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

[SarahC97]

I'm all for using alternative accommodations if they work for me and improve processes for everyone in the park. But what is really bothering me is that they seem to be saying "here is an alternative to try" but it's not standardized and no one seems to be able to explain how it works. Sure it's early and I'm sure clarity will be afforded in the future (i hope!), but right now the uncertainty is incredibly uncomfortable. As it stands now I feel like I can make a trip work but I'm going to be a lot more limited. I imagine I'll just sit a lot of things out while my family does them.

 

[PrincessV]

Nobody is going to get a note on their account that they will automatically be granted RTQ passes, because these passes are intended as an absolute last resort, to be used rarely, only when for some unusual reason no other accommodation works, and if someone could get them automatically granted, this would become the newest “TikTok hack” for avoiding lines.

I agree that seems like what RTQ should be… but I’ve seen multiple reports from people with a disability that would require accommodations at the majority of attractions being told by the DAS video chat CMs to use RTQ instead of DAS. Are they all confusing RTQ with AQR? Maybe. I think it’s also possible that the DAS CMs are mixing up the terminology. But there’s also a good chance they really are advising that a guest use RTQ multiple times a day - which seems contrary to how attractions CMs are told to offer it. All of that combined is causing way too much confusion!

I mean, I agree with you that I think this would be very helpful. There are a host of reasons why it's problematic for people to have to explain their needs at every queue, both for the CMs and the guests.

I wanted to touch on this, too. There are conditions for which Guests have been advised to seek RTQ that are VERY difficult to explain to strangers, in public, around other people. My reasons for not being able to wait in a traditional queue are uncomfortable for me to describe, and for some CMs to hear: when requesting DAS at the parks in the past, I always sought a blue umbrella with no lines and asked the CM to step aside with me if others were around. It is never easy or pleasant to rehash, but at least it was only once every 60-ish days… to have to do that multiple times a DAY? I can’t; I really can’t. And I don’t believe for a moment Disney wants me to - attractions CMs are not trained for that, and they do not have time to engage in the 20+ minute convos that DAS CMs are having. It makes no sense to me that they’d push this onto the park CMs to handle, AND tell them they’ll get in trouble for allowing too many RTQs per shift! It just doesn't pass the logic test.

I think you are missing that many people get DAS atm just in case they are feeling a certain way on a certain attraction on a specific day. It doesn't make any sense to grant a blanket, improved, version of genie plus to anyone who is worried something may happen.

For the stability of the system its make a lot of sense to move DAS to being much more reactive and 'in the moment' rather than the old proactive approach.

I think you illustrate the need here for at least two types of accommodation, though. Because there are also plenty of us who don’t need accommodations “just in case” - we need them any time a queue is too long. Which would seem to point to DAS, right? But I’ve seen enough reports of those very people who need the accommodation more than occasionally say they were denied and told to use AQR/RTQ. IDK, maybe they’re all lying - the Internet is a weird place! But I think it’s more likely that some DAS CMs think alternate accommodations work differently than parks CMs do.

 

[lanejudy]

There have been reports that CMs at different rides have been saying when you try to re-enter the queue it would be through the standby line and you would need to "push through" to find your family in front of you.

Yes, I've read those reports of "I asked how it works to rejoin my family and the CM said..." However I have not read any reports that "push through the crowd to rejoin" actually occurred. So whether the CM is answering a hypothetical without solid details (because the specifics may change), or simply saying it to dissuade folks from trying, or for whatever reason -- I'm not yet ready to accept that is the reality. It may happen, but not for most queues.

It doesn't help that Disney didn't explain what would replace DAS at first and even now AQR is explained as "ask a CM at each ride". I get that it is different at each ride, but it sure would be nice if Disney could establish a process, even if they say most rides will work like this but ask the CM at each ride because how it works can vary.

Very true that details before last week would have been nice to know. The announcement last month without details created a bit of a frenzy and the ensuing rush to get details. However the basics of AQR are posted on the WDW website so adding details that may not be accurate would result in similar complaints that the website details were wrong and people want full correct details. It's a no-win.

