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

[mistysue]

I’m genuinely curious, what is the issue with zig zagging queues? Is it mobility devices? I was under the impression that WDW had queues wide enough to navigate with mobility devices.

To some degree I get the zigzag thing being an issue in some queues. My son is partially deaf and his vision doesn't adjust well to light changes, so back and forth with light changes and echoey locations meant he kept panicking and/or getting hurt running into things. Combining this with his height in certain years could mean more serious injuries. Confining him to a chair helps if it's not so dark we can't push him well, we got to the point of "in a wheelchair, with a blanket and earmuffs" being a line thing... I don't think most people will put up with that and I totally get why.

 

[DiznyDiva]

An additional point to take into consideration: Lightning lanes don’t typically have zigzagging queues (at least at DLR) which can be a major issue for some people. They also (unless there’s a delay) keep steadily moving.

Many of the LL lanes zig and zag. I can really only think of fantasy land where you mostly go through the exit or are loaded back into the line right before the turnstile. Unless you are using the disability entrance like at Pirates or Jungle cruise. both of those have their own load areas.

Most cues still even have 15-20 after you arrive for your DAS return time. Ride planning is needed. And what happens if the ride breaks down???? The cue moving or not, isn't what makes it safe. It won't stop the anxiety or PTSD or other issues. they are still there when they are in crowds in other places in the park and can suddenly manage such as just walking from land to land, bathroom and food lines.

Many on that Facebook page want instant and aren't afraid to say that. They say they cant even mange 10 minutes and immediately having anyone around them sets of their symptoms. Again.. how do they navigate crowds in the rest of the parks?

There IS accommodations for them to wait out safely outside. They are choosing not to attempt them. They don't even like the RT one cause now they have to go to each ride and attempt to get them. Not to mention they don't want to explain why the need it in the first place.

 

[Jdavidm]

I’m wondering how they could even do LL then since it’s also a queue…. Or any like at a store, airport, hotel, get into park, bus, etc. Personally I’m not sure how someone could even go to a place like Disney world if they can’t wait in line AT ALL.

I know this can be hard to grasp from an outward perspective but you’d be surprised how well I avoid ALL lines in my life. Sometimes it involves a place being accomodating and getting me through more quickly (with no wait or minimum wait). Sometimes it involves me waiting elsewhere while someone waits for me. And sometimes when it’s completely unavoidable and the location doesn’t offer accommodations, it means I literally don’t get to do the thing at all.

When working as intended, a lightning lane is efficient and isn’t typically as confined of a space as a standby queue. I’m speaking for Disneyland however, I know WDW can be in a whole other ballpark but I can’t speak on that since I was last there on my 8th birthday

 

[Jdavidm]

I’m genuinely curious, what is the issue with zig zagging queues? Is it mobility devices? I was under the impression that WDW had queues wide enough to navigate with mobility devices.

There are different reasons for different people.

I’m realizing this may not be the case at WDW, but LL at DL is typically a straight shot and doesn’t have zigzags. If it’s zigzagging it’s likely because the line is already too long for me to manage so I won’t be entering anyways.

 

[Jdavidm]

Many of the LL lanes zig and zag. I can really only think of fantasy land where you mostly go through the exit or are loaded back into the line right before the turnstile. Unless you are using the disability entrance like at Pirates or Jungle cruise. both of those have their own load areas.

Most cues still even have 15-20 after you arrive for your DAS return time. Ride planning is needed. And what happens if the ride breaks down???? The cue moving or not, isn't what makes it safe. It won't stop the anxiety or PTSD or other issues. they are still there when they are in crowds in other places in the park and can suddenly manage such as just walking from land to land, bathroom and food lines.

Many on that Facebook page want instant and aren't afraid to say that. They say they cant even mange 10 minutes and immediately having anyone around them sets of their symptoms. Again.. how do they navigate crowds in the rest of the parks?

There IS accommodations for them to wait out safely outside. They are choosing not to attempt them. They don't even like the RT one cause now they have to go to each ride and attempt to get them. Not to mention they don't want to explain why the need it in the first place.

I really think we’re mostly in agreement. I do think the other accommodations will work in most situations. I just don’t think it will work for everyone and that there are some people who really do still need DAS.

If a ride breaks down, my caregiver attempts to find the least difficult way to get me out of the queue (which is not normally difficult from a LL). They usually offer for us to return later to ride.

