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

[lanejudy]

As a reminder… GENiE+ is not an offered accommodation instead of DAS. It is and always has been an option to purchase. It does not function the same as DAS and may not work for some folks.

 

[mistysue]

But it is personal, and I have every right to say that as much as you do to say you don't like hearing it.
I said this because for us this is true! My husband waits in his scooter in a shaded area and doesn't do anything whilst waiting for his return time. It isn't about getting to the front of the line for us as quickly as possible, its about making the time he isn't on the ride as quiet and calm as possible and allowing him time to decompress so he doesn't have to leave the park immediately.
Obviously some may use that time in other ways. But to say i shouldn't say that is how DAS works for us, because you feel it isn't true, then means that this is not a fact based or truthful conversation, which is what these forums are supposed to be about.
And I repeat this is a very personal subject, for people who have to live with disabilities and discrimination on a daily basis.

It's not that I don't like to hear it. I'm saying this needs to stop being a thing people throw into these conversations because yours is not the typical use case, and it's common for people to make comments about waiting the same amount of time, then throw in taking shop or snack breaks, meals or other rides as examples of things you can do during that time. It brings to the forefront exactly why there is a problem with overuse even by those who qualify.
I only quoted yours because it was the most recent time I've seen it.

 

[Memorymakerfor4]

As a reminder… GENiE+ is not an offered accommodation instead of DAS. It is and always has been an option to purchase. It does not function the same as DAS and may not work for some folks.

Sorry, I'll edit. Just meant to explain what we chose to do, it worked for us personally but may not for everyone. Like I said, way behind here.

 

[nalababybear]

I'm way behind in this thread but was just sitting here drinking coffee trying to catch up, and am having these same thoughts. We're at the point right now where my son's needs and behaviors have changed (again lol) and it has me considering what our trip later this year will look like. Because of my planning and research, in the recent past we were able to utilize DAS and Genie+ together to help us experience a full day in the parks. I'm not so sure it'll be this way this year and may harken back to the days when he was younger and less able to tolerate it. I'm still in the 'give Disney a chance' mindset as well and really hope this settles down in the coming months, but am also preparing myself it might not by the time we go.

P.S. I was proofreading this and realized I'd forgotten to add 'coffee' to the first sentence, ha ha. This thread has tempted me to drink something stronger at times!

There's a few certainties in our lives -- #1 being : expect the unexpected. And learn to roll with it because our dear son sometimes cannot.

Just in case, we visited DLR this past weekend and again this weekend because our last day was cut short -- with something unexpected of course! Young man 'rolled with it' after a return last day this weekend with all the specifics calendared out, lol.

For sure we're holding our breathe as DLR rolls out its revamped system next month.

 

[nalababybear]

As a reminder… GENiE+ is not an offered accommodation instead of DAS. It is and always has been an option to purchase. It does not function the same as DAS and may not work for some folks.

For sure it's not a replacement.

It is a tool that folk who are able to access and afford to use and be made aware of as a possibility to improve their experience.

It would improve ours, IF our son would have enough ability to tolerate more lines during the visit. There simply needs time to reset on his time clock.

There's a reason why many DAS holders miss 50%+ of preselects, and bet that would have a relative high correlation to G+ not matching well.

 

[sprem96]

I'm not meaning this to be personal, it's repeated a lot, but can we please stop saying this? Unless a person is policing themselves to go to the ride entrance when booking their DAS return, this isn't true and everyone in these conversations knows it isn't true which is why there is such a problem.
It's not the same wait. (of course, depending on level of need it could be a much worse wait) It includes the time to travel to the ride, and breaks for whatever else is on the agenda. Depending on need that can be stuff others are happily oblivious to or it could mean getting a pretzel or even riding other rides, but it's often not the same wait and not as much wasted time doing nothing but walking through a queue. Non-DAS users don't start their wait the moment they think about going on a ride, which could be at the turnstiles, sitting at a meal or while boarding another ride. They start their wait when they arrive there and their other needs are on hold until after the ride is done.

As a phrase it's just overused, not productive to a conversation, and the glaring inaccuracies with it are why people are so reluctant to consider alternatives in the first place. Even when it is a needed accommodation, it does allow DAS users to sort of double dip on their time to get things done more efficiently. For some users that is fair. For too many it is not.