Why does Disney have RTQ as an option (except in the case of mobility issues where the queue cannot accommodate a wheelchair or ECV) - but for anyone else, I don't know why it is even an option when DAS already exists and could be an option for that person.

I was under the impression RTQ would not be a regular accommodation option. There seems to have been a flurry of reports about it this past weekend, so I don't know if WDW adjusted something since last Monday or we just started getting reports. OR I really do think a lot of these reports are people confused by the terms, and they are saying "I was told to use return to queue and ask the CM" when what was actually suggested was Attraction Queue Re-entry.

I think it's because it doesn't allow the whole party to pass through it's different?

To my knowledge RTQ does allow the whole party. It definitely has in the past for "wheelchair return times." However as an accommodation offering, it may only be granted to solo guests or those without another individual to hold a place in the queue. Just guessing on that. OR it may be for specific reasons that are determined at the moment -- such as avoiding sun, which might only be necessary at certain times of day.

I'm still not finding info about offering Rider Switch instead of DAS in WDW.

Agree. WDW does list Rider Switch as a possible tool to help families but at WDW it still indicates there must be a non-rider. I don't see this as an option when the disabled individual wants to ride. DLR does specify it can be used in that manner.

 

[Liquidice]

I think you are missing that many people get DAS atm just in case they are feeling a certain way on a certain attraction on a specific day. It doesn't make any sense to grant a blanket, improved, version of genie plus to anyone who is worried something may happen.

For the stability of the system its make a lot of sense to move DAS to being much more reactive and 'in the moment' rather than the old proactive approach.

So you'd prefer to have a person ask a CM at each ride and possibly leave it up to the CM to decide? If the CMs are restricted like they supposedly are today where they cannot offer too many RTQs or they will get in trouble, then you risk being denied when you go to ask. If RTQ is not restricted then it seems more ripe for abuse than DAS was as you don't even need to apply, you can just walk up to the CM and say the right thing to get an RTQ.

If you're thinking having notes would help as was suggested earlier, so the CM can look at the notes that says something like, "This person has XYZ issue with waiting in line". Then why couldn't you issue a DAS with limitations based on what the notes would say?

I understand what you're saying, maybe some days you're doing well and you maybe ok with a line that is up to 45 minutes long, but other days maybe you're not feeling as well and you're only ok with a line that is up to 15 minutes long.

But in the case of leaving it up to the CM, they would need to make a judgement call each time based on what you're telling them and its possible maybe you'd be denied.

In the case of notes, the notes would need to probably target worst case scenario. It would leave things up to too much interpretation for the CM if it said "Guest has trouble waiting in lines 15-45 minutes long depending on how they feel that day". And even if it did say something like that, a guest could simply always say it was a bad day.

I'd much prefer consistency in application, it shouldn't be anxiety inducing and up to each individual CM when you go to talk to them and also need to explain to them each time why you need an accommodation.

 

[koszmok]

I think you are missing that many people get DAS atm just in case they are feeling a certain way on a certain attraction on a specific day. It doesn't make any sense to grant a blanket, improved, version of genie plus to anyone who is worried something may happen.

For the stability of the system its make a lot of sense to move DAS to being much more reactive and 'in the moment' rather than the old proactive approach.

But isn't this true to almost everyone who is offered DAS at this moment based on being in the Spectrum or having PTSD?


I'm curious is it really 100% sure that a high functioning adult (I'm not sure that is the right terminology but I think I read it here like this mentioned ) on a spectrum WILL have a meltdown?

Don't want to be rude but my mind can process that this is the case....

I guess there are things which are predictable with huge accuracy but IMO that's not one of them.

So at the end they are getting DAS for something might happen...

Again! Why not RIDER SWITCH for an adult who only travels with 3 friends... if one of them is a carer it's most likely the other 2 is just a lucky guest

I was told here that with small kids they have separation anxiety and they can't be separated from other family members. I get THAT!

But adults who are only travelling with friends without carers? Why would they need DAS? And for extra 3 person?

Use RIDER SWITCH.

So yes it's seems not every disability is treated fairly IMO (as of now) I hope it will change....

