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

[sunburnin]

I’ve seen a screenshot of someone’s return to queue pass that was issued to their Disney app account. So, yes, it does exist as something separate.

Wow! Question: were they in line first? Did they leave the line and this is the method of re-entry? I sure would like to know more.

DAS is not RTQ, and RTQ isn't used for AQR. (Oh, these dumb, confusing acronyms... Do better, Disney)

Here's a case of when RTQ was used for our family that did not have DAS at WDW. My daughter uses a power wheelchair, and we went to ride Star Tours in May. They always route wheelchairs down the LL and then through a second split for wheelchairs for entry. On this day, there was a longer stand-by line, so they gave us a return time. They scanned my daughter's phone, added our family, and assigned a return time of 15-20 minutes. That time showed up in MDE.

A handful of rides (Small World, Jungle Cruise, etc.) have specific paths for power wheelchairs, and if those get backed up, they can provide a return time. Offering it outside of wheelchair use would be rare, but the tech has long existed for it. I guess that this is what will be scrutinized by the CM's supervisors if someone asks for it and tries to circumvent the line.

For all other rides, we are on the same playing field as everyone else.

 

[Evita_W]

There are legal restrictions why this is not possible. Disney isn’t doing this just to penalized people with disabilities.

And what legal restrictions would those be? Other parks that offer advanced registration, such as Universal allows those from other countries to go through the entire process and know in advance. Now granted, Universal is trying to get away with this third party verification nonsense, but even so, if there were legal restrictions preventing Disney from preregistering those in other countries, then Universal wouldn’t be able to do so either.

 

[SueM in MN]

I’ve seen a screenshot of someone’s return to queue pass that was issued to their Disney app account. So, yes, it does exist as something separate.

I have seen those before - long before, so they are not a new thing

Wow! Question: were they in line first? Did they leave the line and this is the method of re-entry? I sure would like to know more.

There have been various reasons why they have been issued in the past. Not necessarily having anything to do with disability and maybe in line before, maybe not

 

[Evita_W]

That's not on Disney thought, take that complain to international laws xD

And no other vacation destination that I can think of has that kind of refund policy, maybe travel insurance would work. But I can't see hotels in beach destinations or concert venues or other tourist attractions in general refunding folks based on not getting the desired accommodation. Correct me if I'm wrong, it's not something I researched.

There are no international laws that prevent it, Universal allows people from other countries to pre register, sorry, not buying that it can’t be done. As for hotels, only book refundable hotels, that’s the easy part, but you need to be able to register prior to buying nonrefundable park tickets at bare minimum.

 

[SueM in MN]

DAS is not RTQ, and RTQ isn't used for AQR. (Oh, these dumb, confusing acronyms... Do better, Disney)

Here's a case of when RTQ was used for our family that did not have DAS at WDW. My daughter uses a power wheelchair, and we went to ride Star Tours in May. They always route wheelchairs down the LL and then through a second split for wheelchairs for entry. On this day, there was a longer stand-by line, so they gave us a return time. They scanned my daughter's phone, added our family, and assigned a return time of 15-20 minutes. That time showed up in MDE.

A handful of rides (Small World, Jungle Cruise, etc.) have specific paths for power wheelchairs, and if those get backed up, they can provide a return time. Offering it outside of wheelchair use would be rare, but the tech has long existed for it. I guess that this is what will be scrutinized by the CM's supervisors if someone asks for it and tries to circumvent the line.

For all other rides, we are on the same playing field as everyone else.

Just correcting that it's not only for power wheelchairs, it's wheelchairs in general

 

[Evita_W]

DAS is not RTQ, and RTQ isn't used for AQR. (Oh, these dumb, confusing acronyms... Do better, Disney)

Here's a case of when RTQ was used for our family that did not have DAS at WDW. My daughter uses a power wheelchair, and we went to ride Star Tours in May. They always route wheelchairs down the LL and then through a second split for wheelchairs for entry. On this day, there was a longer stand-by line, so they gave us a return time. They scanned my daughter's phone, added our family, and assigned a return time of 15-20 minutes. That time showed up in MDE.

A handful of rides (Small World, Jungle Cruise, etc.) have specific paths for power wheelchairs, and if those get backed up, they can provide a return time. Offering it outside of wheelchair use would be rare, but the tech has long existed for it. I guess that this is what will be scrutinized by the CM's supervisors if someone asks for it and tries to circumvent the line.

For all other rides, we are on the same playing field as everyone else.

It is rare that it is issued for other reasons, but it does happen on a case by case basis, my guess is it mostly happens at attractions that are longer in length.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

There are legal restrictions on why Disney can't offer the video call ahead.

There are not legal restrictions on Disney's refund policy.

IMO if a family is denied DAS decides from that that they cannot visit Disney, they should be refunded. Right now that is not the policy - it's being done basically as "pixie dust"/guest recovery. While I appreciate that they have been refunding people despite the refund policy now, during the transition, they have not adjusted language to provide assurance that those refunds will continue once Disney determines the transition period has ended (and who knows how long that may be).

