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

[fairy8i8]

I'm optimistic that the soon-to-open Epic Universe will be built with inclusivity in mind, especially relative to parks that opened 30+ years ago.

I went to Nintendo Land at Universal Hollywood. Using an ECV was fine, but the Land is set up like the video game as an open area where you play mini games. We went first week of September, one of the least crowded times, and they still had lines for each of the mini games. My boys don't do well in crowds, and I didn't see any information on accommodations because these weren't "rides," so even though we had bought the bands to play the games, we just skipped them. It might have been possible to go up to the exit and ask for a return time and enter through there, but I don't know. Even on a slow day it was crowded enough to make figuring things out in the moment too overwhelming. I'm sure others here know for Hollywood, and when Epic opens, people here will let others know how to best accommodate the mini game lines for various needs. Here's hopin'!

 

[mhautz]

Except once this gets out then everyone who gets denied will just say they tried the recommended accommodations and they didn’t work (whether or not they a truly did try).

I assume the questions and criteria stay the same and picture most reconsideration calls will amount to, “I tried it and hated it” without the caller any better able to elaborate on a specific need that isn’t adequately addressed, particularly if you still fall outside the developmental disability category. There may be some people who did not properly advocate for themselves/their loved one the first time (but I still picture the vast majority of denials were fully informed.)

 

[CanucksRock]

I'm sure others here know for Hollywood, and when Epic opens, people here will let others know how to best accommodate the mini game lines for various needs. Here's hopin'!

I went to the one in Japan - the trick was go first thing in the morning as soon as the park opens. We were able to do a bunch of the mini-games with little to no wait in the first hour.

 

[cat4hurricane]

Sure, I think it’s fair they have another conversation but I truly hope Disney holds strong on a lot of these. Otherwise I can see a lot of people with “might have” issues (like IBS - no offense just first one that came to mind) just getting DAS back and we end up with the exact same problem we were before.

Oh absolutely, they should hold strong on the “might have” issues crowd, barring certain circumstances. They clearly want to stop the issues that Old DAS caused (mostly, everyone and their mother getting DAS access vs another, possibly better accommodation and incidentally, cutting down on LL and therefore SB line times). I think a second conversation could be good either way just thinking for feedback, because that can inform the DAS service (the team, not the DAS offering as a whole) and help them maybe offer something different later down the line.

Ideally it would allow for the Guest being heard (“We tried the accommodations and they caused or exasterbated this and this, and it wasn’t feasible for us”) and for the CMs to get feedback or maybe switch them to DAS or an accommodation that fits better. Cases specifically where I’m thinking about that include stuff like maybe knowing that you’re not going to be able to stand an hour long line, or issues where guests absolutely know that they will be impacted, versus a “might happen, might not” disability that could be covered by already mentioned accommodations. Then, if DAS is given or not, at least guests felt heard and got a second chance to state their case this time with evidence of the accommodations offered working or not working. If it turns out that the accommodations are not working as expected (somewhat unlikely, the feedback I’ve heard so far seems mostly positive barring a few hiccups) then Disney can make changes if they deem it truly needed. Either way, the cycle only works if Disney is getting feedback, so the more they get the better. They aren’t going to change or refine things unless they know it needs changing or refining.

 

[jennab]

Oh absolutely, they should hold strong on the “might have” issues crowd, barring certain circumstances. They clearly want to stop the issues that Old DAS caused (mostly, everyone and their mother getting DAS access vs another, possibly better accommodation and incidentally, cutting down on LL and therefore SB line times). I think a second conversation could be good either way just thinking for feedback, because that can inform the DAS service (the team, not the DAS offering as a whole) and help them maybe offer something different later down the line.

Ideally it would allow for the Guest being heard (“We tried the accommodations and they caused or exasterbated this and this, and it wasn’t feasible for us”) and for the CMs to get feedback or maybe switch them to DAS or an accommodation that fits better. Cases specifically where I’m thinking about that include stuff like maybe knowing that you’re not going to be able to stand an hour long line, or issues where guests absolutely know that they will be impacted, versus a “might happen, might not” disability that could be covered by already mentioned accommodations. Then, if DAS is given or not, at least guests felt heard and got a second chance to state their case this time with evidence of the accommodations offered working or not working. If it turns out that the accommodations are not working as expected (somewhat unlikely, the feedback I’ve heard so far seems mostly positive barring a few hiccups) then Disney can make changes if they deem it truly needed. Either way, the cycle only works if Disney is getting feedback, so the more they get the better. They aren’t going to change or refine things unless they know it needs changing or refining.

Yes I do agree feedback is important! There are always ways to improve.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

From the approval/denial thread.


I don't see anywhere where it refers to a companion as just a companion - it apparently refers to caregivers only.



I am quite sure nowhere gives free admission to straight up companions for any & all disabled persons. Having a disability does not confer a right to have a friend accompany you free wherever you go. A necessary caregiver is a different story.

I can help you out there. As it happens, I'm fresh from looking up the price of admission to the Louvre!

Many people enter the Louvre for free, like children under age 18, EU residents aged 18-25, and art teachers.