Again, I’m not certain if you’re speaking for WDW specifically with those LL wait times (I’ve been speaking for DL) but regardless, the point of these changes to the disability accomodations is for the LL to not be a 15-25 minute wait for those utilizing DAS OR for those paying for quick access. The goal is for it to be quick. You either already waited your time outside of the queue or you paid for quicker access and ideally you should have minimum wait when arriving at the LL.

As of the last time I was at DL, if a lightning lane still had a 15-25 minute wait that meant one of two things:
- I try again later when the LL dies down
- I don’t ride and cancel the booking to try something else

I do have difficulty navigating the parks in general, but nothing other than a queue involves me being stuck in a certain spot for an extended period of time. And no, I wouldn’t personally be able to ‘exit and return’ from a queue but I won’t go into the details as to why because that would be providing too much detail in my opinion. I’ll just state that I do fall under the category of what Disney states DAS is intended for (I’m aware that’s not an automatic approval, however as it still remains needs based).

 

[jennab]

To some degree I get the zigzag thing being an issue in some queues. My son is partially deaf and his vision doesn't adjust well to light changes, so back and forth with light changes and echoey locations meant he kept panicking and/or getting hurt running into things. Combining this with his height in certain years could mean more serious injuries. Confining him to a chair helps if it's not so dark we can't push him well, we got to the point of "in a wheelchair, with a blanket and earmuffs" being a line thing... I don't think most people will put up with that and I totally get why.

Thanks. I was curious. I wonder if someone explained to the CM that they need RTQ due to the zig zagging lines only at certain queues if that would work. Then it’s not like they are asking at every queue, it’s only specific ones that cause the issue.

 

[jennab]

I know this can be hard to grasp from an outward perspective but you’d be surprised how well I avoid ALL lines in my life. Sometimes it involves a place being accomodating and getting me through more quickly (with no wait or minimum wait). Sometimes it involves me waiting elsewhere while someone waits for me. And sometimes when it’s completely unavoidable and the location doesn’t offer accommodations, it means I literally don’t get to do the thing at all.

When working as intended, a lightning lane is efficient and isn’t typically as confined of a space as a standby queue. I’m speaking for Disneyland however, I know WDW can be in a whole other ballpark but I can’t speak on that since I was last there on my 8th birthday

Oh I hear ya! I get anxiety and panic easily so avoid crowds when I can. But if I’m planning a trip to Disney I know there are going to be some crowds and some waiting. That’s part of the park. They can’t just take that away for every person who has anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD. I mean people going there know there will be crowds at some point. Heck we’ve gotten just stuck walking through and ended up in a crowd, not trying to be. I normally buy any paid system I can because I will do what I need to in order to make it less stressful. Honestly, even some of the LL were pretty long last time we went and we’d skip due to our son not being able to handle it. But to say someone can’t wait in any lines? The LLs have people surrounding you as well and can be 10-20min…

 

[jennab]

There are different reasons for different people. For me it’s related to feeling closed in and surrounded on all sides by other people. I can’t tolerate it at all.

I’m realizing this may not be the case at WDW, but LL at DL is typically a straight shot and doesn’t have zigzags. If it’s zigzagging it’s likely because the line is already too long for me to manage so I won’t be entering anyways.

I hear you. Would buying be LLMP work at DL? I’m not familiar with DL at all. I do know many of the LLs at WDW have zig zagging lines and you can be surrounded by people on all sides. They are not a straight shot.

 

[Jdavidm]

Oh I hear ya! I get anxiety and panic easily so avoid crowds when I can. But if I’m planning a trip to Disney I know there are going to be some crowds and some waiting. That’s part of the park. They can’t just take that away for every person who has anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD. I mean people going there know there will be crowds at some point. Heck we’ve gotten just stuck walking through and ended up in a crowd, not trying to be. I normally buy any paid system I can because I will do what I need to in order to make it less stressful. Honestly, even some of the LL were pretty long last time we went and we’d skip due to our son not being able to handle it. But to say someone can’t wait in any lines? The LLs have people surrounding you as well and can be 10-20min…

I understand where you’re coming from. I feel like for a lot of people on the spectrum, it has less to do with avoiding anything that might be problematic and more to do with minimizing the overstimulation throughout their day. Keeping as many spoons in their pocket, you might say (spoon theory). I could explain it better than that but hesitate to since we want to avoid giving too much detail on here.

