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

[Karin1984]

which ride is that, would love to know in case that comes up

Flight of Passage apparently has a bathroom within the queue.
https://blogmickey.com/flight-of-passage-restrooms/

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

It will be a win for everyone if this results in more bathrooms being built inside the queues— easier and faster for the people who need them for medical needs, for young children, or any other sporadic emergencies that may come up. It would also discourage “fakers” from claiming they have a bathroom emergency to spend an hour going on other rides because you’re still in the queue area…I doubt many people would rather be in a restroom than in a queue with their group unless they need to be.

While it’s hard to retrofit older rides, the longest queues are likely to be in the newest attractions (and some of the longest line rides either have them inside or right nearby like Tron).

 

[OurBigTrip]

Well I don't intend that have the situation happen to me, it's called a disability for a reason, and you think I want to be leaving a queue just before riding, and AQR doesn't work as a whole for me, have tried for years before inquiring about DAS equivalent programs

It's ok, I don't feel like trying to defend my disability (IBD) to others all day long, everyone is the know it all, everyone always tries to bandaid it anyways, lived the past 10 years like that, of everyone sugarcoating it with their easy fixes or downplaying

I don't comment on others' disabilities and what fixes they can have, it would be appreciative if reciprocated, thank you kindly in advance. I know what's worked in the past, I know all the potential solutions (have to know them all) and I've tried them all, I was referring mainly to the problem of having 2 under 7 year olds and leaving the queue after the merge and AQR is no longer an option and we need to leave immediately (IBDs know what immediately really means) and you don't get a chance to notify anybody, that's why I was so against the party of 4 vs 6, because it helped me carry an extra supervisor in case the situation occurred where I needed to leave after the merge points

Actually, I believe she was commenting on the fact that in the past, when you had to leave the LL due to your disability, everyone in your party should have left as well. They shouldn’t have ridden once you left .

 

[lanejudy]

A friend wouldn’t get DAS. She would tell TMs that she had a fused hip and couldn’t do stairs, particularly on Indy & fantastic. Never had an issue with it being granted. She’s worried now What do you think?

Do you mean can the friend avoid stairs without DAS or a mobility device? Yes she should be able to do that. That actually has been the rule for several years, though I have read sporadic reports of a denial. But I would expect her to be fine.

It was reported on the FB page by a wdw adult with asd that the two systems were merged and he did nit have to redo the interview for dlr.

Yes. Someone reported earlier on this thread (I think) that they were told the DAS approval for WDW would also be valid for DLR. Good to know someone else has actually gotten it linked as well. Thanks.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Do you mean can the friend avoid stairs without DAS or a mobility device? Yes she should be able to do that. That actually has been the rule for several years, though I have read sporadic reports of a denial. But I would expect her to be fine.



Yes. Someone reported earlier on this thread (I think) that they were told the DAS approval for WDW would also be valid for DLR. Good to know someone else has actually gotten it linked as well. Thanks.

I use a cane when walking and all the CMs have had me go around the stairs. I have never had DAS and I was never allowed to use the stairs even if I had wantedto

 

[starlite_]

Actually, I believe she was commenting on the fact that in the past, when you had to leave the LL due to your disability, everyone in your party should have left as well. They shouldn’t have ridden once you left .

I am surprised people still wonder why they are tightening up on DAS eligibility when folks are admitting to misusing DAS right and left.

 

[jo-jo]

I use a cane when walking and all the CMs have had me go around the stairs. I have never had DAS and I was never allowed to use the stairs even if I had wantedto

yes, before DH had DAS, he used a wheelchair for a few years and to use a few rides, we went to the exit for a few rides.

 

[SueM in MN]

A number of people have said back when there was still fast pass, that was good enough. They went on 4-6 rides per day.

We've only used DAS for a couple of years and we find that's about what we use now. 4-6 rides per day. We don't rush ride to ride and then only in the parks for 8 hours max and that's broken up.

So 5 years ago perhaps people were were 'making do" with their issues with fast pass. There was no need to even inquire about DAS.

But those people were and are able to wait in a queue, and DAS is not meant for them.