Disabled visitors and the person accompanying them are also granted free admission. The bolded portion is a direct quote from the Louvre's webpage, translated into English.

General admission for adults who do not buy in advance is 22 Euros.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Wow, quite surprised. Though they do seem to be handing out free admission like hotcakes. Wonder if you have to show proof of disability?

 

[nalababybear]

That’s honestly how I expect it to be. I’ve definitely heard of people coming back on the second day and asking essentially for a look-over after having used AQR/RTQ and the other accommodations. In that case, having notes of what worked and what didn’t would be helpful, but at no point would I expect someone to just say: “It didn’t work, can I have DAS now?” Every person I’ve seen who has called back/got a lookover after the first day of the other accommodations have come back with specific reasons as to why AQR or RTQ and the other accommodations didn’t work. Likewise, everyone I’ve seen whose been amenable to calling back after a day has also said that they would take notes or keep in mind during the one day what they’ve seen working or not working for them.

It’s good to see that Disney is (maybe specifically?) asking questions and wanting that discussion concerning AQR/RTQ vs DAS. It’s also good that those coming back and asking questions is having evidence or being amenable (mostly) to the new post-trying-accommodations conversation. Disney has asked them to essentially try a day, and they’ve also been amenable to giving someone another look, even if that requires a pretty extensive conversation. It’s still very much in a sort of transition state/getting-used-to-this state (especially for DLR now), and so hearing that Disney is taking feedback or having those extensive conversations is great, because maybe that could help with future DAS calls, or with what they suggest as an alternative accommodation for someone. Having guests essentially give feedback on what worked and what didn’t (and maybe what could help them/make it better) is great feedback for Disney, and it’s helpful for the guest because they’re largely feeling like they’re being heard with this second conversation.

Everyone's learning.

I can help you out there. As it happens, I'm fresh from looking up the price of admission to the Louvre!

Many people enter the Louvre for free, like children under age 18, EU residents aged 18-25, and art teachers.

Disabled visitors and the person accompanying them are also granted free admission. The bolded portion is a direct quote from the Louvre's webpage, translated into English.

General admission for adults who do not buy in advance is 22 Euros.

We went to Paris in Summer - 2022. Lourve you buy online and show proof of disability at the ticket window when they scan. Many of the Paris museums also had this.

Order details​

Individual tickets for the Museum General admission​ 17,00 € x 2 : Musée du Louvre on 27 July 2022 at 09:00 Musée du Louvre on 27 July 2022 at 09:00​ Individual tickets for the Museum Other visitors entitled to free admission​ 0,00 € x 2 : Musée du Louvre on 27 July 2022 at 09:00 Musée du Louvre on 27 July 2022 at 09:00​

Have to say, both London and Paris were as disability friendly as I could imagine folk be. Their streets may not be the most wc accessible, but their policies blow USA's away.

FYI Merlin owns Legoland.

 

[Jdavidm]

San Diego Zoo & Safari Park does allow free admission for one caregiver/attendant alongside a paid person with a disability. This can be a family member / significant other, as long as the individual with the paid ticket needs the person to provide care/assistance in some way. I was actually just looking into this recently and reached out to them via email to verify. Caregivers can attend for free on paid tours as well.

Since we’re local to CA I asked about memberships and they said if we purchase a membership for me, they’ll actually give me a membership card with a disability marker so we don’t have to request a free attendant pass each visit via the ticketing booth. I’ll just have to show my membership at the entry gates and I’ll be allowed to bring an attendant in with me each visit.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Have to say, both London and Paris were as disability friendly as I could imagine folk be. Their streets may not be the most wc accessible, but their policies blow USA's away.

I found this to be true although my time in Paris was about 7 hours and we did London in a day and a half still but I want to caveat with a prior discussion. The U.S. is basically as accessible as you get on a variety of levels. There is a reason why other countries give discounts more as a norm to those who are disabled because the amount of those customers is far far far less than we have here, there's not some saying "I'm disabled" like here. It's just a different thing.

And not being wheelchair or other mobility issues accessible is a huge thing, something of which I know a few posters have expressed frustration on where that gets glossed over. Your ability to live, tour and enjoy places is limited in other countries that do not have the designs for that or designs for other disabilities. In all the countries I visited I saw less people in a wheelchair than I'd see in one trip to Walmart. One thing I did like for visually impaired was raised bumps in a specified line in subway stations, I did see that.

I think we need to keep in mind while it's nice to say other countries offer this or that there's often a reason behind it that in the end often isn't as much of a positive as one would think.

 

[nalababybear]

San Diego Zoo & Safari Park does allow free admission for one caregiver/attendant alongside a paid person with a disability. This can be a family member / significant other, as long as the individual with the paid ticket needs the person to provide care/assistance in some way. I was actually just looking into this recently and reached out to them via email to verify. Caregivers can attend for free on paid tours as well.

Since we’re local to CA I asked about memberships and they said if we purchase a membership for me, they’ll actually give me a membership card with a disability marker so we don’t have to request a free attendant pass each visit via the ticketing booth. I’ll just have to show my membership at the entry gates and I’ll be allowed to bring an attendant in with me each visit.

