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

[keishashadow]

but you also don't want people who "might" need the AQR to request it everywhere, so if it's difficult to ask for simply due to overuse, it will cause some to just "suck it up" and go on without it. People who NEED it are still going to ask because it's not an option.

I have a problem with the concept of a company making it difficult to obtain an accommodation, anywhere. Not just at Disney parks. Yes, of course, I understand their objective to lighten the unpaid LL line. That should not trump HC accommodations.

Problem is with the system you describe is that it can be be random, at best in it’s application.

you could have two people with the exact same need, I’m talking down to the letter in nearly every way; ultimately receiving two different outcomes…all based upon a minimally trained CM working an attraction line.

For whatever reason, including not being mentally prepared to deal with the difficultly involved with discussing their concerns on the spot to a CM; let’s assume one person does decides to suck it up. (To be very clear, that’s your term).

However, they suffer enough in SB line that the day is done for them.

The other person is able to engage and express their concerns to the gatekeeper at the line & are given whatever accommodation. Be aware, this lets out a large number of people with autism, ADHD, anxiety, etc unless they have a strong advocate to speak for them repeatedly throughout the day.

IMO that does not necessarily indicate a more pressing need

Personally, I would surely call back to DAS and request a review, if the day goes poorly after being originally denied for DAS during the application process & at again at the line

 

[preemiemama]

hmmm for me, its get phone out of pocket, open phone, look for camera icon (the park has closed by this point), what should I take picture of , whoops I hit spotify, close, camera.......

I'd be taking taking a picture every 5-10 mins, so at least we'd be close enough, if that's what is needed.

Yes, please report back.

This will be the piece that I will be asking CMs at the attractions about (if it is requested of us), because I can see this being problematic for us. For us to avoid issues that could impact our enjoyment- as well as the enjoyment of other guests that are around us- we need to have an escape route that allows us to quickly leave and minimize interactions with others. Trying to snap a picture in the midst of that would be difficult.

 

[lanejudy]

The CM conducting the interview also told us to "take a picture of where we were in line"- which seems a strange thing to request.

This is the first I've heard of this suggestion. Other than maybe trying to show you were almost to the merge point, I'm not sure the value of taking a picture. I guess it proves you were in the queue. However you should speak to the CM on your way out. Unless we start hearing this is a common suggestion and that it has a useful purpose I would take it with a grain of salt.

 

[PrincessV]

Just wondering out loud here....

I wonder if so many folks who previously had DAS and being denied, who will be using the AQR accommodation will tax the ride CMs to the point that they will rethink this for many. We've heard so many reports of people now planning to use this option that never did in the past, it would be interesting to follow up after a bit to see if there is a change due to increased need and demands for the CMs at the individual attractions.

I think it’s important to remember that the numbers we see talking about using AQR on the DIS - let’s say 20-30 people - plus maybe another 30 or so I’ve seen elsewhere - let’s just call it a couple hundred to round up - maybe even let’s go to 1,000 to be extra. Okay, so 1,000 people planning to use AQR - that’s not 1,000 per day per park, and it’s 1,000 out of MILLIONS of visitors in a year. It may feel like a lot of people in our discussions here, but it’s a tiny drop in the bucket of total visitors in the parks. I really do not think this is going to tax ride CMs at all.

Thank you- that's the plan. Your prior post about AQR actually made me feel better about the experience, so than you for doing that!

When he needs to get out, it needs to happen fairly quickly and without a lot of agitation, so we will definitely be detailing that part with the ride CMs! The CM conducting the interview also told us to "take a picture of where we were in line"- which seems a strange thing to request. I am not sure how that would work logistically when we are going to be focused on getting out quickly/without incident. I guess we will see (and report back) in a few weeks!

You are very welcome and I’m so glad it was helpful! Yeah, I’ve been getting better at identifying that I need to get out of a situation before I’m fully triggered, but I don’t have it to down to perfection, and how much time I have varies depending on the specific situation in question, the day I’m having, etc. - Peter Pan was dicey, TBH. I was doing fine in the first section, where it’s walled in, single file, but once into a room full of switchbacks and seeing just how difficult it was going to be to exit, well, it was close. Closer than I’d like it to be. Which was why when I returned I asked the CM if there was a better way to exit - was there a place to exit that I missed? Nope: the CM said the only way was to backtrack through the line, and that was why I asked first at the next ride.