Think of all the people out there with little kids who struggle to wait in long lines just because they're kids. Being a child isn't a disability by itself, but waiting in line is difficult for most young children. Parents either need to work to help their kids succeed in a line (playing games, bringing snacks, looking for hidden Mickeys, maybe handing them a tablet for a bit, etc.), or they buy Genie+ and pay for the convenience of shorter lines. The same is true for adults who struggle to wait in lines but can. Some can work to accommodate their issues in line (like if it's stimulation, getting noise-cancelling headphones), or they can pay for Genie+ for the convenience of shorter lines. Is it easy to wait in a line for an hour? No. But people who "made it work" before aren't the ones DAS is for. DAS is for a small percentage of guests. People who did fine with FastPass will do fine with Genie+. In my opinion, if they did fine with FastPass, then getting DAS simply because they didn't want to pay for Genie+ is part of the DAS abuse.

I think it's important to understand how Fastpass/Fastpass+ worked to see why it worked for people.
My experience was at WDW; by the end of Fastpass most attractions at WDW had Fastpass available. Disneyland had some similarities, but less attractions had Fastpass entrances.

Fastpass at WDW:

• Free system introduced in late 1999
• at first at the very popular attractions, later introduced for some shows
• automated Fastpass machines were usually near the attraction
• displays near/on the Fastpass indicated the currently available return time
• guests scanned their ticket at an automated Fastpass machine to obtain a Fastpass after park opening
• machine printed a Fastpass ticket, usually with a 30-60 minute window of time to use
• Originally, guests couldn't obtain another Fastpass until after the time window for the first one began. It later changed to 2 hours after first Fastpass was printed
• during the time window, Fastpass ticket was presented at the attraction to enter the Fastpass Entrance
• Worked well for some people with disabilities, but didn't work well for others because the only available time was the one displayed on the Fastpass machine and might be many hours in the future

Fastpass + replaced Fastpass at WDW in 2014:

• Free System which allowed guests to reserve and plan attraction access through the Fastpass line
• Each guest was able to reserve up to 3 Fastpass + 'slots' per day ahead of time
  • Guests staying at a WDW resort could book 60 days in advance for their entire stay
  • Other guests could book 30 days in advance of their trip
  • Annual Passholders could hold reservations for up to 7 days in a 30 day period
  • Attractions were in different tiers, which helped to ensure better availability at the most popular attractions
  • After using the initial 3 Fastpass + attractions, guests could make more, one at a time, subject to availability
  • Fastpass + could be made at automated machines or on the My Disney Experience app
• Fastpass + worked well for many people with disabilities. They were able to choose the first 3 attractions and times per day that worked best for them. After that, they could choose more attractions, one at a time or go on attractions with short wait times.

Fastpass + was not brought back after the parks reopened in July 2020 and was replaced by Genie+ in October 2021

 

[SueM in MN]

A friend wouldn’t get DAS. She would tell TMs that she had a fused hip and couldn’t do stairs, particularly on Indy & fantastic. Never had an issue with it being granted. She’s worried now What do you think?
......

She shouldn't have an issue. This has been an 'ask at the attraction' item at least since 2013.

If you are asking about WDW, these are the attractions with stairs:
MK
Tiana's Bayou Adventure - I don't know how/if this will change, but Splash Mountain had an accessible bypass just before the stairs that sends guests to a waiting area near the exit

WDW Railroad at Frontierland and Main Street- there is a ramp at both stations, but it is steep and winding

Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse - stairs are winding, steep and narrow

Tom Sawyer’s Island - the island is not considered accessible. There are narrow spots and places with stairs in the fort. A very narrow child's chair may be able to get around.

Big Thunder Mountain RR - there are a couple of shallow steps a few feet into the queue entrance. The Lightning Lane in that area has a ramp, which can be used as a bypass for a few feet to avoid the stairs. It has no other stairs, but has some very steep ramps, which I think people remember as stairs.

Epcot
American Adventure - stairs to get to the 2nd floor for the show. By the stairs, there is an escalator, so you can avoid the stairs. There is a small elevator for guests with wheelchairs, ECVs and other mobility devices. See a CM to use it.

O Canada - there are stairs to reach the 2nd floor level shop area and the entrance to the movie. You can avoid that by following the path thru the garden on the right side of Canada as you face the shops from the front of Canada

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind - several steep flights of stairs to get from the unload area to the exit; there are large elevators right next to the stairs.

