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

[OurBigTrip]

So it's okay for those with DAS to buy Genie+ and ILLs? I thought that was looked at as DAS abuse?

I haven’t seen anyone say any such thing.

 

[purple figment]

utilize an “observer” mode where a video feed (or “recording”) of the “mission” is available to rebel leaders who are in a secure “bunker” in another location.

The only attraction I'm aware of that has an alternate viewing area is the Submarine ride at Disneyland. There's a room where anyone who is unable to access the submarine (eg stairs or claustrophobia) can watch the entire ride. I really appreciate this option and wish it was available for some other attractions as well.

 

[disneyholic family]

we were refused.
it's going to be a very expensive, less than magical holiday.
Had we known they were changing the policy, we wouldn't have chosen disney world as our destination (we booked 11 months ago).
Our son in law will have a very difficult time and the rest of us will be upset by his suffering.
Hardly an enjoyable way to spend our vacation

Though we're DVC, it's doubtful we will ever visit WDW again after this.

 

[KrzyKtty101]

Yes. I don't know enough about how their backstage is arranged (or any of the physical locations during the experience) but suspect they could put some appropriate "back door" together - even if it meant boarding that transfer ship in reverse if it actually moves? Or just a walkway "cave" that went around it and gave people an exit back near the front. I would be surprised if there wasn't any possibility there.

Yeah, Without knowing the actual layout, sadly it's just pure speculation. I would think it's possible but.... I don't exactly Know how everything lays with everything else so i'm not entirely sure how feasible it would be.

I know They have a quick get out for ToT. So it's not like the concept is not used by Disney. Not sure of the reason why they decided not to bake it into this.

 

[Disneylover99]

Y'all missed the point - my response was to the PP who stated that being together at Disney was just a wish - but actually, Disney came up with the idea while watching his kids have fun without him. He wanted families to stay together. Did he mean just for the 2 minute ride? I doubt it. That's not on the program at WDW, for certain, anymore, but it started with Walt, wanting families to be together. Sad that's not the climate now.

Maybe you’re taking Walt’s vision too literally. I don’t think he necessarily wanted to keep families together 100% of the time. I think he just wanted a family friendly place where there was something for every member of the family to enjoy either together or individually.

 

[KrzyKtty101]

Maybe you’re taking Walt’s vision too literally. I don’t think he necessarily wanted to keep families together 100% of the time. I think he just wanted a family friendly place where there was something for every member of the family to enjoy either together or individually.

Exactly

Honestly, every documentary I've ever watched points.To focus at him wanting a safe place for families to spend together. As in rides that are safe, and not surrounded by cigarette buttes. He wanted parents to be able to ride with kids rather than standing on the sidelines.

All of that is Still very much part of Disney to.Day.

 

[Liquidice]

I'm sorry but imo this is trying to cheat the system and almost on the lvl of folks escalating at Guest Services till they got DAS just to get them out of there. If someone doesn't qualify then they don't qualify.

I don't know how long that mark stays in your record but I would assume that if someone tried for a dif trip they would be able to apply again. I'm guessing Disney simply doesn't want folks calling again and again till they get DAS like folks have been suggesting on social media.

This is exactly what I was thinking. Telling people to “disconnect before the health professional is brought in” seems like people trying to play the system….

The problem I see is there have been multiple reports that the "medical professional" does not have the training to actually evaluate disabilities properly and given that the conversation is usually only a few minutes in length makes it difficult to even fully evaluate if they did have the proper training.

There have been reports where the "medical professional" has told the guest that they were not autistic enough or that they did not believe that the person had autism, just to cite 2 examples. Its feasible in the first example that based on what the person told them, that was true and the "medical professional" did not believe the person's ASD was severe enough to warrant DAS. But I think it is really hard for us to judge and equally, I think its really hard for the "medical professional" to make a fair evaluation in such a short amount of time and over a video call.

If these "medical professionals" are therefore able to make determinations which then deny a guest and don't allow them to try again, then that is where I think the recommendation is a good one.

I have no idea how long the denial stays on your account, however the other report I heard that I mentioned in my post about the CM supervisor saying they could no longer overrule the CM's decision, the supervisor did say that the guest could call back and try again. So it doesn't sound like Disney is saying you're not allowed to call back, but based on the reports - if the "medical professional" denies you, it does get documented and you then can no longer call back.

Just trying to share what I've heard, so please don't shoot the messenger

 

[Disneylover99]

Exqctly

Honestly, every documentary I've ever watched points.To focus at him wanting a safe place for families to spend together. As in rides that are safe, and not surrounded by cigarette buttes. He wanted parents to be able to ride with kids rather than standing on the sidelines.

All of that is Still very much part of Disney to.Day.

I’m guessing Walt’s vision would have evolved if he were still around today. Yes. I think a clean park would still be a priority for him.

But I think his new vision would include making it a more inclusive, welcoming space for all, regardless of race, orientation, or disability. Maybe he wouldn’t even use the word family when describing his vision.

