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

[Jdavidm]

I suspect universal will he getting a bunch of calls and accommodations with the revamp of DAS, and they too will reevaluate and adjust their accommodations policy.

Their paid product will be similarly impacted soon enough with the surge of accommodations if all the folk saying they are moving to universal really truly are. Will the grass stay greener there?

Universal does still require a discussion of needs after the proof of disability is reviewed via IBCCES. Lots of people are denied additional accommodations during the call (denied DAS equivalents because Universal has “built the needed accommodations into the queue”). Ex. Queues are wheelchair accessible, they have team members stationed in the queue if you need to leave to use the bathroom, etc. They have significantly decreased the needs that qualify for a DAS-equivalent accommodation at their parks in the past couple years.

But yes, if someone is looking to attend a theme park where they can know for certain in advance of purchasing tickets what accommodations they’ll be offered…I’d 100% suggest Universal.

Disney simply doesn’t have things set up to manage approvals in this way since they attach the accommodation to a ticket. It would be nice if they changed things to make it possible to know in advance of purchase, but they certainly don’t have to. Neither does Universal but it’s nice that they do let you arrange things in advance.

 

[oynk]

I've been going to theme parks with my daughter for 20 years now and she has always needed some level of accommodation, (including GAC back in the day and DAS until now). I also have traveled with lots of other people who have used DAS for a wide variety of reasons. Our family definitely understands disabilities, so I won't judge others or their needs.

I'm not going to lie. It is certainly nice when we are at a park and she gets the "escort to the front of the line" accommodation. But when we are talking about needs, I have developed my own DAS criteria. I am well aware that there is no way that Disney could implement my own criteria, but I'll share it for my own amusement.

First: Does having DAS provide an unfair advantage? By that I mean, are you saving a ton of time when you have the DAS party member with you? I will tell you that I have done trips to WDW with my daughter (and her DAS) and I have done trips without her.

Even with all the "extra time" waiting in lines, we still get so much more done when she isn't with us. DAS makes it possible for her to go to the parks and have a good time, but it doesn't give us a "better" trip than someone without DAS. The time we might save not waiting in a physical line is more than offset by all the other time consuming things we have to deal with.

Second: How would you feel if the theme parks truly made the queues completely accessible for you. My daughter would definitely trade any "front of the line" or other privilege for the ability to simply do a theme park like everyone else.

We would be very happy if all the lines were wheelchair accessible and had ways for her to exit the line, easily as needed. She doesn't want an advantage, she wants equal access. I remember going to a park, years ago, with one of her friends who couldn't understand why she didn't want to just go on the ride over and over since she didn't have to wait in line. No amount of explaining could get her friend to understand that that just wasn't fair.

Unfortunately, I've seen way too many people who do see the accommodations as a way to cheat the system. They don't want to hear ways to make the lines and the parks work for them with their disability. We are hopeful that the suggestions that were made will work for us and we will be able to have a "normal" park experience. Right now, it seems unlikely - but we are willing to try.

 

[starlite_]

Almost all parks in europe. Before you go you can read on there site what type of documentation you need. This includes Disney.

That is not the same thing. Disney US also tells you what you need to do before buying tickets.

Do almost all parks in Europe guarantee accommodations if you bring X piece of documentation?? Or do they evaluate on-site?

Does the Eiffel tower refund folks if the elevator breaks day-off? Do museums? Genuinely asking since theme parks aren't the only vacation destination out there but are somehow expected to go above and beyond in comparison.

 

[2tinkerbell]

Okay say Disney starts using the same marketing company that Universal uses. According to the posts, the company is just verifying that a disability exists. Not even what the diagnosis is in most cases. You still have to talk with a Universal employee and tell them what accommodations you need.

So with Disney you are talking directly to the now specialized team. You are explaining your needs as they relate to standing in the queue. Bottom line. No need to go into great detail. No need for a verified diagnosis because it really doesn’t matter. What matters is why you can’t stand in a long queue.

Disney has decided that the amount of guests receiving and utilizing DAS is affecting their daily operations. They are cutting back and offering alternative accommodations to things that may or sometimes may occur.

