I think he was just reporting on his experience. He did wait much longer than others for HM. That’s a true report of his experience.

 

[lanejudy]

In the specific one I linked, the denied his request a 7 Dwarfs and didn’t offer AQR. Told him if he couldn’t wait in the regular queue then he couldn’t ride. For Rise, they denied a return time but did offer AQR so his wife and family waited in the queue and sent a picture when he was to join them.

So again it sounds like he did NOT want to enter the queue and was requesting a return time. Those are not necessarily granted for the asking. Attraction Queue Re-entry expects the guest to enter the queue, and leave if/when necessary. I don't know his needs as to why he didn't want to be in the queue, but all he had to do was say "I may need to leave the queue, how do I return and rejoin my party?"

I won't get into discussion about having to transfer from a wheelchair, accessible ride vehicles, etc. because that honestly has nothing to do with DAS.

 

[dbriggsq]

Simple. You ask at the entry to the queue. A basic "I may need to leave the queue briefly, how do I rejoin my party?"


Everybody has to pay extra for it. Do you think the non-disabled enjoy having to pay extra for that access? There is no law that says someone can't be required to pay for an optional service that they prefer vs a free accommodation. You seem to feel the Lightning Lanes should be almost exclusively for disabled individuals. That's not what Disney wants, that's not what Disney must accommodate. If leaving the queue and re-entering or rejoining your party can allow you to meet your disability needs, then there is no requirement of free access to LL.

People who want to skip the queue have the CHOICE to pay for LLMP. People who NEED to skip the queue for medical reasons should not have to pay for that..This doesn’t apply to our medical needs but I’m not sure how queue re entry works when there are few to no cast members throughout the queue

 

[prettypatchesmsu]

So again it sounds like he did NOT want to enter the queue and was requesting a return time. Those are not necessarily granted for the asking. Attraction Queue Re-entry expects the guest to enter the queue, and leave if/when necessary. I don't know his needs as to why he didn't want to be in the queue, but all he had to do was say "I may need to leave the queue, how do I return and rejoin my party?"

I won't get into discussion about having to transfer from a wheelchair, accessible ride vehicles, etc. because that honestly has nothing to do with DAS.

I think that was part of the confusing, I believe he had said on his call they told him to ask for return times at the ride. Which we know is rare, but if he was told that I can see the confusion.

 

[Jack Kerouac]

You basically have to win the lottery to get approved.

But not really.

Another thread (DAS Approval/Denial with New DAS Guidelines START 5/20 WDW and 6/18 DL) has a poll that shows more than 57% of former DAS approvals are being approved under the new guidelines. Sure, there could be a whole lot of rejects who aren't answering the poll. But I would still think it's a relatively accurate indicator of how the new rules are being implemented.

Rather than the lottery, DAS approval is like betting on a slightly better NFL football team on any given Sunday.

​

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

I have said it before and I’ll say it again. For those complaining about “so and so has the same diagnosis and the same needs yet whether they are granted DAS is random based on the CM,” Disney CMs are not mind readers. They can only work with what they are told. So if Mickey was clear in his explanations and Minnie was not, it is on the, not the CMs, why the outcome might have been different.

By the same token, it is extremely difficult to separate those who genuinely NEED - as in there is no other physical way possible - and just WANT - as in it is more convenient/easier/what they are used to - to have accommodations. So while I don’t think the new situation is perfect, I do believe that CMs are doing their best to help as many people as possible get the accommodations they are entitled to in a way that isn’t going to blow up the system for everyone.

 

[lanejudy]

People who want to skip the queue have the CHOICE to pay for LLMP. People who NEED to skip the queue for medical reasons should not have to pay for that..This doesn’t apply to our medical needs but I’m not sure how queue re entry works when there are few to no cast members throughout the queue

Apparently, Disney disagrees that your medical needs require skipping the standby queue. The only way I know to counteract that position is to bring them proof of how it doesn't work. Some folks have been successful in TRYING the new accommodations and then reconnecting with the Accessibility Team with specifics about what went wrong. Absent that, the option is to do what you can making use of whatever services are available -- VIP tours, LLMP, rope drop, after hours parties, only do attractions with short queues, etc. These are all options that anyone may participate to hopefully find shorter waits. I can't make Disney change their position. All we can do is try to make the best of the current situation even if we don't like it.