I guess I can see snapping a pic of where you were in line could be useful as proof of how long you waited? I wasn’t asked at all, and I honestly think requiring something like that would be overkill, but if you can manage it, what the heck: it’s probably worth having!

 

[mistysue]

I have a problem with the concept of a company making it difficult to obtain an accommodation, anywhere. Not just at Disney parks. Yes, of course, I understand their objective to lighten the unpaid LL line. That should not trump HC accommodations.

Problem is with the system you describe is that it can be be random, at best in it’s application.

you could have two people with the exact same need, I’m talking down to the letter in nearly every way; ultimately receiving two different outcomes…all based upon a minimally trained CM working an attraction line.

For whatever reason, including not being mentally prepared to deal with the difficultly involved with discussing their concerns on the spot to a CM; let’s assume one person does decides to suck it up. (To be very clear, that’s your term).

However, they suffer enough in SB line that the day is done for them.

The other person is able to engage and express their concerns to the gatekeeper at the line & are given whatever accommodation. Be aware, this lets out a large number of people with autism, ADHD, anxiety, etc unless they have a strong advocate to speak for them repeatedly throughout the day.

IMO that does not necessarily indicate a more pressing need

Personally, I would surely call back to DAS and request a review, if the day goes poorly after being originally denied for DAS during the application process & at again at the line

It's not about trying to make it difficult. I'm sorry I said "suck it up" - couldn't think of a better way to phrase it, but at some point, people who don't need an accommodation are going to give up if it's not simple enough. People who need are not going to just go on without it because they actually need it.

People who have a need and are finding it difficult are going to end up asking for more accommodations. Yes, that is inconvenient. Everyone wants accommodations, especially when they provide something that would be a clear benefit for many. When it is too easy to get that accommodation, over use of it causes the entire system to break down. Disney can't have a park where a non-disabled person can't do anything just so accommodations are that much easier to come by. It spirals into people needing accommodations ONLY because of the number of other people getting accommodations, which we've already seen. Disney is not there to make the non-disabled suffer to make up for the daily difficulties of those with disabilities, nor is that something required by the ADA.

 

[jennab]

I have a problem with the concept of a company making it difficult to obtain an accommodation, anywhere. Not just at Disney parks. Yes, of course, I understand their objective to lighten the unpaid LL line. That should not trump HC accommodations.

Problem is with the system you describe is that it can be be random, at best in it’s application.

you could have two people with the exact same need, I’m talking down to the letter in nearly every way; ultimately receiving two different outcomes…all based upon a minimally trained CM working an attraction line.

For whatever reason, including not being mentally prepared to deal with the difficultly involved with discussing their concerns on the spot to a CM; let’s assume one person does decides to suck it up. (To be very clear, that’s your term).

However, they suffer enough in SB line that the day is done for them.

The other person is able to engage and express their concerns to the gatekeeper at the line & are given whatever accommodation. Be aware, this lets out a large number of people with autism, ADHD, anxiety, etc unless they have a strong advocate to speak for them repeatedly throughout the day.

IMO that does not necessarily indicate a more pressing need

Personally, I would surely call back to DAS and request a review, if the day goes poorly after being originally denied for DAS during the application process & at again at the line

But the company IS giving accommodations still, it just may not be DAS anymore.

 

[lanejudy]

you also don't want people who "might" need the AQR to request it everywhere, so if it's difficult to ask for simply due to overuse, it will cause some to just "suck it up" and go on without it. People who NEED it are still going to ask because it's not an option. But if it's too easy, and you are always helped instantly

It's important to point out that AQR is very easy to request, as it should be. There is no logic to making it hard to request. It is available to ALL park guests. AQR does not mean an automatic "wait outside the queue and get a return time issued." And I think that's what you are talking about. That will not be readily offered even to guests who request it. There are parameters and it's not a case of making it "easy" or "hard" to request.

Nobody needs to do anything more than say "excuse me, I need to step out of the queue. How do I rejoin my party when I return?"

