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

[Philsfan77]

I have some questions about how the new DAS rules work because it’s been a while since I’ve been to the parks. My brother got approved for the pass for our trip in a few weeks. The CM said she was going to put the DAS under his account but I’d be able to book for him. Does that mean I’ll be able to book DAS return times through my account in the app?

Also, I understand the new DAS rules say you can book your next DAS selection 10 minutes after you use your previous one. Is that 10 minutes from the first scan in, or final? For the rides that have two scan ins.

Triple question (sorry, I’m still somewhat new to this) for the rides that utilize a virtual queue - are they lenient with the return times with DAS users? For example, if our call time is 11am for a ride and we show up at 1pm, would they not let us on?

1. You'll be fine to book for your brother
2. 10 minutes after 2nd scan if there is a 2nd scan
3. Now that Tron is no longer a virtual queue, Tiana's and Guardians are more on the lenient side. As others have said, I wouldn't push it too far out, but you should be fine here. Just remember, you have to get a virtual queue return time in order to use your DAS. You can't use DAS without it.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

I went to guest services and asked about their solo rider or plus 1 accommodations where you can't be left alone without your caretaker and they just told me to go to the lightning lane person and tell them. They've given me return times to come back. If my party was more than 2 I'd have one wait in line and I'd meet them I imagine.

Perhaps I’m missing something, but how is this materially different from what you would have had under DAS, other than having to physically go to the location rather than booking your LLs via the app?

 

[lexybear]

Perhaps I’m missing something, but how is this materially different from what you would have had under DAS, other than having to physically go to the location rather than booking your LLs via the app?

I know. Thats what i said. Nothing at all. But that's what I was told by guest services.

 

[Philsfan77]

Perhaps I’m missing something, but how is this materially different from what you would have had under DAS, other than having to physically go to the location rather than booking your LLs via the app?

What the poster is describing is considered unique party size. Honestly, it functions the same way old DAS did (pre app availability), where you go to the ride and get a return time. I've seen some reports of guests being admitted directly into the LL as well when asking for this accommodation, so in some instances, it actually might be superior to DAS as there may be no wait to enter the LL line.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

But the poster said that s/he was turned down for DAS after not being able to make the offered accommodations work. So I’m wondering what DAS would have done that they didn’t have access to already, which might explain the second DAS denial (I believe they were denied on a previous trip as well).

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

What the poster is describing is considered unique party size. Honestly, it functions the same way old DAS did (pre app availability), where you go to the ride and get a return time. I've seen some reports of guests being admitted directly into the LL as well when asking for this accommodation, so in some instances, it actually might be superior to DAS as there may be no wait to enter the LL line.

I have had the same thought. Let’s hope that this doesn’t start being abused as there is no oversight or restrictions on who can request it (other than Karma).

 

[Angel Ariel]

For 3 they are strict for Tron but not strict for Guardians. I believe Tiana is also flexible but I wouldn’t swear by it.

Tron isn't VQ anymore. It should be regular DAS rules.

 

[lanejudy]

Perhaps I’m missing something, but how is this materially different from what you would have had under DAS, other than having to physically go to the location rather than booking your LLs via the app?

I know. Thats what i said. Nothing at all. But that's what I was told by guest services.

It's not guaranteed to be granted like a DAS. Availability and procedure varies by attraction and possibly by need. If someone asks for a return time but the need is to avoid sun and it's a short/all indoor queue or an overcast day, the return time won't be granted. If someone asks for a return time because they may need to use the bathroom they'll be instructed to enter the queue and exit if necessary - then a return will be granted at that point. If the queue is short, no return time.

I went to guest services and asked about their solo rider or plus 1 accommodations where you can't be left alone without your caretaker and they just told me to go to the lightning lane person and tell them. They've given me return times to come back. If my party was more than 2 I'd have one wait in line and I'd meet them I imagine.

Did you not know about this option on the first day and you simply tried the park with no accommodation? Or did you try this on the first day and it didn't work but they still refused to issue DAS?

 

[lexybear]

It's not guaranteed to be granted like a DAS. Availability and procedure varies by attraction and possibly by need. If someone asks for a return time but the need is to avoid sun and it's a short/all indoor queue or an overcast day, the return time won't be granted. If someone asks for a return time because they may need to use the bathroom they'll be instructed to enter the queue and exit if necessary - then a return will be granted at that point. If the queue is short, no return time.




Did you not know about this option on the first day and you simply tried the park with no accommodation? Or did you try this on the first day and it didn't work but they still refused to issue DAS?

The former. I didn't know about it.

 

[gap2368]

I singed up for the DAS for the second time the other day and was approved with out a medical professional. the CM asked the same question at before what dose a meltdown look like what accommodation do I have in my every day life and there was another one but I forgot it good luck to anyone trying to apply

 

[nalababybear]

1) When approving DAS for your brother, they should have asked who he is traveling with. As long as you are in his traveling group, and are a friend via MDE, then yes you should be able to book the DAS return times through your phone

2) I don't know the answer to this one, I haven't visited since the changes

3) I wouldn't try to push it. If you are in the range of the call back I would go. It is very CM dependent if they let you in past your group's allotted return time, so better to not chance it. Once you get there you talk to someone who will convert the VQ to a LL pass and you enter the LL queue.