At DHS
Beauty and the Beast - show is in a theater with stairs to get down to the seats. Most of the wheelchair/ECV accessible seating is in the back rows. Guests without mobility devices can sit in the rear to avoid the stairs. To get down to the wheelchair accessible seating in the front rows, there is a very steep ramp with many switchbacks.

Toy Story Mania - There are 2 queues that split at the Fastpass merge point; one has stairs just after the point where guests pick up their 3D glasses. The other queue does not contain stairs. There is also a ramped area just beyond Fastpass merge that bypasses the stairs. The ramped area is where the wheelchair accessible ride car loads. Guests who can't do stairs, but do not need the wheelchair accessible ride car may be sent to the ramped area or to the queue without stairs.

Fantastmic - stairs in the amphitheater to go down to the seating. Very back row is for wheelchairs and ECVs. Several rows ahead are for guests with special needs. There is very limited accessible seating for guest with wheelchairs in the front row; access is by a steep ramp.
There is a ramp all the way from front to back on the far right as you face the stage. This area may be the Fantasmic dinner package seating or Fastpass and guests who are not part of that ‘program’ are not allowed in that area before the show. The specific areas assigned for these programs change from time to time.

Star Wars: Smuggler’s Run - stairs in the single rider entrance/queue and some of the ‘starships’ have stairs to exit.

For Animal Kingdom

Dinosaur - stairs in the boarding area. Guests who can’t do the stairs use an elevator just to the left as you leave the preshow area.

Festival of the Lion King - theater has stadium seating with some seats up many stairs. Much of the ground level seating is for guests with special needs.

Nemo - stairs in theater to get down to seating or sit in stadium seating in the very rear of the show. Back row is for guests with wheelchairs and ECVs, but you can sit in the front row of the stadium seating. There is a small amount of accessible seating for wheelchairs and ECVs in the middle and very front of the theater with access via a ramp.

Pandora: Flight of Passage - some of the ride areas are upstairs and down to exit. Guests using mobility devices are routed by CMs to areas with ramps/level. Let the CM at the entrance know if you need to avoid stairs.

Flight of Passage apparently has a bathroom within the queue.
https://blogmickey.com/flight-of-passage-restrooms/

Yes.
I've used it. There are actually 2 single stall restrooms. The times I've used the restrooms, there was a CM helping keep an orderly line at the little bypass that leads to them.

Do you mean can the friend avoid stairs without DAS or a mobility device? Yes she should be able to do that. That actually has been the rule for several years, though I have read sporadic reports of a denial. But I would expect her to be fine.



Yes. Someone reported earlier on this thread (I think) that they were told the DAS approval for WDW would also be valid for DLR. Good to know someone else has actually gotten it linked as well. Thanks.

If you are denied, you can ask to speak to a different CM/supervisor.

I remember reading a report in this thread about DAS at WDW and DL sharing approval now

 

[RamblinWreck]

I think it's important to understand how Fastpass/Fastpass+ worked to see why it worked for people.
My experience was at WDW; by the end of Fastpass most attractions at WDW had Fastpass available. Disneyland had some similarities, but less attractions had Fastpass entrances.

Fastpass at WDW:

• Free system introduced in late 1999
• at first at the very popular attractions, later introduced for some shows
• automated Fastpass machines were usually near the attraction
• displays near/on the Fastpass indicated the currently available return time
• guests scanned their ticket at an automated Fastpass machine to obtain a Fastpass after park opening
• machine printed a Fastpass ticket, usually with a 30-60 minute window of time to use
• Originally, guests couldn't obtain another Fastpass until after the time window for the first one began. It later changed to 2 hours after first Fastpass was printed
• during the time window, Fastpass ticket was presented at the attraction to enter the Fastpass Entrance
• Worked well for some people with disabilities, but didn't work well for others because the only available time was the one displayed on the Fastpass machine and might be many hours in the future

Fastpass + replaced Fastpass at WDW in 2014:

• Free System which allowed guests to reserve and plan attraction access through the Fastpass line
• Each guest was able to reserve up to 3 Fastpass + 'slots' per day ahead of time
  • Guests staying at a WDW resort could book 60 days in advance for their entire stay
  • Other guests could book 30 days in advance of their trip
  • Annual Passholders could hold reservations for up to 7 days in a 30 day period
  • Attractions were in different tiers, which helped to ensure better availability at the most popular attractions
  • After using the initial 3 Fastpass + attractions, guests could make more, one at a time, subject to availability
  • Fastpass + could be made at automated machines or on the My Disney Experience app
• Fastpass + worked well for many people with disabilities. They were able to choose the first 3 attractions and times per day that worked best for them. After that, they could choose more attractions, one at a time or go on attractions with short wait times.