That is a fair argument to make

Not comparing to other disabilities, but for my own personal disability, it's not that I want the same SB time as SB users, I could care less if they tacked on more time on top of RTQ wait time to make it more fair to factor in I had the ability to book something across the park; why DAS was crucial for me is it gave me personally predictability of being able to ride that ride at that exact moment or not, would love the ability to wait but disability is so random in its severity and length

On the other hand, disabilities can be inconsistent, so if someone books a ride for ToT at 2pm for a return at 3pm (70 min wait time posted), it doesn't actually mean that person will get there at that scheduled time, some might take double that time to get to that ride due to many factors. Disney has given DAS users the ability to book things on their app and not right in front of the ride, mainly due to those reasons. Before the app, I had to physically show up to the ride and get them to give me a RTQ time, the problem like my disability or others, is that sometimes when the time arrived, we were unable to ride at that moment. So booking from everywhere has given disabled people to ride it when they feel comfortable. Sometimes I get to my times on time and yes that means I gained time, but other times I didn't, but at least when I got to the ride, I was able to ride it comfortably. There is a reason Disney promotes using the waiting time to get food, see a show, wait in other rides, they know that if a DAS user is legitimate, they will have some down moments and not be able to physically get to queues when they want to like normal SB users can, so give them in a sense some "catchup time".

 

[lanejudy]

Sorry, I'll edit. Just meant to explain what we chose to do, it worked for us personally but may not for everyone. Like I said, way behind here.

No worries. It’s fine to mention you use it. It’s the posters who come in saying people should just pay for G+ instead of requesting DAS that need to stop.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Still would love to know how AQR will work after merge point especially on GotG, Tron, or even ToT as examples which have significant waiting still after merge points

I always wondered how people who “can’t wait more than 15 minutes in line” deal with rides like GotG, as I don’t think I have ever been out in under 30 minutes even with Genie+ and the ride itself isn’t that long.

 

[AJA]

I've read something about that. Someone else mentioned also with the low key rides we do, we'd probably not have issues getting the rides later in the day. Not like Slinky that's gone in 2 secs for the whole day. My issue would be how late is late. One trip a few years ago, in Dec. during the day it was close to 80 but once the sun set, it got cold fast. DH using a EVC, doesn't build up body heat from walking, so he got cold. Yes, we carry jackets and small blanket. Maybe plan for an hour or two mid morning to noonish and then again 4 ish until ? We couldn't do say start at 1 until 9 pm. Can't do that long of time in parks.

Before anyone writes off Genie+ definitely watch some of the YouTube vloggers on how they stack LL’s. Genie+ works best using them later in the day, if your health allows you to go to the parks early great, you can get a few rides in using the regular lines while ride times are lower and all the while stacking your LL’s to use for rides/re-rides as the wait times build.
If your health requires you to have shorter days starting later, then you can enter the Park with 3-4 LL’s ready yo use while still being able to add even more at 2 hrs. So by the tome you use your original 3-4 you have another one ready to go. Then you get more right after checking in for your last.
Combing that strategy with extra planning (meals and breaks) I think a lot of former DAS users will be amazed that their days are not much different.

We all know Genie+ will be the most different for most because now its a paid service but the reality is DAS just has too many people that currently qualify. It can’t go on the same way it has with so many people knowing they qualify and asking for it.

Eta: Make sure you fully research G+. So many people don’t know you can schedule another after tapping in for your last (they think they have to wait 2 hours each time).

 

[phi2012]

It's not that I don't like to hear it. I'm saying this needs to stop being a thing people throw into these conversations because yours is not the typical use case, and it's common for people to make comments about waiting the same amount of time, then throw in taking shop or snack breaks, meals or other rides as examples of things you can do during that time. It brings to the forefront exactly why there is a problem with overuse even by those who qualify.
I only quoted yours because it was the most recent time I've seen it.

I don't mean to be argumentative/defensive. This is just such a raw situation for us. Without DAS I don't know what our holiday will be. We don't often get to go on holiday (normally once every 3 years or so) and when you plan and book a holiday over a year and half out, with having to make adjustments due to disabilities. You don't expect Disney to change the rules just a couple of months before your holiday. It's ridiculous that you can't even find out if you still qualify until 30 days out. We are already tied into this holiday, no refund on flights, or disney hotel, tickets are an option. We may very well still get DAS, but we may not. If we don't we will not be able to do Disney again. I've just got to hope we can make our holiday as calm as I can if we don't get DAS, and use everything I have at my disposal to get through the week at disney.