 

[mistysue]

It's important to point out that AQR is very easy to request, as it should be. There is no logic to making it hard to request. It is available to ALL park guests. AQR does not mean an automatic "wait outside the queue and get a return time issued." And I think that's what you are talking about. That will not be readily offered even to guests who request it. There are parameters and it's not a case of making it "easy" or "hard" to request.

Nobody needs to do anything more than say "excuse me, I need to step out of the queue. How do I rejoin my party when I return?"

That's what I believed the post I was responding to was talking about.
I'm not trying to say they are trying to make it difficult - they were saying if there were too many people overloading it, and if that were to occur, and you almost had a line of "I want a return time" - that would discourage use by people who didn't need it.

 

[lanejudy]

I have a problem with the concept of a company making it difficult to obtain an accommodation, anywhere. Not just at Disney parks. Yes, of course, I understand their objective to lighten the unpaid LL line. That should not trump HC accommodations.

Accommodations are being granted. I don't believe Disney is making it difficult for most guests to obtain accommodations. It is harder to qualify for a certain "preferred" accommodation (DAS). Accommodations do not need to be limited to the disabled population; a program or process that is available to the mainstream population may also be considered an accommodation for a disability. No qualification required.

 

[preemiemama]

This is the first I've heard of this suggestion. Other than maybe trying to show you were almost to the merge point, I'm not sure the value of taking a picture. I guess it proves you were in the queue. However you should speak to the CM on your way out. Unless we start hearing this is a common suggestion and that it has a useful purpose I would take it with a grain of salt.

I had not heard of it either. We plan to talk to the ride CM prior to getting in line so we will know the exit plan if needed. If they tell us this as well, we will ask about the purpose and go from there. It may just have been something the video chat CM thought might prove to the attraction CM we had actually been in line. Talking to the individual attraction CM prior to getting into the line is our plan. It is always better for us to know what to expect, and it lets the CM know the situation as well.

 

[keishashadow]

But the company IS giving accommodations still, it just may not be DAS anymore.

true

It's important to point out that AQR is very easy to request, as it should be. There is no logic to making it hard to request. It is available to ALL park guests. AQR does not mean an automatic "wait outside the queue and get a return time issued." And you think that's what you are talking about. That will not be readily offered even to guests who request it. There are parameters and it's not a case of making it "easy" or "hard" to request.

As you have explained (probably more times than you can recall at this point - thank you), AQR is generally not considered a standard return to line time accommodation. Those are designed to be given out under very limited circumstances.

I’m going by the recent experience of myself & PrincessV, even tho valid old DAS was in place & more of a limited, experimental nature, in testing the new system

IMO it will be helpful going forward for all to keep sharing how things are working for them on the ground, in the parks

Accommodations do not need to be limited to the disabled population; a program or process that is available to the mainstream population may also be considered an accommodation for a disability. No qualification required.

appears so, one size very well may fit all who need (or most who ask) going forward.

 

[jennab]

As you have explained (probably more times than you can recall at this point - thank you), AQR is generally not considered a standard return to line time accommodation. Those are designed to be given out under very limited circumstances.

I think AQR is standard and it’s RTQ that is not supposed to be given out very often (a return time).

 

[lanejudy]

appears so, one size very well may fit all who need (or most who ask) going forward.

The accommodations offered are not "one size fits all" because what is offered to individuals can and will vary based on different factors.

However you are correct that it is now "fits all" in that most of these accommodations are available to any guest. That's part of being more inclusive. Nobody needs to identify as "disabled" to access a service/program/accommodation, it's available to all.

 

[SueM in MN]

It's important to point out that AQR is very easy to request, as it should be. There is no logic to making it hard to request. It is available to ALL park guests. AQR does not mean an automatic "wait outside the queue and get a return time issued." And I think that's what you are talking about. That will not be readily offered even to guests who request it. There are parameters and it's not a case of making it "easy" or "hard" to request.

Nobody needs to do anything more than say "excuse me, I need to step out of the queue. How do I rejoin my party when I return?"

I agree.
That's what I've been seeing in other places online. No long explanation - in fact an explanation is not needed at all. The only explanations I've seen people mention were "I've got an urgent need for a restroom" which in some cases led to a CM taking them to a 'secret backstage' restroom, then bringing them back to their party.
Leaving the line isn't new. I've seen multiple posts just in the last few days where people reported doing in well before the recent DAS changes were even announced.