We were eight hours late for cosmic rewind once. No issues. CM got a chuckle out of it. Near record for him he said.

 

[Evita_W]

It's not guaranteed to be granted like a DAS. Availability and procedure varies by attraction and possibly by need. If someone asks for a return time but the need is to avoid sun and it's a short/all indoor queue or an overcast day, the return time won't be granted. If someone asks for a return time because they may need to use the bathroom they'll be instructed to enter the queue and exit if necessary - then a return will be granted at that point. If the queue is short, no return time.




Did you not know about this option on the first day and you simply tried the park with no accommodation? Or did you try this on the first day and it didn't work but they still refused to issue DAS?

Also, if the need is to avoid the sun, DH saw at one attraction, they basically let them skip the part of the line that was in the sun and enter the standby at the indoor portion. Granted there wasn't a lot of the line outside he said, but it makes sense to make accommodations based on need and specifics of the location. What would be nice for that would be if they could somehow mark on there what you needed so you didn't have to explain your needs to a CM at every attraction, that makes DH more anxious than about anything else.

 

[HappyGal]

Am I able to get a DAS return time for attractions that have a virtual queue such as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Am I able to get a DAS return time for attractions that have a virtual queue such as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?

Yes, but only if you are in the virtual queue first AND your boarding group has been called.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Am I able to get a DAS return time for attractions that have a virtual queue such as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?

Yes. You need to get a spot in the virtual queue first. When your boarding group is called you ask the CMs at the front to convert to DAS (this will let you board through LL).

 

[HopperFan]

Am I able to get a DAS return time for attractions that have a virtual queue such as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?

They do not give DAS return times. You HAVE to obtain a Virtual Queue Boarding Pass through the normal process. Once you get called to return to your Boarding time you let the CM know you have a DAS. They will then convert your Virtual Queue in to a LL and you will enter the LL line.

If you don't obtain a Virtual Queue then your DAS doesn't help with riding.

 

[dmancuso]

Do guests riding Tiana's Bayou Adventure get more or less wet than the did on Splash Mountain at the final drop?

​

 

[KrzyKtty101]

Do guests riding Tiana's Bayou Adventure get more or less wet than the did on Splash Mountain at the final drop?

​

Just curious if you meant to ask this here? You might have better luck asking this on the general parks forum than the DAS forum.

 

[jlundeen]

In case you missed it:

Walt Disney World Updates DAS Policy Wording: How It May Affect Disability Access​

https://www.wdwmagic.com/other/disa...rding-how-it-may-affect-disability-access.htm​

​

Posted: Tuesday January 28, 2025 7:15am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff
Overnight, Walt Disney World quietly made a notable change to the wording of its Disability Access Service (DAS) policy. The updated policy no longer includes the word "only" in the "What to Know About DAS" opening paragraph.

Previous wording:
"DAS is intended to accommodate only those Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time."

Updated wording (January 28, 2025):
"DAS is intended to accommodate those Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time."

This seemingly small adjustment raises questions about its implications for how Disney defines eligibility for DAS and its impact on guests.

The Significance of Dropping "Only"​

The removal of the word "only" may soften the exclusivity implied in the previous wording. By doing so, Disney could slightly broaden how it interprets eligibility for DAS. While the policy still emphasizes developmental disabilities like autism as the core criteria, the absence of "only" could be interpreted as leaving room for other similar conditions that may not fit traditional definitions but still meet the intent of the service.

This shift may also indicate an effort by Disney to avoid legal or interpretative limitations tied to the term "only," ensuring that the policy language is more inclusive and adaptable. However, no official statement has been made to clarify whether the change reflects a broader operational adjustment or is simply a refinement in wording.

What It May Mean for Guests​

Removing "only" could allow Cast Members greater discretion in determining eligibility for DAS during the video chat registration process. This might benefit guests with non-traditional or less-common disabilities.

The previous wording may have inadvertently discouraged some eligible guests from applying, believing they did not meet the strict criteria. The updated language might encourage those who need DAS to register.

What Hasn't Changed​

It's important to note that no other changes have been made to the DAS policy. Guests must still register via live video chat and meet the criteria determined by Disney's Cast Members. The primary purpose of DAS remains unchanged: to assist guests who cannot wait in traditional queues due to a developmental disability or similar condition.

Final Thoughts​

While Disney has not provided further clarification on this wording change, it could have implications for how DAS is administered. For now, the impact will depend largely on how Cast Members interpret the updated language during the registration process. Guests relying on DAS should continue to provide a clear explanation of their needs to ensure smooth registration.

 

[jennab]

I highly doubt the removal of “only” is going to soften their eligibility requirements. It is likely just a technical change.