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

[StitchesGr8Fan]

My family is planning to go to DL next year and it will be interesting to see if one of the 3 of us still qualifies for the DAS.

I’ve mentioned before that the blessing and curse of the internet is the availability of information instantaneously ar our fingertips. I know it has helped me as I navigate through the various diagnoses of multiple family members.

The other blessing and curse is how society is so much more accepting of disabilities, and as such more individuals are being open about their struggles and utilizing accommodations to live their best life. It’s a blessing because people can ask for what they need, but a curse when a tool or accommodation is a limited resource.

Whether we like it or not, ride capacity is a finite resource. LL is an even more limited resource if it is to act as it is truly intended: to shorten wait times (whether paid for or not). The last few times we waiting, we had to wait in the LL line for 20-30 minutes for most of the popular rides. The standby line was barely moving because of all the people they had to let through the LL.

I think a lot of people remember free FP with rose colored glasses. It wasn’t the end all, be all solution. The FP’s for the best rides were often gone by 10 am, so you were left getting a FP for a ride you probably didn’t need one for just to say you used it.

And let’s face it, theming, shows, restaurants, characters are great, but the big draw to the Disney Parks is the rides. People don’t feel like they got their money’s worth if they don’t get to ride enough rides. If people just went for the ambiance, there wouldn’t be an uproar when a new ride isn’t deemed accessible enough for an excluded population.

Yes, Disney wants to make more money to keep shareholders happy. Not denying that. But this isn’t all a money grab. It’s also driven by the societal and demographic changes that made the old system detrimental to a higher % than it helped. Those in standby, those with LL, and those with a need for very short wait times have all being negatively impacted by the old system. A lot of people who paid the same amount (or more if they bought G+/LL) for entry have been having to wait exponentially longer in both lines, which is bad for business all around.

 

[mistysue]

<snip>

Whether we like it or not, ride capacity is a finite resource. <snip>

Many people sort of miss this, because in most discussions about disability and accommodation, it's common to say something "isn't like pie" - where you run out because someone else got the big piece. This one totally IS like pie, and every person who gets a better piece means other people don't get a good piece or don't get any at all. That's why it's so hard and everyone has so many emotions.

 

[Vampiress88]

Anyone know what happens if you buy LL or genie+ and then have to leave the park after 2hours etc?
Or is it just lump it- Disney just want the money and won’t really give a monkeys if it can’t be used?

 

[Jibrille]

We just got back from Disney World. On our first day, Magic Kingdom, it was a resort-guest day, so we had early hours. It was also extended evening hours too. I always do better on the first day and it was my kid's 8th grade graduation present, so I was trying really hard to do my best through the pain. By the second day I wasn't even able to make it to the park until 1:00pm and we only stayed a few hours.

I have both a physical disability and other issues from cancer. I was under the "old" DAS system and we wore magic bands (+). I went in to guest services to ask a question about bathroom line exits, because we had been stuck on a ride without a bathroom and I couldn't find ANY staff to let me go use the facilities. The guy looked at my account and said, "well I don't feel you really need any help as you have been able to go on a LOT of rides" as if I was faking it. I was really shocked at how rude and dispariging he was to me and my son. We over all had a good time, but it was really rough as the people there clearly did not want to help the "old" DAS people at all. I can genuinely say this is going to be my last Disney visit of any type for a long, long time. They clearly do not want me or people like me there. We went to Universal on our last day, and it was like a breath of fresh air. Does it suck that you have to carry around a piece of paper and get it signed? Yes, but there was a world of difference between the way I was treated at Universal vs Disney. Having my fully-documented IBCESS card made everything easier.

Anyway, I just wanted to offer a report of my experience.

 

[mistysue]

Anyone know what happens if you buy LL or genie+ and then have to leave the park after 2hours etc?
Or is it just lump it- Disney just want the money and won’t really give a monkeys if it can’t be used?

It's going to vary by whether it was used. I know we purchased an ILL for a party of 2, and they got a refund when they had to leave for illness.
I would imagine if you purchased Genie+ and used it I think there would be resistance, or everyone who didn't get exactly what they wished for would be demanding refunds.