Refunding now, sure, pixie dusted and under very narrow circumstances. You’re still out the cost of the flights, but Disney can certainly waive any ticket and hotel fees (assuming you booked through Disney and not a third party).

But *after* being denied in person? I’m not even sure how this would work. You will have already flown here from wherever home is. At a minimum your luggage has been dropped off at the hotel, and you probably will have even checked in. You head to the parks to speak to Guest Services. Let’s say you are denied at that point. What would you want Disney to do? Do you check yourself out of the hotel at that point? Where do you go until it is time to fly home? Imagine the outcry there…”Disney threw me out because I’m disabled!” Or do you just want Disney to just refund your park tickets, and you are then left trying to figure out how to spend your time? Does Disney now owe you a rental car as well so that you can go somewhere else?

Plus there are many other reasons why someone might change their mind after arriving. The weather is too hot/cold/rainy. They are/get sick. Something comes up at work. They can no longer afford the trip. They misjudged their family’s interests. I only see downsides for Disney here by changing the definition of nonrefundable to nonrefundable unless… as a general rule.

 

[DisneylandFreak2013]

I agree with this although people do talk a LOT about how expensive Universal's system is but they usually don't get into comparing the two products. Comparing them is hard though because Disney's system and Universal's system function differently.

Universal's Express Pass comes in two options 1) Once through 2) Unlimited (which is the version that Premier resorts come with). Both of these options allow people to just walk up to the EP line and enter it whenever they want.

I def. agree that when cost is in the conversation Universal's option on the surface is going to stand out like a sore thumb. However, for the posters posting about that open window aspect of DAS when compared to Genie+ that is accomplished with Universal's EP system. So if a person who didn't qualify for Universal's assistive program (just a hypothetical here) and opted for Universal's EP system and had the issue with uncertainty about when they could make it back that just isn't an issue with how Universal's system operates.

Someone still can make the conversation about how they feel they got the value out of it (especially since cost of Genie+ has been spoken about enough on this thread) but in terms of the product that main concern of that window of return time is non-existent at Universal with their EP product.

But at the core yes Universal has long had a pay to play but it's system is also much more flexible than anything Disney has come out with so there might be more positive talk about it, less focus on the cost, especially with people who need that flexibility for one reason or another.

Have you used DAS and Universal's system yourself?

 

[Angel Ariel]

But *after* being denied in person?

For people who don't have the option of pre-registering? Yes, they should have that opportunity.

Obviously where they go and what they do at that point is their decision and would not be Disneys responsibility at that point. As the PP mentioned, they would consider changing the trip to Universal. The point is they would have the option.

And choosing to not continue going somewhere because the disability anccommodations available arent made clear until after arrival is not the same thing even remotely as "it's too hot or rainy" or similar type reasons.

 

[OurBigTrip]

For people who don't have the option of pre-registering? Yes, they should have that opportunity.

Obviously where they go and what they do at that point is their decision and would not be Disneys responsibility at that point. As the PP mentioned, they would consider changing the trip to Universal. The point is they would have the option.

And choosing to not continue going somewhere because the disability anccommodations available arent made clear until after arrival is not the same thing even remotely as "it's too hot or rainy" or similar type reasons.

Although there are still questions around RTQ & AQR, there is clarity to the degree that you'll either get a DAS and go on like before, or you'll be offered an accommodation that will split up the group.

People are (or should) be capable of deciding before they commit whether or not they can deal with the RTQ/AQR options. If they can't, then they need to decide whether Disney will work for them or not.

 

[Jfsag123]

I posted in the other thread, but posting here too, as there has been some back and forth about larger parties worrying about being able to stay together under the new rules. We were approved and are a family of 5, 2 parents, 2 teenagers (one of whom is the DAS holder) and a preschooler. The cast member I spoke with noted that the current rules only allow the DAS holder + 3, however, said she was going to seek an exception to include all of us. She let me know that this was granted before we ended the chat. She actually brought this up without me asking and said "because I know families don't come to Disney World to split up." Though I hated the idea, I was fully preparing myself to have to do this based on everything I've read so far. Just sharing for those who may be in a similar situation to me. I don't think it is in ANY way guaranteed, but it is possible. And based on what she said, I do think it's only even possible when it's parents and kids, not extended family/friends.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I posted in the other thread, but posting here too, as there has been some back and forth about larger parties worrying about being able to stay together under the new rules. We were approved and are a family of 5, 2 parents, 2 teenagers (one of whom is the DAS holder) and a preschooler. The cast member I spoke with noted that the current rules only allow the DAS holder + 3, however, said she was going to seek an exception to include all of us. She let me know that this was granted before we ended the chat. She actually brought this up without me asking and said "because I know families don't come to Disney World to split up." Though I hated the idea, I was fully preparing myself to have to do this based on everything I've read so far. Just sharing for those who may be in a similar situation to me. I don't think it is in ANY way guaranteed, but it is possible. And based on what she said, I do think it's only even possible when it's parents and kids, not extended family/friends.

