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

[jennab]

Visualize the amount of sensory load a person can handle as a bucket with a hole in the bottom. The size of the hole represents the amount of stress that person can release per minute, while the size of the bucket represents the amount of sensory load that person can manage.

For some people, waiting in line at a theme park creates a significant sensory load. Many of them have a smaller bucket and a small hole for releasing stress.

Thus, even if they can handle a short wait after a longer virtual wait (while eating a Dole Whip in a calmer area, for example), it doesn't mean they could handle going first in the standby line until their bucket reaches an alarm level. If they then need to talk to a CM to leave the line, it would add more to their bucket.

I hope this visual explanation helps you understand why some of us need a DAS system.

I understand this, but why wouldn’t asome of the other accommodations work? What does this person do out in their regular world, at work, at school, everywhere else on Disney property that is going to have a lot of stimuli? Could the person buy LLMP to assist?

 

[jennab]

It's the spoon theory that has been brought up before. Folks who are neurodivergent or suffer from chronic issues have their energy siphoned off faster as they need to do a lot more self-regulation to get through the day.

Yep this is exactly why we normally do longer stays, but less often (think 1-2yrs). We can only handle a certain amount of time in the park, but we also want to see a lot since we don’t come often, so we do less park time over more park days and do a lot of downtime as well.

 

[only hope]

I don’t feel like quoting people and don’t like being accused of things. Others have said above why one may not be able to attempt standby but would be fine in the ll lane. And to the person who is trying to say people wi the heat issues shouldn’t go to Disney in the summer and the people liking that post, please try to step into those peoples shoes a minute before relegating us to our home. Telling someone to stay home because of a disability that a business is required by ADA to accommodate (not necessarily by DAS but in some manner) is unkind. Why should I have to sit at home bored for SIX months of the year? That’s not good for my mental health. Granted I do have to avoid parks for the very hottest part of the summer as no amount of accommodations will help me. The spoons analogy applies to heat issues as well. It’s completely valid that a person can manage navigating between air conditioned places safely and need accommodations for lines in the heat- and by law Disney must accommodate such needs in some manner. For myself, I am clothed appropriately with a fan. I can get from place to place ok by staying in the shade when possible- the breeze from being on the move in my electric chair gives me enough airflow to stay in the safe zone. Being mostly stationary in the sun more than 10mn or sometimes less depending on my current symptoms is a no-go for about half the year. That’s why yes I legitimately can go to the park safely (except July-August) and enjoy things and no I cannot attempt to wait in outdoor queues. I should not be told to stay home when the weather is so hot I need accommodations. It’s so hot here so long I’d only be able to use my pass late October-March. So let’s please stop assuming we know best and putting out blanket statements of if a person has xxx then they should not go. Every person and their abilities and needs are unique and it’s not up to us to tell someone they should not attempt something.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I understand this, but why wouldn’t asome of the other accommodations work? What does this person do out in their regular world, at work, at school, everywhere else on Disney property that is going to have a lot of stimuli? Could the person buy LLMP to assist?

These questions have been asked repeatedly throughout the thread. If I shared what struggles we have in the real world with DD, we share a road map (especially as Disney is now asking those questions in the interviews). We've been repeatedly asked by the mods not to go into detail regarding needs for this reason.

We don't have to understand something on a detailed level to accept that there are people who have that level of need who are also still able to enjoy Disney. Disney has decided to narrow the level of need, and by extension the population DAS applies to, as is their right - but they aren't saying that level of need doesn't exist.

 

[jennab]

Granted I do have to avoid parks for the very hottest part of the summer as no amount of accommodations will help me. The spoons analogy applies to heat issues as well.

I think this is what people were trying to say. If someone had a sun/heat issue, going to the parks in July & Aug will be horrible. Even with DAS is just hot and sunny everywhere. I do have heat/sun issue: and we have done Aug before, but we did early rope drop then left probably 10-11am and didn’t go back until later. It is doable for some, but might take extra planning and less park time. Others it might not be doable at all and it might be better to go at less hot times of the year.

