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

[jennab]

We absolutely do not fall under “not knowing what a line is”, which was never mentioned once in the discussion BTW

If that is the only parameter they are using, then we would not qualify.

I do not think that is a true parameter. For example, my child absolutely KNOWS what a line is, but it’s like he thinks he understands how long the wait will be and what it will entail, but he doesn’t and it all goes downhill after a short time. Not sure if that made sense….

I’m just thinking if you don’t have a developmental disability and instead of was something else, maybe this was their way of trying to help you because you don’t qualify for their new set of DAS rules.

 

[jennab]

Sheesh. If there are really “secret magic words to use” to get DAS that’s going to go really well for Disney and the DAS community. It will probably take a month, maybe two before those words make their way around online and into the CM community that are also former DAS users.

I don’t doubt your sincerity but I very much hope that the CM is wrong.

Oh I’ve already seen reports going around in FB groups. So it’s only a matter of time before people start lying again to regain access to something they believe they should still have.

 

[Angel Ariel]

That!!!

Only thing I can think of is that it’s a way of slowing down the total number of DAS guest run-thru’s in lines each day.

Obviously, it will takes longer to physically walk to an attraction, discuss your needs (especially if you have to escalate things) and then return vs just walking on via a DAS res.

I’m not ‘complaining’ complaining (trying not to violate the thread’s no imagining what you want sort of thing) but, horse has left the barn

If this indeed does work as explained, we’ll get used to the process. If it’s a battle every time, sorry, that is not a workable accommodation

and I Could totally understand the bolded - but then there should be SOME way of noting this in MDE - for you AND the CMs that you're having to approach. It could still be a separate accommodation from DAS, but it shouldn't have to rely on you giving super specific wording to each individual CM and being told to tell them they;re violating their training. That's just super weird. Just find a way to note accommodations that aren't DAS in MDE!

 

[Willows909]

Cane chairs have recently been added to the "allowed" list. It used to be considered a "folding chair" and not allowed into the parks except for use as a cane, but it is now one of the suggestions for those with mobility/stamina concerns who would not qualify for DAS. Feel free to bring and use your cane chair.

Thank you so much for this info!

 

[Disneylover99]

Only thing I can think of is that it’s a way of slowing down the total number of DAS guest run-thru’s in lines each day.

Obviously, it will takes longer to physically walk to an attraction, discuss your needs (especially if you have to escalate things) and then return vs just walking on via a DAS res.

Yes. I agree. They’re doing what they can to make DAS less desirable.

DH mentioned perhaps this is a test process of sorts. To determine if one is on the cusp of a true DAS accommodation. If denied repeatedly, and need to go thru the system outlined to me, up to & including reporting results to GS & another chat with DAS. Perhaps, then our party member would then be granted DAS, or not. Can’t say I’ve read any posts reporting that.

I think so too. Because the bulk of people who are denied will likely come to realize they can make do without DAS once they get used to not having it.

 

[MinnieMSue]

@keishashadow did they say what you do if the lightning lane is longer than 10 minutes since no one in your party is supposed to wait longer than that? I hope this works out for you because I can’t imagine telling a cast member they violated their training. No way I could. If they me no I would tuck my tail under me and slink away embarrassed and not ride. Good luck on your trip. I hope you have a great time and this works out like they told you

 

[OurBigTrip]

@keishashadow did they say what you do if the lightning lane is longer than 10 minutes since no one in your party is supposed to wait longer than that? I hope this works out for you because I can’t imagine telling a cast member they violated their training. No way I could. If they me no I would tuck my tail under me and slink away embarrassed and not ride. Good luck on your trip. I hope you have a great time and this works out like they told you

I was wondering the same thing - the big issue that Disney fought in court with the DAS was the demand by the plaintiff that they not wait more than 15 minutes for any ride, so they needed the 10 re-ads per guest per day to make it work.

 

[keishashadow]

did they say what you do if the lightning lane is longer than 10 minutes since no one in your party is supposed to wait longer than that?

I may not have been clear there. Brain was after the interview.

Was trying to say, if stated standby is longer than 10 minutes to ask for accommodation

 

[lanejudy]

Was trying to say, if stated standby is longer than 10 minutes to ask for accommodation

Which is interesting because DAS isn't intended to keep queues that short. When it first came out you could only get a return time if the standby was more than 20 minutes (maybe 30?). If shorter they didn't issue the return time and instead instructed you to enter the standby.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Which is interesting because DAS isn't intended to keep queues that short. When it first came out you could only get a return time if the standby was more than 20 minutes (maybe 30?). If shorter they didn't issue the return time and instead instructed you to enter the standby.

The whole situation is very odd indeed.

 

[keishashadow]

Which is interesting because DAS isn't intended to keep queues that short

Yes, thot it strange she specifically used 10 min as a barometer of sorts listed as standby before we were to ask the CM for return time. Would think they'd start with at least 20 min

The whole situation is very odd indeed.

