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

[lanejudy]

Just a reminder to be considerate of both invisible and obvious disabilities - the need to those in that situation is just as real as any other need.

 

[OurBigTrip]

Are more people abusing it or are more people actually taking advantage of what is available to them? Let's look back even 20 years ago when no one really talked about mental illness and things like ADHD or Anxiety. Mental issues were not understood nor taken seriously. People were just told to "deal with it". Those people didn't go to the parks because they couldn't. Of course we are seeing more people utilize DAS, mainly because these people are now able to got to the parks knowing that there is this service for them.
I don't think that we are seeing more abuse, I think that we are seeing more people being able to go to WDW because they offer help for their issues, whatever they may be.

Probably a bit of both.

I agree, probably some of both, as well as a third thing (IMO, at least). Guests who do have a disability, could do the parks without the DAS, but get it because it's available so why not?

 

[DisneyOma]

This is a GLOBAL company and they have been providing this service to theme parks and business for many years. It is their specialty. They do training for companies. They know what they are doing.

Just because businesses have bought into handing off the responsibility of making a decision in no way makes this company reputable. Think of Wells Fargo

 

[Genie+]

I agree, probably some of both, as well as a third thing (IMO, at least). Guests who do have a disability, could do the parks without the DAS, but get it because it's available so why not?

I wouldn’t be surprised if DAS requests increased since the FP+ days. In 2021 people were posting how they met their own needs through use of FP+ but with no system to bypass lines in place they moved to DAS. So even before G+ was introduced there was likely an uptick in usage.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I wouldn’t be surprised if DAS requests increased since the FP+ days. In 2021 people were posting how they met their own needs through use of FP+ but with no system to bypass lines in place they moved to DAS. So even before G+ was introduced there was likely an uptick in usage.

That makes sense though - I can absolutely see how someone who didn't need DAS when free FP+ was available now needing a DAS.

What I'm talking about though, and we see it here and on other boards, is "I (or DH, DD, DS, etc.) was just diagnosed with xxx - will that qualify for a DAS?"

It just seems odd to me.

 

[UnderneathAMagicMoon]

What I'm talking about though, and we see it here and on other boards, is "I (or DH, DD, DS, etc.) was just diagnosed with xxx - will that qualify for a DAS?"

It just seems odd to me.

I think it’s possible that the rates of various things really do seem to be on the rise (with Covid playing a role as well due to delayed medical treatment and mental health impacts.) I’ve been reading a lot about this since my son started showing signs of maybe being neurodivergent in some way. There are a lot of medical disorders / differences that really do seem to be skyrocketing in industrialized nations, from autism to autoimmune / inflammation related conditions. There are lots of theories as to why but I feel like I see more people in my life struggling with these.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I think it’s possible that the rates of various things really do seem to be on the rise (with Covid playing a role as well due to delayed medical treatment and mental health impacts.) I’ve been reading a lot about this since my son started showing signs of maybe being neurodivergent in some way. There are a lot of medical disorders / differences that really do seem to be skyrocketing in industrialized nations, from autism to autoimmune / inflammation related conditions. There are lots of theories as to why but I feel like I see more people in my life struggling with these.

Yes, I understand that, but that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about people who get a diagnosis, and right away it's "Can I get a DAS for that?" rather than seeing if they actually even need a DAS in order to enjoy the parks. I mean, if I'm at WDW this week and I'm having some health issues, but I'm able to enjoy the parks just fine, why would a diagnosis (with no change in symptoms/needs) suddenly make me need a DAS?

 

[jo-jo]

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.

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.

 

[greeneyedchick]

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.

I am so sorry to hear this. I suffer from the same thing (and was surprised to hear that there are others out there like me. I'm sorry that you all suffer with this, too). I can't go see a movie. Long car rides are difficult. I drive my kids crazy with how often I need to stop at every restroom when we are out. I'm disheartened to hear that they denied you. Did they say that they would reconsider if you got a doctor's note or did you already have one? There's a lot of lines where it's difficult to leave and get back through the crowd. And people are not nice about it, especially for an adult. If you have a toddler with you, people seem to be more understanding. I wonder if there is a way for you to appeal to Universal or get some kind of note from Universal saying that you are allowed to exit the line and re-enter? What happens if a cast member is not trained to understand? This is absolutely disheartening.

 

[notatallmagic]

Yes, I understand that, but that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about people who get a diagnosis, and right away it's "Can I get a DAS for that?" rather than seeing if they actually even need a DAS in order to enjoy the parks. I mean, if I'm at WDW this week and I'm having some health issues, but I'm able to enjoy the parks just fine, why would a diagnosis (with no change in symptoms/needs) suddenly make me need a DAS?