5-10 minutes in a LL queue will still be difficult but 100 minutes with only the option to exit and re-enter to where you left off? It would probably take me the entire day to actually make it through that 100 minute line. If I was even able to get myself to re-enter after needing to exit for the reason I did.

The only reason having someone else do the waiting for me while I wait outside of the queue won’t work for me personally is that I will only have one person with me on any trips and I need them to remain with me as my caregiver. For those going with larger parties, I think allowing the individual and (if needed) a caregiver to remain outside of the line while the rest of the party waits in the standby is still fulfilling that individual’s needs for avoiding the queue while keeping the number of people going through the LL at a minimum.

 

[jennab]

I understand where you’re coming from. I feel like for a lot of people on the spectrum, it has less to do with avoiding anything that might be problematic and more to do with minimizing the overstimulation throughout their day. Keeping as many spoons in their pocket, you might say (spoon theory). I could explain it better than that but hesitate to since we want to avoid giving too much detail on here.

5-10 minutes in a LL queue will still be difficult but 100 minutes with only the option to exit and re-enter to where you left off? It would probably take me the entire day to actually make it through that 100 minute line. If I was even able to get myself to re-enter after needing to exit for the reason I did.

The only reason having someone else do the waiting for me while I wait outside of the queue won’t work for me personally is that I will only have one person with me on any trips and I need them to remain with me as my caregiver. For those going with larger parties, I think allowing the individual and (if needed) a caregiver to remain outside of the line while the rest of the party waits in the standby is still fulfilling that individual’s needs for avoiding the queue while keeping the number of people going through the LL at a minimum.

I truly do hear you. I have an autoimmune disorder so I very much understand the “spoons”. I think there are a lot of people in our situations, but again I don’t think Disney can give DAS to everyone. Again, this is why I suggest buying LLMP. We have successfully used FP, G+, and hope to use LLMP on our next trip. It would probably help you immensely. Give you more time to plan out your day so you don’t have to stress so much and can save your spoons

ETA - I don’t believe if you leave the line you need to re-enter where you left off. They would most likely give you a return time to come back through the LL at that point. I’m not exactly sure though how that works when both people have to exit the line and no one to stay and wait.

 

[Jdavidm]

I hear you. Would buying be LLMP work at DL? I’m not familiar with DL at all. I do know many of the LLs at WDW have zig zagging lines and you can be surrounded by people on all sides. They are not a straight shot.

We would likely end up buying LL on some visits if denied DAS as that would be the only other option that would work for me. The only reason we wouldn’t buy LL in addition to DAS is that we intend to get magic keys again and usually don’t go on a ton of rides per day (for us we really just try to do a handful of rides per visit rather than rushing to try to get everything done as that can be overwhelming in itself).

Thats good to know about WDW in case we make it out there one day. We are always planning any outings/trips carefully in addition to any accommodations provided in order to minimize stress. We always try to do things on predicted less busy dates/times/etc.

 

[DiznyDiva]

f a ride breaks down, my caregiver attempts to find the least difficult way to get me out of the queue (which is not normally difficult from a LL). They usually offer for us to return later to ride.

Again, I’m not certain if you’re speaking for WDW specifically with those LL wait times (I’ve been speaking for DL) but regardless, the point of these changes to the disability accomodations is for the LL to not be a 15-25 minute wait for those utilizing DAS OR for those paying for quick access. The goal is for it to be quick. You either already waited your time outside of the queue or you paid for quicker access and ideally you should have minimum wait when arriving at the LL.

I can only really speak for DL. I agree we are saying the same thing.

That is great that you and your caregiver have a plan and an idea what do in case of situations like ride breaking down or crowds. I think that is my main problem with most of this. I understand the need for accommodations. What I don't understand is the only DAS will do crowd. I could not even attempt the parks without A, B. and C plans in place and that is with DAS for kiddo. They deseed to have no plans or ideas how to navigate without it.... Part of having a disability is trying to plan for everything.... Or is that just me?

 

[Wojodis]

No one is getting instant access to the ride (outside of make a wish, at least).

Those who absolutely can’t safely wait in a queue should be provided with the option to avoid the queue environment by waiting the wait time outside of the queue. And those who might have an issue arise in a queue are being provided with a way to exit the queue and return when it’s safe for them to do so.

