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

[lanejudy]

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

To my knowledge, nobody is excluded from the option to pre-register for DAS. The wording related to only in the US and Canada has been removed. International visitors have been able to pre-register, possibly by using a VPN. The only limitation is that the video chat is only available in English -- but I've seen reports of people using a translator.

There are options to book a Disney vacation that may be more easily refundable. Package bookings (in the US) are due 30 days prior to arrival; I don't know about any of the international package terms. However room-only reservations may be cancelled without penalty up until 7 days prior to arrival (in 2024; that changes to 8 days in 2025). Fully-unused tickets carry value forward indefinitely, or can be given to a family member or friend whom you trust to connect via MDE. Tickets purchased via some 3rd party sites are refundable minus a restocking fee.

So in addition to travel insurance there are options to help if someone feels they might cancel within close time to their visit. Apparently many people got complacent with the old rules and never considered the fact that they could have been denied DAS; I think that's been a bit of a wake-up call for some who took things for granted. Programs change, options change, we all take risks when we plan expensive vacations months or a year+ in advance. At this point, WDW has been waiving any cancellation fees for those who feel the need to cancel due to DAS, but I recommend everyone plan accordingly in the future - and those far enough out from their travel dates may want to take stock and decide whether a change now may be better than a risk later.

 

[dbriggsq]

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.

Unfortunately the cost of travel insurance to the US with existing medical conditions is already incredibly expensive

 

[Disneylover99]

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.

I was also thinking, if a poster moved their trip into the future (if they’re past their 30 day package cancellation window) instead of cancelling, they’d only pay a $50 change fee which they could then cancel later. I’ve also heard that the fee is often waived (no guarantee though) if the future package they change it to is more expensive.

Maybe an option for some who want to cancel, if they get refused DAS.

 

[Disneychick75]

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.

You're right. The LLs will be wide open. Sad though that people who used to love WDW are now canceling trips.

Len Testa said:
"Had some time last week to count guests going into the standby and LL lines at Haunted Mansion.
Recall that an earlier count from September 2023 showed around 56% of guests using LL at HM.
Last week that was down to 43% of guests using LL."

Guests at WDW now are under the old DAS rules so those numbers would not reflect the new DAS rules yet the numbers are down. Maybe people are just tired of WDW. Guess the numbers over the next several months will tell the tale.

 

[lanejudy]

Unfortunately the cost of travel insurance to the US with existing medical conditions is already incredibly expensive

I don't pretend to know much about travel insurance available in other countries, but I do know that many international folks on the cruise forum buy reasonably priced annual policies (in their opinion). So it may be worth shopping around different insurance vendors. Another option is whether CFAR might be available if the insurance is purchased early -- here in the US, it's possible to get CFAR coverage for free if the policy is purchased within 14 days of making the initial deposit. It obviously wouldn't help for those who are close to their travel date but if not already locked in with non-refundable it could be worth a cancel and rebook.

Other than my quick and easy jaunts into Canada -- which is so close I don't really think of it as "travel" -- I honestly can't imagine international travel without insurance, especially with special needs.

 

[mhautz]

Does anyone know if there is a way to verify their DAS approval via the website or app prior to the day you'll be using it? I know that the CM said something about putting a note on our account in case there is an issue of it not appearing, but I just want to verify whether it is already showing somewhere on our account or it will appear when it finally becomes active. Not really a big deal if that's by design, I just want to make sure I'm not missing something.

 

[Redroo]

I highly doubt they will backtrack anything as DAS isn't the only accommodation for those with disabilities.

I think they will with the optics of it, it will be very bad PR, right now it’s just the “Disney centric” websites and video bloggers circulating it in our circles but once the lawsuits get filed and this goes into effect in California and because more national mainstream news I do think Disney will be more accommodating

 

[voxparse]

Does anyone know if there is a way to verify their DAS approval via the website or app prior to the day you'll be using it? I know that the CM said something about putting a note on our account in case there is an issue of it not appearing, but I just want to verify whether it is already showing somewhere on our account or it will appear when it finally becomes active. Not really a big deal if that's by design, I just want to make sure I'm not missing something.

Doesn't show up until the first day of your trip/park reservations.

 

[Jrb1979]

I think they will with the optics of it, it will be very bad PR, right now it’s just the “Disney centric” websites and video bloggers circulating it in our circles but once the lawsuits get filed and this goes into effect in California and because more national mainstream news I do think Disney will be more accommodating

Lawsuits for what? I could understand if they denied guests DAS and said figure it out. But they have the return to queue option as well as rider Swap. The DAS program goes over and above what is required.

 

[Redroo]

I am a 38 year old female with ADHD that leans on the AuDHD side who travels with their boyfriend and I was approved for DAS for my Passholder within 5 minutes.
The CM I spoke to was so nice and understanding. I think it did help that I explained my struggles with lines within my normal life and within the parks.

Sounds like you got a great cast member like me, I have seen so many with ADHD be denied straightaway flat out for DAS, It is very dehumanizing to basically have to “sell” yourself and your disability to get DAS now, it makes me wonder what will happen in 120 days

 

[KrzyKtty101]

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.

