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

[DiznyDiva]

Prime example is ASD. It's an entire spectrum and many high functioning can navigate a queue readily. Even level 2 may too if well adapted. Then again a level 1 with highly splintered disabilities can have a need for DAS level accommodations.

Needs based.

I work in SPED. I see the whole spectrum. There is no two ASD that is the same...even in twins.

People largely forget that ADA accommodations are needs based, not diagnosis based and no need to disclose the diagnosis. It may help set then stage for the need, but it in itself does not specify need.

I deeply, sincerely wish this could be posted everywhere. So many are screaming the this is not ADA. Need vs. Want.

Simply saying you have anxiety is what got Disney in this mess. Now they HAVE to fix it. DAS is not required and they could get rid of it tomorrow. Instead Disney decided to tighten it and really emphasize the other accommodations they have already that many people never knew about.

 

[Angel Ariel]

“Able to hear those suggestions?” Come on, people can ignore what they don’t like or they can ask people to stop offering suggestions.

But to say we should ask permission to offer suggestions? That’s just over the top, IMO.

Specific to a conversation here - the poster has made it explicitly clear that they've made their decision. They haven't asked for feedback or suggestions. They've clearly set a boundary. I don't think it's over the top to suggest asking before ignoring boundaries others set. YMMV.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Specific to a conversation here - the poster has made it explicitly clear that they've made their decision. They haven't asked for feedback or suggestions. They've clearly set a boundary. I don't think it's over the top to suggest asking before ignoring boundaries others set. YMMV.

The poster is welcome to exit the conversation if they don’t want to hear suggestions, but instead returns time and time again to rail against Disney and the very necessary changes that were made.

 

[mistysue]

Specific to a conversation here - the poster has made it explicitly clear that they've made their decision. They haven't asked for feedback or suggestions. They've clearly set a boundary. I don't think it's over the top to suggest asking before ignoring boundaries others set. YMMV.

I feel like your suggestion of asking permission before throwing out ideas should go hand in hand with people knowing that if they are only here to crap on comments from anyone who has something good to say, maybe they shouldn't be adding those comments. It's one thing to post about something that upset you or to ask for clarification or whatever, it's another to use being displeased as an excuse to poke insults and try to crap on every sign of "not misery" elsewhere.

 

[Angel Ariel]

it's another to use being displeased as an excuse to poke insults and try to crap on every sign of "not misery" elsewhere.

I completely agree with that and am not defending that at all

 

[lanejudy]

Not when in the park under 18 your not aloud to use a mobility device besides a wheelchair in the park also did I mention I pass out

While correct that WDW will not rent an ECV for someone under age 18 to use, guests are welcome to bring their own mobility devices into the park regardless of age.

Also, there are other mobility devices other than an ECV. If passing out is a concern then an ECV may not be the right mobility device for you. There are also rollators, walkers, cane seats or wheelchairs to name a few.

 

[jennab]

@SueM in MN has shared posts making it pretty clear we aren't supposed to be commenting like "well, this works for me, so it should for you" but, honestly, it feels like that's been happening a lot the last couple of pages

I disagree. I think people are posting a lot of “what if you try this” or “I tried this and here’s how it went, maybe you could try that too”. I haven’t seen anyone say something will work for someone else, just offering advice on things to try. It also seems as though some people are resistant to trying any other options. Of course that is their choice, but I believe most comments are trying to be helpful.

 

[TLSnell1981]

This is false, and you know it. Accommodating needs is much different from accommodating wants. Disney offers many accommodation options, despite your "want" to get VIP treatment.

I am impressed you can determine someone's wants from needs on a message board.

 

[Stitchlover2024]

I am impressed you can determine someone's wants from needs on a message board.

Me too

 

[lanejudy]

Now I understand Disney's approach in refusing to accommodate some needs/disabilities. Thank you for simplifying their position.

Disney is not "refusing to accommodate" any needs or disabilities. They are now accommodating many needs in a different manner. While you may view it as refusing accommodation, that narrow viewpoint doesn't make it fact. Insisting on DAS without trying other accommodations is basically a want not a need. There have been reports of individuals who did give the new accommodations an honest effort, then returned to a video chat and explained what exactly didn't work -- with details of what/when/where/whom/etc. Obviously, it is also one's right to not try the new accommodations, but that isn't the same as being refused accommodations.

 

[OurBigTrip]

Specific to a conversation here - the poster has made it explicitly clear that they've made their decision. They haven't asked for feedback or suggestions. They've clearly set a boundary. I don't think it's over the top to suggest asking before ignoring boundaries others set. YMMV.

Based on what I see of your posts here, I respect you very much. But in this case, yes, MMDV.

 

[Tatebeck]

I am impressed you can determine someone's wants from needs on a message board.

