Universal now requiring documentation be sent to a third party for accessibility

[DisneyOma]

I see what Disney see’s …people smiling and conversing normally as I wait in the long line for DAS registration at customer relations on day 1. I think to myself.. what’s different about the long line for DAS registration and a long line for a ride? I see the vast majority of people in the DAS registration line on day 1 very relaxed and comfortable. Those who abuse the system can ruin it for kids that truly need some help

So you can wait in the the long queue for DAS, but others can't? This makes no sense to me at all - could you clarify, please?

 

[HopperFan]

none of those factors matter at our doctors.

There are signs posted on the walls throughout the offices that ALL paperwork incurs a fee. It doesn't matter if it's part of an appointment or not, when you ask, what for.

All. Paperwork. Be happy to take photos of proof for ya.

Why I said depends on doctor.

Multiple doctors - never had issue.

You have issues. I don’t. We all have different experiences. That’s okay.

 

[Leigh L]

I see what Disney see’s …people smiling and conversing normally as I wait in the long line for DAS registration at customer relations on day 1. I think to myself.. what’s different about the long line for DAS registration and a long line for a ride? I see the vast majority of people in the DAS registration line on day 1 very relaxed and comfortable. Those who abuse the system can ruin it for kids that truly need some help

There is a HUGE difference.

First, Disney has simplified the process by allowing people to do it online which makes it so much easier for some people who need a DAS. Secondly, chances are it's early in the day and it's just one line. Not line upon line all day long. Plus, just because someone may look happy and relaxed isn't necessarily reflective of what's going on inside.

My adult DD has a DAS. Disney is one of the few vacation places in her life that truly provides her joy. Chances are you'll see her smiling. Despite this, it's very difficult for her in the parks. DAS allows her to enjoy more of the parks.

Genie+ wouldn't work for someone like her since it doesn't allow rerides. Due to the nature of her disability, there is no Slinky Dog Dash, no Space Mountain, no Big Thunder, no Seven Dwarves, no Everest, Tron, Cosmic Rewind, etc. So there are a lot of Small World, Jungle Cruise, and Figment rerides, since those are some of her favorites.

When you make statements like the above, please understand what you "see" isn't necessarily what you see. When my DD is at Disney she's (mostly) all smiles and may or may not appear relaxed, depending upon the day or even that minute. But that's not the majority of the day. I'm sure many others who use and need the DAS can relate.

But believe me, my DD would 110% rather be able to stand in long lines and do the headliners than need a DAS.

 

[jo-jo]

Genie+ wouldn't work for someone like her since it doesn't allow rerides. Due to the nature of her disability, there is no Slinky Dog Dash, no Space Mountain, no Big Thunder, no Seven Dwarves, no Everest, Tron, Cosmic Rewind, etc. So there are a lot of Small World, Jungle Cruise, and Figment rerides, since those are some of her favorites.

Your list sounds like the one for DH. Add the railroad . buzz and peoplemover. But that isn't the reason why he needs DAS. He can no longer do the big rides due to knees which disney sees as a mobilty issue. No complaint there. The list has been getting smaller as the years went by.

But it's an "inside" condition with all the meds that has made changes, that even waiting for small world could be hard.

 

[lanejudy]

Another reminder...

This is a system in place now at Universal as well as several other theme parks around the US. This is process is NOT currently used at either of the Disney parks in the US.

We will not be comparing which disability is worse or more worthy of accommodation. Until you walk a mile in that person's shoes you do cannot really understand the impact on their life.

 

[LiamB1987]

I was just denied the Disability Pass.

I have held passes before at both Disney and Universal.

I received a call today on my cell phone from Universal. The call went straight to my voice mail and never showed up on my recent calls or missed calls. They said in the voice mail that they would email me with some information. I read the email which included a phone number to call them back with my case number. I called them back and they asked about my needs and how many in my traveling party (Husband & son with me). My needs are frequent need for a restroom as quite a few others on here have posted needing also. The Team Member on the phone went on to explain that in these situations they recommend that you leave the line while the rest of your party waits. I explained that I have tried this before and have had other guest get confrontational with me trying to re-enter the line and passing by them. This is why I have been granted this pass previously. They went on to explain they are working with their Team Members at the attractions about this and I do not qualify for the pass. Please let me know if anyone else has been able to get there pass for their restrooms needs.

