Frustrated with DAS Process

[PBB]

Hello,

I am frustrated with the DAS Changes but most of all I am frustrated with the Process of getting Approved or Denied for DAS. I signed on the other day to start the process and was told I had to purchase $1100-$1200 worth of non refundable park tickets before I could start the DAS Process. I have received a GAC card beginning in 2013 and then it converted to DAS until last year. In fact, I was declared disabled by the Federal Judge in 2006. i didn’t know anything aboutGAC/DAS until a DVC CM introduced it to me after horrible trip in 2012. I am frustrated that I know my limitations and I know I can’t stand in the lines for long periods of time nor can I sit in a wheelchair. I fought hard to not be in a wheelchair. I just find it extremely unreasonable of Disney to demand we purchase non refundable tickets and then take the risk of being told No, you don’t qualify for DAS. If I don’t qualify fine but don’t take our money and force me into bad situation.

Apparently, Universal allows the guest to get pre-approved or denied prior to purchasing tickets. So, I guess we are going to Universal for the first time instead of the Disney Parks. I just find the whole process has become cold ,uncaring and greedy of Disney. Do they really need to trap Disabled People into buying tickets?

Thank you for letting vent a bit about the process!

 

[jennab]

Hello,

I am frustrated with the DAS Changes but most of all I am frustrated with the Process of getting Approved or Denied for DAS. I signed on the other day to start the process and was told I had to purchase $1100-$1200 worth of non refundable park tickets before I could start the DAS Process. I have received a GAC card beginning in 2013 and then it converted to DAS until last year. In fact, I was declared disabled by the Federal Judge in 2006. i didn’t know anything aboutGAC/DAS until a DVC CM introduced it to me after horrible trip in 2012. I am frustrated that I know my limitations and I know I can’t stand in the lines for long periods of time nor can I sit in a wheelchair. I fought hard to not be in a wheelchair. I just find it extremely unreasonable of Disney to demand we purchase non refundable tickets and then take the risk of being told No, you don’t qualify for DAS. If I don’t qualify fine but don’t take our money and force me into bad situation.

Apparently, Universal allows the guest to get pre-approved or denied prior to purchasing tickets. So, I guess we are going to Universal for the first time instead of the Disney Parks. I just find the whole process has become cold ,uncaring and greedy of Disney. Do they really need to trap Disabled People into buying tickets?

Thank you for letting vent a bit about the process!

Based on what you are saying, unfortunately you will most likely be denied. So, if you won’t go to Disney without DAS then I would not purchase tickets. If you are willing to use other accommodations, buy LLMP, and/or try to go when less crowded, you might still be able to make a trip work.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Hello,

I am frustrated with the DAS Changes but most of all I am frustrated with the Process of getting Approved or Denied for DAS. I signed on the other day to start the process and was told I had to purchase $1100-$1200 worth of non refundable park tickets before I could start the DAS Process. I have received a GAC card beginning in 2013 and then it converted to DAS until last year. In fact, I was declared disabled by the Federal Judge in 2006. i didn’t know anything aboutGAC/DAS until a DVC CM introduced it to me after horrible trip in 2012. I am frustrated that I know my limitations and I know I can’t stand in the lines for long periods of time nor can I sit in a wheelchair. I fought hard to not be in a wheelchair. I just find it extremely unreasonable of Disney to demand we purchase non refundable tickets and then take the risk of being told No, you don’t qualify for DAS. If I don’t qualify fine but don’t take our money and force me into bad situation.

Apparently, Universal allows the guest to get pre-approved or denied prior to purchasing tickets. So, I guess we are going to Universal for the first time instead of the Disney Parks. I just find the whole process has become cold ,uncaring and greedy of Disney. Do they really need to trap Disabled People into buying tickets?

Thank you for letting vent a bit about the process!

Just a PSA but your unused park tickets can be transferred. Even better, for those who have not purchased tickets Undercover Tourist does allow refunds (less a small fee).

 

[PBB]

Just a PSA but your unused park tickets can be transferred. Even better, for those who have not purchased tickets Undercover Tourist does allow refunds (less a small fee).

