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

[StarLime]

Has anyone had any difficulty reapplying after a prior approval under the new rules? My brother was approved for our trip in January. We had to cancel last minute due a death in the family and we ended up rescheduling for May. Will he have to go through the interview process again?

 

[jennab]

Has anyone had any difficulty reapplying after a prior approval under the new rules? My brother was approved for our trip in January. We had to cancel last minute due a death in the family and we ended up rescheduling for May. Will he have to go through the interview process again?

What type of ticket do you have? If it’s date based ticket I believe he would need to interview again. Your best bet would be to chat with them and ask.

 

[Unity]

Just wanted to pipe in and say it's nice things becoming more calm after everything. I haven't been to Disney myself still (most likely next year!) since the changes so I have no idea if I myself will be approved or not, but I'm glad things have gotten less heated and both DAS and other alternate accomodations have been worked out!

 

[disneydenisel]

We were approved for DD26, but denied for DS23 yesterday for our upcoming Disneyland Resort trip. The video chat was very stressful, and the CM did not smile once. I felt like we were being interrogated, which I guess is what it was. It was very uncomfortable. I probably should have read this entire thread (and all of the others) before initiating the chat, but I naively thought it would be okay. Maybe it wouldn't have helped us, but it would have managed my expectations. The CM added the second person to the call after going off screen to discuss our case(s), and the second person basically asked the same questions, but was slightly nicer about it.

Our problem is that we rarely tour together (party of 4), so we usually split up and each parent goes with a neurodivergent young adult. We used to get a DAS for each child/young adult, and we would have one parent on each of their passes (so only two could be on a pass). The CM said we could try to use "Queue Reentry," (which I had never heard of), but since one parent can't wait in line while our DS23 waits alone somewhere else, both would have to exit the line and speak to the CM at the entrance each time the line waiting gets to be too much. Exiting the line whenever it gets to be too overwhelming seems problematic (how do they expect us to go backwards through the queue safely, really?), and explaining the situation in every case will cause a lot of stress and anxiety, which is something we have been trying to avoid with GAC/DAS in the past.

I am debating whether to call back and try again, or try the Queue Reentry to see how it goes. The CM didn't really let me explain how it has worked for us in the past. He acknowledged that he wasn't sure how the Queue Reentry would work for us. I asked if we should just buy the LLMP for DD23 (DH and I already have it), and he said he would not recommend that (but that is what we are probably going to do so that we can guarantee some attractions will be available via return times).

The video chat was a very degrading experience. They asked about disability government assistance, even. I wasn't sure if they could do that. We may change our Disney trips after this (usually DLR annually and WDW every other year). Or we can go to the Grand Californian and not to the parks in the future. Think of all the money will we save if we don't buy four park hoppers!

 

[mamaofsix]

We were approved for DD26, but denied for DS23 yesterday for our upcoming Disneyland Resort trip. The video chat was very stressful, and the CM did not smile once. I felt like we were being interrogated, which I guess is what it was. It was very uncomfortable. I probably should have read this entire thread (and all of the others) before initiating the chat, but I naively thought it would be okay. Maybe it wouldn't have helped us, but it would have managed my expectations. The CM added the second person to the call after going off screen to discuss our case(s), and the second person basically asked the same questions, but was slightly nicer about it.

Our problem is that we rarely tour together (party of 4), so we usually split up and each parent goes with a neurodivergent young adult. We used to get a DAS for each child/young adult, and we would have one parent on each of their passes (so only two could be on a pass). The CM said we could try to use "Queue Reentry," (which I had never heard of), but since one parent can't wait in line while our DS23 waits alone somewhere else, both would have to exit the line and speak to the CM at the entrance each time the line waiting gets to be too much. Exiting the line whenever it gets to be too overwhelming seems problematic (how do they expect us to go backwards through the queue safely, really?), and explaining the situation in every case will cause a lot of stress and anxiety, which is something we have been trying to avoid with GAC/DAS in the past.

I am debating whether to call back and try again, or try the Queue Reentry to see how it goes. The CM didn't really let me explain how it has worked for us in the past. He acknowledged that he wasn't sure how the Queue Reentry would work for us. I asked if we should just buy the LLMP for DD23 (DH and I already have it), and he said he would not recommend that (but that is what we are probably going to do so that we can guarantee some attractions will be available via return times).

The video chat was a very degrading experience. They asked about disability government assistance, even. I wasn't sure if they could do that. We may change our Disney trips after this (usually DLR annually and WDW every other year). Or we can go to the Grand Californian and not to the parks in the future. Think of all the money will we save if we don't buy four park hoppers!

Wow, I can't believe they asked you about being on gov't assistance. That's a violation for sure.

I'm so sorry that it was a degrading experience for you. Disney is doing a terrible job if the person interviewing you doesn't even smile. What ever happened to the "Disney difference?" in guest services.

 

[lanejudy]

I probably should have read this entire thread (and all of the others) before initiating the chat, but I naively thought it would be okay. Maybe it wouldn't have helped us, but it would have managed my expectations.

Sorry you weren't prepared for the change. There has been quite a bit of discussion in the past year as well as those sharing how the new situation worked for them.