 

[jennab]

These questions have been asked repeatedly throughout the thread. If I shared what struggles we have in the real world with DD, we share a road map (especially as Disney is now asking those questions in the interviews). We've been repeatedly asked by the mods not to go into detail regarding needs for this reason.

We don't have to understand something on a detailed level to accept that there are people who have that level of need who are also still able to enjoy Disney. Disney has decided to narrow the level of need, and by extension the population DAS applies to, as is their right - but they aren't saying that level of need doesn't exist.

True true. I forget, we don’t want to provide a roadmap. I just keep thinking of this thread as a nice little conversation amongst us, but other people could be reading with different motives.…

Also, no, don’t need to understand, but I feel like many of us try to help provide info on alternative accommodations that are available. Some people honestly don’t know about them and some do, but don’t feel it will meet their needs and haven’t tried yet. I hope everyone can find something that does help them enjoy their trip (DAS or not).

 

[Ms Bibbidi]

I extensively edited my post above to be a plain vanilla statement so as not to offend by seeming judgemental of other posters health challenges. Sorry. I did not think it would be perceived that way.

 

[Jsharp13]

Standby and LL are not all equal in design, so yes it is possible that someone might not be able to even enter a standby line but be fine 20 minutes in the LL. It comes down to what the trigger for a condition is, and how well or quickly someone can handle or recover from it if triggered. If the standby environment is unknown and the recovery from an incidence hours long, I can understand why someone would not want to take the risk of even entering.

I wish Disney would provide comprehensive walk through videos of ride queues because then people triggered by line elements could better make the call before entering, and or better assess a need to apply for DAS or not.

I've watched some ride videos on youtube that included going through the queue as well. You may have to dig through to find them but if that is an important video for you, you should be able to seek those out.

 

[SueM in MN]

True true. I forget, we don’t want to provide a roadmap. I just keep thinking of this thread as a nice little conversation amongst us, but other people could be reading with different motives.…

Also, no, don’t need to understand, but I feel like many of us try to help provide info on alternative accommodations that are available. Some people honestly don’t know about them and some do, but don’t feel it will meet their needs and haven’t tried yet. I hope everyone can find something that does help them enjoy their trip (DAS or not).

MODERATOR NOTE TO POSTERS:

The bolded is a good reminder. If you have a notice that your post was edited by Moderator to remove info, it was to remove specific information that could be used by people trying to create a roadmap. You might not have posted much of the road yourself, but combined together with what others post, it might be.

Also, in general, people here are truly trying to be helpful. With any written information, so much of the communication is missing - tone of voice, facial expression, general demeanor. So, please assume the best.

 

[KPeterso]

Thanks for posting. Would be nice if this is indeed current methodology

Is this personal experience, anecdotal or did you see this in writing somewhere on The WDW website that I'm missing?

collectively here, anyone have thoughts on how to verify the DAS might apply to both US parks?

Dont think texting on WDW DAS page would work/let me into the queue as I have these specific question as to duality of DAS vs a request for DAS there

Even if APH had a WDW park day reservation in place, once the last DL day tix expired; their website seems to indicate NO to both my questions.

My mom was approved for DAS at Disneyland (magic key holders) until 11/1. We are heading to WDW next month with APs. I need to do her call in a little over a week for the WDW DAS. I will try to come back and update on the process from that call.

 

[nalababybear]

My mom was approved for DAS at Disneyland (magic key holders) until 11/1. We are heading to WDW next month with APs. I need to do her call in a little over a week for the WDW DAS. I will try to come back and update on the process from that call.

There was a report early on that an AP holder in WDW called to DLR and they were able to confirm and approve without issue.

Would be great to get data vice versa.

 

[SueM in MN]

I've watched some ride videos on youtube that included going through the queue as well. You may have to dig through to find them but if that is an important video for you, you should be able to seek those out.