I don't want to offer anyone's disability I just want fair treatment/assesment.

Also would be ideal if people without any disability or having someone with disability in their family wouldn't be telling those who are live with it what and how should be.
(Here I'm not reacting to the post just expressing my wishes )

 

[BingoJoe]

I'd much prefer consistency in application, it shouldn't be anxiety inducing and up to each individual CM when you go to talk to them and also need to explain to them each time why you need an accommodation.

I think it can be hard to find consistency in application when by their nature disabilities are unique and will all interact differently with different attractions and queues.

Disney tried the blanket and maximalist approach for almost all disabilities and the system collapsed under its own weight, impacting park operations and preventing those most in need from being accommodated at all.

 

[lanejudy]

As to "explain at the attraction" -- the argument against that was raised years ago when GAC changed to DAS and several "needs" were removed. Those individuals with vision needs, hearing needs, unseen mobility needs (i.e. avoid stairs without a mobility device) were all told to explain at the attraction. I expect the discussion at the attraction does not need to go into details, just brief "I can't wait in the queue because..." just as folks have been saying "I need to avoid the stairs" or "I need to sit in a certain spot."

 

[snoopy352]

Our DD got approved for DAS yesterday morning and the kind CM said she would send us information on quiet spaces. We have not received anything yet and we have no acknowledgement on the app or via email that she was even approved. Is this typical?

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I imagine I'll just sit a lot of things out while my family does them.

While I'm coming at this from a very different angle I do this primarily when I'm with my husband most especially at Universal but it occurs more than enough at Disney too. When we went to Silver Dollar City with our DISer friends I also sat out on majority of the rides and became the "bag watcher" most of the time. Same occurred at the several Six Flags we've been to and same occurs at our local amusement park.

I do actually want to be able to ride a lot more I can handle and just like others I can have better days where I may feel more confident in riding Splash with the drop but another trip I'm forgoing it and I wish I didn't have motion sickness as that is the primary problem for me.

However, I've stated more than once on random threads that one of my favorite things when I'm waiting for my husband while he's riding something is if I can see/hear him on the ride. He has a very distinctive laugh and I just love hearing that when he's on a ride. That brings me a lot of happiness and knowing he's enjoying the ride. When he comes back with that smile on his face it's a great feeling.

I caught this photo in 2022 at Universal while he was riding Dr Doom Fearfall and I still look at it from time to time, I mean it's kinda grainy because I zoomed in so you can't really see him all that well but it's knowing that he's enjoying the attraction and hearing his laugh that makes me smile.


I know it may be rough on some people if they are now feeling like they won't be able to do certain attractions with their traveling party they used to be and Disney's attractions aren't out in the open as much as Universal's so for me I don't get to hear my husband's laughter as much at Disney as I do at Universal but I wanted to try and say my hope is for those feeling down about potentially not being able to do as many attractions or specific attractions with their traveling party there can be ways you can still find some happiness there, my way may be completely different than someone else's I'm just sharing what brings me joy even when I'm only able to ride a fraction of what my traveling party can. And a glass half full moment is my husband graciously goes on attractions he would really not like to do knowing that those are the ones I'm able to tolerate (its a small world being one of them, seuss high in the sky over at Universal another one). Luckily we both love PeopleMover

 

[lanejudy]

Our DD got approved for DAS yesterday morning and the kind CM said she would send us information on quiet spaces. We have not received anything yet and we have no acknowledgement on the app or via email that she was even approved. Is this typical?

Quiet spaces are noted in the Accessibility Planning Guide:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/g...disabilities/#drawer-card-DrawerPlanningGuide

Likewise, there are Sensory Experience Details if that is helpful:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/g...bilities/#drawer-card-DrawerSensoryExperience

 

[Jellybean9]

We are visiting in July for the first time under these new rules and I'm trying my best to be patient and hope that Disney has worked out many of the kinks in these systems by then.

Our group has a couple of family members with "invisible" chronic conditions that previously qualified for DAS. We buy Genie+ nearly every day of our visit already - so I'm hoping that our disruptions will be fairly minimal. In the past, we would often start our trip and try to go without DAS, only enrolling if we were experiencing frequent disruptions/challenges due to our family members' special needs.