Accommodations are being granted. I don't believe Disney is making it difficult for most guests to obtain accommodations. It is harder to qualify for a certain "preferred" accommodation (DAS). Accommodations do not need to be limited to the disabled population; a program or process that is available to the mainstream population may also be considered an accommodation for a disability. No qualification required.

From what I've been reading/seeing, a lot of people were requesting DAS for 'just in case' situations. It's mostly those that Disney has come up with other accommodations for.
I've seen posts from people who need DAS for all attractions report they had stopped going to Disney parks because the waits in line had gotten too long for them to manage. This has been especially an issue at DL because the 'DAS' entrance is often the exit, which is also the only accessible access for guests using mobility device.

The ADA required many things for accessibility that are also useful for people without disabilities. Things like curb cuts, ramps, larger restroom stall, Companion Restrooms, getting rid of things like turnstiles, Mainstream queues.
They were developed for people with disabilities, but aren't exclusively for people with disabilities. Mainstream queues are designed to integrate accessibility into the 'main stream' of guests.
The ADA requires accessibility, but also emphasizes accessibility done in a mainstream way if at all possible. That includes things like allergy menus, allowing many people with common allergies to order the same way as everyone else (those with multiple, uncommon or complex allergies or questions can still get more assistance). Another example is making hotel reservations - in the past, reservations for accessible rooms needed to be done by phone. Now, they are available in the mainstream, the ways other guests make reservations

 

[notatallmagic]

Any general idea what the current wait times are for DAS application calls at Disneyworld? I've been reading about 6-9 hours?

Existing DAS expires on the 28th (I think), and we are supposed to be leaving less than 48 hours later...

 

[nalababybear]

The accommodations offered are not "one size fits all" because what is offered to individuals can and will vary based on different factors.

However you are correct that it is now "fits all" in that most of these accommodations are available to any guest. That's part of being more inclusive. Nobody needs to identify as "disabled" to access a service/program/accommodation, it's available to all.

Aqr is the proverbial wc ramp for queues---available to all to use if needed.

It addresses a lot of queueing issues. It won't be the accommodation for everything, but Disney believes it should address the bulk and rider swap a good portion of the remainder.

The logistical ones like single and two person parties with caretaker status will need to be addressed at the attraction.

 

[Townie1997]

My DH had his DAS call earlier today. After about a 90 minute wait the call was quick once connected. He was approved in less than five minutes. He does not have a developmental disability. I’m hope this reduces anxiety for some that they will listen. The CM was patient as DH explained his concerns with waiting in the regular line. He focused on his needs not diagnosis.

 

[cat4hurricane]

I'm sure there is a balancing act going on. Right now there are far too many people who have been relying on DAS, and many of those people COULD tour without it. They have to sort of shove the extra people off like a mass exodus. Then people will adapt, and it will become more clear who really NEEDS that particular accommodation. A sudden uptick in AQR will also tax that system a bit, but you also don't want people who "might" need the AQR to request it everywhere, so if it's difficult to ask for simply due to overuse, it will cause some to just "suck it up" and go on without it. People who NEED it are still going to ask because it's not an option. But if it's too easy, and you are always helped instantly, people who see it as their "right" because they were denied DAS but don't really need it would then become dependent on it. The best way to stop AQR from the same gradual creep DAS suffered is to cause it to suddenly drop and have it not be too easy. While this isn't as ideal for individuals with a serious need, those with a need are more likely to stick it out or ask for more help.

But scaling back slowly wouldn't work because it would take years to adjust to what they just did overnight this way.

I mean, as far as I’m aware, the only accommodations that Disney is going to be auditing is RTQ (because Ride CMs need to have a reason and detail that to their managers) and DAS itself (making sure that those who really need it get it, and everyone else uses other accommodations). I don’t actually think that they’re broadly going to be limiting AQR because it’s for use for everyone, everyone has had times where their kid needs to pee, or they have an incident and need to leave the line, or even that their kid suddenly doesn’t want to ride after getting all the way to the end.