 

[mistysue]

We just got back from Disney World. On our first day, Magic Kingdom, it was a resort-guest day, so we had early hours. It was also extended evening hours too. I always do better on the first day and it was my kid's 8th grade graduation present, so I was trying really hard to do my best through the pain. By the second day I wasn't even able to make it to the park until 1:00pm and we only stayed a few hours.

I have both a physical disability and other issues from cancer. I was under the "old" DAS system and we wore magic bands (+). I went in to guest services to ask a question about bathroom line exits, because we had been stuck on a ride without a bathroom and I couldn't find ANY staff to let me go use the facilities. The guy looked at my account and said, "well I don't feel you really need any help as you have been able to go on a LOT of rides" as if I was faking it. I was really shocked at how rude and dispariging he was to me and my son. We over all had a good time, but it was really rough as the people there clearly did not want to help the "old" DAS people at all. I can genuinely say this is going to be my last Disney visit of any type for a long, long time. They clearly do not want me or people like me there. We went to Universal on our last day, and it was like a breath of fresh air. Does it suck that you have to carry around a piece of paper and get it signed? Yes, but there was a world of difference between the way I was treated at Universal vs Disney. Having my fully-documented IBCESS card made everything easier.

Anyway, I just wanted to offer a report of my experience.

Did he ever address your question? Or just replied and that was that?

 

[Jibrille]

Did he ever address your question? Or just replied and that was that?

He never did, he just dismissed us and said "we should try to find staff at a ride". They seem to have no script in place for how to handle these issues at all. Also, I know we are being tracked but it was just shocking to hear it like that. We did our rides in a circuit so I didn't have to walk very far and could rest. If you do it that way, instead of zipping all over the park, you can hit quite a few rides, especially if you get there at deluxe resort guest hours. We also bought a Genie+ and a LL for Mine Train that day because I knew that park had the most rides, and I was trying to make it as easy for me to have gaps between them as possible. Apparently that was bad.

 

[mistysue]

He never did, he just dismissed us and said "we should try to find staff at a ride". They seem to have no script in place for how to handle these issues at all. Also, I know we are being tracked but it was just shocking to hear it like that. We did our rides in a circuit so I didn't have to walk very far and could rest. If you do it that way, instead of zipping all over the park, you can hit quite a few rides, especially if you get there at deluxe resort guest hours. We also bought a Genie+ and a LL for Mine Train that day because I knew that park had the most rides, and I was trying to make it as easy for me to have gaps between them as possible. Apparently that was bad.

I'm torn between suggesting you write to guest services because he shouldn't be making you feel talked down to, and telling you to not draw any attention to yourself incase you run into someone else who is overwhelmed and not on their best behavior too.
I'm sorry.

 

[Vampiress88]

I’m not entirely sure how genie+ works as I never used it last year but from what I have heard some can’t get on much.
We are usually in the parks 5 hours max. Usually 2-3hours. I just can’t work out how it could be beneficial. I’m really cross with Disney management as this is really bad form but I still have this ridiculous urge to go back to Disney so I’m trying to convince myself how I could possibly manage without me feeling like I’ve gotten nothing out of the ticket. Especially when these tickets for us are over £2k for 4. It’s a hell of a lot of money to not go on anything

 

[TwoMisfits]

We just got back from Disney World. On our first day, Magic Kingdom, it was a resort-guest day, so we had early hours. It was also extended evening hours too. I always do better on the first day and it was my kid's 8th grade graduation present, so I was trying really hard to do my best through the pain. By the second day I wasn't even able to make it to the park until 1:00pm and we only stayed a few hours.