I am almost certain that we will be told we aren't "disabled" enough to qualify for the "new" DAS qualifications. I think these RTQ/AQR options could work well for us - but I am concerned about situations where the urgent need to exit the queue to reach a cool/quiet space and/or a restroom may not allow for time to wait to speak with a cast member / get park tickets scanned.

We had a situation where we needed to leave a lightning lane queue for Winnie the Pooh at MK on a recent visit unexpectedly after scanning for our Genie+ return time and we were unable to make additional reservations there later in the day, since you can only "reserve" each ride with Genie+ one time per day. Without DAS, we would've just been "out of luck", leading to a significant amount of disappointment for our four year old.

A guest relations cast member would have put a new Winnie the Pooh LL on your account if you had explained what had occurred. They’re very accommodating.

 

[snoopy352]

Quiet spaces are noted in the Accessibility Planning Guide:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/g...disabilities/#drawer-card-DrawerPlanningGuide

Likewise, there are Sensory Experience Details if that is helpful:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/g...bilities/#drawer-card-DrawerSensoryExperience

Appreciate that and I did find those. The concern i have is not receiving what she said she would send and having no acknowledgement of being approved. Is this typical? Do you just show up in the park and it's in the app then? Or should I be concerned?

 

[Grim Grinning Ghostie]

But isn't this true to almost everyone who is offered DAS at this moment based on being in the Spectrum or having PTSD?


I'm curious is it really 100% sure that a high functioning adult (I'm not sure that is the right terminology but I think I read it here like this mentioned ) on a spectrum WILL have a meltdown?

1) People with PTSD or Autism aren't all being given DAS.
2) Yes, high-functioning adults know with 100% certainty that certain situations will result in a meltdown. Some things still take you by surprise (usually trivial things causing meltdowns, for example), but there are some situations where you know 100% that overexposure will result in a meltdown.

 

[PolyPrincessMom]

Our annual passes expire 10 days before we can call to try to renew our DAS. If my daughter no longer qualifies for DAS, we won’t be renewing and will need to cancel the 3 DVC trips we have booked. Is there any way to find out before our APs expire? Or is there a grace period to renew?

 

[ellataylor]

Sadly, no. I bought mine from Amazon. But the regular, non-UV umbrellas Disney does sell in the parks are a good option, too - I’ve had one in regular use (and I’m a Floridian, so it gets a LOT of use!) for about a decade! Just not as good as a UV one for sun protection.

Has anyone seen/used large umbrellas to attach to wheelchairs at all? I have an issue in that I take medications that causes sun sensitivity but have also had a stroke so use my left hand to steer my wheelchair but my right hand is too weak to hold an umbrella. Also not sure how I am putting the umbrella up and down to go through queues.

Oh the complexities of navigating WDW with former DAS accommodating disabilities (the wheelchair use was not one of them) is stressing me out! I know people will think just don’t go but this was my happy place to the point of just purchasing DVC less than a year ago!

 

[koszmok]

1) People with PTSD or Autism aren't all being given DAS.
2) Yes, high-functioning adults know with 100% certainty that certain situations will result in a meltdown. Some things still take you by surprise (usually trivial things causing meltdowns, for example), but there are some situations where you know 100% that overexposure will result in a meltdown.

1) yes, I never said everyone will be offered DAS I said those who are offered
2) I appreciate the answer

Still not finding it correct that extra 3 presumably non disabled friend (and not family) could be added to DAS instead of Rider Switch or RTQ offered

Meanwhile kids with legitimate needs get denied DAS

I understand the meltdown will happen 100% so yes, you (general you) shouldn't get into line but what about the all the others in your company?

I'm not telling that this is the person's fault as they are only using what the system is offered to them! But if Disney really wants to cut back LL lines they should find another solution.

I keep repeating myself I know but RIDER SWITCH would be the solution if can be used as in DLR.

The legitimate disabled still could get a fair accommodation but the number of people in the LL would be reduced dramatically.