Now, are they going to be keeping track? Maybe in a broad sense, there’s an adjustment period on both sides, for the guests who now how have to manage without DAS (if they were denied, and those using these accommodations largely will be) and for the Ride CMs who now suddenly have a lot of immediate power (determining who gets RTQ based on their circumstances, mostly) but also has to face the brunt of those who are upset they no longer have DAS. I agree there may be a creep, but depending on the way they manage it, they can stop it from getting to the point that previous DAS/LL lines were.

They’re clearly taking what appears to be feedback while they figure out the immediate impact of the changes (both at WDW and now DLR, who switched this week). If it does get to the point where the LL line (or merge points on either end) are clogged up with people waiting for their party versus actually using the line as more than a waiting zone, then Disney (and the Ride CMs more generally) are going to need to figure out an alternative. I could see them doing something when the lines get long/the busy season really gets going and just routing people through LL lines isn’t really a great option, but I’m unsure what that would be in the moment.

What we know right now is that DAS is the accommodation, and that those without DAS can either ask for RTQ (a return time) or ask what to do in case they need to leave the line (AQR). Based on their circumstances (solo vs a full party, their potential issue, if the wait time is really the wait time vs an exaggeration to help crowd control, the nature of the queue and how easy it would be to leave at a moments notice, if that someone has a mobility device or not) the CM at the front decides the best course of action. If it turns out that the best course of action is AQR, then it’s going to be AQR.

If that’s something that Disney is keeping track of broadly, then it’s also going to be on them to help CMs determine other options when the LL line is busy or if it’s an especially busy time (Christmas, spring break, thanksgiving, basically all the times that school is out). If the wait is like, an hour, and the LL line is also very long, maybe like 45 minutes, then CMs will need a plan for those who want to ride that maybe can’t handle the standby (RTQ for those who can’t handle the wait at all?) or the potential rider just may need to wait until the ride has lower times (immediately after rope drop, so getting the ride essentially out of the way first thing, or later at night or during rain where people are watching the fireworks/going back to their hotel or using that rain time to grab some food or another indoor activity). I’d say it’s not exactly in the Ride CMs to make sure everyone rides, the ride they work on may break down or have maintenance, but if they can level the playing field (within their power) then I think that would be fair. If Disney decides eventually that AQR or RTQ isn’t the way to go, then, precedent being set, they would need to offer something that would equalize the ride playing field as a different option. They’ve clearly got the data somewhere, if they want to use data as the basis for accommodations (what works and what doesn’t for their ability to keep lines mostly down) then they have the ability to do that, I think whether or not AQR would impact that had many factors, and that it’s too soon to tell at the moment. I would be interested in seeing how the LL line is, particularly the merge point on both sides once everyone on Old DAS is done and it’s just New DAS left. I’d be interested to see if it’s really going to be as clogged as I think it could be, or if CMs will do their best to streamline that once the crowds really ramp up.

TLDR: sorry for the long response, I think AQR is too soon to tell on if we’ll see AQR creep ala Old DAS creep. Even then, AQR can be used by everyone, not just those disabled who no longer have DAS. I think it’s possible for AQR to bunch up the line with those waiting for their parties, and it’s clear that Disney is taking data and using it, so if AQR (and RTQ) eventually pose a problem, Disney can also offer other alternatives while still 1. leveling the ride playing field for those with disabilities, and 2. Keeping the lines mostly quicker and intact compared to the way it was Pre-New DAS. Whatever those new options are, Disney has set precedent that if that occurs, they’ll offer something (GAC -> DAS and now the other accommodations, they’ve almost always offered something to make rides available to those with disabilities). I’d be interested to see how it’s going to be in the coming 6 or so months, and to see how things are going to be smoothed out, if anything.

 

[lanejudy]

If it does get to the point where the LL line (or merge points on either end) are clogged up with people waiting for their party versus actually using the line as more than a waiting zone

I don't expect the LL will get clogged with "waiting parties" but I expect there may be some who need to wait in the standby queue until the rest of their party reaches them through the LL. Maybe it's a moot point because it will be at/near the merge, but the guests waiting will likely be in standby. My understanding is those who left the queue won't be entering the LL until their party informs them they are near the merge, so there won't be a lot of guests waiting in the LL.

 

[lanejudy]

A poster on the DLR forum is reporting long lines for in-person DAS registration. I don’t recall reading about lines at the WDW parks to use the iPads in the past month.