Replying to two different posts - the diagnosis rate of my DAS holder's particular issue has increased anywhere from 50% to 300%+ based on what articles you read. It can be caused by a virus...so there you go.

We were considering NOT going to Disney after diagnosis due to what we'd experience locally at our close-by amusement park. When we were telling the doctor about it, she said "You need a DAS!" She's a big Disney person, and told my daughter that it would be necessary for the issues she experiences. Since we were new to everything, we took her at her word. We also had a life-threatening experience shortly after Disney re-opened when DAS wasn't working as it should have, so that was the affirmation that we needed. Our issues aren't the type where if we're struggling we can just go back to the room (although a mild issue may have that solution); we can end up with seizures, loss of consciousness, or worse. So just trying it without isn't really an option...

 

[ArielRae]

I am so sorry to hear this. I suffer from the same thing (and was surprised to hear that there are others out there like me. I'm sorry that you all suffer with this, too). I can't go see a movie. Long car rides are difficult. I drive my kids crazy with how often I need to stop at every restroom when we are out. I'm disheartened to hear that they denied you. Did they say that they would reconsider if you got a doctor's note or did you already have one? There's a lot of lines where it's difficult to leave and get back through the crowd. And people are not nice about it, especially for an adult. If you have a toddler with you, people seem to be more understanding. I wonder if there is a way for you to appeal to Universal or get some kind of note from Universal saying that you are allowed to exit the line and re-enter? What happens if a cast member is not trained to understand? This is absolutely disheartening.

I do have and did submit a doctors note from my Urologist that states my restroom needs. They still said you have to leave and return. I stressed the issues I have had with other guests leaving and returning to an attraction but they seemed set in their decision. I think they should give you a lanyard you can show to other guests and team members when you walk back into a line that you’re not cutting just returning from having to leave. Those new people that just got into line that didn’t see you leave can give you a hard time when you try to excuse yourself as you walk past them.

 

[greeneyedchick]

I do have and did submit a doctors note from my Urologist that states my restroom needs. They still said you have to leave and return. I stressed the issues I have had with other guests leaving and returning to an attraction but they seemed set in their decision. I think they should give you a lanyard you can show to other guests and team members when you walk back into a line that you’re not cutting just returning from having to leave. Those new people that just got into line that didn’t see you leave can give you a hard time when you try to excuse yourself as you walk past them.

Agreed. If no DAS pass, having a pass to show that you're allowed to return to the line would help a lot. I would try reaching out to guest relations before your trip to see if you can at least get something in writing from them that you can print out and show to people if you encounter any issues.

 

[ClapYourHands]

Yes, I understand that, but that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about people who get a diagnosis, and right away it's "Can I get a DAS for that?" rather than seeing if they actually even need a DAS in order to enjoy the parks. I mean, if I'm at WDW this week and I'm having some health issues, but I'm able to enjoy the parks just fine, why would a diagnosis (with no change in symptoms/needs) suddenly make me need a DAS?

Maybe because it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

I’m heading to Universal next month. I have IBD, and have never needed any sort of accommodations. But I’ve also never gone to a theme park while in flare. Recently I had a pretty bad one. Not going into the gory symptom details, but I carried a change of pants with me because there were a few times I almost didn’t make the restroom, despite having the nearest ones mapped out for every building I enter. I absolutely would not have been able to stand in long lines.

Universal’s new requirement to get documentation and pre register means I kind of can’t just wing it. I’ve always been comforted by the knowledge that if I ended up with a severe flair on vacation, I could talk to guest services and get a pass. I’ve never done it because I’ve never needed it. But now I’m wondering if I should be asking for a letter and registering with this third party because if I don’t, and I get sick in Orlando, there’s nothing I can do to salvage my time in the parks.

 

[OurBigTrip]

Maybe because it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

I’m heading to Universal next month. I have IBD, and have never needed any sort of accommodations. But I’ve also never gone to a theme park while in flare. Recently I had a pretty bad one. Not going into the gory symptom details, but I carried a change of pants with me because there were a few times I almost didn’t make the restroom, despite having the nearest ones mapped out for every building I enter. I absolutely would not have been able to stand in long lines.

