DAS fyi

[Epicnemesis]

So glad it worked out. I thought maybe we encountered the same CM, but mine was Destinee.

Dramatic reenactment of her customer service training.

 

[smartlabelprint]

I can't believe anyone working for Disney in an official capacity is suggesting line jumping. That's awful because now these people (the "fakers") will be able to say they were TOLD to do this.

It really sounds like the online registration is designed to try and catch people who are trying to game the system. I wish they had kept the online registration to people who have already gotten the DAS issued in park and have a history of enrollment. It would better weed out the fakers. Make everyone do it in person initially.

That would have been a really good idea.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Ok everyone, good news... I finally got through to a new CM via video chat, Tiffany. She was very kind and understanding when I explained my health concern, she immediately said that this is exactly what the DAS is for and approved it. She walked me through how it's used as I've never had one before, my health issue is a recent development so we've never had to use DAS at WDW (we're APs there). She then asked if I wanted to pre-register for 2 attractions per day for my stay and that was it. She was so much more understanding than the CM I spoke to yesterday. And she had no record of my previous video chat so definitely try again if you legitimately need the DAS and was denied.

I checked while on hold today, the CM who barely let me explain before she denied me was named Seline.

I’m so glad it worked out for you. Thank you for reporting back as well. You’ve put my mind at ease and we know to call back if we get a no the first time.

And thanks for sharing the CM’s name. I’ll be sure to escalate or try another time if she answers.

 

[SirDuff]

That would have been a really good idea.

Not really. It would have created two classes of people - only those who had previously visited WDW/DL could get the pre-selected DAS times. Even those who had visited before but had new issues (or were previously able to work around problems by using FPs) would be « second class ».

 

[DLgal]

Not really. It would have created two classes of people - only those who had previously visited WDW/DL could get the pre-selected DAS times. Even those who had visited before but had new issues (or were previously able to work around problems by using FPs) would be « second class ».

They could have just not done the preselected DAS times. I think that is why they are being more strict in the online registration process. Being able to pre schedule out ANY 2 rides per day is a HUGE benefit and, arguably, gives those DAS holders an advantage over other park guests, and the program was never intended to do that. People will be more inclined to try and game the system because of that perk.

Nobody else gets to pre book rides right now, so by that logic, now everyone who doesn't do DAS advance is a second class citizen.

 

[Epicnemesis]

You’ve gone from pre Covid where the DAS pass was basically just a second, clunky fastpass system, to now where it is a superior version of the paid solution.

It’s basically disneyworlds old fastpass system except you are guaranteed your time slot instead of racing against other people at 4 in the morning 60 days out.

It’s so much better than genie plus that you have to expect that people would try to exploit it.

While we are on the topic of DAS, my wife gets severe anxiety in a swarm of people. While she hates lines she can grit her teeth and bear it. What she can’t handle are the show crowds.The fireworks are her worst nightmare when people are tightly packed in. Is there a DAS section for shows like fireworks or world of color where people are less densely packed?

 

[SirDuff]

They could have just not done the preselected DAS times. I think that is why they are being more strict in the online registration process. Being able to pre schedule out ANY 2 rides per day is a HUGE benefit and, arguably, gives those DAS holders an advantage over other park guests, and the program was never intended to do that. People will be more inclined to try and game the system because of that perk.

Nobody else gets to pre book rides right now, so by that logic, now everyone who doesn't do DAS advance is a second class citizen.

I agree that this is a massive benefit and is/will lead to more gaming of the system (though I got told off for saying so on the DISabiltiies forum). But that's a different argument. Creating two classes of DAS users is, to me, problematic. And, if they are getting more strict, the argument that only those that got one before should be able to use the online system now, doesn't really make sense (since some of those who got it before will not get it now).

 

[Obi-J Kenobi]

Is there a DAS section for shows like fireworks or world of color where people are less densely packed?

I have not done DL before. My understanding is that there is a location set aside for shows like World of Color and Fantasmic for folks in wheelchairs and ECVs. I have never heard of a DAS location for folks with other conditions like the one you noted in your post. But maybe you could speak to a CM nearby, explain you have DAS for your DW and then inquire if you could be added to the ECV/wheelchair location if it is more sparsely populated?

 

[smartlabelprint]

You’ve gone from pre Covid where the DAS pass was basically just a second, clunky fastpass system, to now where it is a superior version of the paid solution.

It’s basically disneyworlds old fastpass system except you are guaranteed your time slot instead of racing against other people at 4 in the morning 60 days out.

It’s so much better than genie plus that you have to expect that people would try to exploit it.

