new blog: Disney Opposes "Inflammatory" Amended Complaint in DAS Lawsuit

[LeahZ]

While we generally like to think of Disney as the happiest place on Earth, Disney is anything but to most folks who file lawsuits against it. This filing, however, makes Disney’s past litigation positions appear downright sugar-coated.

Read more here:

http://blog.wdwinfo.com/2014/09/16/disney-opposes-inflammatory-amended-complaint-in-das-lawsuit/

 

[MommyJKM]

While we generally like to think of Disney as the happiest place on Earth, Disney is anything but to most folks who file lawsuits against it. This filing, however, makes Disney’s past litigation positions appear downright sugar-coated.

Read more here:

http://blog.wdwinfo.com/2014/09/16/disney-opposes-inflammatory-amended-complaint-in-das-lawsuit/

Thank you for the link WebmasterLeah! My niece is severely disabled. She cannot wait in lines and people who have taken advantage of the DAS have ruined the ability for families with children with special needs to be able to enjoy DL is appalling!

As someone who pays to do the VIP tour in order to not have to wait in lines - I don't see why a family with a special needs child cannot be given the same option without having to pay.

Disney should have done something about the blatant exploitation of the DAS long before the media exposed it. When i lived in LA in the early 2000's it was common practice that you could pay someone $50 or $100 (I can't remember the amount exactly) with a light disability (cane/crutch) and the knowledge of how to get a DAS pass to escort you around the park. Or you rented a wheelchair for $20 without having a disability.

I'm saddened for families that require it, that they have to go through a rigourous process to get the pass now.

 

[Aladora]

I'm saddened for families that require it, that they have to go through a rigourous process to get the pass now.

We've gone to Disneyland twice since the change from the old GAC to the new DAS and as someone who has used both, I can assure you that the process for getting the new DAS is not rigorous in the slightest. It is almost identical to the process that we used to go through to get the GAC. There is the one addition of the photo but that is really it. The only thing the cast member asks is: what kind of accommodation do you require?

The implementation of the DAS at Disneyland is quite smooth and while it would be nice to have a kiosk in every land, it was not that hard to go to a kiosk and get a return time.

Between fast passes and return times, there is very little waiting and what little there is can be filled with rides that have shorter stand by lines.

I would not be saddened for those of us who need to get a DAS, most of us are coping with the change just fine!

 

[2tinkerbell]

We've gone to Disneyland twice since the change from the old GAC to the new DAS and as someone who has used both, I can assure you that the process for getting the new DAS is not rigorous in the slightest. It is almost identical to the process that we used to go through to get the GAC. There is the one addition of the photo but that is really it. The only thing the cast member asks is: what kind of accommodation do you require?

The implementation of the DAS at Disneyland is quite smooth and while it would be nice to have a kiosk in every land, it was not that hard to go to a kiosk and get a return time.

Between fast passes and return times, there is very little waiting and what little there is can be filled with rides that have shorter stand by lines.

I would not be saddened for those of us who need to get a DAS, most of us are coping with the change just fine!

I have to agree with Aladora on this. I know that Aladora was worried about the DAS prior to her first trip. I also know that she worked with her child prior to the trip and that she worked with her child during the trip. She has posted her tips and they are very doable tips.

We have been to Disneyland using the GAC and the DAS. Like Aladora, we are coping with the change just fine. For us, I personally like the DAS so much better. Together with FP and the return times we got to do what we wanted to do. The bonus was we got to sit back and enjoy our trip more. Running around from ride to ride actually was more taxing on my DD and she was less able to employ her coping strategies. It was like she was on a high and couldn't stop. An example, she was sort of like when your child is tired - like really tired but they can't slow down enough to sleep and they start spiraling. This last trip, none of that. In fact it was so enjoyable that I am surprising her with a trip in a couple of weeks.

I am sorry, but, I am one of those people who are agreeing with Disney on this issue. I am also one of those parents that think if something is so devastating on your child that they experience what the individuals in the lawsuit are experiencing (spots on their hands with no skin because of the child being so anxious they pick at themselves and full blow meltdowns) then perhaps Disney isn't the best option for them at that time/stage. I am also one of those parents who feel that life doesn't "owe" my DD anything nor does she "deserve" anything extra because she is a person with a disability and therefore life hasn't been fair. My DD is a person just like you and I. Yes, we make reasonable accommodations for her and the DAS, in my opinion, is a reasonable accommodation. Okay, I am off my soapbox, so flame away.

 

[gottalovepluto]

We've gone to Disneyland twice since the change from the old GAC to the new DAS and as someone who has used both, I can assure you that the process for getting the new DAS is not rigorous in the slightest. It is almost identical to the process that we used to go through to get the GAC. There is the one addition of the photo but that is really it. The only thing the cast member asks is: what kind of accommodation do you require? The implementation of the DAS at Disneyland is quite smooth and while it would be nice to have a kiosk in every land, it was not that hard to go to a kiosk and get a return time. Between fast passes and return times, there is very little waiting and what little there is can be filled with rides that have shorter stand by lines. I would not be saddened for those of us who need to get a DAS, most of us are coping with the change just fine!