 

[PrincessV]

FWIW, My family absolutely adores universal. It is so much simpler. You do not need to run all over the park generally. Express pass is a breeze to use. If you qualify for their Disability service , I believe you use the express pass line.

I’ll second this. I’m surprised every visit by how much easier is Universal compared to WDW. Easier to get around, easier to find a spot to sit, easier to get food quickly, easier to use its app, easier to use Express Pass. The only thing more difficult about Universal for me is the additional time it takes on I-4 to get there.

we were refused.
it's going to be a very expensive, less than magical holiday.
Had we known they were changing the policy, we wouldn't have chosen disney world as our destination (we booked 11 months ago).
Our son in law will have a very difficult time and the rest of us will be upset by his suffering.
Hardly an enjoyable way to spend our vacation

Though we're DVC, it's doubtful we will ever visit WDW again after this.

How soon is your trip? It’s still early days with the new system and we’re only starting to see reports trickle in about the alternative accommodation options - they may very well work for his needs? I understand the disappointment and how difficult it has to feel to pivot from what you and your SIL envisioned to a different way of visiting.

 

[KrzyKtty101]

I’m guessing Walt’s vision would have evolved if he were still around today. Yes. I think a clean park would still be a priority for him.

But I think his new vision would include making it a more inclusive, welcoming space for all, regardless of race, orientation, or disability. Maybe he wouldn’t even use the word family when describing his vision.

That's a really nice thought, but it's just that, a thought. And in reality, he grew up in a time very different from us with very different morals.

He was a smart business man and showman. I doubt any of us know what he was really like. I whole heartily believe that we know and remember him exactly as the persona he and the company want us to remember.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

we were refused.
it's going to be a very expensive, less than magical holiday.
Had we known they were changing the policy, we wouldn't have chosen disney world as our destination (we booked 11 months ago).
Our son in law will have a very difficult time and the rest of us will be upset by his suffering.
Hardly an enjoyable way to spend our vacation

Though we're DVC, it's doubtful we will ever visit WDW again after this.

Can you rent out your reservation and go somewhere else instead? Refund tickets etc? Or use DVC as housing only and instead go to universal, sea world, discovery cove? Water parks focused trip?

 

[ellataylor]

This is why we traveled with grandparents early on in our son's life -- helping hands.

It literally takes a village for many families with disabilities. For those single caretakers, complete respect in being able to bring their loved ones to the parks.

That is why with the DAS reduction in party size had us concerned.

We're happy to have only 4 ride at any particular time; heck 2 would be fine for our particular situation as the caretakers swap out on the rides now -- it's a reverse rider switch situation now as we've all aged and son being 23 has WAY more energy than us trying to keep up. No way we can tolerate riding all the spinning rides back-to-back-to-back-to-back!

I really empathise with this and 100%agree it takes a village. We are a family of 6, 3 with ASD and ADHD (only one is a child) plus I have several complex physical issues. 3 of us need someone with us to keep us safe. It works if we all stick together. It does not work if we do not. It’s not down to preference or desire, it’s down to safety.

I will try my hardest to explain our individual situation in a few weeks time but I’m very worried having just spent a large sum of money on DVC less than a year ago. Don’t think they will be offering a refund on that!

 

[lanejudy]

The problem I see is there have been multiple reports that the "medical professional" does not have the training to actually evaluate disabilities properly and given that the conversation is usually only a few minutes in length makes it difficult to even fully evaluate if they did have the proper training.

The HCP isn’t evaluating a disability — they are evaluating a NEED, and more specifically a need to avoid the queue. There have been plenty of reports of 30 minute or even 60 minute calls. I suspect those having a short call with a denial aren’t explaining need but tossing out diagnosis and associated buzz words. Too many folks got into that habit for years and it isn’t going to work anymore.

 

[OurBigTrip]

The HCP isn’t evaluating a disability — they are evaluating a NEED, and more specifically a need to avoid the queue. There have been plenty of reports of 30 minute or even 60 minute calls. I suspect those having a short call with a denial aren’t explaining need but tossing out diagnosis and associated buzz words. Too many folks got into that habit for years and it isn’t going to work anymore.

The complaints I’ve seen about the medical professionals have all been from people who were denied.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

The complaints I’ve seen about the medical professionals have all been from people who were denied.

Makes sense. No need to complain if you were granted DAS.

 

[OurBigTrip]

Makes sense. No need to complain if you were granted DAS.

True, but my point was that just because someone is denied doesn’t mean the medical professional isn’t competent, which seems to be a theme

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

True, but my point was that just because someone is denied doesn’t mean the medical professional isn’t competent, which seems to be a theme

“If I don’t get my way then you are stupid!”

(Good point)

 

[SueM in MN]

Not sure if this has been posted (I've only skimmed through the last week or so) but I've seen a few reports in disability Facebook groups that those denied DAS have attempted the parks with the alternative accommodations, had those not work, then re-applied in the park via video the same day or next morning.

At least one person said they had to try to re-apply in park twice, the second time with more "specific" language about why the alternate accommodations weren't working. I think that's important to say because it's clear they're not automatically approving if disabled guests are struggling with ATQ/RTL/Genie+. I just wanted to point it out for those with disabilities that are getting denied - there may still be hope if lines are still a struggle.