There are several people on YouTube whose videos I recommend for WDW

• BigFatPanda - his older ones do generally include at least part of the queue and the loading area. His newer ones show the ride well, but may not show the queue and loading. Newer ones may be confusing for some viewers because they tend to have multiple angles from different ride thrus
• Pammie Plus Parks - she has 3 YouTube channels; this one and Pammie Plus Disney World and Pammie Plus Parks Universal. She films from the viewpoint of a plus size person, but also includes disability perspectives. Her videos usually show a good portion of the queue, ride vehicle & loading, plus the attraction itself.

I will post this information on the 'Helpful Products' sticky later today.
I don't have info about videos specific to Disneyland Resort. If you have suggestions, please post them so I can include them.

 

[keishashadow]

My mom was approved for DAS at Disneyland (magic key holders) until 11/1. We are heading to WDW next month with APs. I need to do her call in a little over a week for the WDW DAS. I will try to come back and update on the process from that call.

There was a report early on that an AP holder in WDW called to DLR and they were able to confirm and approve without issue.

Would be great to get data vice versa.

Good luck. I shared yesterday

I'm not disputing what another here posted. I earlier shared the response we received

Note: It is clearly stated on BOTH DL & WDW websites:



We chatted with wdw DAS. They confirmed

The old Disney adage comes to mind...

if u don't like the answer u want the first time, call back

Problem is, now many report being told to call back in 120 days after making a repeated chat with DAS

YMMV, there may be pixie dust

IMO there shouldn't be any sort of judgement call in play here.

Everyone has to go thru the same convoluted process to request the DAS

If one DAS person is able to apply their full approval to another park, contrary to the stated policy on both parks' websites...

then, fairly, ALL should receive the same accommodation

 

[nalababybear]

Good luck. I shared yesterday

I'm not disputing what another here posted. I earlier shared the response we received

Note: It is clearly stated on BOTH DL & WDW websites:

View attachment 883847

We chatted with wdw DAS. They confirmed

The old Disney adage comes to mind...

if u don't like the answer u want the first time, call back

Problem is, now many report being told to call back in 120 days after making a repeated chat with DAS

YMMV, there may be pixie dust

IMO there shouldn't be any sort of judgement call in play here.

Everyone has to go thru the same convoluted process to request the DAS

If one DAS person is able to apply their full approval to another park, contrary to the stated policy on both parks' websites...

then, fairly, ALL should receive the same accommodation

Good catch.

Looks like yet another evolving from the revamp initial rollout that they said specifically otherwise that reciprocal approval would happen.

Better said -- devolving back to original -- parks are siloed off again.

 

[lanejudy]

Problem is, now many report being told to call back in 120 days after making a repeated chat with DAS

The 120 days is understood to be for those who are making repeated calls after being denied. Not a person with 2 visits within that period using multi-day tickets. Not a person who was denied and went to the park and found the accommodations didn't work (still not guarantee of DAS). The 120 days is not an across-the-board block-out for all.

If one DAS person is able to apply their full approval to another park, contrary to the stated policy on both parks' websites...

then, fairly, ALL should receive the same accommodation

My understanding (which could be flawed) is that IF a person has a valid DAS currently in place at one park (say DL/DCA) at the time they contact the other park (WDW) to request DAS, there is a courtesy acceptance of the prior approval. But if approved for DAS at one park and that has expired there it will not be honored and one must re-register at the other park. So if a multi-day ticket is approved at DL for a 3-day ticket, the DAS expires, a month later you contact WDW that prior DL approval does not carry to WDW. If you have a MagicKey at DL and are approved for DAS (120 days) and 2 months into that you contact WDW, the DAS approval will likely be honored. In short... the DAS approval time period must overlap.

 

[KPeterso]

Good luck. I shared yesterday

I'm not disputing what another here posted. I earlier shared the response we received

Note: It is clearly stated on BOTH DL & WDW websites:

View attachment 883847

We chatted with wdw DAS. They confirmed

The old Disney adage comes to mind...

if u don't like the answer u want the first time, call back

Problem is, now many report being told to call back in 120 days after making a repeated chat with DAS

YMMV, there may be pixie dust

IMO there shouldn't be any sort of judgement call in play here.