While we are on the topic of DAS, my wife gets severe anxiety in a swarm of people. While she hates lines she can grit her teeth and bear it. What she can’t handle are the show crowds.The fireworks are her worst nightmare when people are tightly packed in. Is there a DAS section for shows like fireworks or world of color where people are less densely packed?

No. It’s very problematic for us too. To circumvent we are getting the WOC dessert package, we hope. I was also wondering if kids that use their stroller as wheelchair qualify to park in that area.

 

[Obi-J Kenobi]

I was also wondering if kids that use their stroller as wheelchair qualify to park in that area.

My research, albeit brief, did not indicate that stroller parking was allowed. I guess it depends on what you mean as strollers qualifying as wheelchairs. I sort of took designated space area to mean that those people who cannot stand for the show have a designated place to sit and watch without a crowd of people standing in front of them (i.e. sight lines). If a child cannot stand or ambulate around an area and uses a stroller instead of a traditional wheelchair (and to be frank, I guess I'm not saying this doesn't happen but all the wheelchair bound kids I see are in a more traditional wheel chair device) then I would guess a stroller could be in the ECV/wheelchair area. Again, that would be a better question for a CM.

 

[smartlabelprint]

My research, albeit brief, did not indicate that stroller parking was allowed. I guess it depends on what you mean as strollers qualifying as wheelchairs. I sort of took designated space area to mean that those people who cannot stand for the show have a designated place to sit and watch without a crowd of people standing in front of them (i.e. sight lines). If a child cannot stand or ambulate around an area and uses a stroller instead of a traditional wheelchair (and to be frank, I guess I'm not saying this doesn't happen but all the wheelchair bound kids I see are in a more traditional wheel chair device) then I would guess a stroller could be in the ECV/wheelchair area. Again, that would be a better question for a CM.

Stroller as wheelchair can be used for ambulatory kids with anxiety type problems. You get a red tag at city hall.

 

[Van@Disney]

Way to go! Often as people with disabilities the only way we get what we need is to advocate for ourselves, even with medical professionals. I’m so glad you called back and did this. I hope you feel very good about your accomplishment

 

[DLgal]

You’ve gone from pre Covid where the DAS pass was basically just a second, clunky fastpass system, to now where it is a superior version of the paid solution.

It’s basically disneyworlds old fastpass system except you are guaranteed your time slot instead of racing against other people at 4 in the morning 60 days out.

It’s so much better than genie plus that you have to expect that people would try to exploit it.

While we are on the topic of DAS, my wife gets severe anxiety in a swarm of people. While she hates lines she can grit her teeth and bear it. What she can’t handle are the show crowds.The fireworks are her worst nightmare when people are tightly packed in. Is there a DAS section for shows like fireworks or world of color where people are less densely packed?

My husband has PTSD and crowd anxiety and he just cannot be in the park during shows and fireworks. He has to leave. Even if there was an area in the back where you could get more space, it doesn't alleviate the feeling of being completely surrounded by people. And when the show ends, it's a cluster for a LONG time in the immediate area. There is no real way to escape.

Plus, they will absolutely not allow anyone into those spaces unless you have a wheelchair. The stroller with wheelchair tag doesn't work for shows and fireworks either. It's only use is to be able to take a stroller through a queue line, rather than have to park it. As strollers are allowed anywhere during shows/fireworks, the tag is moot.

You can see the fireworks from other areas outside the park, or from other locations inside the park like Frontierland, without the massive crowds.

For World of Color, if they offer the dessert party, do it. You get a table to SIT at, in an area sparsely filled with only other tables, away from the standing crowds. It's much, much better, and you can stay at the tables until the crowds have dissipated. For Fantasmic, if you can get a dining package with seating in the front section along the river, that's your best bet. You'd have to get to the seating area early to get a spot in front and as long as you don't turn around, you won't feel too much like you're in a massive crowd. There was also the Riverbelle Terrace option in the past where you eat dinner and stay seated at the same table during the show. That's back behind the crowds, and the view is significantly worse, but it just feels like sitting in a restaurant.

 

[kristensideaoffun]

My husband has PTSD and crowd anxiety and he just cannot be in the park during shows and fireworks. He has to leave. Even if there was an area in the back where you could get more space, it doesn't alleviate the feeling of being completely surrounded by people. And when the show ends, it's a cluster for a LONG time in the immediate area. There is no real way to escape.

Plus, they will absolutely not allow anyone into those spaces unless you have a wheelchair. The stroller with wheelchair tag doesn't work for shows and fireworks either. It's only use is to be able to take a stroller through a queue line, rather than have to park it. As strollers are allowed anywhere during shows/fireworks, the tag is moot.