I do have an Autistic son which I haven’t bother ever getting him a pass of his own cause he has always gone off mine. So now I will have to go and get him his own pass so I can be able to use it with him for my needs. I will be stopping at Guest Services at the park during our August trip coming up to see what they say there.

Sorry to hear this. I suffer from the same kind of issues and previously used the AAP to be able to experience Hagrids. I was fortunate enough to have express for the other rides.

In theory I would actually probably prefer a system which allowed for easily leaving lines and rejoining because it means I could just feel "normal". I'm just not sure how feesible it is when the lines can be quite densely packed and I can see people getting really annoyed thinking you're cutting in line (which you say you've had experience of before). I hope you get it sorted and are still able to have an enjoyable day at the parks

Just to add my two cents on things in general. It's been really disheartening to read some of the comments on this thread. I'd encourage people to just have a bit more empathy. Living with an invisible disability really sucks and causes a lot of additional anxiety because you worry about what other people are thinking.

While there will always, with any system, be some people who try to abuse it, the majority of people are honest and decent and just need a little help and understanding.

 

[notatallmagic]

As a point of reference (I know I've posted this on another thread); depending on what my kid is wearing, her disability can be invisible as well. If you were considering 10 average days, maybe 1 or 2 she might be able to almost do what she did pre-diagnosis (depending on the weather, temperature, sleep quality, what she ate, medication timing, and a multitude of other uncontrollable factors); so that might be the day you see her smiling in lines and looking super healthy. 1 or 2 days of those 10 the parks might be a total NO GO; or maybe just an hour or two. But she would likely be stuck in the room or crying in the bathroom, so nobody would ever witness that, except maybe her family. The other 6-8 days, she needs that DAS to do a FRACTION of what we used to do as Disney pre-diagnosis.

We have a before and after to compare; so 1) since her doctor was the one who told her she needed to get the DAS and 2) since we are now paying more for Disney and doing/seeing less (FastPass+ would have been helpful if it still existed) then I see a very logical need/requirement for this accomodation. It doesn't allow more, it just allows the potential for a closer to normal day.

 

[DLgal]

I see what Disney see’s …people smiling and conversing normally as I wait in the long line for DAS registration at customer relations on day 1. I think to myself.. what’s different about the long line for DAS registration and a long line for a ride? I see the vast majority of people in the DAS registration line on day 1 very relaxed and comfortable. Those who abuse the system can ruin it for kids that truly need some help

I'm sorry, but this is such a weird take.

I have a child who struggles with his sensory issues related to autism. He uses a DAS. He LOVES being at Disney parks. If he is there, and not being stressed by something, he is smiling and happy and cracking jokes and puns with his brother (also autistic). When we have to renew his DAS, we have JUST arrived. Nothing has caused him stress yet. Why wouldn't he be smiling and happy and talking about his day?

Unless we arrive and its 100 degrees and the sun is blazing in his eyes and the band is playing 10 feet away, and the person in line in front of him is screaming or yelling and people are crowding him and bumping into him, he is not going to be in distress.

The line for DAS is typically 2-5 minutes in length. It's single file. People are not all up in your space. It's outdoors, usually under shade. It's not a situation that causes issues for my son. This is also how we can manage to wait in lines for food carts, photo pass pictures, and literally every other short, outdoor line.

DAS users are not incapable of waiting in ANY line. They usually are incapable of waiting in specific types of queues, for a specific amount of time. My son, for example, can handle a queue up to about 45 minutes as long as it's fully outdoors. He can handle about 20-30 minutes indoors in a mostly single file line. He starts to get agitated in switchback lines indoors after about 10 minutes. He cannot stand "holding rooms" and when a ride has those we have to stand all the way in the back corner, away from everyone. He will often turn around and face the wall so he can mentally lose the crowd. He can't stand to have people bump into him. It causes a startle reflex. Sudden loud noises like a kid screaming or crying literally causes pain in his ears and he also startles. Imagine if every sensation was magnified 10x or more, all the time. Then imagine being in a crowded, long attraction queue. It's hard to manage that all day long. These are involuntary responses and something we have had to work around for my child's whole 17 years of life so far. We have missed out on a lot of experiences because of it.

