MiceChat is reporting there will be changes to DAS at Disneyland

[charmed59]

But the incentive to get a DAS in the first place, when compared to the GAC, isn't nearly as attractive. If it were, we wouldn't see so many people complaining about the GAC going away.

A DAS is still plenty attractive, as pointed out by those who have stamina problems, and would love to be able to use a FP while having a DAS return time. However, they don't qualify, as DAS was not meant to allow some guest to get more attractions in than a normal guest would in the same amount of time. I would not be surprised if by making the DAS an electronic pass they added the feature of canceling or extending a return time if a FP was used during the return time period. That would really make a DAS only attractive to those that intend to wait in an alternate area, rather than those that want to ride as many rides as possible in a short period of time.

 

[lanejudy]

Perhaps this was why a rude women at guest services at EPCOT on nov 1 last week around 11:30 or so, essentially refused to give my MIL a card also, despite explaining that they, my MiL and FIL, did not intend to go to the same parks with us and despite having a telephone call with guest services that my MIl would be entitled to one as was my daughter. ...

You don't indicate the total number in your party or their needs, but there should be no reason why your MIL was refused a DAS in relation to your DD getting one. Your DD's DAS could have been written for the rest of the party exclusive of MIL and FIL; with the inlaws covered by MIL's DAS. This would have allowed your party to split up and both guests needing the DAS would have one. Your DD having a DAS really didn't need to come into the conversation MIL had with Guest Relations. Possibly MIL's needs don't qualify for a DAS.

As to getting a back-timed return noted...this is the first I've heard of that occurring. Most complaints are that the CMs don't put the right time, essentially making it later not earlier. Possibly crowds were low enough that the DAS return time really was more of a moot point, therefore they could allow you immediately through the line. If lines are less than 20 minutes, they are supposed to send you through the standby line, but to use the FP+ they would need to mark the DAS. Could be that's what was happening, lines were short anyway. I wasn't there the first week of November, but that is often a very slow time.

I'm sorry you didn't feel the DAS worked right for your family. I hope you were still able to enjoy your vacation.

Regarding the potential changes coming to DAS at the California parks -- this will be interesting to see how it all plays out. And then whether similar changes would be instituted at the Florida parks.

 

[bidnow5]

I had a CM post a 50 minute wait time on my DAS for Kali River Rapids but the wait for standby said 20 minutes we asked people coming off the ride they said they had no wait we took a chance went in the standby line and there wasn't 1 person in front of us we rode it and we're off with 30 minutes left on our wait

 

[ladyjubilee]

I would not be surprised if by making the DAS an electronic pass they added the feature of canceling or extending a return time if a FP was used during the return time period. That would really make a DAS only attractive to those that intend to wait in an alternate area, rather than those that want to ride as many rides as possible in a short period of time.

Don't want to derail the topic, but I didn't know this. Does that apply of the line itself is part of the problem? For instance, my son has issues going backward in order to go forward, so lines that backtrack are a real problem. We'd much rather wait a longer time in a more straight forward line.

 

[Bilge Rat]

...your not supposed to cheat the system...

We all know that obtaining two DAS cards in order to gain the “unlimited front of the line FastPass” status is dishonest but shouldn’t it be construed as “cheating the system” when a DAS is acquired for a child whose only issue is ADHD or another high-functioning sensory disorder and they can handle the queue?

 

[OurBigTrip]

We all know that obtaining two DAS cards in order to gain the “unlimited front of the line FastPass” status is dishonest but shouldn’t it be construed as “cheating the system” when a DAS is acquired for a child whose only issue is ADHD or another high-functioning sensory disorder and they can handle the queue?

It really isn't up to any of us to decide who is or isn't disabled, nor is it right for any of us to make assumptions about what constitutes disabled for others.

 

[bnkntt]

I don't think anyone has brought up that fact that Dinseyland, through this new system, can now keep track of how many times a passholder comes in to the park and uses the DAS card. Say a person is using it to bring in people every day to allow them to get on rides. Now Disney has the ability to track those high users.