 

[mistysue]

That is a fair argument to make

Not comparing to other disabilities, but for my own personal disability, it's not that I want the same SB time as SB users, I could care less if they tacked on more time on top of RTQ wait time to make it more fair to factor in I had the ability to book something across the park; why DAS was crucial for me is it gave me personally predictability of being able to ride that ride at that exact moment or not, would love the ability to wait but disability is so random in its severity and length

On the other hand, disabilities can be inconsistent, so if someone books a ride for ToT at 2pm for a return at 3pm (70 min wait time posted), it doesn't actually mean that person will get there at that scheduled time, some might take double that time to get to that ride due to many factors. Disney has given DAS users the ability to book things on their app and not right in front of the ride, mainly due to those reasons. Before the app, I had to physically show up to the ride and get them to give me a RTQ time, the problem like my disability or others, is that sometimes when the time arrived, we were unable to ride at that moment. So booking from everywhere has given disabled people to ride it when they feel comfortable. Sometimes I get to my times on time and yes that means I gained time, but other times I didn't, but at least when I got to the ride, I was able to ride it comfortably. There is a reason Disney promotes using the waiting time to get food, see a show, wait in other rides, they know that if a DAS user is legitimate, they will have some down moments and not be able to physically get to queues when they want to like normal SB users can, so give them in a sense some "catchup time".

A much better way of wording my general sentiment. It's not a "make things the same" and people know that, so it opens it up to abuse as people think about it.

 

[PrincessV]

I always wondered how people who “can’t wait more than 15 minutes in line” deal with rides like GotG, as I don’t think I have ever been out in under 30 minutes even with Genie+ and the ride itself isn’t that long.

I can only speak for myself, but how I manage GOTG:
1. I convert my VQ to DAS - that takes away a chunk of the worst of the line.
2. I absolutely do not wind up in the middle of all the people in either holding room - I hang to the far left, where there’s always ample space.
3. I hang back as the hoards funnel out of the 2nd room into the Narrow Hallway of Doom, giving myself some extra space, instead of getting packed in.

Yes, the total amount of time can be on the long side, but very little of it is spent in conditions that are problematic for me. Just about the point at which I’m starting to feel some symptoms, I’m out of the queue and waiting to board.

 

[nalababybear]

I don't mean to be argumentative/defensive. This is just such a raw situation for us. Without DAS I don't know what our holiday will be. We don't often get to go on holiday (normally once every 3 years or so) and when you plan and book a holiday over a year and half out, with having to make adjustments due to disabilities. You don't expect Disney to change the rules just a couple of months before your holiday. It's ridiculous that you can't even find out if you still qualify until 30 days out. We are already tied into this holiday, no refund on flights, or disney hotel, tickets are an option. We may very well still get DAS, but we may not. If we don't we will not be able to do Disney again. I've just got to hope we can make our holiday as calm as I can if we don't get DAS, and use everything I have at my disposal to get through the week at disney.

We buy travel insurance to cover the uncertainty of acute on chronic disabilities. It helps. Also remember some credit cards will cover some things too if companies play hard ball on refunds.

 

[sprem96]

I always wondered how people who “can’t wait more than 15 minutes in line” deal with rides like GotG, as I don’t think I have ever been out in under 30 minutes even with Genie+ and the ride itself isn’t that long.

that ride is a problem for my disability, I ridden it 2 times only because I have to be entirely sure I am good to handle 30 minutes or so (usually directly after an episode are my best times to ride anything, but who is say when that is and if it fits my ILL time or VQ time) and both times I had a 25 min wait from entering to leaving the ride

It is scary, and I have had many situations of leaving queues within 5 minutes of riding, it is very disheartening, and my family has to sadly leave lineups too because I have two kids under 7 which means they need an adult for supervision, which is why the rule of 4 in a DAS riding party is hampering me more, because I used to bring grandparents under the rule of 6 to ensure they would at least ride that ride without me if need be

Safe to say, very concerned about my registration on July 16th about acquiring a DAS to begin with, and if yes, if they'll grant me some exception to the rule of 4 or not

 

[Disneylover99]

You can now modify your Genie+ time. That will help a lot that choose to go that route.

It will definitely help some.

I know many of the people who may have qualified for DAS in the past, but didn’t try to get one, pre-booked their fp rides for the first 3 hours of the park being open, when they were still fresh, and had a hope of getting on a few rides. Then they were happy to leave the parks before noon, and maybe came back later for fireworks.

 

[nalababybear]

I can only speak for myself, but how I manage GOTG:
1. I convert my VQ to DAS - that takes away a chunk of the worst of the line.
2. I absolutely do not wind up in the middle of all the people in either holding room - I hang to the far left, where there’s always ample space.
3. I hang back as the hoards funnel out of the 2nd room into the Narrow Hallway of Doom, giving myself some extra space, instead of getting packed in.