As I previously posted, it is hard and upsetting. I understand that. We can complain all we want but it isn’t going to do any good. The line has been drawn. We can adjust or we don’t. The choice is ours.

The important part is going to a Disney park is a choice. It isn’t a right. I think that is why ADA doesn’t dictate beyond making things physically accessible. I admit I am not an expert with ADA so I could be wrong. I think it says something about not affecting the normal operations. Disney most assuredly has the data to support their decisions to make adjustments.

As far as knowing beforehand whether one is approved or not, again that is a personal choice. I believe with WDW, there is enough experience to determine whether you will be approved or not. Knowing this, again, it is a personal choice what you do - whether to chance it or not. It is a personal choice. As much as it hurts and as much as it isn’t fair, it is what it is and you have to make the choice for you and your family

Disney can’t accommodate all my DD’s needs. We have to accommodate her visual problems ourselves. We have to make those personal decisions. We have to make the economic decisions just like everyone else.

I will say that the CMs at the parks are absolutely wonderful. For example, Fantasyland in Disneyland is not accessible. One accesses the ride via the exits. We have gone several times to the exit for our DAS time only to find it crowded with those individuals utilizing mobile devices. There is always a CM there who has to scan in via iPad. They have been nice and informed us of an additional wait, inquired about our ability to self evacuate in case of emergency, etc. Another example is about me. I was in desperate need of a total knee replacement the last time we went to DLR. However because of some extenuating family issues, I made the choice to go to DLR for my DD’s birthday. My DD and I went to ride BTMRR. She checked with the CM and scanned us in. The CM then asked me if I would like to avoid the stairs. I looked at him and made some joke about how he could tell. I took him up on his offer. He said he was being switched out then and he would take us to the exit. I have found that if you respect the CMs and are nice to them that they will do the same to you.

I think RTQ is going to be used a lot in Fantasyland at Disneyland. To me, rider swap will work in some situations. For example, friends, family, grandparents saving places in the queue for others, which happens a lot in DLR. Hopefully they will have more line CMs.

 

[nalababybear]

Bathroom issues is only one example, but honestly, it is very rare to be far from a usable restroom and by far I mean more than 3-5 minutes away.

It still doesn’t address the concern of how does someone find a CM during an urgent issue (bathroom, food, drink need, etc. are all cases where medically they could be needed urgently)? That is the point here, no one addresses the elephant in the room of how to actually accomplish this. Yes, for some attractions, this is easy to do and in some cases you will pass a CM on the way out no matter what, but for many that isn’t the case and this tends to be at the attractions with longer queues that have this problem, which is where the queues are more problematic for these issues.

The more that I think about it, the more I think Disneyland Tokyo’s system of having a designated waiting space for each attraction (according to their website for certain needs) that one can go to use the restroom, get food, etc. and come back to join their party, then be admitted through an alternate entrance actually makes the most sense. Even if someone needs to leave the waiting area, the rest of the party remains (except maybe someone to assist if necessary) while they go to take care of what they need to.

This doesn’t work like the DAS, but does provide accommodations and not having experienced it first hand, I am guessing that some attractions may have combined waiting areas to reduce the amount of space required for waiting areas. Think Fantasyland at Disneyland in the U.S. where there are a lot of attractions close to each other, having a combined waiting area would make sense.

TDR may say that on the website; but in practice, it's essentially initial electronic DAS with local attraction return time and access through the LL (or exit if none) -- ie no need to remain in a designated area.

 

[Ollivier]

Do almost all parks in Europe guarantee accommodations if you bring X piece of documentation?? Or do they evaluate on-site?

They guarantee it.
Europapark and Disney accept a autism card. To get this card you need to provide medical documentation.
Plopsaland only accept a doctor’s note that is max 6 months old.
Park adventura also accepts the autism card.

 

[TwoMisfits]

I've been contacting places all around the country the past 15 years - with food allergies (full anaphylaxis ones) we get told no outside food, no re-entry, and talk to a chef when we arrive to see if they can help us. Most places have no sense of urgency with planning before you are inside and committed.