Yes, you will need to go to member services the first time you use the card and they will do it there; all future can be done at the turnstiles with your caregiver.

Our son's adults with disabilities group goes often -- they are all very excited with the return of the pandas.

 

[Jdavidm]

Yes, you will need to go to member services the first time you use the card and they will do it there; all future can be done at the turnstiles with your caregiver.

Our son's adults with disabilities group goes often -- they are all very excited with the return of the pandas.

It’s such a considerate offering on their part.

They also stated in the email that if we wish to purchase the membership in advance we can actually call them to do so and just let them know of the disability then, that way they will send us the pass with the disability marker. I feel like that’s a great option for people that have time before their first trip to receive the membership card in the mail and possibly want to avoid waiting at the ticketing booth or member services.

I’m so excited for the pandas to come back! The Capybaras at the zoo have recently had babies and I adore capybaras so that’s another reason we definitely want to make it out there soon.

 

[nalababybear]

It’s such a considerate offering on their part.

They also stated in the email that if we wish to purchase the membership in advance we can actually call them to do so and just let them know of the disability then, that way they will send us the pass with the disability marker. I feel like that’s a great option for people that have time before their first trip to receive the membership card in the mail and possibly want to avoid waiting at the ticketing booth or member services.

I’m so excited for the pandas to come back! The Capybaras at the zoo have recently had babies and I adore capybaras so that’s another reason we definitely want to make it out there soon.

Have to share: we were in Sydney this past Jan and their did their Capybara experience there - Our son LOVED it!

Also fun fact; apparently SD Safari zoo is also the only place to successfully breed Platypus outside of Australia -- little did we know that in our own backyard.

Australia has this nationwide program for folk with disabilities -- green lanyard with sunflowers -- it's an easy way for folk to identify persons that may need additional assistance.

Of course we didn't realize that this was available until a kind lady saw us trying to get our son ready for the biometric scanning at the airport on our way out of country!

 

[North of Mouse]

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.

Agree completely, seems they are putting extra burdens on already burdened CMs, instead of handling the situation themselves! Seems unfair, but much about Disney's decisions now I cannot understand or agree with.

 

[Jdavidm]

Have to share: we were in Sydney this past Jan and their did their Capybara experience there - Our son LOVED it!

Also fun fact; apparently SD Safari zoo is also the only place to successfully breed Platypus outside of Australia -- little did we know that in our own backyard.

Australia has this nationwide program for folk with disabilities -- green lanyard with sunflowers -- it's an easy way for folk to identify persons that may need additional assistance.

Of course we didn't realize that this was available until a kind lady saw us trying to get our son ready for the biometric scanning at the airport on our way out of country!

View attachment 870441

Ahh that’s so amazing!! It’s a dream of mine to actually get up close and feed/pet a capybara. Theres not a ton of places in the US that offer that experience but I hope to make it happen one day. They’re such calm peaceful animals, I love them!

I’ve heard of the sunflower lanyard in other countries and I wish it was more widely recognized in the US as well. For those of us who may not be as easily recognized as having a disability, it would come in handy for people to know we may need additional assistance. I’d love something like that for when I have to use public transport.

 

[lanejudy]

Agree completely, seems they are putting extra burdens on already burdened CMs, instead of handling the situation themselves! Seems unfair, but much about Disney's decisions now I cannot understand or agree with.

As has already been discussed -- the CMs are already making these decisions for the attractions because these aren't "new" accommodations. The non-DAS accommodations available at attractions have been in use and attraction CMs are familiar with the processes and decisions.

 

[only hope]

They are following ADA guidelines which is to provide reasonable accommodations.

I disagree that it is reasonable to require a disabled person to wait alone to access queues.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I disagree that it is reasonable to require a disabled person to wait alone to access queues.

Fair enough...and I say that I don't find that to be unreasonable at all.

However, it's not up to me - or you - to determine what is reasonable. Disney apparently believes it is reasonable, and my guess is that unless a court tells them otherwise, this won't change.

 

[lanejudy]

Reports are up to 50 people in line to do the registration. What I don’t know how slow/quick that line moves or how many are approved/denied.

More reports from Disneyland this weekend:

• the in-person kiosks at DL/DCA open at 8am
• 75-100 people in line
• no shade
• up to 90 minute waits for in-person registration
• CMs are handing out (or showing) cards with a QR code to scan to access registration via phone instead of waiting for in-person

It's strongly suggested to do pre-registration prior to arriving at the park.

 

[nalababybear]

More reports from Disneyland this weekend:

• the in-person kiosks at DL/DCA open at 8am
• 75-100 people in line
• no shade
• up to 90 minute waits for in-person registration
• CMs are handing out (or showing) cards with a QR code to scan to access registration via phone instead of waiting for in-person

It's strongly suggested to do pre-registration prior to arriving at the park.

I do wonder if the qr code jumps the video queue each time and then pushes the preregistration folk out....a la a standby line and ll line on-site.

The reports remain extended, but I haven't heard a 9 hour wait report since midweek