I would imagine that the age of the children also comes into play. I've read about lots of 18+ not being included if there were already four on the DAS.

 

[TwoMisfits]

That's not on Disney thought, take that complain to international laws xD

And no other vacation destination that I can think of has that kind of refund policy, maybe travel insurance would work. But I can't see hotels in beach destinations or concert venues or other tourist attractions in general refunding folks based on not getting the desired accommodation. Correct me if I'm wrong, it's not something I researched.

There is "cancel for any reason" (CFAR) travel insurance.

It's probably what international posters who NEED DAS, but are not sure will be issued DAS, should buy for their trips. It's the most expensive type of travel insurance, but for a trip that already costs thousands, it's usually a drop in the bucket.

 

[Jfsag123]

I would imagine that the age of the children also comes into play. I've read about lots of 18+ not being included if there were already four on the DAS.

Yeah, I would think so too, but I was worried since two of mine are teenagers and over the "in the parks alone" age threshold. But yes, all 3 are under 18

 

[lanejudy]

Why make up RTQ as a hidden one with the potential to torpedo their whole revision effort? Quite frankly, I think the rumor that Disney is poised to punish a cast member for giving out too many RTQs is just something someone made up

Return to queue is not new, it’s been available at attractions for a long time.

The info about limiting it comes directly from a CM. It is not "original DAS" as many have suggested on social media. Return to queue is not expected to be given out to any and all who request it; that in itself would defeat the purpose of DAS. Whether it is offered will depend on the situation, which an attraction CM can easily decide within the parameters they have been given.

 

[Disneychick75]

I addressed a comment that was almost word-for-word exactly like this on another form lol. That probably is more to do with how the person is presenting their needs than anything else.

What is just as likely to be inconsistent is how different people are presenting their need for DAS rather than Disney's percieved inconsistancy of approval.

With emotions running as high as they are, I doubt very many of those that have been denied have taken the introspective time needed To realize that they might not have presented in the most effective way.

My friend, J's, son, S., is 21 yo and he's classified as high functioning autistic. He is brilliant and has an astounding vocabulary. He can speak for hours on subjects that interest him. We don't mind because we're used to it, however, comments have been made in lines at the grocery store, for example, about wishing he'd shut up. J and I were discussing the DAS thing today. She said if a DAS services cast member asked him about his problem with standing in line, he would begin talking about synapses and how they affect his muscles. If the CM asked him again, he'd say, "I just told you!". Sometimes people do not have introspective capabilities. To S., he would have presented his problem in an effective way. The CM might not get it though. He likes to be independent and would not want his mother speaking for him. J. said that she will not subject him to this so they're blowing off their trip.
This is not a black and white issue.

 

[OurBigTrip]

My friend, J's, son, S., is 21 yo and he's classified as high functioning autistic. He is brilliant and has an astounding vocabulary. He can speak for hours on subjects that interest him. We don't mind because we're used to it, however, comments have been made in lines at the grocery store, for example, about wishing he'd shut up. J and I were discussing the DAS thing today. She said if a DAS services cast member asked him about his problem with standing in line, he would begin talking about synapses and how they affect his muscles. If the CM asked him again, he'd say, "I just told you!". Sometimes people do not have introspective capabilities. To S., he would have presented his problem in an effective way. The CM might not get it though. He likes to be independent and would not want his mother speaking for him. J. said that she will not subject him to this so they're blowing off their trip.
This is not a black and white issue.

Their choice. If he isn't able to articulate his needs to the CM in a way they can help, and he doesn't want his mother or someone to assist, then there is really no way for the CM to make a determination as to whether or not he needs the DAS.

 

[voxparse]

I just want to swing back into this thread because people are talking about Universal like it doesn't have issues. For those of us with physical disabilities, specifically a wheelchair, Universal is not some Shangri-La. Their physical accessibility is not up to par with Disney beyond even arguing over whether their das type system is better or worse. Maybe Universal does better by the folks with developmental disabilities, I don't know, I don't have personal direct experience in that arena.

But that is sort of the point I keep trying to come back to. Everything is a compromise when you have a disability, and individuals have to choose what works for them. If you are unable to adapt in the moment you may very well have to choose more controlled and knowable circumstances AND THAT IS OK. But you also can't use that as a bludgeon to say that all experiences at all times have to accommodate you in an individually specific way because that just isn't possible. Accessibility isn't just about companies and other people providing accommodations, it is also about working WITH them on those accommodations and adapting to your circumstances. And while I don't fault anyone for being upset/frustrated briefly, taking it on as a personal crusade to tear down companies that are legitimately trying to do better is harmful to the cause of accessibility and disability rights as a whole.

 

[Ms Bibbidi]

.

 

[voxparse]

Their choice. If he isn't able to articulate his needs to the CM in a way they can help, and he doesn't want his mother or someone to assist, then there is really no way for the CM to make a determination as to whether or not he needs the DAS.

I'd go a step further and applaud this man for making his own choices. It might not be the choice his family prefers but he is 21 yo and if he feels like he is up to the task then hell yeah he can advocate for himself. Maybe they should give him a shot?