Interestingly, that's true for restaurants. But, in the last year, the US Capitol and Fed Ex Field both said "feel free to bring what you want to eat/drink - here's a letter - b/c we can't feed you anything" when contacted early. I am about to try contacting a baseball stadium for July, so we'll see how that goes...

 

[SueM in MN]

Reposting again....
Providing proof of disability doesn't really get rid of fakers like people think it will.
In the first place, ADA provides for accommodation based on needs related to disability, not diagnosis.

The company used by Universal is NOT a third party medical group. It's a marketing group that started out providing certification for ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis for Autism) providers. From that, they got into Autism Certification of facilities/theme parks, etc. and that led to registration of people with autism to receive some of the services at the facilities they certified, which led into their current registration program.

Just requiring documentation doesn't mean less abuse. Honest people will give honest proof and ask for the amount of access they need.
Dishonest people will come up with ways to fake documentation and will lie or exaggerate their access needs.
There are 'rent-a-doctors' who will pretty write whatever someone wants for a price and there are people who will make their own fake documents.
The system used by Universal for documentation doesn't appear to be very robust. Many of the things they accept don't say anything about needs in a theme park queue (for example, handicapped parking permit or National Park Access Pass) and the 'requested accommodations' are filled out by the person, not verified by documentation.
Also, I've read a lot of reports from people who got temporary approval within an hour or less of submission and final approval soon after. So, pretty much just rubber stamping that the document exists.
There are a lot of people who say anyone who is 'really disabled' would provide documentation, so those who don't must be faking. Many of us COULD provide documentation, but don't want to share with a marketing company with no medical background.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Bathroom issues is only one example, but honestly, it is very rare to be far from a usable restroom and by far I mean more than 3-5 minutes away.

It still doesn’t address the concern of how does someone find a CM during an urgent issue (bathroom, food, drink need, etc. are all cases where medically they could be needed urgently)? That is the point here, no one addresses the elephant in the room of how to actually accomplish this. Yes, for some attractions, this is easy to do and in some cases you will pass a CM on the way out no matter what, but for many that isn’t the case and this tends to be at the attractions with longer queues that have this problem, which is where the queues are more problematic for these issues.

The more that I think about it, the more I think Disneyland Tokyo’s system of having a designated waiting space for each attraction (according to their website for certain needs) that one can go to use the restroom, get food, etc. and come back to join their party, then be admitted through an alternate entrance actually makes the most sense. Even if someone needs to leave the waiting area, the rest of the party remains (except maybe someone to assist if necessary) while they go to take care of what they need to.

This doesn’t work like the DAS, but does provide accommodations and not having experienced it first hand, I am guessing that some attractions may have combined waiting areas to reduce the amount of space required for waiting areas. Think Fantasyland at Disneyland in the U.S. where there are a lot of attractions close to each other, having a combined waiting area would make sense.

The poster you quoted spoke about IBS thus that was my response. I'm sorry I think we both, well all, realize there's a million and one what ifs and nothing is ever going to be perfect. My advice will still stay the same if an individual believes they may have an issue best thing to do is ask the CM at the attraction before entering, even my CM friend did confirm each attraction will/is different. I did actually address the elephant in the room you just sidestepped it. We do all realize that a CM won't magically (no pun intended) be there so if you do believe there might be an issue or you'd like to know for your own information ask the CM what the process for that attraction is when you're about to enter, they may discuss at what point in the queue you're at, if you've gotten to merge, etc). Having DAS has never and will never mean you never have to leave a line for whatever reason you needed DAS before.

A CM may notify someone about the enter the FOP line where the bathroom is located at in the line and how to use it (as far as leaving the line especially if there is concerns about length of time) with just a to the point question "is there a bathroom in this queue?" "if I need to use the bathroom while in the line what should I do?" Everyone has their comfort level but you never need to give out details about your actual condition. I do think it may be helpful if someone has never been before to ask about bathroom because they may not realize that both Rise and FOP have a bathroom in the queue but if they are otherwise uncomfortable with asking about a bathroom or other situations just a "what do I need to do if I need to leave the line?" should suffice (though you may miss the detail about bathrooms in queues for Rise and FOP if that is your actual concern).