Everyone has to go thru the same convoluted process to request the DAS

If one DAS person is able to apply their full approval to another park, contrary to the stated policy on both parks' websites...

then, fairly, ALL should receive the same accommodation

I asked twice about it when we trying for DAS. I had tried and been denied (figured I would be), but had also chatted about my mom who was not with me at DL that day and was told she would probably be approved. I asked about WDW in Sept and was told we would have to do the interview for it in August to be approved. When my mom was actually approved, I asked that CM and he said I would need to call, but that they can see the approval for the other coast and to be sure I mentioned it. Was not sure what the interview would be like. I have seen 1 report on FB from someone who called and told them they had a DAS for the other coast and were asked concerns and barely started speaking and were approved as they could see the other approval and were approved. As I said, this will be us in just over a week, so I will report back.

 

[Keladry84]

I've watched some ride videos on youtube that included going through the queue as well. You may have to dig through to find them but if that is an important video for you, you should be able to seek those out.

I extensively researched before my trip last March, and was only able to find a full queue for 2 rides (and realized from both they were no-gos). I'll look again before I visit next time, as maybe more will be posted or show up in searches better.

 

[keishashadow]

My understanding (which could be flawed) is that IF a person has a valid DAS currently in place at one park (say DL/DCA) at the time they contact the other park (WDW) to request DAS, there is a courtesy acceptance of the prior approval.

They seemed crystal clear as to their no answer

interesting as to how you described what you think may bean overlap that works.

So, under this scenario, theoretically speaking:

if the last day on the DL DAS was 8/29,

& the AP DAS holder had a WDW park Res in place for 9/28,

Would WDW DAS might just be inclined to extend the DAS for that park after all, if the guest requested it prior to the original DL expiration date?

In that case, would you be thinking the WDW DAS expiration would be 120 days from the first DAS day @ DL?

Or, since it’s not a magic key involved, all DL DAS entitlement expires on the date of the last ticket?

If this is indeed a courtesy, it shouldn’t be selectively granted to only some who request it. Better yet, why not change the stated policy on their website & train the DAS staff to reflect this “exception” in order to make things crystal clear.

many neurodivergent people thrive on rules/routine to function. This whole process is confusing & difficult to comprehend on so many different levels.

If it’s a courtesy, just state it, clearly on the website with all the other info/rules/regs; so we are all on the same page.

 

[DVCPAT]

I understand this, but why wouldn’t asome of the other accommodations work? What does this person do out in their regular world, at work, at school, everywhere else on Disney property that is going to have a lot of stimuli? Could the person buy LLMP to assist?

My grandson is autistic and loves buzz light year ride and people mover. Lately, he’s very sensitive to MK vibe and all the sights/sounds associated with tomorrow land.
The last trip to WDW, we tried to get on buzz ride two days…. we get halfway down Main Street and we have to exit… sensory overload. He’s torn because he loves the ride but we can’t make to tomorrow land. The struggle is real but we expose him to the challenge because it’s progress when we overcome the sensory issues.
I’m thankful to Disney for offering DAS (no charge) because we make progress every trip.
If you watched the movie .. accountant and remember the scene where the autistic boy loses the last puzzle piece … that’s spot on meltdown that’s real. Batteries going dead in an electronic device can trigger a melt down.

 

[lanejudy]

If this is indeed a courtesy, it shouldn’t be selectively granted to only some who request it. Better yet, why not change the stated policy on their website & train the DAS staff to reflect this “exception” in order to make things crystal clear.

I wouldn't necessarily say it's "selectively granted" -- several folks have reported being asked if they have a DAS at the other park, so it may well be somewhat standard. And I believe the website is intentional in that approval at one does not mean automatic approval at another, just like approval at WDW today does not mean an automatic renewal at WDW in January. It requires connecting/reconnecting for a pre-registration call and discussing needs.