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

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

This is another one leaving me scratching my head. If the CM is saying they don't want you waiting in line for more than 10 mins for any ride, then why would they not just approve you for DAS? I wonder if you got the same CM as @PrincessV

Some of these, and I'm not saying it's the situation with the poster you are quoting, is going to be based off of what the person seeking DAS approval says.

For instance, and again I'm not saying it's what occurred with the poster you are quoting, say they say "I can't wait more than 10 mins" or "I'm concerned about waiting more than 10 mins", etc it can be a leading question which may prompt a response similar to what the PP got.

Not in true defense of these phone CMs but it's often taken for granted how difficult it can be to be confident while either being vague (intentionally) or not having the answer. Many people complained here on the thread when they were given answers that did not either sound confident from the person telling them or didn't contain enough concrete answers to make the person requesting DAS feel comfortable in their trips.

As far as the not just approving them for DAS that may be out of their ability to do so given the PP's situation. It sounds like they were trying to accommodate them with steps they can take while at the park (though I'm a bit surprised they would mention to tell an attraction CM they violated their own training as in using those words) which mimic aspects of DAS but is not DAS approval. I think we, collectively, have to get out of the mindset that if xyz is the case you should just get approved. That isn't the way Disney wants to handle their DAS program any longer. That's a general statement not specifically aimed at interactions with CMs during DAS that get us questioning what happened.

 

[jo-jo]

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*if denied, supposed to tell them they are in violation of their training& to ask to speak to the ride co-ordinator or supervisor. If again denied, need to visit GS who will initiate a conversation with DAS to sort it out.

What? Hi, I'm trying to have a wonderful vacation, but I need to tell you are in violation of your training........... and then spend two hours contacting various people.

We haven't tried to apply again yet, but these last few pages of jump thru this hoop or spin on your head or hop on one and everything will be fine. But nothing will be noted on your account, so this is just to bother CMs and drive you to tears.

 

[keishashadow]

This is another one leaving me scratching my head. If the CM is saying they don't want you waiting in line for more than 10 mins for any ride, then why would they not just approve you for DAS? I wonder if you got the same CM as @PrincessV

That!!!

Only thing I can think of is that it’s a way of slowing down the total number of DAS guest run-thru’s in lines each day.

Obviously, it will takes longer to physically walk to an attraction, discuss your needs (especially if you have to escalate things) and then return vs just walking on via a DAS res.

I’m not ‘complaining’ complaining (trying not to violate the thread’s no imagining what you want sort of thing) but, horse has left the barn

If this indeed does work as explained, we’ll get used to the process. If it’s a battle every time, sorry, that is not a workable accommodation

 

[StarCruzer]

As far as the not just approving them for DAS that may be out of their ability to do so given the PP's situation. It sounds like they were trying to accommodate them with steps they can take while at the park (though I'm a bit surprised they would mention to tell an attraction CM they violated their own training as in using those words) which mimic aspects of DAS but is not DAS approval.

My thought is this is the action of a rogue CM who is frustrated with the new system.

Imagine feeling internally that someone should get DAS but your new "checklist" of covered disabilities says you should reject them. You know from experience that telling many folks to try out other accommodations first just ends up with the guest calling back due to inconsistent practices for AQR/RTQ around the park. You're stuck because you want to help, but doing so will get your written up or worse.

As frustrating as it is for us as guests to navigate this new system, there are likely some CMs who are equally as frustrated. I imagine many really do want to help guests but with the new rules their hands are tied. So in the end they do want you to fight for what you need--because in the end, Disney higher ups will only tweak the program if they get enough guest complaints--not from the feedback of CMs.

 

[keishashadow]

though I'm a bit surprised they would mention to tell an attraction CM they violated their own training as in using those words

I was instructed to use the word “violate”. CM indicated that all attraction workers are required sign off on the training, indicating that they understand it.

What? Hi, I'm trying to have a wonderful vacation, but I need to tell you are in violation of your training........... and then spend two hours contacting various people.

Oh, I needed a laugh. Thanks.

Would like to think one would only have to go thru that sort of extended process once.

 

[PrincessV]

My party has used DAS @ WDW multiple times in the past.

Was approved for it @ DL for trip in late August this year

Had hour+ conversation with WDW DAS today. CM Never mentioned knowing what a line was, ADHD, autism etc.