Universal’s new requirement to get documentation and pre register means I kind of can’t just wing it. I’ve always been comforted by the knowledge that if I ended up with a severe flair on vacation, I could talk to guest services and get a pass. I’ve never done it because I’ve never needed it. But now I’m wondering if I should be asking for a letter and registering with this third party because if I don’t, and I get sick in Orlando, there’s nothing I can do to salvage my time in the parks.

I started to quote another poster, and now I can't delete it, so please ignore the top reference to notallmagic.

In the case of Universal, I can see trying to get approved ahead of time because there is no way to do it day-of. But that isn't the case with DAS - a guest can get a DAS any time they need to.

As for having it just in case? How many people do you really think wouldn't use it if they have it, even if they don't need to? I'm guessing very few, because the benefits of it are just too good to pass up.

I have no idea and wouldn't even venture a guess as to whether Disney will go to a system where proof is required, but I wouldn't be surprised if they do. They already a federal court which has agreed that they don't have to provide accommodations that negatively impact park operations; if DAS abuse/overuse continues, it may well get to the point that without some kind of proof and cracking down on who gets one, it will be difficult for them to provide any kind of line accommodations.

 

[DVCPAT]

Are you seriously saying you don't believe in the existence of invisible disabilities? And you really don't think that those people might be smiling because the accommodation fully meets their needs?

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

 

[Lewisc]

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.

Many attractions at Universal don't allow scooters in the queues, guests have to transfer to a complimentary wheelchair prior to getting on line.

Edited to add this includes the newer attractions.

 

[ToxicRoyalty]

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

Well, there's a couple differences.

One, it's not just a "DAS registration line." It's the line for all guest services. Not everyone smiling and having a good time is trying to get a DAS.

Two, the queues for guest services tend to be different than ride queues- more open, outdoors, easily "escapable," etc. Compare guest services at MK to the line for midway mania, for example.

Three, registering/renewing DAS is probably the first thing most people who need it are doing that day- people may still be excited and anticipating the day, vs 4 hours in when whatever they need the DAS for may be affecting them way more strongly.

Also, you know you can just.. be reading people wrong. All the time people mistake someone's relaxed face for irritated, their tiredness to be indifference, that sort of thing. Maybe they seem relaxed and comfortable but their head is running a mile a minute. Maybe they have a tendency to laugh in uncomfortable situations, which isn't unusual. Maybe you're annoyed at waiting in a long line, and already have the idea that people are in line to "abuse the system," and therefore anyone that seems anything but miserable seems like they're faking. Just some thoughts.

 

[blrem]

Well, there's a couple differences.

One, it's not just a "DAS registration line." It's the line for all guest services. Not everyone smiling and having a good time is trying to get a DAS.

Two, the queues for guest services tend to be different than ride queues- more open, outdoors, easily "escapable," etc. Compare guest services at MK to the line for midway mania, for example.

Three, registering/renewing DAS is probably the first thing most people who need it are doing that day- people may still be excited and anticipating the day, vs 4 hours in when whatever they need the DAS for may be affecting them way more strongly.

Also, you know you can just.. be reading people wrong. All the time people mistake someone's relaxed face for irritated, their tiredness to be indifference, that sort of thing. Maybe they seem relaxed and comfortable but their head is running a mile a minute. Maybe they have a tendency to laugh in uncomfortable situations, which isn't unusual. Maybe you're annoyed at waiting in a long line, and already have the idea that people are in line to "abuse the system," and therefore anyone that seems anything but miserable seems like they're faking. Just some thoughts.

I'm one of those "unseen disability" individuals. Thank you for this well thought out reply - you couldn't have stated it better. And unless the previous poster who complained about the smiling DAS people in lines has x-ray vision and can see under my clothes, please don't judge what you can't see. Instead, be grateful if you don't need a DAS. I, along with many others who truly require it or we couldn't visit the parks, would gladly trade places with you if we could. BTW I also purchase Genie+ every time I visit. I combine it with DAS to allow me to get on several attractions in a short while before my body gives out and requires I leave after a few hours, if I can even make it that long. So, this isn't saving me money nor am I abusing any system - and if that makes me smile because I can feel normal for a few hours with my family in my "Happy Place" I am very grateful. There's too many days those of us with chronic, debilitating diseases can't smile through our pain. Please don't judge us on the times in life when we can.

 

[bambialways4ever]

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

Sorry, let me tell my partner that in order to be acceptably disabled he needs to frown more and hobble around. #invisibledisabilitiesarestilldisabilities

 

[SirDuff]

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 and your family must also not really need the DAS. I mean, you're waiting in a line that is no different from the ride line, just like the people you are denigrating.