I get that, but not sure there is much Disney can do in that situation either. DAS has never been about the diagnosis, even the previous system was about "need". Disney was just approving on a more loose guideline of what needs were included. If S isn't willing to let J "clarify" to the cast member, what are they supposed to do?

Maybe this is where J can help him plan what he is going to say? Not sure if that is possible for S.

 

[lanejudy]

Guests at WDW now are under the old DAS rules so those numbers would not reflect the new DAS rules yet the numbers are down.

This isn't exactly accurate. At this point, a full 3 weeks after the new rules took effect, there is likely a decent mix of people in the WDW parks under both old and new DAS rules. Not everyone pre-registers 30 days in advance, and I also know of some who intentionally waited for the new rules.

However, speaking as a data person, comparing September data to June data is not really apples-to-apples, either. Summer has been slower for several years, and with MNSSHP and F&W in September that hasn't exactly been "low season." To make an accurate comparison he needs data from the same week of the same month, not 1 random date in June vs 1 random date in September.

 

[Redroo]

Lawsuits for what? I could understand if they denied guests DAS and said figure it out. But they have the return to queue option as well as rider Swap. The DAS program goes over and above what is required.

People will sue no matter what the reason, and the return to queue is a joke… you have to divulge over and over to the different cast members with lots of people around you hearing what your disability is and then it is completely subjective to an untrained cast member to say yes or no. That is more demoralizing than anything

 

[Jdavidm]

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.

My suggestion would be that J (or someone else) attempt to explain that while his usual explanation makes sense to him and is 100% valid, it’s just not the type of explanation the cast members are looking for and would result in them not understanding his needs.

They could then discuss possible explanations that would still feel appropriate to S but would allow the cast member to have a better understanding of why he can’t be in a regular queue. Then he can still handle the call himself and retain his independence in that way.

If this still doesn’t work (for example, he’s not able to understand why his preferred answer to the question wouldn’t be enough) then unfortunately there would be limited options.

Someone would likely need to step in to explain S’s needs further or unfortunately from that explanation alone he would likely be denied DAS.

But at the end of the day, Disney needs to understand why S cannot wait in a regular queue and if the information isn’t provided in a way they can understand then they won’t be able to approve him for DAS.

An individual asking for accommodations has two options, they can either advocate for themselves with the explanation they see fit…or someone else can advocate for them (someone who may be able to better explain the individual’s needs).

As an alternate perspective:

I don’t see it as taking away my independence to let someone else advocate for me because I see it as them having a better outward perspective as to how my challenges/needs in a queue present themselves. They’ve seen how I/my body reacts in a queue environment / when overstimulated, which in my opinion makes it easier for them to explain to the cast member for me. I know how I feel internally, but they can better describe how it presents outwardly and how it impacts myself and those around me.

 

[KrzyKtty101]

People will sue no matter what the reason, and the return to queue is a joke… you have to divulge over and over to the different cast members with lots of people around you hearing what your disability is and then it is completely subjective to an untrained cast member to say yes or no. That is more demoralizing than anything

I could be wrong, but I don't think you have to divulge any information about your disability to get RTQ. RTQ isn't even an option listed on their website. AQR doesn't really need that level of personal information to use either; at least per all information already on this website.

 

[Flynn's Gal]

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.

Accidentally posted before typing. See #7501

 

[nalababybear]

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.

That's what we bought for our trip to Australia and upcoming Japan trip. With one of our son's disability beyond ASD, a flare can happen and we'd want to have medical and evacuation coverage. At that level, cancel would be included too as they'd rather you not go than go under those circs.

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

I think they will with the optics of it, it will be very bad PR, right now it’s just the “Disney centric” websites and video bloggers circulating it in our circles but once the lawsuits get filed and this goes into effect in California and because more national mainstream news I do think Disney will be more accommodating

The mods have asked us not to speculate on hypothetical alternatives now that we know the rules as they exist today and for the immediate future. I assure you Disney was aware they would get intense social media blowback and legal scrutiny by narrowing access to an entitlement, if they weren’t prepared for it they would not have rolled it out.

These sorts of wish-casting predictions don’t help people accept what their options are now and plan accordingly— it is at least equally likely that the program will become even less generous going forward than return to the system as it existed in early May.

 

[nalababybear]

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.

Not being an Universal user - curious on how is their process? We did the IAC card just for kicks when DAS revamp was announced (and as something to show for DisneySea visit in January) and it is almost laughable on how easy that was to obtain.

There's a second step with Universal personnel and will that be available remotely and internationally confirmed accommodations prior to park entry date? Seriously don't know since they never contacted us phone or email on the second step (we didn't indicate a firm date on the application either).

 

[GoingSince1990]

I could be wrong, but I don't think you have to divulge any information about your disability to get RTQ. RTQ isn't even an option listed on their website. AQR doesn't really need that level of personal information to use either; at least per all information already on this website.

Agreed. You just tell the CM you need to temporarily leave the line to use the restroom (for example). It's irrelevant to the CM if this is due to you having IBD or Crohns, or are taking a medicine that makes you need to pee, or simply ate too much spicy food, and you won't need to explain the reason. They will work out how to get you out of the line and back again to reunite with your party.