I'm not sure if your first comment about being far from a usable bathroom is talking about outside of a theme park but we must live in two wildly different worlds. If you're talking about in a theme park well I'm not sure what your first point was at all if you're saying a usable bathroom is only 3-5 mins away (as that negates DAS being in the discussion).

I understand you're trying to think what can be better so we can revert as much as possible to a prior way of something being done but that is an endless circle.

 

[DisneylandFreak2013]

The poster you quoted spoke about IBS thus that was my response. I'm sorry I think we both, well all, realize there's a million and one what ifs and nothing is ever going to be perfect. My advice will still stay the same if an individual believes they may have an issue best thing to do is ask the CM at the attraction before entering, even my CM friend did confirm each attraction will/is different. I did actually address the elephant in the room you just sidestepped it. We do all realize that a CM won't magically (no pun intended) be there so if you do believe there might be an issue or you'd like to know for your own information ask the CM what the process for that attraction is when you're about to enter, they may discuss at what point in the queue you're at, if you've gotten to merge, etc). Having DAS has never and will never mean you never have to leave a line for whatever reason you needed DAS before.

A CM may notify someone about the enter the FOP line where the bathroom is located at in the line and how to use it (as far as leaving the line especially if there is concerns about length of time) with just a to the point question "is there a bathroom in this queue?" "if I need to use the bathroom while in the line what should I do?" Everyone has their comfort level but you never need to give out details about your actual condition. I do think it may be helpful if someone has never been before to ask about bathroom because they may not realize that both Rise and FOP have a bathroom in the queue but if they are otherwise uncomfortable with asking about a bathroom or other situations just a "what do I need to do if I need to leave the line?" should suffice (though you may miss the detail about bathrooms in queues for Rise and FOP if that is your actual concern).

I'm not sure if your first comment about being far from a usable bathroom is talking about outside of a theme park but we must live in two wildly different worlds. If you're talking about in a theme park well I'm not sure what your first point was at all if you're saying a usable bathroom is only 3-5 mins away (as that negates DAS being in the discussion).

I understand you're trying to think what can be better so we can revert as much as possible to a prior way of something being done but that is an endless circle.

Do you get your information from a CM that you are acquaintances with or have you utilized the DAS yourself? I think it would be helpful and give more weight to your lengthy responses if you have previously utilized the service yourself.

 

[nalababybear]

Reposting again....
Providing proof of disability doesn't really get rid of fakers like people think it will.
In the first place, ADA provides for accommodation based on needs related to disability, not diagnosis.

Making it more difficult at entry simply makes it more difficult at entry for everyone. Most fakers already determined to get this will try. IBCCES is quite easy to get the card -- it's laughable as any real deterrence for fakers.

The DAS revamp is to decrease the overall pool of DAS holders -- mostly by offloading folk Disney believes other accommodations will meet the threshold for reasonable.

Disney reiterated that abuse of DAS has consequences. Whether they will enforce such -- who knows. That's where the fakers will feal the Disney hammer if it were to do so.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Do you get your information from a CM that you are acquaintances with or have you utilized the DAS yourself? I think it would be helpful and give more weight to your lengthy responses if you have previously utilized the service yourself.

What information are you looking for that has not been verified countless times by countless posters including both mods as well as by Disney themselves?



It's fine if you don't agree with what I post but please don't try and discredit me just because you feel you don't like the content in them.

 

[DisneylandFreak2013]

What information are you looking for that has not been verified countless times by countless posters including both mods as well as by Disney themselves?

View attachment 867827

It's fine if you don't agree with what I post but please don't try and discredit me just because you feel you don't like the content in them.

So that answers my question. No discrediting here, just curious because a lot of information has been shared and lots of lengthy responses were given to various posters. It was just some of the info I have been reading did not sound like it came from actual experience, rather just arguing different points for the sake of arguing different points. Not necessarily this specific post, but a few others back aways.