The difference now is that depending on the type of needs the individual has, Disney is providing different ways for the individual with a disability to avoid waiting in the physical queue and those can be: via a DAS return time (limited number of people being offered this), requesting a return time from the ride cm’s, or requesting the ability to wait elsewhere and join the rest of their party who are able to wait in the queue once they reach the front.

None of the available accommodations Disney offers will provide instant access to the ride and I hardly ever see anyone demanding that type of accommodation from Disney. People just want to be able to wait their turn safely and for some that means waiting outside of the queue environment.

This is why everyone needs to be assessed on an individual basis to determine which accommodations are appropriate. After reading your responses—it is clear that you are thoughtful, empathetic, able to assess the situation from multiple viewpoints, and just want to promote greater awareness in this community as a whole. This is where you are very different from many, many others. Where those who advocate for “DAS FOR ALL” lose me—they are fighting for a process that was no longer appropriately or effectively accommodating for anyone’s needs. As you stated before, LLs need to be efficient, and at WDW, they were far from that.
I fully agree that for those who truly NEED that higher level accommodation or close to it, there should be a consistent, and yes, documented plan which details their needs.
I also believe that these recent changes, including the stricter limitations and the more in depth interview process, are positive moves. They allow Disney to more accurately assess/determine what one’s needs are, and how best to accommodate for them in an effective manner.

 

[Jdavidm]

I truly do hear you. I have an autoimmune disorder so I very much understand the “spoons”. I think there are a lot of people in our situations, but again I don’t think Disney can give DAS to everyone. Again, this is why I suggest buying LLMP. We have successfully used FP, G+, and hope to use LLMP on our next trip. It would probably help you immensely. Give you more time to plan out your day so you don’t have to stress so much and can save your spoons

ETA - I don’t believe if you leave the line you need to re-enter where you left off. They would most likely give you a return time to come back through the LL at that point. I’m not exactly sure though how that works when both people have to exit the line and no one to stay and wait.

If Disney decides I don’t qualify for DAS, I will respect their decision as long as they hear us out before making that decision. I know a lot of people don’t feel that way, however. I can’t navigate the park on my own, so we’d be limited in what we can do but I enjoy other aspects of the parks other than rides.

I understand why they’re limiting who qualifies now, however (while I could be wrong) I’m remaining optimistic that I should still qualify under the new requirements/guidelines.

From what I’ve read, they’ve been telling people to take a photo of where they left off in the queue so that the CMs can help them return to that spot. Of course, I can’t say this is for certain the way it works as I’m going based off social media posts (plus it may also depend on the specific ride).

At the end of the day, for me personally, if I attempted to queue in the standby line and then waited until it got to the point that I needed to exit, it likely wouldn’t involved me simply exiting and returning. I can say this with confidence because I did try standby at one point before first being offered DAS.

 

[jennab]

Part of having a disability is trying to plan for everything.... Or is that just me?

100000%

 

[jennab]

If Disney decides I don’t qualify for DAS, I will respect their decision as long as they hear us out before making that decision. I know a lot of people don’t feel that way, however. I can’t navigate the park on my own, so we’d be limited in what we can do but I enjoy other aspects of the parks other than rides.

I understand why they’re limiting who qualifies now, however (while I could be wrong) I’m remaining optimistic that I should still qualify under the new requirements/guidelines.

From what I’ve read, they’ve been telling people to take a photo of where they left off in the queue so that the CMs can help them return to that spot. Of course, I can’t say this is for certain the way it works as I’m going based off social media posts (plus it may also depend on the specific ride).

At the end of the day, for me personally, if I attempted to queue in the standby line and then waited until it got to the point that I needed to exit, it likely wouldn’t involved me simply exiting and returning. I can say this with confidence because I did try standby at one point before first being offered DAS.

I think the take a photo was to prove that you actually waited in line and didn’t just come up and say you did. Maybe someone else will have more info on this.

I say if you aren’t approved, try the new accommodations and if they don’t work, you can then call back and explain in detail what you tried and what did and didn’t work for you. Good luck!

 

[Jdavidm]

I can only really speak for DL. I agree we are saying the same thing.