As to how queue re-entry works... I've stated it many times: before entering the queue speak to the CM and say something like "I may need to leave the queue to attend to my disability. How do I rejoin my party?" and the CM will instruct you -- it may mean go back to that CM, get a lanyard, get a card, get a return time, have your party contact you at the merge, etc. The procedure will vary at different attractions or even at the same attraction if crowds are different.

 

[Tatebeck]

People who want to skip the queue have the CHOICE to pay for LLMP. People who NEED to skip the queue for medical reasons should not have to pay for that..This doesn’t apply to our medical needs but I’m not sure how queue re entry works when there are few to no cast members throughout the queue

But that is why Disney didn't get rid of DAS completely. They are trying to keep it working for those who do NEED it. But they are also trying to cut out the people that WANT it but don't NEED it. Unless you are arguing that everyone who was using DAS before absolutely NEEDED it, but then we will just have to agree to disagree.

I can understand that many people could benefit from it and it could make their trips easier. But the number of people that as individuals could get some benefit from DAS is obviously a much larger group than those who absolutely NEED DAS and cannot even attempt to wait in a line longer than a few minutes at any time.

DAS had to be reduced in order to continue to function for those that do need it. If you asked, almost every person who previously had DAS will probably say that they personally feel that they do "need" it. Because humans typically feel that they personally should be included into a system, especially if they qualified for it before. The average previous DAS user usually would have no problem with someone with seemingly more severe needs getting into the system also, but if asked where the line should be drawn, they inevitably say that the line should be drawn somewhere behind themselves. Humans socially want to be included and feel upset when they aren't included in something they feel they should be included in. But the line had to be drawn somewhere, and those behind the cutoff line are understandably upset, but that doesn't mean that Disney is doing anything inherently "wrong" or going against the ADA.

I have said it before and I’ll say it again. For those complaining about “so and so has the same diagnosis and the same needs yet whether they are granted DAS is random based on the CM,” Disney CMs are not mind readers. They can only work with what they are told. So if Mickey was clear in his explanations and Minnie was not, it is on the, not the CMs, why the outcome might have been different.

By the same token, it is extremely difficult to separate those who genuinely NEED - as in there is no other physical way possible - and just WANT - as in it is more convenient/easier/what they are used to - to have accommodations. So while I don’t think the new situation is perfect, I do believe that CMs are doing their best to help as many people as possible get the accommodations they are entitled to in a way that isn’t going to blow up the system for everyone.

Exactly. Though I still posted the above since I spent the time typing it already lol

 

[SirDuff]

It's wild to me that you guys are making excuses for the complete inconsistancies on denials and approvals, regardless of which park it is. The truth of the fact is approval is COMPLETELY dependent on who you get for your interview. Hundreds of those with with Autism have been both denied and approved despite have the same condition and levels. There is NO CONSISTANCY.

What is that saying that people with autism always like to say? Oh, yes. You know one person with autism…you know one person with autism. Holds true here too.

 

[dbriggsq]

Apparently, Disney disagrees that your medical needs require skipping the standby queue. The only way I know to counteract that position is to bring them proof of how it doesn't work. Some folks have been successful in TRYING the new accommodations and then reconnecting with the Accessibility Team with specifics about what went wrong. Absent that, the option is to do what you can making use of whatever services are available -- VIP tours, LLMP, rope drop, after hours parties, only do attractions with short queues, etc. These are all options that anyone may participate to hopefully find shorter waits. I can't make Disney change their position. All we can do is try to make the best of the current situation even if we don't like it.

As to how queue re-entry works... I've stated it many times: before entering the queue speak to the CM and say something like "I may need to leave the queue to attend to my disability. How do I rejoin my party?" and the CM will instruct you -- it may mean go back to that CM, get a lanyard, get a card, get a return time, have your party contact you at the merge, etc. The procedure will vary at different attractions or even at the same attraction if crowds are different.