The CM said we could try to use "Queue Reentry," (which I had never heard of), but since one parent can't wait in line while our DS23 waits alone somewhere else, both would have to exit the line and speak to the CM at the entrance each time the line waiting gets to be too much.

It can work. The process changes depending on attraction, party size, even dynamics at the time (crowds, length of line, etc.). Don't rule it out without trying. DLR has a lot more alternative entrances than WDW.

explaining the situation in every case will cause a lot of stress and anxiety

No need to explain details. Just "we need to leave the queue, how do we return?"

I am debating whether to call back and try again, or try the Queue Reentry to see how it goes.

I don't recommend calling back. Word is they put you on a "naughty list" and will block you from requesting DAS for many months. Give it a try. If things are intolerable, THEN reconnect (at the park) and explain the details of why it isn't working.

 

[jennab]

We were approved for DD26, but denied for DS23 yesterday for our upcoming Disneyland Resort trip. The video chat was very stressful, and the CM did not smile once. I felt like we were being interrogated, which I guess is what it was. It was very uncomfortable. I probably should have read this entire thread (and all of the others) before initiating the chat, but I naively thought it would be okay. Maybe it wouldn't have helped us, but it would have managed my expectations. The CM added the second person to the call after going off screen to discuss our case(s), and the second person basically asked the same questions, but was slightly nicer about it.

Our problem is that we rarely tour together (party of 4), so we usually split up and each parent goes with a neurodivergent young adult. We used to get a DAS for each child/young adult, and we would have one parent on each of their passes (so only two could be on a pass). The CM said we could try to use "Queue Reentry," (which I had never heard of), but since one parent can't wait in line while our DS23 waits alone somewhere else, both would have to exit the line and speak to the CM at the entrance each time the line waiting gets to be too much. Exiting the line whenever it gets to be too overwhelming seems problematic (how do they expect us to go backwards through the queue safely, really?), and explaining the situation in every case will cause a lot of stress and anxiety, which is something we have been trying to avoid with GAC/DAS in the past.

I am debating whether to call back and try again, or try the Queue Reentry to see how it goes. The CM didn't really let me explain how it has worked for us in the past. He acknowledged that he wasn't sure how the Queue Reentry would work for us. I asked if we should just buy the LLMP for DD23 (DH and I already have it), and he said he would not recommend that (but that is what we are probably going to do so that we can guarantee some attractions will be available via return times).

The video chat was a very degrading experience. They asked about disability government assistance, even. I wasn't sure if they could do that. We may change our Disney trips after this (usually DLR annually and WDW every other year). Or we can go to the Grand Californian and not to the parks in the future. Think of all the money will we save if we don't buy four park hoppers!

I wonder if they were trying to see if your children have some sort of accommodations or assistance? I brought up that my son has accommodations at school to help back up his need.

 

[lanejudy]

Wow, I can't believe they asked you about being on gov't assistance. That's a violation for sure.

A "violation" of what? I am surprised the question was asked, but I also think the CMs are tasked with trying to get a good picture of what daily life is for the individual. I can see how that question might help them understand the severity of needs -- though a person can be fully disabled on government assistance and still not qualify for DAS based on their needs.

 

[mamaofsix]

A "violation" of what? I am surprised the question was asked, but I also think the CMs are tasked with trying to get a good picture of what daily life is for the individual. I can see how that question might help them understand the severity of needs -- though a person can be fully disabled on government assistance and still not qualify for DAS based on their needs.

Violation of the ADA in the very least. Violation of a guest's rights to privacy for sure. It's the same reason Disney has chosen not to ask guests to provide a doctor's note, and the reason Universal faced lawsuits for their requirement for a doctor's note (a requirement that has now been removed and made optional, by the way).

 

[Just_another_figment]

Violation of the ADA in the very least. Violation of a guest's rights to privacy for sure. It's the same reason Disney has chosen not to ask guests to provide a doctor's note, and the reason Universal faced lawsuits for their requirement for a doctor's note (a requirement that has now been removed and made optional, by the way).

FWIW, the doctors note is absolutely required for other parks that use the same system as Universal. We just completed the process. The instructions say no diagnosis should be disclosed, just a note from the doctor on what and why the accommodation is needed.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Violation of the ADA in the very least. Violation of a guest's rights to privacy for sure. It's the same reason Disney has chosen not to ask guests to provide a doctor's note, and the reason Universal faced lawsuits for their requirement for a doctor's note (a requirement that has now been removed and made optional, by the way).

I don’t think I follow your logic. DAS accommodations go above and beyond the minimum required by the ADA and previous iterations were shown to be disrupting park operations. Thus Disney has the ability (heck, even the obligation) to be more selective in their screening process, which includes asking questions. Asking whether or not someone has other disability-related accommodations in the context of requesting them at Disney on a private phone call does not seem unreasonable. Asking a deaf person to do dance the hula on Main Street in order to attend the sign language interpreter show would be.

As was said elsewhere here…you have the right to answer, or not, any question that the CMs ask. But by the sake token the CMs can decide that you have not proven that DAS is the least-disruptive accommodation that will meet your needs to their satisfaction.