I have both a physical disability and other issues from cancer. I was under the "old" DAS system and we wore magic bands (+). I went in to guest services to ask a question about bathroom line exits, because we had been stuck on a ride without a bathroom and I couldn't find ANY staff to let me go use the facilities. The guy looked at my account and said, "well I don't feel you really need any help as you have been able to go on a LOT of rides" as if I was faking it. I was really shocked at how rude and dispariging he was to me and my son. We over all had a good time, but it was really rough as the people there clearly did not want to help the "old" DAS people at all. I can genuinely say this is going to be my last Disney visit of any type for a long, long time. They clearly do not want me or people like me there. We went to Universal on our last day, and it was like a breath of fresh air. Does it suck that you have to carry around a piece of paper and get it signed? Yes, but there was a world of difference between the way I was treated at Universal vs Disney. Having my fully-documented IBCESS card made everything easier.

Anyway, I just wanted to offer a report of my experience.

Your experience does seem to indicate that usage of the DAS is also likely to come into play on ease of reapproval. They aren't just putting extra scrutiny on certain conditions, but also on super-usage. It seems any GS employee can now see the usage data.

 

[lanejudy]

I went in to guest services to ask a question about bathroom line exits, because we had been stuck on a ride without a bathroom and I couldn't find ANY staff to let me go use the facilities.

I'm sorry to hear the Guest Relations staff wasn't helpful, but they won't have details of the process at each attraction. The process to return to the queue will vary by attraction; you basically find your way out to a CM -- most likely that is back to the entrance but if close to the merge point or load it may be ahead. That CM will let you know how to re-enter the queue/rejoin your party.

 

[KrzyKtty101]

Anyone know what happens if you buy LL or genie+ and then have to leave the park after 2hours etc?
Or is it just lump it- Disney just want the money and won’t really give a monkeys if it can’t be used?

Pretty much the latter

 

[jo-jo]

We just got back from Disney World. On our first day, Magic Kingdom, it was a resort-guest day, so we had early hours. It was also extended evening hours too. I always do better on the first day and it was my kid's 8th grade graduation present, so I was trying really hard to do my best through the pain. By the second day I wasn't even able to make it to the park until 1:00pm and we only stayed a few hours.

I have both a physical disability and other issues from cancer. I was under the "old" DAS system and we wore magic bands (+). I went in to guest services to ask a question about bathroom line exits, because we had been stuck on a ride without a bathroom and I couldn't find ANY staff to let me go use the facilities. The guy looked at my account and said, "well I don't feel you really need any help as you have been able to go on a LOT of rides" as if I was faking it. I was really shocked at how rude and dispariging he was to me and my son. We over all had a good time, but it was really rough as the people there clearly did not want to help the "old" DAS people at all. I can genuinely say this is going to be my last Disney visit of any type for a long, long time. They clearly do not want me or people like me there. We went to Universal on our last day, and it was like a breath of fresh air. Does it suck that you have to carry around a piece of paper and get it signed? Yes, but there was a world of difference between the way I was treated at Universal vs Disney. Having my fully-documented IBCESS card made everything easier.

Anyway, I just wanted to offer a report of my experience.

I wonder what he considered a lot of rides? The page for genie plus says something like most people get 2 or 3 rides something something. So using genie plus and the purchase LL, does 6 rides make it a lot? Or 8 rides? Or is 4 too many.

 

[mistysue]

I’m not entirely sure how genie+ works as I never used it last year but from what I have heard some can’t get on much.
We are usually in the parks 5 hours max. Usually 2-3hours. I just can’t work out how it could be beneficial. I’m really cross with Disney management as this is really bad form but I still have this ridiculous urge to go back to Disney so I’m trying to convince myself how I could possibly manage without me feeling like I’ve gotten nothing out of the ticket. Especially when these tickets for us are over £2k for 4. It’s a hell of a lot of money to not go on anything

We just did a trip with our focus on using Genie+ to figure out if it worked.
It absolutely can be manipulated to be useful - especially if you are planning for your 5 hours to be later in the day!
Once you get to mid-day, if it's not a super busy time like Christmas or Spring Break, in our experiences last October and this May, about half the rides in any park end up being bookable 10 or so minutes out.