How can we bring them proof that it doesn't work when the cast members will be completely ignorant (not their fault) of complex medical issues.
How does one navigate AQR when it's dangerous to enter a long confined queue in the first place. I know you can't answer that - my point is that some people need DAS . Disney for whatever reason have gone down the road of denying people without really looking seriously at their medical needs ( cast members and the so called medical experts are not capable of assessing individuals needs).
I can't understand why most people on this 'disabilities' site aren't pushing for more equitable way of ensuring that disabled and medically compromised people's needs are met.

 

[DisneylandFreak2013]

It's wild to me that you guys are making excuses for the complete inconsistancies on denials and approvals, regardless of which park it is. The truth of the fact is approval is COMPLETELY dependent on who you get for your interview. Hundreds of those with with Autism have been both denied and approved despite have the same condition and levels. There is NO CONSISTANCY.

100%

Here are some of the reports I've read of people getting approved:
-a 14 month old
-someone with PPD
-someone with PTSD
-someone with unknown diagnosis who states they will get physically confrontational with others in line
-depression

Many of these have said they get on, do a 5 minute interview with a CM, then are approved. Others have to go through a 30-minute interview with a very narrow script. Depending on your answers, the CM may bring a health aide on to evaluate. Then they will mention the pass is only for developmental disabilities for those who do not understand what waiting in line means conceptually, so to try attraction re entry if you are forced to leave the line. If it is only for DD, how is someone with PPD getting it? How is someone with PTSD getting it? Then, when indicating that you need accommodations for a nonverbal, autistic child who has meltdowns and difficulty waiting in line for extended periods gets denied (nephew). There is not consistency.

We/my sister is fine with our/their denials, but it is a little flippant to say that maybe it's just that some people don't know how to explain things in many of the replies I've seen here. It is absolutely the discretion of the CMs, as seen by different reports of how the interviews go (script, or non-script). If it is solely for those with developmental disabilities, needs such as PPD, depression, etc should not be getting approval of DAS accommodations. My sister has advocated for her son in many situations, such as getting accommodations at school so is used to explaining his needs thoroughly and in a way that is understandable to those who are untrained. But they were still denied. It is not just a lack of being able to communicate needs that is the reason for denials.

We are fortunate in the fact that my BIL paid for a VIP tour for my sister and nephew so that they could have a bit of a better experience than they were going to have. After this trip, they are going to reevaluate if Disney makes sense for their family because they are not going to be able to do a VIP tour every time they want to go to go on vacation to the parks. Without those accommodations, they are under much more stress and it is less like a vacation for them.

 

[DisneylandFreak2013]

How can we bring them proof that it doesn't work when the cast members will be completely ignorant (not their fault) of complex medical issues.
How does one navigate AQR when it's dangerous to enter a long confined queue in the first place. I know you can't answer that - my point is that some people need DAS . Disney for whatever reason have gone down the road of denying people without really looking seriously at their medical needs ( cast members and the so called medical experts are not capable of assessing individuals needs).
I can't understand why most people on this 'disabilities' site aren't pushing for more equitable way of ensuring that disabled and medically compromised people's needs are met.

Agreed. It's been fascinating to read through the replies. I've noticed many of those who are ok with the process have been approved for the DAS.

Basically, it's an "I got mine so who cares" attitude that is off-putting.

 

[Flynn's Gal]

I can't understand why most people on this 'disabilities' site aren't pushing for more equitable way of ensuring that disabled and medically compromised people's needs are met.

I, for one, believe that Disney is a private company therefore within their rights to make decisions on how their parks will run. Besides, anyone is free to submit their feedback to Disney using various means of communication including the disabilities email address. I don't come to this forum to join a crusade. I come to gather information to make decisions and manage my expectations of going to parks with a disabled family member.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

It seems that to book LLMP from the UK involves some potentially illegal practices

The workaround I have seen posted is to turn off your phone location & switch your country of residence in the MDE App to "USA." Doesn't seem illegal.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

100%

Here are some of the reports I've read of people getting approved:
-a 14 month old
-someone with PPD
-someone with PTSD
-someone with unknown diagnosis who states they will get physically confrontational with others in line
-depression

Many of these have said they get on, do a 5 minute interview with a CM, then are approved. Others have to go through a 30-minute interview with a very narrow script. Depending on your answers, the CM may bring a health aide on to evaluate. Then they will mention the pass is only for developmental disabilities for those who do not understand what waiting in line means conceptually, so to try attraction re entry if you are forced to leave the line. If it is only for DD, how is someone with PPD getting it? How is someone with PTSD getting it? Then, when indicating that you need accommodations for a nonverbal, autistic child who has meltdowns and difficulty waiting in line for extended periods gets denied (nephew). There is not consistency.