 

[lanejudy]

Violation of the ADA in the very least. Violation of a guest's rights to privacy for sure.

I believe you are in Canada and rules may differ. It’s not a violation of the ADA. Privacy - the guest is already on a private call talking about disability needs and accommodations. It’s basically the same question as “do you have accommodations at school (or work)?” The guest doesn’t have to answer if they’d prefer but may need to share more as explanation for the DAS request.

 

[disneydenisel]

Sorry you weren't prepared for the change. There has been quite a bit of discussion in the past year as well as those sharing how the new situation worked for them.


It can work. The process changes depending on attraction, party size, even dynamics at the time (crowds, length of line, etc.). Don't rule it out without trying. DLR has a lot more alternative entrances than WDW.


No need to explain details. Just "we need to leave the queue, how do we return?"


I don't recommend calling back. Word is they put you on a "naughty list" and will block you from requesting DAS for many months. Give it a try. If things are intolerable, THEN reconnect (at the park) and explain the details of why it isn't working.

Thank you all for your replies. I really appreciate having this forum to read and learn from. You are all so helpful. I have had some time to think about the whole DAS thing, and in the scheme of things, I have more important things to worry about. We will definitely plan to try Queue Reentry and see how it goes. There are a lot of things we can do to have an enjoyable trip (next month!). Maybe we can hang by the pool and eat more food, and spend less time worrying about waiting in line or talking with CMs.

 

[Evita_W]

A "violation" of what? I am surprised the question was asked, but I also think the CMs are tasked with trying to get a good picture of what daily life is for the individual. I can see how that question might help them understand the severity of needs -- though a person can be fully disabled on government assistance and still not qualify for DAS based on their needs.

Actually, it doesn't really help as many people who have disabilities are not in assistance, in many cases due to income levels. Asking this kind of question further promotes the concept that these changes were more about money than reducing abuse. I mean imagine if someone said they are not on assistance because their family makes too much money, so they get denied while someone with the exact same circumstances is approved just because they said they are on assistance.

A person can be fully disabled and not be on government assistance. The question is absolutely inappropriate at best and yes, possibly illegal.

 

[Evita_W]

FWIW, the doctors note is absolutely required for other parks that use the same system as Universal. We just completed the process. The instructions say no diagnosis should be disclosed, just a note from the doctor on what and why the accommodation is needed.

DH having just gone, they do have a process if you don't have the IBCES card or documentation, it just takes substantially longer, but it is indeed optional now, at least at Universal Studios Hollywood.

DH does have the card and in his words:
I have to say was in and out of guest relations in under 10 minutes. I could have been out of there faster, but it was a last minute trip, so they didn't have time to call me and had to do the screening in person, then I had questions about how things worked for the special Fanfest night stuff. By the way, if they do Fanfest next year, just know they really thought through all aspects of accessibility for the event amazingly well. All of the Fanfest event attractions were scooter friendly. Although for Back to the Future, you did need to leave your scooter at the tram station and they provided loaner scooters once you were at the set area if you needed. They even had a portable ramp/lift device at the set to get on and off the tram there. The rest you could remain in your scooter for the entire attraction. And all of the attractions worked with their access pass, I forget what they called it. But also, even the regular attractions that don't allow scooters in the queue had ways where the walk was shorter than normal for those with ECVs, they really tried everything they could to make everything more accessible to scooters during the event and it was noticed. It was also a refreshing change vs. how Disney has been handling guests with disabilities lately.

So as much as I hate the the idea of the IBCES card, if it means guests can get the assistance they need and it remains optional, it could be useful to add as an option.

 

[jennab]

Actually, it doesn't really help as many people who have disabilities are not in assistance, in many cases due to income levels. Asking this kind of question further promotes the concept that these changes were more about money than reducing abuse. I mean imagine if someone said they are not on assistance because their family makes too much money, so they get denied while someone with the exact same circumstances is approved just because they said they are on assistance.

A person can be fully disabled and not be on government assistance. The question is absolutely inappropriate at best and yes, possibly illegal.

It is likely trying to determine if the person has accommodations in their life for their disabilities.

 

[OurBigTrip]

Actually, it doesn't really help as many people who have disabilities are not in assistance, in many cases due to income levels. Asking this kind of question further promotes the concept that these changes were more about money than reducing abuse. I mean imagine if someone said they are not on assistance because their family makes too much money, so they get denied while someone with the exact same circumstances is approved just because they said they are on assistance.

A person can be fully disabled and not be on government assistance. The question is absolutely inappropriate at best and yes, possibly illegal.

A person can also be fully disabled and not need a DAS...

 

[Evita_W]

It is likely trying to determine if the person has accommodations in their life for their disabilities.

Again, getting government assistance doesn't determine that at all.

 

[Evita_W]

A person can also be fully disabled and not need a DAS...

And they can be partially disabled and need one......you are just making my point for me, being in government assistance means nothing related to the DAS.

 

[OurBigTrip]

And they can be partially disabled and need one......you are just making my point for me, being in government assistance means nothing related to the DAS.

Actually, I haven't said one way or the other what I think about them asking about government assistance, although no way do I think it's illegal.