Frustrated with DAS Process

[DiznyDiva]

Your choice.

I think you might need to look up the meaning of respect. Offering solutions and help is in no way disrespecting you or your opinion. The process is different for everyone just like a person's disability. it is the reason why tow two people with the same disability might get approved or denied.

Have you been denied?

Saying that Disney is forcing diabllied people to buy tickets is false. No one is forced. There are ways and places to buy them and get your money back. Also until two years ago, you had to into park or in DW case at least to the actual park and get approved which meant you had to buy you ticket at the same or after. DL ,you had to go INTO the park.

 

[lanejudy]

The process for obtaining DAS has not really changed, other than it is all online now instead of speaking to a Guest Relations CM in person. DAS has been attached to a ticket for years now and very few people wait to buy their tickets st the park, especially since FP+ rolled out years ago. Most visitors would not want to travel to Orlando with paid hotel reservations and wait to buy a ticket only if approved for DAS. So while I suppose it’s been possible to request DAS and buy tickets outside the park all at the same time, it is really a very unusual situation.

If the buying the ticket in advance is your primary concern, as others mentioned at least 1 authorized reseller has a refundable option to return tickets.

I believe you’ve had challenges obtaining DAS in the past, so this time you should not expect the Accessibility Team will grant it. Would a rollator help? Or maybe a cane-seat (which are now allowed)? Either would allow you to change positions as frequently as needed. Pushing a wheelchair is another option; then sit when needing to change position.

Discussion — including venting and some arguing — about the DAS qualification changes has been going on for months now. Most of the regular readers/posters here are resigned to accepting the change and finding ways to make it work. Hence the suggestions. No ill-intent.

 

[Mamabun]

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?

Universal does not require you to register or get an IBCES card to use a wheelchair. I see why some of what Universal has posted could make someone think that, but as a family with a wheelchair user that spent a week at Universal this summer, I feel confident saying that wheelchair users are welcome with no special registration or pass required. If you want an additional accommodation, you need to go through their process, but not just to use a wheelchair in line. In fact, Universal is very skilled at helping with wheelchairs, like on their new VillanCon moving walkway attraction.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

We live in GA and are DVC as well. We have been AP holders 15 plus years. We are done with AP’s. We were in the parks last week and they have done a good job killing the Magic. Sometimes, I wonder if that was Chapek‘s job to be a hatchet man for the Board of Directors. We will not return to the parks until he is gone and there is a change to the guest experience.

This post was from back in 2022. It sounds like you have been frustrated with Disney for quite a while. If changing the rules around what qualifies for DAS is the last straw, no one will blame you for wanting to take a break from Disney for a while and trying other options. The good news is that you can rent out your DVC points and then use the proceeds to fund a vacation that is more suited to your needs.

The other thing I’d add is that as a DVC family APs are actually quite reasonable compared to buying tickets at the gate, especially renewals, and they give you the flexibility to tour at your own pace without the pressure of getting everything “done” right this very second. We love the idea that we can go into the parks for 2 rides, or just to walk around, and there is nothing “wasted” because the tickets are paid for already.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

Needing a ticket is not new...
Unfortunately these days you have to expect to be denied ESPECIALLY if its a mobility issue where you physically cannot stand up in the lines because they are going to say use a wheelchair. The end.
So if being denied will change your mind about visiting then it may be time to look into other places to visit.
Yes its harsh and yes I think its BS that Disney no longer wants to help those who are disabled because of crappy people that lie to abuse the system but it is what it is.
I'm disabled and have been approved several times and was not approved this past time but I still went because its my happy place and going to Disney is about the only truly fun thing I do each year. The rest of the time I'm at home and just enjoying the simple things like my pets and family.

 

[SueM in MN]

Universal does not require you to register or get an IBCES card to use a wheelchair. I see why some of what Universal has posted could make someone think that, but as a family with a wheelchair user that spent a week at Universal this summer, I feel confident saying that wheelchair users are welcome with no special registration or pass required. If you want an additional accommodation, you need to go through their process, but not just to use a wheelchair in line. In fact, Universal is very skilled at helping with wheelchairs, like on their new VillanCon moving walkway attraction.

I'm glad Universal is not making guests get an IBCCES card just to use a wheelchair in line.
When they started using that process, multiple people posted that Universal and IBCCES had specifically told them that they would need to be approved by IBCCES to use a mobility device, service animal, white cane and/or sign language interpretation in the parks. Requiring proof for any of those is against the law, so I'm glad to hear they are no longer requiring it.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thread closed at OP's request