You can see the fireworks from other areas outside the park, or from other locations inside the park like Frontierland, without the massive crowds.

For World of Color, if they offer the dessert party, do it. You get a table to SIT at, in an area sparsely filled with only other tables, away from the standing crowds. It's much, much better, and you can stay at the tables until the crowds have dissipated. For Fantasmic, if you can get a dining package with seating in the front section along the river, that's your best bet. You'd have to get to the seating area early to get a spot in front and as long as you don't turn around, you won't feel too much like you're in a massive crowd. There was also the Riverbelle Terrace option in the past where you eat dinner and stay seated at the same table during the show. That's back behind the crowds, and the view is significantly worse, but it just feels like sitting in a restaurant.

I completely agree with everything DLgal said. My husband also has severe PTSD and he just can’t do the parades, fireworks, shows, etc. The only way he is able to watch WoC is if we do the Dessert Party. He tried to do the Fantasmic Show when we did the Blue Bayou package and everyone in our section sat down on their pads and weren’t packed in like sardines. He was fine during the show but getting out after the show freaked him out. He had to dart out and leave us because he couldn’t handle it and now he won’t do it again.

We’ve even done a VIP tour before and tried to sit in front of the castle in the VIP seating. He left before the fireworks started because he couldn’t take being surrounded by that many people packed in like that, even if he had a few feet of space to himself in the VIP section. We now avoid all shows, parades, and fireworks. If it’s something my daughter wants to see, my husband either goes back to the hotel for a rest or goes to a different, less crowded area of the park and we meet up with him later.

We will also occasionally spring for the concierge lounge at DLH or GCH and watch the fireworks from there.

 

[Epicnemesis]

Just want to thank both of you and your husbands for your sacrifice and service.

Eternally grateful for military families.

 

[gottalovepluto]

They could have just not done the preselected DAS times. I think that is why they are being more strict in the online registration process. Being able to pre schedule out ANY 2 rides per day is a HUGE benefit and, arguably, gives those DAS holders an advantage over other park guests, and the program was never intended to do that. People will be more inclined to try and game the system because of that perk.

Nobody else gets to pre book rides right now, so by that logic, now everyone who doesn't do DAS advance is a second class citizen.

I thought the Advance selection stuff was an advantage but after using it with a fam member in WDW it really wasn’t. The fixed times were hard to fit into the day as what was available was awkwardly timed and what the day consisted of after we got there depended entirely on what wasn’t broken and how long lines were. We actually ended up skipping like half of them and decided if you’re just registering online for those they really aren’t worth the hassle.

My DAS user however still prefers the hassle of doing it online- BUT to avoid waiting in line at GS on the first day.

 

[smartlabelprint]

I thought the Advance selection stuff was an advantage but after using it with a fam member in WDW it really wasn’t. The fixed times were hard to fit into the day as what was available was awkwardly timed and what the day consisted of after we got there depended entirely on what wasn’t broken and how long lines were. We actually ended up skipping like half of them and decided if you’re just registering online for those they really aren’t worth the hassle.

My DAS user however still prefers the hassle of doing it online- BUT to avoid waiting in line at GS on the first day.

It’s a huge bonus to not wait in line the first day!

 

[StarlitNight05]

I wanted to bump this thread back up since the same thing just happened to my parents. They were told that even though my Dad can't wait in the normal queue, that my Mom would be able to hold his place and he could rejoin. The CM then disconnected without giving any further details (this was also the same person mentioned previously, Seline).

I knew better that this wasn't good advice and encouraged them to try again. Lo and behold, the next CM on the DAS line provided the pass and was very kind. So just be warned, if you get denied and are told your party can hold your place in line (such horrible advice for the multitude of reasons explained in this thread), try again with another CM!

 

[Kender]

It's really disconcerting there's still a CM or two or few telling people to jump the line (which is not always possible anyways depending on the queue). Especially considering recent issues with fights breaking out over it.

 

[kristensideaoffun]

I wanted to bump this thread back up since the same thing just happened to my parents. They were told that even though my Dad can't wait in the normal queue, that my Mom would be able to hold his place and he could rejoin. The CM then disconnected without giving any further details (this was also the same person mentioned previously, Seline).

I knew better that this wasn't good advice and encouraged them to try again. Lo and behold, the next CM on the DAS line provided the pass and was very kind. So just be warned, if you get denied and are told your party can hold your place in line (such horrible advice for the multitude of reasons explained in this thread), try again with another CM!

Please have them report their experience. That CM needs to be retrained.