Yes, the total amount of time can be on the long side, but very little of it is spent in conditions that are problematic for me. Just about the point at which I’m starting to feel some symptoms, I’m out of the queue and waiting to board.

That hallway is easier to manage as you've mentioned -- hang back to wait to clear and by the time the next group comes; you're down to the split queue --

The hallway leading up to the first preshow --that's our primary painpoint for our son -- we've had to bail midway up that hallway once -- wasn't easy at all.

 

[mistysue]

I don't mean to be argumentative/defensive. This is just such a raw situation for us. Without DAS I don't know what our holiday will be. We don't often get to go on holiday (normally once every 3 years or so) and when you plan and book a holiday over a year and half out, with having to make adjustments due to disabilities. You don't expect Disney to change the rules just a couple of months before your holiday. It's ridiculous that you can't even find out if you still qualify until 30 days out. We are already tied into this holiday, no refund on flights, or disney hotel, tickets are an option. We may very well still get DAS, but we may not. If we don't we will not be able to do Disney again. I've just got to hope we can make our holiday as calm as I can if we don't get DAS, and use everything I have at my disposal to get through the week at disney.

I totally understand, and I'm sorry you are in this position at all. I obviously don't know your details (and don't need to) but I would place trust in that if it's truly a need, you may be able to talk to them again and get it sorted out. I don't think the intention is to make the park inaccessible - only to take away the "I sort of need this sometimes but now have this pass for EVERYTHING" level of accommodation that was happening just a few weeks ago. Which was breaking the system.

If they're going too and your signature is updated your older two kids are around the age I started assigning my more responsible child with helping us watch wait times and trying to book things or navigate to them. The biggest perk was actually the amount of mental strain that took off my shoulders.

And I'm totally serious about posting loose plans with requests to help you figure it out. There are people who are there constantly who will have a really strong sense of what you can expect. Have you ever checked out thrilldata dot com? The site has charts about what times of day you can expect to get what LL return time if you book it, along with what wait times to expect.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

that ride is a problem for my disability, I ridden it 2 times only because I have to be entirely sure I am good to handle 30 minutes or so (usually directly after an episode are my best times to ride anything, but who is say when that is and if it fits my ILL time or VQ time) and both times I had a 25 min wait from entering to leaving the ride

It is scary, and I have had many situations of leaving queues within 5 minutes of riding, it is very disheartening, and my family has to sadly leave lineups too because I have two kids under 7 which means they need an adult for supervision, which is why the rule of 4 in a DAS riding party is hampering me more, because I used to bring grandparents under the rule of 6 to ensure they would at least ride that ride without me if need be

Safe to say, very concerned about my registration on July 16th about acquiring a DAS to begin with, and if yes, if they'll grant me some exception to the rule of 4 or not

My husband is prone to panic attacks, so he has only ever managed to ride it once (twice?) and it was *not good.* For him the limitation is often something to do with the ride itself (every year the list gets a little longer about what no longer works for him), though I’m sure if we waited in the SB line it would only exacerbate his issues. Fortunately we always buy Genie+ and have been often enough that are no longer in “ride ride ride” mode so it is more than enough for our needs.

 

[AJA]

It will definitely help some.

I know many of the people who may have qualified for DAS in the past, but didn’t try to get one, pre-booked their fp rides for the first 3 hours of the park being open, when they were still fresh, and had a hope of getting on a few rides. Then they were happy to leave the parks before noon, and maybe came back later for fireworks.

Yes! And because now with Genie+ they can keep stacking LL’s while they are away from the park resting, when they come back later they will have 2-3 rides ready to go before/after fireworks.

 

[sprem96]

I don't mean to be argumentative/defensive. This is just such a raw situation for us. Without DAS I don't know what our holiday will be. We don't often get to go on holiday (normally once every 3 years or so) and when you plan and book a holiday over a year and half out, with having to make adjustments due to disabilities. You don't expect Disney to change the rules just a couple of months before your holiday. It's ridiculous that you can't even find out if you still qualify until 30 days out. We are already tied into this holiday, no refund on flights, or disney hotel, tickets are an option. We may very well still get DAS, but we may not. If we don't we will not be able to do Disney again. I've just got to hope we can make our holiday as calm as I can if we don't get DAS, and use everything I have at my disposal to get through the week at disney.

Going through the same situation where booked trip 8 months out because need to plan out planes/cars/hotels and all of that is mostly unrefundable and they make a change and roll it out under 2 months, I can only hope they factor that in and be considerate to those that planned out a trip and had no way to prepare for this sudden change in rules.