This is so reassuring, thank you for posting. We don't have a trip in the works now but try to go every few years. We have someone who required a GAC, now DAS, and I just start psyching myself out about the whole thing when I see words like "lawsuit" related to the new system. Reading these comments and the sticky info on the disABILITIES threads has been very reassuring that we will still be able to enjoy the parks just fine- maybe even more!

 

[Aladora]

This is so reassuring, thank you for posting. We don't have a trip in the works now but try to go every few years. We have someone who required a GAC, now DAS, and I just start psyching myself out about the whole thing when I see words like "lawsuit" related to the new system. Reading these comments and the sticky info on the disABILITIES threads has been very reassuring that we will still be able to enjoy the parks just fine- maybe even more!

Please feel free to ask me any questions you might have. You can either send me a message here or an email if you prefer.

 

[bumbershoot]

Disney should have done something about the blatant exploitation of the DAS long before the media exposed it.

Just to be super specific, the system they had before was the GAC. Now it's called DAS. There was no exploitation of DAS before, because it didn't exist.

 

[MommyJKM]

We've gone to Disneyland twice since the change from the old GAC to the new DAS and as someone who has used both, I can assure you that the process for getting the new DAS is not rigorous in the slightest. It is almost identical to the process that we used to go through to get the GAC. There is the one addition of the photo but that is really it. The only thing the cast member asks is: what kind of accommodation do you require?

The implementation of the DAS at Disneyland is quite smooth and while it would be nice to have a kiosk in every land, it was not that hard to go to a kiosk and get a return time.

Between fast passes and return times, there is very little waiting and what little there is can be filled with rides that have shorter stand by lines.

I would not be saddened for those of us who need to get a DAS, most of us are coping with the change just fine!

I'm glad you've had a great experience. My family hasn't. I was expressing that there should be a better way to accomodate families, maybe I didn't express it right.

 

[Zbugz]

While we do not have to get the DAS, we do have to get return times for my paralyzed daughter. Sometimes this works well and sometimes it does not. When it works well, we wait approximately the same amount of time as the standby line. The part that doesn't work so well is when we have to wait 15+ mins. once we've returned for our ride time due to others waiting/limits of # of disabled on the ride/special transfer vehicles. As this is the same return location as DAS card holders, I can imagine that this really creates a hardship for those that have sensory processing problems. If DLR can fine tune this program to eliminate the backup in the return lines I think it will work well (enough).

 

[nikkislaght]

IT just makes me angry to hear people suing Disney for crap like this...

They will be the people we will be thanking when Disney take the DAS away and just tell everyone to suck it up... and if you cant wait in line.. thats your problem not theirs..
I think it is really really hard to accommodate EVERYONE.. As there are so many different ways that someone can be disabled...
I believe DIseny go way beyond what they need to do to accommodate us.. and us I mean ME.. I use the DAS and the GAS before that... there are some places that they would laugh at you if you asked for that kind of card....

If your child is having "meltdowns" in DIsney because they have to wait,, then they are having "meltdowns" at the supermarket. or the doctors office or the park for a swing or the classroom when lining up to go in from recess.... its not solely at DIsneyland that this is happening.. and they know it...

Yes they have the right to go there and have a great time... but to try and say that the DIsney family is not being accommodating to them is bullsh**... and they know it..

Typical children "meltdown" also.. should we allow that child to go to the front of the line too.. if every one is getting front line passes, gues what . that means we still have to wait.. oh I know. lets shut Disney down for the day to accommodate children who cant wait...
Believe me, Im not trying to be an ***** here.. I have a child with AD/AD and SPD and High Anxiety.. but you know what ,, we have NEVER gotten the Card for him..
if he is having a hard time.. then he goes to a quiet place and gathers himself....

I get the card because I cant do stairs.... but when the people in wheel chairs are ahead of me.. Im sure as sh&* not standing there yelling that Disney is not accommodating me..

If someone thinks Im being harsh.. then yes I am.. I live with a progressive nuro musclular disorder , and maybe soon will be in a wheelchair... but Im not out there yelling foul because someone got in line beofre me..!!!

 

[Newsiemj]

The DAS works just fine for my two boys. Granted, we never used the GAC so we didn't have anything to compare it to.

We love the DAS because we are more than happy to wait our turn, but it is really best for everyone that they don't wait in a confined space with lots of people. They learn that they do not get instant gratification, but so not have to be in a situation where they are set up to fail.

We are so grateful to Disney for the great experiences our kids can have in their parks!