I don't think they are personally determining anything. I took it to mean that Disney is making the determination based on the conversation with the guests on who "needs" DAS and is approving it for those guests vs who just "wants" DAS and is denying it to those guests. I think they are saying that Disney is not denying it to those who need it, but those who want it. And those getting denied that "want" it but feel like they "need" it are being very vocal about it

 

[StarCruzer]

I really do think Disney needs to allow people to call 45 days in advance instead of 30. I feel like a HUGE issue people have is that there are some folks who truly feel like Disney Parks are not doable without DAS, and that getting LLMP is going to be too much of a financial burden. Disney needs to give people the opportunity to cancel their vacations if they feel that a trip without DAS is risky.

As we've seen here, each person can have wildly different needs so it is entirely possible that visiting the parks without DAS is simply not a viable option for people. It is really difficult for folks to make the proper financial decisions when Disney has not built in more space into the timeline.

 

[Stitchlover2024]

I really do think Disney needs to allow people to call 45 days in advance instead of 30. I feel like a HUGE issue people have is that there are some folks who truly feel like Disney Parks are not doable without DAS, and that getting LLMP is going to be too much of a financial burden. Disney needs to give people the opportunity to cancel their vacations if they feel that a trip without DAS is risky.

As we've seen here, each person can have wildly different needs so it is entirely possible that visiting the parks without DAS is simply not a viable option for people. It is really difficult for folks to make the proper financial decisions when Disney has not built in more space into the timeline.

I am one of the people who didn’t need das before until my condition started getting worse

 

[Disneylover99]

I rarely find people are able to truly hear something when "emotions are running high". If anything that's when the most *misunderstandings* happen, IME.

They can read it when they’re ready, or choose to not read it at all.
And honestly? When people keep coming back to a message board after they say they’re done with Disney, I feel like maybe they’re not really ready to let it go just yet.

 

[jennab]

I really do think Disney needs to allow people to call 45 days in advance instead of 30. I feel like a HUGE issue people have is that there are some folks who truly feel like Disney Parks are not doable without DAS, and that getting LLMP is going to be too much of a financial burden. Disney needs to give people the opportunity to cancel their vacations if they feel that a trip without DAS is risky.

As we've seen here, each person can have wildly different needs so it is entirely possible that visiting the parks without DAS is simply not a viable option for people. It is really difficult for folks to make the proper financial decisions when Disney has not built in more space into the timeline.

I’ve said this a few times - no one cared before. A few years ago you had to apply while at Disney…. This isn’t new. People just assumed they would get approved in the past. I would suggest budgeting for LLMP and other things as backups (rope drop, go when lower crowds, shorter park days, etc)

 

[nalababybear]

There's no best time to delineate needs based requests. Disney decided 30 days.

What Disney should allow for is cancellation without fees under these cases though....a loophole for sure though so would be a case by case situation.

As in any vacation, really need to determine if travel insurance is warranted that includes cancellation protection. We do this anytime large travel expense trip and budget for it.

 

[lanejudy]

IMO, it's respectful to ask if they're interested in further ideas that can help rather than assume that they are. It gives agency to the person to decide if they're in a place to be able to hear those suggestions or not.

This is a public message board and all posts can be read by anyone. Particularly within a large thread like this, a response to one post may in fact be helpful to several others who maybe are just reading. Nobody owns a thread, nobody needs to ask permission to offer suggestions. It's what this board is all about -- offering suggestions to help those with disABILITIES. People can choose to read or ignore as they please.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I’ve said this a few times - no one cared before. A few years ago you had to apply while at Disney…. This isn’t new. People just assumed they would get approved in the past. I would suggest budgeting for LLMP and other things as backups (rope drop, go when lower crowds, shorter park days, etc)

I agree with you, but at the same time, even though technically Disney could have denied in-person (or later, online), they very, very rarely did...especially in person, where the guest could (and often did) make a scene. Given the scope of the changes, I think Disney could either take it out to 45 days or provide a no-hassle refund for anyone who had DAS previously and is now turned down.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Disney is not "refusing to accommodate" any needs or disabilities. They are now accommodating many needs in a different manner. While you may view it as refusing accommodation, that narrow viewpoint doesn't make it fact. Insisting on DAS without trying other accommodations is basically a want not a need. There have been reports of individuals who did give the new accommodations an honest effort, then returned to a video chat and explained what exactly didn't work -- with details of what/when/where/whom/etc. Obviously, it is also one's right to not try the new accommodations, but that isn't the same as being refused accommodations.

My situation isn't new and neither are the current accommodations. I have tried other options before adapting to the multiple changes over the years. People can make accusations and ridicule my situation but it doesn't change anything. The behavior happens in real life too. Some can be downright cruel. I know my abilities and limitations. I doubt I'm the only person who is no longer able to safely or comfortably adjust to the new guidelines.