None of us know what was said on those calls to have DAS granted. Heck, none of us really know that DAS WAS granted. There have been a lot of reports that have spun out of control, or been repeated so many times that the reality was very different (the “baby who had to be tube fed every 15 minutes” comes to mind).

DAS discussions are extremely emotional, and people have their own motivations for what they say online.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I didn’t get that feeling at all from him. He said he had a good trip, some things worked and some didn’t and admits it’s a learning experience without DAS. I think he was just reporting on his experience. He did wait much longer than others for HM. That’s a true report of his experience.

I'm not questioning his experience as in saying no he didn't wait that long at HM.

To get at the comment you made here in the quote I quoted "If the CM can refuse the approved and needed accommodation, then it is not a real issued accommodation." that's not what is happening for this particular person nor did happen at the parks. I watched his video where he explained that he got denied DAS. And he was told like many others to ask the CMs at each ride. There's not an accommodation he was approved of as the only one to get approval for is DAS.

At the parks he was given options based on the particular attraction in question, just like many others have. And depending on the attraction he was given specific options for him like at Star Tours when he was advised to go through the LL because the steepness to the standby line. Now on some other videos he puts in a slide (or describes his experience) about a return time. This leads me to believe he just expected to be able to get the return time and got mad when a CM wouldn't do it.

There were things he said in his videos that honestly got me the ick factor for him (like when he discussed Guardians). For someone who said they've been going to Disney for 35 years (he estimated about 15 times) that's astounding that he's not known about the ride transfer or accessibility of the particular rides (which aren't related to DAS anyhow but he still made it about not being approved for DAS).

I don't want to focus really on this person in particular so much, but his videos do show how things can be put up on social media and portrayed a certain way though, it's why I think we've all been a bit skeptical at what we hear or see.

 

[jennab]

It's wild to me that you guys are making excuses for the complete inconsistancies on denials and approvals, regardless of which park it is. The truth of the fact is approval is COMPLETELY dependent on who you get for your interview. Hundreds of those with with Autism have been both denied and approved despite have the same condition and levels. There is NO CONSISTANCY.

Honestly, unless you are listening to the calls you have no idea what was said. If I called and just told the CM I have autism but didn't explain or give any details id probably be denied. Now the next person could call, also with autism, and explain in great detail the accommodations they receive at work, school, etc. and get approved.

People like to make the statement that it’s inconsistent and based on CM but it’s all hearsay based on what people are reading. No one else truly knows how the conversation went or if the person should have been approved or not.

 

[jennab]

People who want to skip the queue have the CHOICE to pay for LLMP. People who NEED to skip the queue for medical reasons should not have to pay for that..This doesn’t apply to our medical needs but I’m not sure how queue re entry works when there are few to no cast members throughout the queue

Another option is the person who cannot wait in the queue can wait outside the queue while their party waits in the standby line. Then the person waiting outside can use the LL to join their party when they reach the merge point and all ride together.

 

[jennab]

How can we bring them proof that it doesn't work when the cast members will be completely ignorant (not their fault) of complex medical issues.
How does one navigate AQR when it's dangerous to enter a long confined queue in the first place. I know you can't answer that - my point is that some people need DAS . Disney for whatever reason have gone down the road of denying people without really looking seriously at their medical needs ( cast members and the so called medical experts are not capable of assessing individuals needs).
I can't understand why most people on this 'disabilities' site aren't pushing for more equitable way of ensuring that disabled and medically compromised people's needs are met.

You realize this is a theme park right? DAS is only for lines. How do you navigate the rest of Disney or anywhere else for that matter?

Giving DAS to everyone who said they NEEDED it in the past caused problems for disabled and non disabled people. Unfortunately there are far too many people who think they NEED DAS that it had to be changed. Now it is only being used for a small portion of disabled people. Everyone else is offered other accommodations. We all also have the option of purchasing LLMP, going at slower times, going at rope drop, end of night, after parties, etc.