That is great that you and your caregiver have a plan and an idea what do in case of situations like ride breaking down or crowds. I think that is my main problem with most of this. I understand the need for accommodations. What I don't understand is the only DAS will do crowd. I could not even attempt the parks without A, B. and C plans in place and that is with DAS for kiddo. They deseed to have no plans or ideas how to navigate without it.... Part of having a disability is trying to plan for everything.... Or is that just me?

I’m in total agreement there. There are plans that need to be made before I can even think about stepping into a busy place like a theme park. We’re lucky to be CA locals though as we’ve been able to take the time to learn how to make the parks possible and enjoyable despite challenges.

I truly do think that if I had someone else to wait in line for us while myself and my caregiver waited elsewhere, we’d be fine without DAS. That’s not the case for me however as I don’t go with others. Our small party size of 2 and my specific needs for assistance to even navigate the parks is the reason I think I’d need to either qualify for DAS or buy LL to access most rides.

But even with DAS, we need to carefully plan our days to avoid certain areas during busier times. We always eat meals ahead of peak meal times and utilize mobile order. We either exit way before night time spectaculars or make sure we’re in another area of the park that keeps us out of the crowds. DAS can help you navigate the rides, but you still need to make your own accommodations to even be able to manage the park at all.

 

[DiznyDiva]

From what I’ve read, they’ve been telling people to take a photo of where they left off in the queue so that the CMs can help them return to that spot. Of course, I can’t say this is for certain the way it works as I’m going based off social media posts (plus it may also depend on the specific ride).

I think the main reason they started with the photo is to try to force people to try the accomedations. Too many are turning their noses up at them without even trying and saying DAS or nothing. Most guests that have left after informing a CM they are leaving are being let into the LL lanes AFTER.

DL is such a. different beast than DW and because of that the accomedations work different and the change to DAS can be harder to swallow. Only ten-12 rides in Disneyland can get RT and None in CA. So really RTQ is the main accommodation, which could work if planned right.

 

[DiznyDiva]

But even with DAS, we need to carefully plan our days to avoid certain areas during busier times. We always eat meals ahead of peak meal times and utilize mobile order. We either exit way before night time spectaculars or make sure we’re in another area of the park that keeps us out of the crowds. DAS can help you navigate the rides, but you still need to make your own accommodations to even be able to manage the park at all.

YES! exactly. We do the same. We go for about a week every couple of months. We don't go to rope drop, to crazy. Getting there at 9 is perfectly doable. We stay out of Fantasyland as much as possible except for Peterpan, teacups and MR Toad, and usually do those right after fireworks, before it fills up again.We eat early lunch and late dinner. We take lots of quiet timeouts and utilize Tom Sawyer, animation academy and Redwood for downtime. We have stacks location times and DAS (Mostly Jungle cruise because my kiddo loves that one at night-they are bit more relaxed and less scripted) We skip parades and only watch fireworks form Galaxies Edge.

Everything planned on laminated sheets that kiddo chooses from daily. They are separated into three plans that offer different solutions if something happens. It's how we teach her to problem solve and take control of her disability limitations.

 

[Jdavidm]

This is why everyone needs to be assessed on an individual basis to determine which accommodations are appropriate. After reading your responses—it is clear that you are thoughtful, empathetic, able to assess the situation from multiple viewpoints, and just want to promote greater awareness in this community as a whole. This is where you are very different from many, many others. Where those who advocate for “DAS FOR ALL” lose me—they are fighting for a process that was no longer appropriately or effectively accommodating for anyone’s needs. As you stated before, LLs need to be efficient, and at WDW, they were far from that.
I fully agree that for those who truly NEED that higher level accommodation or close to it, there should be a consistent, and yes, documented plan which details their needs.
I also believe that these recent changes, including the stricter limitations and the more in depth interview process, are positive moves. They allow Disney to more accurately assess/determine what one’s needs are, and how best to accommodate for them in an effective manner.

Thank you for this! I always try to remain open minded and see things from others perspectives.

I’m still of the belief that Disney is going to try their best to work with individuals to provide accommodations that will work for them specifically.

They might make a mistake and make the wrong decision at times, but I think people who are at least willing to try the alternate accommodations before re-applying are probably more likely to be heard out if they need to call back to discuss why it’s not working for them.

While the changes to DAS can be hard to process, I’m hopeful that these changes will mean less times of me having to walk away from a ride because the LL is clearly too long for me to even attempt.