I did not realize that. Thank you for information. Too bad, Disney doesn’t do that!

 

[PBB]

Based on what you are saying, unfortunately you will most likely be denied. So, if you won’t go to Disney without DAS then I would not purchase tickets. If you are willing to use other accommodations, buy LLMP, and/or try to go when less crowded, you might still be able to make a trip work.

Well, I haven’t shared my condition or my challenges. I did that on purpose because I wanted to focus on,IMO, the unreasonable process that Disney created and not my personal challenges.

 

[jennab]

Well, I haven’t shared my condition or my challenges. I did that on purpose because I wanted to focus on,IMO, the unreasonable process that Disney created and not my personal challenges.

Based on your post I’m assuming (and could be wrong) that you have a physical medical disability, not a developmental disability. If that is correct there is a high chance you will be denied.

 

[DiznyDiva]

Until two years ago you had to buy tickets and then go into the park and apply. It was ONLY after Covid that they started allowing you to call ahead. You had to buy tickets before hand and then barely anyone cared and mobility needs were still not part of DAS. This isn't about being greedy it's just a change in policy. No one is forcing anyone.

Being declare disabled has no baring on applying and being approved for DAS. It is what happens to you in line how it prevents you from being able to do the standard lines. Nor does what Universal does or how it proves its guests. Disney has tightened IT'S requirements because of over use and abuse. There are other accommodations and it's up to each guest to decide if they work or don't, but when you go to a Disney park it's their rules.

There are other places that offer refundable tickets.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

@PBB - the idea that you can’t stand in line but refuse to use a wheelchair is why @jennab suggested that you are unlikely to be granted a DAS. There are other accommodations available for mobility issues.

 

[SteveMouse]

Just so you’re clear, the approach that Universal uses is multi-tier. If you are disabled at all and want any accommodation.including using a wheelchair in line, you have to register in advance with a third party. Then you have to meet with park representatives to determine what, if any accommodation will or can be provided.

 

[PBB]

@PBB - the idea that you can’t stand in line but refuse to use a wheelchair is why @jennab suggested that you are unlikely to be granted a DAS. There are other accommodations available for mobility

“I can’t stand in the lines for long periods of time nor can I sit in a wheelchair. I fought hard to not be in a wheelchair”. Is what I said……I didn’t say I REFUSE to use a Wheelchair. I am not hear to argue my medical condition.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Just so you’re clear, the approach that Universal uses is multi-tier. If you are disabled at all and want any accommodation.including using a wheelchair in line, you have to register in advance with a third party. Then you have to meet with park representatives to determine what, if any accommodation will or can be provided.

Just a quick question here. A couple of years ago my daughter managed to hurt her knee while at Disney, and ended up needing to use a wheelchair for a few days to get around. Obviously this isn’t something that can be planned in advance. How would Universal handle a situation like that?

 

[jennab]

“I can’t stand in the lines for long periods of time nor can I sit in a wheelchair. I fought hard to not be in a wheelchair”. Is what I said……I didn’t say I REFUSE to use a Wheelchair. I am not hear to argue my medical condition.

You don’t need to. As someone stated before, the policy hasn’t changed. You always needed a ticket to apply for DAS and a few years ago your only option was in person while there. Someone mentioned buying tickets from undercover tourist who has a small restocking fee if cancelled.

I’m just saying, if you do plan to go, prepare for not having DAS.

 

[PBB]

Until two years ago you had to buy tickets and then go into the park and apply. It was ONLY after Covid that they started allowing you to call ahead. You had to buy tickets before hand and then barely anyone cared and mobility needs were still not part of DAS. This isn't about being greedy it's just a change in policy. No one is forcing anyone.

Being declare disabled has no baring on applying and being approved for DAS. It is what happens to you in line how it prevents you from being able to do the standard lines. Nor does what Universal does or how it proves its guests. Disney has tightened IT'S requirements because of over use and abuse. There are other accommodations and it's up to each guest to decide if they work or don't, but when you go to a Disney park it's their rules.