We have tools he uses in the parks to help mitigate these effects. He has ear defenders and earplugs, a hat and dark glasses, something pleasant to smell if bad odors are nearby, a cooling towel for when it's "too hot" (which to him is like 80 degrees). However, it's nice to be able to not have to worry about potential sensory overload in every attraction line. It makes our day more enjoyable and allows us to spend more than 2 or 3 hours in the park. It's not perfect, though. The meltdowns still occur sometimes, and they are unpredictable and intense. But the DAS removes ONE stressor from the experience, and we are grateful for that.

It's weird that you think everyone with a disability should be walking around sad and miserable all the time, or that all autistic people should look or act "autistic." Newsflash: disabled people are not all the same.

My other son with autism has no sensory issues. He is actually hyposensitive. He is aloof and unaware of his surroundings most of the time. He doesn't feel pain or heat normally. He once placed his hand on the hood of our Weber grill while it was preheating and didn't immediate remove it. He burned himself pretty badly. He was 4. He had a 106 fever last year with flu. He was completely oblivious. He is 19 now. He probably likes Disneyland because everything is so loud and intense and he can experience some sensory input for a change. He doesn't need a DAS. He's the guy in line all up in your space because he has no sense of body awareness or placement.

 

[notatallmagic]

I'm sorry, but this is such a weird take.

I have a child who struggles with his sensory issues related to autism. He uses a DAS. He LOVES being at Disney parks. If he is there, and not being stressed by something, he is smiling and happy and cracking jokes and puns with his brother (also autistic). When we have to renew his DAS, we have JUST arrived. Nothing has caused him stress yet. Why wouldn't he be smiling and happy and talking about his day?

Unless we arrive and its 100 degrees and the sun is blazing in his eyes and the band is playing 10 feet away, and the person in line in front of him is screaming or yelling and people are crowding him and bumping into him, he is not going to be in distress.

The line for DAS is typically 2-5 minutes in length. It's single file. People are not all up in your space. It's outdoors, usually under shade. It's not a situation that causes issues for my son. This is also how we can manage to wait in lines for food carts, photo pass pictures, and literally every other short, outdoor line.

DAS users are not incapable of waiting in ANY line. They usually are incapable of waiting in specific types of queues, for a specific amount of time. My son, for example, can handle a queue up to about 45 minutes as long as it's fully outdoors. He can handle about 20-30 minutes indoors in a mostly single file line. He starts to get agitated in switchback lines indoors after about 10 minutes. He cannot stand "holding rooms" and when a ride has those we have to stand all the way in the back corner, away from everyone. He will often turn around and face the wall so he can mentally lose the crowd. He can't stand to have people bump into him. It causes a startle reflex. Sudden loud noises like a kid screaming or crying literally causes pain in his ears and he also startles. Imagine if every sensation was magnified 10x or more, all the time. Then imagine being in a crowded, long attraction queue. It's hard to manage that all day long. These are involuntary responses and something we have had to work around for my child's whole 17 years of life so far. We have missed out on a lot of experiences because of it.

We have tools he uses in the parks to help mitigate these effects. He has ear defenders and earplugs, a hat and dark glasses, something pleasant to smell if bad odors are nearby, a cooling towel for when it's "too hot" (which to him is like 80 degrees). However, it's nice to be able to not have to worry about potential sensory overload in every attraction line. It makes our day more enjoyable and allows us to spend more than 2 or 3 hours in the park. It's not perfect, though. The meltdowns still occur sometimes, and they are unpredictable and intense. But the DAS removes ONE stressor from the experience, and we are grateful for that.

It's weird that you think everyone with a disability should be walking around sad and miserable all the time, or that all autistic people should look or act "autistic." Newsflash: disabled people are not all the same.

Amen. As a contrast to your child, mine (on most days) cannot do direct sunlight for more than a few minutes. Others with her condition might tolerate it, or have an opposite reaction to hers. Even within the same condition/diagnosis, there can be different abilities to handle different things. Thanks for a great post.

 

[Ursula J]

I don't know that I understand why they are now seeming to give out something even better than they were. And yes it will be a huge incentive for families to push the limits. Sadly there are still ways to find drs and such that will agree to a statement that they need the pass. Yes some could risk getting in trouble but it happens all the time for other request.