Did indicate my party didn’t qualify for the new, standard DAS but, did for accommodations.

Indicated it was determined we are not to wait in any line more than 10 minutes.

Said we had a “DAS accommodation” & it would be noted in the file. First I’ve heard of that process. Called it:

RTQ/AQR
(Return to Queue/Attraction Queue Return)
Told to use the RTQ but, AQR is the internal acronym staff uses?)

Will work thusly:

*Approach CM with the tablet @ ride entrance

*Indicate we need a return time…

For all, nobody is to wait in line in our individual party this trip, which could possibly change if more people added to the F&F group.

*told to briefly state the general reason/need for the accommodation…as in a few sentences why we couldn’t wait in line

Was told specifically what we should say to them as it pertains to our party. I am not going to state it here or share further details - NO PMs asking please!

*if denied, supposed to tell them they are in violation of their training& to ask to speak to the ride co-ordinator or supervisor. If again denied, need to visit GS who will initiate a conversation with DAS to sort it out.

*explained it’s designed to be similar to prior DAS, other than you need to physically present yourself @ each line, explain yourself and then return.

Umm, I’d say it’s more of in the ballpark. Not intended to be ungracious.

Mentioned it would be easier if there would just be levels granted of DAS, so one didn’t need to appear at the attraction & go thru this request each time. Was told the system is continually being reviewed & evaluated.

I reported here we did “pretend” we didn’t have DAS mid June & early July & asked for a return time. It was an absolute failure. CMs acted as though they never heard of it, when one did they said they only give it out sporadically, etc.

Told things are going much more smoothly now, all the CMs @ the attractions have received training or they aren’t out in the parks.

I’d like to say I’m optimistic but, have a bad feeling about this

I didn’t think anyone could out-bizarre my bizarre experience, but I think this one did it! I’m so sorry - not a prize you want to be awarded, I’m sure.

The particularly wacky points about this to me are:

You were told nearly the exact opposite of what I was: I was specifically told that requesting accommodation at each attraction was allowed, but not a good idea because “you’d need to ask at every attraction, and not all CMs will be willing to provide anything.”

It’s on you, the Guest, to tell CMs they’re “in violation of their training”? Wow, that seems like a terrible suggestion.

The big hitch to me is that we’ve heard over and over that if not provided DAS, there is nothing noted on your account for accommodations. That there isn’t any means of doing so. Unless something big has changed very recently, your CM was providing incorrect information.

I strongly suggest asking more questions about this via chat and see if you can get to a new CM to discuss further. Worst case, they reiterate the same thing and maybe you get it in writing, which could be helpful to have on hand.

This is another one leaving me scratching my head. If the CM is saying they don't want you waiting in line for more than 10 mins for any ride, then why would they not just approve you for DAS? I wonder if you got the same CM as @PrincessV

I’d think so, too, expect that this CM is saying the exact opposite of what mine did. Do they suddenly have a handful of rogue CMs doling out “accommodations” that don’t really exist, or are they actually changing things up to provide more options? The mind boggles.

 

[lanejudy]

@keishashadow That's very odd, and honestly I wouldn't expect it to work as outlined by the phone CM. Sorry to say but I think it's a rogue Disability Team CM who means well but really hasn't a clue how things work in the park. Give it a try but temper your expectations. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[Marrila]

I realize these were the instructions.
But I think using the word "violation" and asking to speak to their supervisor is very confrontational.
(And if they don't comply it's off to GS to try again?)
What kind of a vacation day is this?

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I was instructed to use the word. CM indicated they all attraction workers are required sign off on the training, indicating that they understand it.

I wasn't questioning that you were told that, I was saying I'm surprised they would use those words which are hostile to the attraction CMs and language that a regular guest isn't going to use.

It's borderline unprofessional to tell a guest to say that. Tell you who you can go to if you get pushback? Absolutely (i.e. going to the blue umbrellas). But to actually tell a guest to tell an attraction CM those words is not likely what they're actually supposed to even think much less suggest.

 

[lanejudy]

I’d think so, too, expect that this CM is saying the exact opposite of what mine did. Do they suddenly have a handful of rogue CMs doling out “accommodations” that don’t really exist, or are they actually changing things up to provide more options? The mind boggles.

I actually wonder if it's the same CM you had, with some "re-training" that still wasn't properly understood.