 

[aaarcher86]

I don't think anyone has brought up that fact that Dinseyland, through this new system, can now keep track of how many times a passholder comes in to the park and uses the DAS card. Say a person is using it to bring in people every day to allow them to get on rides. Now Disney has the ability to track those high users.

True, but they could already track admissions. I think it's safe to assume they're using the DAS they obtained if they're entering the park.

 

[disneyholic family]

I can't verify the truthfulness of this, but MiceChat is reporting changes to DAS For Disneyland.

Because of abuse including
- getting multiple cards to get multiple DAS return Times
- guests writing in their own a Return Times (forging)
- guests stealng the stamped that Disney started using to prevent forging

Micechat reports that Disneyland will begin electronically attaching DAS to the DAS holder's ticket or annual pass. In addition, the annual passes or tickets of those authorized yo accompany the DAS holder will also be linked electronically to the DAS.

http://micechat.com/85860-miceage-update-bridge-to-nowhere/

isn't this also a problem at WDW? or have they gone electronic..
DD is at WDW now and from what she's said to me about the DAS, it seems this would be a problem there as well.

it just boggles my mind how people abuse things..
people are so disappointing..

 

[bidnow5]

I hope they tie it to magic bands but that can lead to even more abuse then you could just hand the band over to others once onsite the park you don't do finger scan. Unless they add finger scanners to every ride not sure it would work

 

[aaarcher86]

isn't this also a problem at WDW? or have they gone electronic.. DD is at WDW now and from what she's said to me about the DAS, it seems this would be a problem there as well. it just boggles my mind how people abuse things.. people are so disappointing..

The article said it's not as big of a problem at WDW, but no, they aren't electronic yet. I do think that's the goal, and this just sled up the process for DL.

 

[emldrl]

I hope they tie it to magic bands but that can lead to even more abuse then you could just hand the band over to others once onsite the park you don't do finger scan. Unless they add finger scanners to every ride not sure it would work

I think it could still work, maybe require a photo id to match to the magic band, or build in a digital DAS with picture, or something to that effect. I hope they get it figured out, because I think all this abuse is just disgusting, frankly.
These digital measures won't stop all the abusers, but it's a good start.

 

[Bilge Rat]

The bolded part above is what needs to be stopped immediately, unless Disney wants the DAS to become as overused as the GAC was. Not to mention the fact that it goes against what Disney is trying institute, namely, fairness for all guests.

Fairness. Whatever. (Added as I think about it, it was perfectly fair). And don't expect me to respond further. I've been on these boards long enough to not bother.

I hear your frustrations asc and second them. One of the unintended consequence of the DAS is that in their attempt to exclude the cheaters, Disney actually included them while specifically excluding the people who they originally meant to help.

 

[aaarcher86]

The FP+ screens pop up names when they're scanned. I'm sure it's possible to add a picture and specify it's a DAS return time so they can verify the user.

I hear your frustrations asc and second them. One of the unintended consequence of the DAS is that in their attempt to exclude the cheaters, Disney actually included them while specifically excluding the people who they originally meant to help.

Who is being excluded?

 

[Bilge Rat]

Who is being excluded?

Oh, I don't know, maybe anyone who doesn't have a sensory disorder:







Thought this was interesting and just shows you how long this abuse has been going on. And this was back when it was called a Special Assistance Pass.

Special assistance pass for Disneyland? i have ADHD and i talk medication and the medication makes me inpatient. Where can i look up the mental disabilities list for a special assistance pass?

Best Answer

• tallgaloot answered 6 years ago
•
I used to work at Disneyland and a special assistance pass was generally given out to people in wheelchairs or otherwise unable to enjoy the ride the same way as others. ADHD doesn't really qualify as a disability in most respects of the word (and come on, who isn't impatient in long lines). It doesn't look good for you. I did find this article online, it is a long read, but worth it:

Last Friday, Disneyland quietly implemented a change to its special assistance program for visitors with disabilities. Designed in part to stop to the rampant abuse of the program, the revised guidelines specify who qualifies for special assistance, and what type of assistance they receive.