For example, first thing in the morning I booked the safari for just after lunch. 2 hours after park opening I booked the Navi river ride. (or I might have done that the opposite order, but I booked both before we got there) We arrived, went on the safari, ate, then booked expedition Everest while eating, walked there and immediately rode it, booked Dinosaur and our time came up while we walked there. Rode it and went to Pandora, where it was time for the Navi ride. Then we booked and went to a Festival of the Lion King. We move slowly, basically needing to stop for a bathroom in most of the gaps between rides and a drink or snack about half of them but we felt like we almost couldn't keep up with G+ and had to not book too fast. The service also comes with some fun photo filters and these imagineer talks about areas of the parks - which we were kicking ourselves for having earbuds to be able to hear from our phones.

I'm hoping this can give you some hope. Our Magic Kingdom and EPCOT went much the same way. Hollywood studios is more risky, but we found the biggest thing there to be that going in the evening helps as the crowd really thinned out. Throwing in a table service to both kill time and rest, if that would help your situation, might make it even better.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

It's going to vary by whether it was used. I know we purchased an ILL for a party of 2, and they got a refund when they had to leave for illness.
I would imagine if you purchased Genie+ and used it I think there would be resistance, or everyone who didn't get exactly what they wished for would be demanding refunds.

Even refunding an ILL due to illness is at the CM’s discretion.

FWIW mentally I equate the cost of Genie+ to the cost of buying one ILL for a headliner. So if the only value I get out of HS is slinky, so be it. Everything else is a bonus.

There are definitely much cheaper ways to vacation than Disney. But Disney makes us happy, and we are willing to pay a Disney premium for that happiness.

 

[keishashadow]

No, it was the LL queue that was full and outside in many areas, Peter Pan, 7DMT, Splash, etc.

Not in my experience. As in all things,YMMV

the LL predominantly Were only full outside. Where those in standby and general park could observe.

Inside was a breeze

Will be there for few days on 16th under old DAs. Will try to remember to report if same experience

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

The guy looked at my account and said, "well I don't feel you really need any help as you have been able to go on a LOT of rides" as if I was faking it.

Geez that was certainly not the type of guest interaction that is going to make someone feel any sort of good thing

To speak to the above I quoted I'm not sure that type of comment (which I feel shouldn't be explicitly said anyhow to any guest but back to the point) means they were thinking you were faking it. IF they are considering including rides ridden as a metric that may just mean they are looking at can another accommodation be given to someone that will still accommodate what their situation is in lieu of DAS itself. The asking for bathroom exits may have been a trigger to the CM

 

[limabeanmom2003]

As awkward and uncomfortable as it is, there is a good amount of that going on. There are people whose perspective is "I have a disability, so THIS is the accommodation I am entitled to", and that is not always the case.

This is my experience. Over the past three years, I have been to Disney with three other groups of people. Two out of three of those groups had a person using the DAS for an IBS diagnosis. I am fairly close with both of the people, and not once during the vacation did they have an issue as we waited in other lines. It was made evident that they use this pass to get free access to the lightening lane. One even told another person, “oh, you have IBS, you can get the pass too!”

 

[TwoHeartsBeat]

I'm sorry to hear the Guest Relations staff wasn't helpful, but they won't have details of the process at each attraction. The process to return to the queue will vary by attraction; you basically find your way out to a CM -- most likely that is back to the entrance but if close to the merge point or load it may be ahead. That CM will let you know how to re-enter the queue/rejoin your party.

Wondering what happens if you have to exit in a hurry...you know because you've just pushed backwards through an 80 minute line and you're in a hurry, and aren't able to stop to talk to a cast member. Do you go back to a cast member afterwards, or just push back through the line?

 

[mistysue]

This is my experience. Over the past three years, I have been to Disney with three other groups of people. Two out of three of those groups had a person using the DAS for an IBS diagnosis. I am fairly close with both of the people, and not once during the vacation did they have an issue as we waited in other lines. It was made evident that they use this pass to get free access to the lightening lane. One even told another person, “oh, you have IBS, you can get the pass too!”

Exactly why it has to be need-based, not diagnosis based, right there.