There are other places that offer refundable tickets.

I have never been forced to purchase a ticket first. We always went to guest services outside the parks and did both simultaneously I didn’t say being declared disabled had bearing. I can comment about Disneys Unreasonably rules or is that forbidden here ?

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

“I can’t stand in the lines for long periods of time nor can I sit in a wheelchair. I fought hard to not be in a wheelchair”. Is what I said……I didn’t say I REFUSE to use a Wheelchair. I am not hear to argue my medical condition.

We are not the enemies here. There have been many MANY people on these boards who have been frustrated by the changes. Most posters are trying to be helpful, including @jennab who has given you solid advice.

Not being granted DAS does not mean that anyone (including Disney) is questioning whether or not you are disabled. It just means that Disney believes that other accommodations would be suitable for your needs.

 

[PBB]

You don’t need to. As someone stated before, the policy hasn’t changed. You always needed a ticket to apply for DAS and a few years ago your only option was in person while there. Someone mentioned buying tickets from undercover tourist who has a small restocking fee if cancelled.

I’m just saying, if you do plan to go, prepare for not having DAS.

We have never had to purchase a ticket first. I would do it simultaneously at guest services outside to the park.

 

[jennab]

We have never had to purchase a ticket first. I would do it simultaneously at guest services outside to the park.

I am not sure then. Most people don’t buy tickets the day they are going to the park. My understanding is you always had to have a ticket first. I think even at the parks aren’t the ticket booths and guest services separate (prior to the change when you could apply in person).

It was always a chance for us when applying for DAS. I assumed we would be approved, but there was always a chance we wouldn’t be.

I mean you can be frustrated and complain here, but I’m not sure what good that will do. You can send feedback to Disney letting them know you feel it’s unreasonable.

 

[DiznyDiva]

At Disneyland you could NEVER get a DAS outside of park before two years ago. You had to go inside to Guest services or city Hall. You had to apply they could turn you down even then, and it was never supposed to be for mobility.

There have been few ONLINE place that have had refundable tickets for many years. That is an option.

You can vent here. Always, BUT understand here, the mods and posters don't just blindly agree and we will try correct false information. Opinions are something everyone has, but if you offer it then be ready for others to also offer theirs.

Some here might not like some the things about the new DAS policies, but they understand them. We especially, Jennab and the mods try and offer ideas and solutions to make others Disney trips work. Some listen, some don't.

Venting after a while is not constructive and just keeps a negative cycle going. Find the positive in your Disney experiences. Magic is anywhere you choose to make it.

 

[PBB]

We are not the enemies here. There have been many MANY people on these boards who have been frustrated by the changes. Most posters are trying to be helpful, including @jennab who has given you solid advice.

Not being granted DAS does not mean that anyone (including Disney) is questioning whether or not you are disabled. It just means that Disney believes that other accommodations would be suitable for your needs.

Then maybe I should delete this post. Instead of speaking about the process everyone wants to give input comment and make assumptions. I would have thought people here would have more respect.

At Disneyland you could NEVER get a DAS outside of park before two years ago. You had to go inside to Guest services or city Hall. You had to apply they could turn you down even then, and it was never supposed to be for mobility.

There have been few ONLINE place that have had refundable tickets for many years. That is an option.

You can vent here. Always, BUT understand here, the mods and posters don't just blindly agree and we will try correct false e information. Opinions are something everyone has, but if you offer it then be ready for others to also offer theirs.

what did I say was false?

 

[gottalovepluto]

They do it because they can. They don’t care if you take your business elsewhere.

For others who stumble on this thread, Undercover Tourist offers refunds prior to their use date of unused tickets for a 5% restocking fee.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Then maybe I should delete this post. Instead of speaking about the process everyone wants to give input comment and make assumptions. I would have thought people here would have more respect.

Woah. If you didn’t want people’s thoughts you should’ve written it in a diary or found a place to vent that would align with your feelings like an echo chamber. DIS is a public discussion forum- and a very respectful one at that once you get to see some others.