A few years ago I was diagnosed with permanent tendon damage that meant I had to stop running. I joked to the doctor that it better be okay for walking because we were headed to WDW and he said 'oh, I can write you a disability letter. ' I said 'But it's really okay when I'm just walking and standing' And he said 'well, they don't need to know that.' I was furious. I have people in my life who are actually disabled, and I was not about to exploit accommodations. But I think a lot of people don't realize how easy it is to exploit IF you don't care.

 

[DLgal]

Amen. As a contrast to your child, mine (on most days) cannot do direct sunlight for more than a few minutes. Others with her condition might tolerate it, or have an opposite reaction to hers. Even within the same condition/diagnosis, there can be different abilities to handle different things. Thanks for a great post.

Well, we also have a UV umbrella. He can stand the sun as long as he is not in it.

We were at a waterpark this weekend and he took his darkened goggles off for a photo, and the sun was in his eyes for 2 seconds and he started screaming in pain. He was BIG mad at me for asking him to remove the goggles. We almost had to pack it up and go home.

 

[2tinkerbell]

One of the reason why I love Disneyland is because they don’t care about a diagnosis. My daughter has a “non definitive diagnosis.” It causes problems in public schools and in applying for any kind of services. I like that at DLR, they just ask what problems we have standing in lines.

While we make a good portion of the accommodations ourselves, there are some we simply can’t do, so my DD gets the DAS card. It makes the difference between being able to be in the parks or not. Trust me, we have tried it without. She thought that she could do Disneyland without several years ago. About mid morning she was crying and was upset that she couldn’t do what she wanted to do without. It was too exhausting for her to keep strategizing and coping.

I am worried that Disney might go the way of the 3rd party. Yes, my DD does receive SSI but most of her professionals have retired and we haven’t had to replace them other than her PCP.

 

[Disneychick13]

A few years ago I was diagnosed with permanent tendon damage that meant I had to stop running. I joked to the doctor that it better be okay for walking because we were headed to WDW and he said 'oh, I can write you a disability letter. ' I said 'But it's really okay when I'm just walking and standing' And he said 'well, they don't need to know that.' I was furious. I have people in my life who are actually disabled, and I was not about to exploit accommodations. But I think a lot of people don't realize how easy it is to exploit IF you don't care.

That’s exactly the problem. The ease of being able to get DAS (which is great if you legitimately need it) opens it up to fraud. And no one (maybe not even Disney) knows what the true level of abuse is. And while using a third party service that requires some type of verification wouldn’t eliminate the abuse entirely ( because just having a disability does not mean that you require a DAS pass) it would eliminate those people that just flat out lie (while they might not feel too bad gaming a vulnerable system, they probably wouldn‘t be able to actually get a dr to go along with it (or might be too embarrassed to ask).

I know someone that gets a DAS for their child. Going to the parks is very difficult for them even with the pass. So when I hear of people (like a family that I overheard on a Disney tram where the wife told the husband that they wouldn’t have to wait in line because she was going to say the son had ADD) gaming the system (which has to be way more widespread than it ever was because of the cost of Genie+/lightning lane selections) it really makes me mad.

 

[PurpleKomodo]

I have been watching and reading this thread for a couple of days, while simultaneously getting ready for a short WDW trip and first Disney Cruise with our medically complex 4 year old. I have some thoughts on this system. I have no problem getting or providing documentation to prove our 4 year old's disability. It isn't anything we can hide anyway when we pull up to Guest Relations in a power chair loaded down with medical equipment. My kiddo sees multiple specialists as well as a pediatrician who could easily give us the documentation we need to prove the need. But, if we have to go through an extra step, there are some things I would like from the system in return.

-Personalized accommodations would be really nice and helpful. My child's difficulty with lines is very different than a child or adult with a developmental or sensory disability. He does not have difficulty waiting emotionally, doesn't get overwhelmed or overstimulated in lines or crowds etc. Our difficulty with long lines is the unpredictability of his medical needs and propensity for fatigue, especially in the heat. If we have to stop and deal with an airway issue, we will hold up a whole line (including a LL) while we address it. He can't wait for us to make our way out of line for us to clear his airway if he is struggling. Also, when considering equal access, due to his difficulties with fatigue, access to shorter lines gives opportunity to experience the same amount of things in a given day as typical families. There is also just the reality that literally everything we do takes longer when we have to transfer, put on or remove orthotics, etc. Having a company with training to really ask the right questions and understand what someone needs may really help the park be able to tier accommodations to the needs of the guests.
-Accommodations that reach beyond attractions would also be great. My child is tube fed so being charged for a spot at a table really is not awesome. Could we establish a lower rate to charge non-eaters at buffets? Especially if there is documentation that this person really doesn't eat and isn't just picky and going to eat dessert from Mom's plate anyway? I think we could with a system like this. What about a guide to meet us at security since we have so many things to bring in? Just a couple of ideas.