Of course, everyone is free to participate in threads they do not have direct experience in, but it would be helpful to know whether it was regurgitation of facts from the website or experience with the DAS itself. I just rely more on user experience, especially when looking for info for my sister and her foster child with potential DAS eligible issues that will be going to WDW in the next month.

 

[DisneylandFreak2013]

That is really good to know about Universal's system. He was approved for their assistance pass, but my sister was apprehensive to apply for DAS because she doesn't want to go through the wait to be denied for it. They may just end up doing Genie+. They're staying at the Grand so will be able to hopefully take frequent breaks during the day when things get overwhelming.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

So that answers my question. No discrediting here, just curious because a lot of information has been shared and lots of lengthy responses were given to various posters. It was just some of the info I have been reading did not sound like it came from actual experience, rather just arguing different points for the sake of arguing different points. Not necessarily this specific post, but a few others back aways.

Of course, everyone is free to participate in threads they do not have direct experience in, but it would be helpful to know whether it was regurgitation of facts from the website or experience with the DAS itself. I just rely more on user experience, especially when looking for info for my sister and her foster child with potential DAS eligible issues that will be going to WDW in the next month.

If you're looking for specific information for your sister and her foster daughter I would have assumed you made the decision to not look at my posts anyhow given your above comments. I don't see any reason for you to opt to go this route you are with your responses to me which read as intent to attack. I hope you find the answers you're looking for which obviously won't be found by reading my comments no biggie to me

 

[DisneylandFreak2013]

If you're looking for specific information for your sister and her foster daughter I would have assumed you made the decision to not look at my posts anyhow given your above comments. I don't see any reason for you to opt to go this route you are with your responses to me which read as intent to attack. I hope you find the answers you're looking for which obviously won't be found by reading my comments no biggie to me

Alrighty then.

 

[DisneylandFreak2013]

What have been the wait times like for the DAS call? We've heard horror stories about 6+ hours, so just want to gear her up if she is going to have a long wait.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Making it more difficult at entry simply makes it more difficult at entry for everyone. Most fakers already determined to get this will try. IBCCES is quite easy to get the card -- it's laughable as any real deterrence for fakers.

The DAS revamp is to decrease the overall pool of DAS holders -- mostly by offloading folk Disney believes other accommodations will meet the threshold for reasonable.

Disney reiterated that abuse of DAS has consequences. Whether they will enforce such -- who knows. That's where the fakers will feal the Disney hammer if it were to do so.

I do see why it's enticing the way Universal does it but aside from some people mentioning how they wouldn't mind providing documentation most of the comments about the way other parks do it seem to come from international guests who may be more used to that. I do think that Universal is a different park and different experience than WDW or DL and what works at one won't necessarily work at another just due to the different ride experiences/types of rides.

 

[nalababybear]

That is really good to know about Universal's system. He was approved for their assistance pass, but my sister was apprehensive to apply for DAS because she doesn't want to go through the wait to be denied for it. They may just end up doing Genie+. They're staying at the Grand so will be able to hopefully take frequent breaks during the day when things get overwhelming.

There's quite a lot of group knowledge and experience on this board that spans decades of personal and group support. Take that as you will. This form, while anonymous, isn't Reddit.

Suggest if you're able to, wait for her and be with her on the interview session. That will help immensely. As prior posters offered up tips/tricks to get through the session and be effective in communicating needs and how waiting in a standard queue cannot be achieved -- cue cards, notes, scenarios all helpful.

If she doesn't try to ask for an acccommodation, the end result is the worst - nothing.

 

[DisneylandFreak2013]

There's quite a lot of group knowledge and experience on this board that spans decades of personal and group support. Take that as you will. This form, while anonymous, isn't Reddit.

Suggest if you're able to, wait for her and be with her on the interview session. That will help immensely. As prior posters offered up tips/tricks to get through the session and be effective in communicating needs and how waiting in a standard queue cannot be achieved -- cue cards, notes, scenarios all helpful.

If she doesn't try to ask for an acccommodation, the end result is the worst - nothing.

This is super helpful, I appreciate it! I think having her write out queue cards will be helpful, sometimes when nervous our minds can draw a blank.