Fastpass + was not brought back after the parks reopened in July 2020 and was replaced by Genie+ in October 2021

My understanding was that in order to introduce Fastpass+, it became a necessity to add a fast pass lane to not only every ride that could accommodate one, but also every attractrion, experience, character meet and greet, etc… otherwise there simply wasn’t enough capacity for guests to have 3 fast passes per day.

 

[SueM in MN]

My understanding was that in order to introduce Fastpass+, it became a necessity to add a fast pass lane to not only every ride that could accommodate one, but also every attractrion, experience, character meet and greet, etc… otherwise there simply wasn’t enough capacity for guests to have 3 fast passes per day.

At WDW, Fastpass lines were added to pretty much everything, even attractions that normally didn't have a wait. I was using 'attraction' as an inclusive term that includes shows, characters in most permanent locations and rides

 

[dreamer17555]

At WDW, Fastpass lines were added to pretty much everything, even attractions that normally didn't have a wait. I was using 'attraction' as an inclusive term that includes shows, characters in most permanent locations and rides

This is true but I kind of miss having part of the garden set aside for FP+ fireworks, and also reserved seating at Fantasmic without a dining plan at WDW.

 

[nalababybear]

Just want to mention that watching the previews of inside out 2 are good way to stay cool before going to your next Das reservation

I love the suppressed emotions.

Moana2 preview dropped too. Funny lines there. Excited with these movies....

 

[rastuso]

Does anyone remember when they started moving away from granting mobility issues for DAS? Was it simply when the system changed from GAC to DAS?

Yyo, and now everyone that still gets it just waves off the mobility peasants as being fully served by manual wheelchairs and wide queues

 

[jcemom]

I have decided to delay my August trip until (and *IF*) everything is worked out and running smoothly. I am not willing to explain my needs to CMs at every single attraction, in front of other guests. Luckily my airfare was purchased with points, so I'll get those back, and I haven't purchased tickets yet. I'm not out any money, just a little disappointed.

On the positive side, I'm considering my first US/IOA trip (still researching, but maybe this fall). Express pass sounds perfect for me. It's kind of exciting to consider trying something new!

 

[Disneychick75]

I have decided to delay my August trip until (and *IF*) everything is worked out and running smoothly. I am not willing to explain my needs to CMs at every single attraction, in front of other guests. Luckily my airfare was purchased with points, so I'll get those back, and I haven't purchased tickets yet. I'm not out any money, just a little disappointed.

On the positive side, I'm considering my first US/IOA trip (still researching, but maybe this fall). Express pass sounds perfect for me. It's kind of exciting to consider trying something new!

If you stay at Portofino Bay, Hard Rock or The Royal Pacific, you automatically get Universal Express Unlimited ride access. Their resorts have excellent restaurants too!

 

[PrincessV]

After reading the small number of reports scattered about the web from people who were denied DAS and told in some form of verbiage to ask for an alternate accommodation in the parks and have actually done so, the one thing that seems clear to me is that it doesn’t really matter what terminology anyone’s using: the point is that you’ll need to inquire with CMs at each attraction and the CMs will determine what type of accommodation they will provide based on your need (not preference - NEED), what the attraction is capable of providing, the make-up of your party, and possibly what the wait times are at that time. None of the reports have been from solo visitors, and almost all of the accommodations offered have been 1. for the disabled Guest to either wait in SB line with their party, leave if they need to, and meet up later with their party at the merge point, either via LL or some backstage area, or 2. Wait outside the line while their party waits in SB and meet up at the merge later. This was the case for both physical/medical and non-physical/medical disabilities.

The other piece of this is that I’ve also seen several people say they expressed to the DAS CMs directly that they cannot handle describing their specific needs to CMs all day, and were told there is no need to do that: that all one need do is state that they have a medical need to leave the line and the CM will offer what is available to meet that need.