It's my impression that most of those doing this do have developmental disabilities, or something very similar that makes lines specifically a problem.

I have read that too.
The important point is that the people tried the suggested alternatives and were able to explain their difficulties with using them. It's not a guarantee that the guest will be approved after that, but they can try.

Haven't been keeping up with the thread so apologies if this has been posted already - I've read multiple reports of people who have spoken to the "medical professional" from Inspire Health and were denied and when they went to re-apply for DAS, they were told they could not because the medical professional had already denied them.

One report claimed they were a CM and told everyone to not talk to the medical professional.

I also read a report that a CM supervisor told someone that a change occurred last week and supervisors can no longer overrule a CM's decision on whether to grant DAS as an accommodation. This differs from earlier reports that supervisors were granting DAS in some cases.

I'm not sure if there is any truth to either of the above reports, but hearing not just one but at least three reports of people being told that because they already spoke to a "medical professional" that they are automatically denied when they try to re-apply seems to be a pattern. I'm not sure if that is a new change, but it seems like recent applicants are being told this.

The recommendation from others is that you should not talk to a medical professional if the CM denies you and if they insist on adding the medical professional to the Zoom call that you should disconnect from the call.

Always keep in mind that people who claim they are CMs on social media often are NOT. And, people who honestly thought they were getting information from a CM quite often were communicating with someone pretending to be a CM.
There are people who get their jollies out of posting incorrect or made up things they know will upset people to get clicks and then watch the chaos. A recent one was someone claiming to be a CM posted multiple places on Facebook that Disney was no longer doing 'stroller as wheelchair tags' and anyone who wanted/needed one could only get one for an 'actual' wheelchair. This was clearly false.
My thoughts when reading things like this are:

1. Can I verify it with an official or trusted source?
2. If I can't actually verify it, is it consistent with or 'mesh' with other known information?
3. Does it 'ring true' AND does it make sense?

I don't think this hits on any of those things.

1. Makes assumption that if the Health Professional is called it, it means you are denied. That's not true. I've read many posts where the guest was approved after speaking to the Health Professional
2. Who was this supposed 'Supervisor' and were they actually in the new Accessibility Services Team or were they Guest Relations, who no longer are involved with DAS registration? I know in the past, Supervisors in Guest Relations did sometimes override a CM decision, but it was often to get a loud & disruptive guest out. (Not a good decision; people shared that if you were loud enough, you could get approved
3. I have read accounts of people who were not approved, called back and were told that they were automatically denied because the Health Professional was involved in the decision. The ones I read about had not tried any of the suggestions and most had not even been on their trip yet. They were just 'CM shopping'
4. The advice to not talk to the Health Professional or hang up is at best unwise and at worst totally stupid advice. If you do either thing, you are not going to get DAS - the Health Professional is part of the evaluation process. Either thing would be a red flag that the guest is trying to get around the process, I'm sure there will be a note put on the guest's profile to flag them as uncooperative/hung up.

My understanding is that Disney wants folks to TRY the new accommodations before attempting to re-register for a DAS that was denied. It has nothing to do with whether the HCP was involved in the call or not. They need to further know specifics of when AQR/RTQ was attempted and what happened that made it not work. Just randomly trying to “shop CMs” to get an approval isn’t happening.

Exactly.
People did try to "shop CMs" in the past by going to Guest Relations at a different park.

 

[shannnsavage]

I WANT to eat all table service at the perfect times for no more cost or time than the typical family without allergies can mobile order QS - but I can't. It's not uncommon that we even have to split and eat at multiple locations because the one who can handle X allergy can't handle the selective eater or Y allergy. We've had to take 2+ hours just to get quick service, and easily spend a solid 6 hours on just acquiring food in a totally normal park day.

Our preference would be to stick together and get all this done in 30 minute pops, but sometimes our needs stop that from being a reality. It's not on the other guests or the park itself to be asked to change so that we can do it the way we PREFER.

There are people who prefer to be naked. The rules can't change every time someone has a preference - or there would effectively be no DAS or even LL because EVERYONE would be in that line.

Im not sure how to respond to this. To equate people who like to be naked to my family wanted to stay together on a family vacation seems like a bit of a stretch. Bottom line, for MY family, if we cannot all be together, we would rather not go. That's all I am saying.

I also agree that my families hardships are not other guests problems, and other guest should not suffer because of my families situation. For MY family, if we cannot stay together on vacation, it doesnt seem worth it. Our time together is limited and precious. I know this is true for everyone. I am not saying my family is more deserving than yours. I am just saying that without the accommodations DAS afforded out family, we will miss out on family time we treasured. Again, I appreciate reading everyones take on this. It is therapeutic in a way to voice my thoughts. Thanks for listening.

 

[Tripletmom2001]

I was at Disney over Memorial Day weekend. Just about every ride at every park CMS used language to fill in all available space. I don’t know if I was just paying closer attention, but rides that I never recall hearing that at were trying to move people closer together.