Granted but, that's the "accommodation" my party was granted. It's surely not what we had hoped but, better than a flat no

After sleeping on it, am questioning whether, if we do need to escalate it to point of doing video at park with DAS (as instructed)...

will whomever we speak to at DAS be able to reference the 1st interview & be able to see these specific notes/details/determination in the file???

Don't look forward to getting a run-around if the line CM balks. Will be deflated if, following specific instructions, the 2nd discussion with DAS turns into a they know nothing of the first

So, I guess my general question here is;

Do we have confirmation that DAS keeps the exact determination in our files? As in what we were told to do?

While I've been told in past they can't see what specific needs were discussed under old system, assume they have to have a database of some sort now in place

If anything, just to keep track of following the two inquiries in 120 day time span they instituted

 

[jennab]

Yes, thot it strange she specifically used 10 min as a barometer of sorts listed as standby before we were to ask the CM for return time. Would think they'd start with at least 20 min

Granted but, that's the "accommodation" my party was granted. It's surely not what we had hoped but, better than a flat no

After sleeping on it, am questioning whether, if we do need to escalate it to point of doing video at park with DAS (as instructed)...

will whomever we speak to at DAS be able to reference the 1st interview & be able to see these specific notes/details/determination in the file???

Don't look forward to getting a run-around if the line CM balks. Will be deflated if, following specific instructions, the 2nd discussion with DAS turns into a they know nothing of the first

So, I guess my general question here is;

Do we have confirmation that DAS keeps the exact determination in our files? As in what we were told to do?

While I've been told in past they can't see what specific needs were discussed under old system, assume they have to have a database of some sort now in place

If anything, just to keep track of following the two inquiries in 120 day time span they instituted

I don’t think they keep record of what exactly you were told to do, just that you were approved or denied. I would try the suggestions and if those don’t work for you, contact DAS CM again while at Disney. I mean the return to queue option may work for you as you stated it’s just you and 1 other adult who is the caregiver right?

 

[keishashadow]

I mean the return to queue option may work for you as you stated it’s just you and 1 other adult who is the caregiver right?

Not necessarily, it varies. Was discussed with CM, stated accommodation didn't change

I'm starting to have a seriously, full-on issue with being told by CM that
DAS accommodations can & do differ but, whatever is decided is a personalized accommodation that is to be utilized

If what we were told isn't firm,nor an accommodation (but a full on denial), why present it that way?

Just say 'no', don't present it as an accommodation & toss out a complicated process to go thru if denied RTQ @ attraction

As insurance, we will buy genie+ whatever & will try to figure out how to use it. Hopefully, there's a thread here or I can find basics on bricker's website

 

[jennab]

Not necessarily, it varies. Was discussed with CM, stated accommodation didn't change

I'm starting to have a seriously, full-on issue with being told by CM that
DAS accommodations can & do differ but, whatever is decided is a personalized accommodation that is to be utilized

If what we were told isn't firm,nor an accommodation (but a full on denial), why present it that way?

Just say 'no', don't present it as an accommodation & toss out a complicated process to go thru if denied RTQ @ attraction

As insurance, we will buy genie+ whatever & will try to figure out how to use it. Hopefully, there's a thread here or I can find basics on bricker's website

Return to queue and attraction return-entry are accommodations. So is DAS, it’s just a different accommodation.

Yes buying the multi pass would be a good idea too. We plan to do that regardless of if we are approved or denied DAS.

 

[PrincessV]

will whomever we speak to at DAS be able to reference the 1st interview & be able to see these specific notes/details/determination in the file???

Don't look forward to getting a run-around if the line CM balks. Will be deflated if, following specific instructions, the 2nd discussion with DAS turns into a they know nothing of the first

So, I guess my general question here is;

Do we have confirmation that DAS keeps the exact determination in our files? As in what we were told to do?

The 2nd CM with whom I spoke was very clear that NO, they do not keep a record of what you are offered outside of DAS because DAS is the only accommodation provided that requires approval - AQR is available to anyone without prior approval. That CM was unable to see anything from the first CM other than that single day of DAS I was given - no note saying my “accommodation” required calling each day I wanted to visit, nor that I was told AQR wasn’t the “right” accommodation or me. My takeaway was that they really do not make detailed notes: it’s probably just approved or not approved for DAS and that’s it.

I’ll add that in my experience, there are no details from the CMs in the text chat, either. I detailed in the text chat exactly what I’d been told by the first CM when I entered the chat a second time a few days later - and that was the point when CM2 asked if I’d like to switch to video. I’m extrapolating that they do not want details of anything other than DAS or AQR in writing anywhere, probably as a CYA maneuver… and I’m going to guess also because of these weird, rogue instructions you and I received.

 

[PrincessV]

Not necessarily, it varies. Was discussed with CM, stated accommodation didn't change

I'm starting to have a seriously, full-on issue with being told by CM that
DAS accommodations can & do differ but, whatever is decided is a personalized accommodation that is to be utilized

If what we were told isn't firm,nor an accommodation (but a full on denial), why present it that way?