Although a new program had been rumored for several months, even long-time cast members were surprised by the sudden launch of the new guidelines. Many said they expected the new policy to go into effect in early 2004 with a formal announcement. Instead, most Guest Relations cast members only learned the details of the new policy when they reported to work Friday, and attractions cast members have still not received official training on the new rules.

For the past several years, Disneyland issued a “Special Assistance Pass” to individuals who requested one. The function of this pass was to alert cast members that a person needed special assistance to experience an attraction. The cast members would direct persons using wheelchairs to the accessible entrance; those who could not climb stairs were provided an alternate access, and, where available, the hearing impaired were given written narration or reflective captioning devices.

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090212225803AAmDbMa

 

[lanejudy]

I see nothing in those pictures that tells me they do or do not need the DAS. Invisible needs are just that -- invisible and cannot be seen in a picture. Disney theme parks are considered accessible without a DAS to those with mobility challenges, or with stamina concerns that can be accommodated by a mobility device. Mainstreamed lines are the accommodation. If the guest finds that situation is not working for them, they can discuss specifics with Guest Relations who will try to help.

As to the quoted question and answer... the only date on that is a reference to the response being 6 years ago -- that would be 2008. I could be wrong, but I believe the GAC was in existence at that time, not the "Special Assistance Pass" which was much longer ago. The parks themselves have undergone considerable changes to queues since the time of the Special Assistance Pass, as well as a general (societal) acceptance of the existence non-visible disabilities. The Special Assistance Pass may well have been geared to those using wheelchairs, especially at Disneyland (as the question specifies) which is much older and less accessible in general. But things have changed.

I will not judge current programs or attitudes based on history. There are many things that occurred in past times which are no longer acceptable in today's society. The Special Assistance Pass was changed into the GAC program, which has now been replaced by the DAS. It reflects current times and current needs. Anyone who feels their needs are not being met at WDW is welcome to discuss the specifics with Guest Relations.

 

[bidnow5]

I don't look like I need a DAS and I was on my scooter when I got mine the CM told me I am exactly the reason they have DAS anyone for any legitimate reason who can't wait in line. She said I obviously had mobility issues and that would not qualify but my other issues did absolutely qualify

 

[SirDuff]

I don't look like I need a DAS and I was on my scooter when I got mine the CM told me I am exactly the reason they have DAS anyone for any legitimate reason who can't wait in line. She said I obviously had mobility issues and that would not qualify but my other issues did absolutely qualify

I think that some of the issue might really be terminology. Not picking on you, you're just the last person to post, but you use the term *qualify* which kind of implies that you have to special enough to get one. Really, the issue is whether you *need* one or not. Do you need the DAS to have equal access or does your mobility device give you the same experience as a "typical" visitor? Obviously, in your case, the answer to the second part is no. For others, it is often yes. These people aren't being willfully excluded (anymore than a "typical" visitor is being excluded); these people do not need a DAS to meet their needs.

 

[lanejudy]

I...the term *qualify* which kind of implies that you have to special enough to get one. Really, the issue is whether you *need* one or not. Do you need the DAS to have equal access or does your mobility device give you the same experience as a "typical" visitor? ...

Good point! I hadn't thought about the terminology but you are right. I'll try to remember that.

 

[HollywoodTowerHotel]

I think that some of the issue might really be terminology. Not picking on you, you're just the last person to post, but you use the term *qualify* which kind of implies that you have to special enough to get one. Really, the issue is whether you *need* one or not.

The reason people keep using the term "qualify" to question whether they will receive a DAS is because it seems like getting one is extremely difficult even if you "need" one. The determination of "need" is being left to the wrong people.