With Rider Switch one should walk up to the ride itself and request it. Whenever they are ready. And assuming Rider Switch window is not expiring the disabled could ride anytime after their party is done.

If it's not immediate l'm sure the disabled party's family would understand the extra added time but the one with the disability (+ 1 carer) wouldn't have to suffer/risk to be in the line ....

I do hope Disney is "listening"

 

[SueM in MN]

Our DD got approved for DAS yesterday morning and the kind CM said she would send us information on quiet spaces. We have not received anything yet and we have no acknowledgement on the app or via email that she was even approved. Is this typical?

The DAS tile doesn’t typically appear until after you get to your first park. Once it’s there, it will be visible until it expires.
To find it, tap the 3 lines icon on the bottom menu bar, then scroll down the page. When it’s visible, you will see a DAS tile.
Some people have recentlyreported it being visible before going to a park. We registered our daughter mid March and it was visible for a while sporadically but didn’t stay until our first park day.
This document from the WDW website has a list of suggested quiet places on page 10
https://cdn1.parksmedia.wdprapps.di...nly=true&_branch_match_id=1323995911444598999

 

[figmentfan423]

1) yes, I never said everyone will be offered DAS I said those who are offered
2) I appreciate the answer

Still not finding it correct that extra 3 presumably non disabled friend (and not family) could be added to DAS instead of Rider Switch or RTQ offered

Meanwhile kids with legitimate needs get denied DAS

I understand the meltdown will happen 100% so yes, you (general you) shouldn't get into line but what about the all the others in your company?

I'm not telling that this is the person's fault as they are only using what the system is offered to them! But if Disney really wants to cut back LL lines they should find another solution.

I keep repeating myself I know but RIDER SWITCH would be the solution if can be used as in DLR.

The legitimate disabled still could get a fair accommodation but the number of people in the LL would be reduced dramatically.

With Rider Switch one should walk up to the ride itself and request it. Whenever they are ready. And assuming Rider Switch window is not expiring the disabled could ride anytime after their party is done.

If it's not immediate l'm sure the disabled party's family would understand the extra added time but the one with the disability (+ 1 carer) wouldn't have to suffer/risk to be in the line ....

I do hope Disney is "listening"

My ds not level one is an adult do you suggest we as a family should be separated? I would list a few reasons why that wouldn't work but that may provide a roadmap for cheaters. Also how can Disney determine what makes up a "family" with many living in what wouldn't be considered a traditional family

 

[starlite_]

Our annual passes expire 10 days before we can call to try to renew our DAS. If my daughter no longer qualifies for DAS, we won’t be renewing and will need to cancel the 3 DVC trips we have booked. Is there any way to find out before our APs expire? Or is there a grace period to renew?

I've read posts from people calling before their DAS expired before to renew it for a trip that wasn't covered yet. The only thing you can do to be sure is call them and try to get DAS again yourself.

 

[keishashadow]

Not sure about the class action waiver, but be aware that that app drains your battery badly.

We carry the fuel cells, thankfully, grandfathered in. FYI, did notice the newer iphone 15 has a much better battery life running that App in the park. I do shut down most of the other non essential ones tho

you get in the LL at that time (maybe with a password to give the CM at the LL?)

Intended as levity

Heat/Sun could be a little bit more generic and not temperature based to apply to only rides that have an outside queue.

Many with medical conditions that are exacerbated by humidity are not accustomed to the conditions in FL, even in the cooler months there

Offer Rider Switch for the disabled person and the carer!

Carer is one of those words that is often interpreted differently in the US vs the UK. From an outsider’s view, the NHS appears to acknowledge and encourage Carers vs what I’m hearing re the new rules at WDW for many.

So you'd prefer to have a person ask a CM at each ride and possibly leave it up to the CM to decide?

I’ve read several times WDW wanted to take the in park CMs out of front line of making any sort of decision as to awarding DAS accommodation in general.

Seems contradictory to then place it upon a lower paid CM at an attraction to make that sort of determination. Especially, if it is true, they are supposed to be very limited in granting any special accommodations to those without official DAS.

Definitely, will be interesting to see how many of the policies work in RL, vs theory.