Just say 'no', don't present it as an accommodation & toss out a complicated process to go thru if denied RTQ @ attraction

As insurance, we will buy genie+ whatever & will try to figure out how to use it. Hopefully, there's a thread here or I can find basics on bricker's website

If it helps ease some concern, wait times have remained much lower since the DAS restructure - between that, using some smart touring techniques, AQR, and MultiGenieLL-whatever it is, I honestly think you’ll have a pretty easy time, even if DAS isn’t an option!

 

[keishashadow]

Return to queue and attraction return-entry are accommodations. So is DAS, it’s just a different accommodation.

Yes, good way to describe that

Just think if you are told your accommodation is presented as "X", then it should be noted in whatever database they use. A simple swipe of a MB or admission tix could verify it, same as they do with standard DAS

it shouldn't be left up to an attraction's CM to instead blindly be put on the spot to take the guest at their word or deny the originally decided accommodation

I'm done venting. Not sure if I'll play this out as is, or initiate another chat before the trip. Regardless, will post our experience back

Good luck to all going forward!

 

[lanejudy]

Just think if you are told your accommodation is presented as "X", then it should be noted in whatever database they use. A simple swipe of a MB or admission tix could verify it, same as they do with standard DAS

DAS is the only accommodation requiring an advanced "approval" or notation. The attraction CMs have no way to review anything else that may (or may not) have been noted by the Accessibility Team. As PP stated, other accommodations are available within the park and available to anyone; how those accommodations play out at each attraction can and does vary based on the situation (need, attraction, queue length, etc.).

You might want to re-initiate a DAS chat to confirm what you were told.

 

[keishashadow]

You might want to re-initiate a DAS chat to confirm what you were told.

Took your advice & did so this morning. Party wound up speaking to different CM, then a few minutes chat during, when transferred to medical professional. Approved for standard DAS.

CM did confirm:

*CMs in the park cannot access/see the files DAS keeps. Told it’s due to privacy concerns since medical info is involved.

*it was confirmed our party’s file was notated & definitely indicated the specific recommendation/accommodation of AQR, not RTQ. They verified the previous DAS CM included it & it was a true ask for return time accommodation.

*it was acknowledged,if we were denied AQR accommodation at the ride, would have needed to escalate it to point of again speaking to DAS…wherein it would have to be sorted out via video chat back @ GS in the front of the park. I pointed out that could very well make for an untenable sort of day if on repeat.

*today’s CM felt traditional DAS was a better option & the medical professional agreed that full DAS should’ve been originally granted in this case.

Hooray

I’m not trying to sound argumentative with the mods or experts here, no do I want to come off complaining at this point. Very happy they realized the actual accommodation that should’ve been granted in the first place!

However, if they could just figure out how the CM @ the ride could be able to see a specific “accommodation” linked to tix or MB, other than traditional DAS, it would make everyone’s life a bit easier IMO.

All we were truly looking for today was confirmation the CM @ attraction could see the original RTQ accommodation. Since, we discovered they could not, was asked to start another interview & things changed course.

Again, good luck to all.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Took your advice & did so this morning. Party wound up speaking to different CM, then a few minutes chat during, when transferred to medical professional. Approved for standard DAS.

CM did confirm:

*CMs in the park cannot access/see the files DAS keeps. Told it’s due to privacy concerns since medical info is involved.

*it was confirmed our party’s file was notated & definitely indicated the specific recommendation/accommodation of AQR, not RTQ. They verified the previous DAS CM included it & it was a true ask for return time accommodation.

*it was acknowledged,if we were denied AQR accommodation at the ride, would have needed to escalate it to point of again speaking to DAS…wherein it would have to be sorted out via video chat back @ GS in the front of the park. I pointed out that could very well make for an untenable sort of day if on repeat.

*today’s CM felt traditional DAS was a better option & the medical professional agreed that full DAS should’ve been originally granted in this case.

Hooray

I’m not trying to sound argumentative with the mods or experts here, no do I want to come off complaining at this point. Very happy they realized the actual accommodation that should’ve been granted in the first place!

However, if they could just figure out how the CM @ the ride could be able to see a specific “accommodation” linked to tix or MB, other than traditional DAS, it would make everyone’s life a bit easier IMO.

All we were truly looking for today was confirmation the CM @ attraction could see the original RTQ accommodation. Since, we discovered they could not, was asked to start another interview & things changed course.

Again, good luck to all.

Ok, now I’m even more confused. I thought that AQR was “lesser” vs. RTQ - i.e. everyone joins the line and if you have to exit you rejoin the party still waiting in line. That’s available for everyone. Think “child 1 has to leave to go to the bathroom with parent 1 while child 2 and parent 2 continue waiting in the standby line." I thought RTQ is where they give you a specific return time (basically a DAS-lite that you have to get with the CM instead of in the app).

So assuming I’m not backwards, AQR would never need to be noted and would never be denied because it’s literally available to anyone in the park.

I’m glad that you got everything straightened out, but something definitely doesn’t make sense with what you were told.