All of which is basically what we’ve guessed would be the case here, right? Helpful, I think, to be hearing that that’s what’s actually happening. Not that it’s making very many happy.

I continue to keep an eye out for those elusive solo visitors who might have been told to use AQR!

 

[jo-jo]

After reading the small number of reports scattered about the web from people who were denied DAS and told in some form of verbiage to ask for an alternate accommodation in the parks and have actually done so, the one thing that seems clear to me is that it doesn’t really matter what terminology anyone’s using: the point is that you’ll need to inquire with CMs at each attraction and the CMs will determine what type of accommodation they will provide based on your need (not preference - NEED), what the attraction is capable of providing, the make-up of your party, and possibly what the wait times are at that time. None of the reports have been from solo visitors, and almost all of the accommodations offered have been 1. for the disabled Guest to either wait in SB line with their party, leave if they need to, and meet up later with their party at the merge point, either via LL or some backstage area, or 2. Wait outside the line while their party waits in SB and meet up at the merge later. This was the case for both physical/medical and non-physical/medical disabilities.

The other piece of this is that I’ve also seen several people say they expressed to the DAS CMs directly that they cannot handle describing their specific needs to CMs all day, and were told there is no need to do that: that all one need do is state that they have a medical need to leave the line and the CM will offer what is available to meet that need.

All of which is basically what we’ve guessed would be the case here, right? Helpful, I think, to be hearing that that’s what’s actually happening. Not that it’s making very many happy.

I continue to keep an eye out for those elusive solo visitors who might have been told to use AQR!

Have you heard of any stories of people leaving a line and returning with a scooter? I read one story somewhere, where person needing to leave was on a scooter and had to squeeze by a person on a scooter. Just barely got by . Not sure what ride this was.

 

[TheMouseKId]

After reading the small number of reports scattered about the web from people who were denied DAS and told in some form of verbiage to ask for an alternate accommodation in the parks and have actually done so, the one thing that seems clear to me is that it doesn’t really matter what terminology anyone’s using: the point is that you’ll need to inquire with CMs at each attraction and the CMs will determine what type of accommodation they will provide based on your need (not preference - NEED), what the attraction is capable of providing, the make-up of your party, and possibly what the wait times are at that time. None of the reports have been from solo visitors, and almost all of the accommodations offered have been 1. for the disabled Guest to either wait in SB line with their party, leave if they need to, and meet up later with their party at the merge point, either via LL or some backstage area, or 2. Wait outside the line while their party waits in SB and meet up at the merge later. This was the case for both physical/medical and non-physical/medical disabilities.

The other piece of this is that I’ve also seen several people say they expressed to the DAS CMs directly that they cannot handle describing their specific needs to CMs all day, and were told there is no need to do that: that all one need do is state that they have a medical need to leave the line and the CM will offer what is available to meet that need.

All of which is basically what we’ve guessed would be the case here, right? Helpful, I think, to be hearing that that’s what’s actually happening. Not that it’s making very many happy.

I continue to keep an eye out for those elusive solo visitors who might have been told to use AQR!

I personally went to Disney this weekend, didn’t try for DAS because I pretty much knew I would be denied, and asked a cast member outside of Rise how I would be accommodated if I had to leave the line as a solo traveler, and the cast member said it would be handled on a case by case basis, so great.

 

[PrincessV]

Have you heard of any stories of people leaving a line and returning with a scooter? I read one story somewhere, where person needing to leave was on a scooter and had to squeeze by a person on a scooter. Just barely got by . Not sure what ride this was.

I saw the same report - it’s been making the rounds! That’s the only one I’ve seen with a scooter having a hard time exiting a queue.

I personally went to Disney this weekend, didn’t try for DAS because I pretty much knew I would be denied, and asked a cast member outside of Rise how I would be accommodated if I had to leave the line as a solo traveler, and the cast member said it would be handled on a case by case basis, so great.

I think that’s just it: it WILL be case by case, depending on the individual needs, how the attraction’s queue is set up, how long you need to be gone, how long y can tolerate being in the queue, etc. Until you actually put it into action, I don’t think you’ll know because until then, it’s a hypothetical, right?