Here is where you all may come from me, but I'm going to say it anyway. I have two other children who are 6 and 10. They both have ADHD diagnoses and are both medicated. Waiting in long lines with them is not always sunshine and rainbows either. They touch everything, get in people's space, get impatient, get loud, etc. But, I have never even considered getting them a DAS. I'm also a School Psychologist and see lots of kids with sensory difficulties, anxiety, and other mental health difficulties. So, I know that these disabilities are very real and very impactful on everyday life. However, I do not believe everyone who has these diagnoses requires DAS. There is a difference between uncomfortable and impossible. I am okay with these companies asking for more information to help sort that out. Because the reality is that more people using the system makes it work less well for everyone (as in the LL gets longer). It is going to be impossible to weed out people who just know the right things to say, but having to have a doctor sign off on it really helps. I understand not all doctors provide this for free, but if you can afford Disney, I'm pretty confident a $10 paperwork fee is going to be okay. Consider it part of your budget if you really need this pass to make a park like Disney work.

We continue to choose Disney because it is the most accessible for our kiddo. But, there are still things I would improve. And don't get me started on DCL (as far as this pre-trip process). But, if taking steps to cut down abuse could allow for more personalized or better accommodations, especially for families like ours dealing with pretty rare stuff, I am all for it. So, if Disney starts using this, I am not worried.

 

[OurBigTrip]

As Disney very purposefully moved away from expedited access, I don’t see them going back to it. All of us, with or without disabilities, have to decide whether the time we can spend in the parks is worth it.

 

[HopperFan]

I’ve never been to universal, so have no idea of lines. But what if you were using a scooter? One can not easily exit a line and get back in at Disney.

From Universal website ~

At most of our attractions, the queue experience is an important part of telling the story of the overall attraction experience. Although our attraction queues (with the exception of Hogwarts Express™) cannot accommodate Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs), all attraction queues are accessible to guests using wheelchairs (with the exception of Pteranodon Flyers™ in Universal's Islands of Adventure—see an Attractions Attendant for assistance). There are specific boarding requirements and accommodations for those using wheelchairs at each attraction. If you’re capable of transferring to the ride vehicle seat either by yourself or with the assistance of someone in your party, you may transfer.

 

[Evita_W]

From Universal website ~

At most of our attractions, the queue experience is an important part of telling the story of the overall attraction experience. Although our attraction queues (with the exception of Hogwarts Express™) cannot accommodate Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs), all attraction queues are accessible to guests using wheelchairs (with the exception of Pteranodon Flyers™ in Universal's Islands of Adventure—see an Attractions Attendant for assistance). There are specific boarding requirements and accommodations for those using wheelchairs at each attraction. If you’re capable of transferring to the ride vehicle seat either by yourself or with the assistance of someone in your party, you may transfer.

This poses even more issues, for example with DH, I can't push him, so he would have to push an empty chair, standing, then if his issue hits, try to maneuver it to his scooter, then get the scooter to the bathroom, then maneuver the wheelchair back through the queue to get back to where I am. I don't think this is at all reasonable.

 

[EveDallas]

Still haven't heard anything one way or the other. In a few days I've gone from being excited about surprising my son with a birthday trip next month to stressing about this stupid card and worrying that I've tossed several hundred bucks in the garbage.

 

[HopperFan]

Still haven't heard anything one way or the other. In a few days I've gone from being excited about surprising my son with a birthday trip next month to stressing about this stupid card and worrying that I've tossed several hundred bucks in the garbage.

Haven't heard back from IBCCES or heard from UO to discuss your accommodations?

 

[EveDallas]

Haven't heard back from IBCCES or heard from UO to discuss your accommodations?

Either one. I just wish I had some idea how long it takes.