 

[keishashadow]

I was saying I'm surprised they would use those words which are hostile to the attraction CMs and language that a regular guest isn't going to use.

Yes, it struck me odd to point I had her repeat the accommodation/word it to make sure I understood.

I asked if we could be denied, said if so to escalate it.

I’m really not a confrontational person, the idea of “arguing” with CMs gives me a sickening sort of pit in my stomach

DH mentioned perhaps this is a test process of sorts. To determine if one is on the cusp of a true DAS accommodation. If denied repeatedly, and need to go thru the system outlined to me, up to & including reporting results to GS & another chat with DAS. Perhaps, then our party member would then be granted DAS, or not. Can’t say I’ve read any posts reporting that.

 

[PrincessV]

I wasn't questioning that you were told that, I was saying I'm surprised they would use those words which are hostile to the attraction CMs and language that a regular guest isn't going to use.

It's borderline unprofessional to tell a guest to say that. Tell you who you can go to if you get pushback? Absolutely (i.e. going to the blue umbrellas). But to actually tell a guest to tell an attraction CM those words is not likely what they're actually supposed to even think much less suggest.

Right?! I spent half my working life in customer-facing positions and I would NEVER. Talk about setting up a hostile confrontation! This situation is genuinely unimaginable to me.

I actually wonder if it's the same CM you had, with some "re-training" that still wasn't properly understood.

That is entirely plausible! There are some other similarities - mine also strongly advised me to complain about the accommodation I’d been offered, albeit via email.

 

[jennab]

Honestly it seems like maybe you didn’t have an eligible approval so they are just trying to give you other ways to make it work? That’s the only thing I can think of…. Hope it does work out for you!

 

[PrincessV]

DH mentioned perhaps this is a test process of sorts. To determine if one is on the cusp of a true DAS accommodation. If denied repeatedly, and need to go thru the system outlined to me, up to & including reporting results to GS & another chat with DAS. Perhaps, then our party member would then be granted DAS, or not. Can’t say I’ve read any posts reporting that.

I had the same thought after my weird experience. It felt a bit like offering some one-off thing as a means to making me feel like they were providing SOMETHING and if it didn’t work out for me, another CM could deal with it. I can’t overstate how totally different was my experience with the second CM when I tried again to get some clarification.

 

[keishashadow]

Honestly it seems like maybe you didn’t have an eligible approval so they are just trying to give you other ways to make it work? That’s the only thing I can think of…. Hope it does work out for you!

We absolutely do not fall under “not knowing what a line is”, which was never mentioned once in the discussion BTW

If that is the only parameter they are using, then we would not qualify.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Was told specifically what we should say to them as it pertains to our party. I am not going to state it here or share further details - NO PMs asking please!

Sheesh. If there are really “secret magic words to use” to get DAS that’s going to go really well for Disney and the DAS community. It will probably take a month, maybe two before those words make their way around online and into the CM community that are also former DAS users.

I don’t doubt your sincerity but I very much hope that the CM is wrong.

 

[Willows909]

I am not disabled, however I do use a cane chair occasionally at home for relief (terrible hips) and want to know if I can use this at the parks to pause and rest for a bit when necessary. Are these cane chairs only allowed for DAS?
Thanks!

 

[lanejudy]

We absolutely do not fall under “not knowing what a line is”, which was never mentioned once in the discussion BTW

If that is the only parameter they are using, then we would not qualify.

Based on other reports, I would say that is not the only parameter used to qualify for DAS.

 

[lanejudy]

I am not disabled, however I do use a cane chair occasionally at home for relief (terrible hips) and want to know if I can use this at the parks to pause and rest for a bit when necessary. Are these cane chairs only allowed for DAS?
Thanks!

Cane chairs have recently been added to the "allowed" list. It used to be considered a "folding chair" and not allowed into the parks except for use as a cane, but it is now one of the suggestions for those with mobility/stamina concerns who would not qualify for DAS. Feel free to bring and use your cane chair.

 

[PrincessV]

Based on other reports, I would say that is not the only parameter used to qualify for DAS.

Agreed - knowing what a line is was never mentioned in either of my conversations - I didn’t think to include that in my report. Neither was the word Autism or any variation of it. I also wasn't asked for nor did I supply on my own any examples from “real life.” I mentioned some coping strategies I use in the parks, but there was no discussion about them beyond my quick mention.