WDW Summary of NEW DAS changes and Disney Genie - Post ONE is an updated summary

[SarahC97]

I know you are all sick of seeing me here.... and believe me, I'm sick of posting my connection issues... sorry... skip if I'm too annoying.... Grasping at any idea or thought here. Trip is 17 days.....

Can I ask what kind of devices folks are using right now that is actually getting the Chat session screen to come up when they hit "Request Video Chat?"

I'm using desktop with Google Chrome, have also tried Windows Edge. And I even tried an incognito session to see if it would work to get me in.... I tried on tablets, phone and Chromebook... all Android or Google products.

Tried from home wifi, over phone, and from computer repair shop wifi.....I even had a family member try their account....

Still today getting the Disney.com home page when I try to initiate the chat. Helpdesk yesterday was no help, wrote to the Disability email - they MAY get back to me within two weeks...

Anyway - just wondering if the Apple products are more successful?

I used my Android phone with chrome.

 

[SueM in MN]

I have a laptop assigned from work, which I use for nothing but work. IT from work has indicated Windows Edge browser has issues with some websites.
I don’t remember if anyone posted about trying Firefox, but it’s another option that might work.

I’ve also heard that a VPN (Virtual Personal Network), spam blockers and cookie blockers might interfere with logging into the video chat. I know some people have not been able to get in when tried using a computer assigned to them for work or to their child from school. Some have blocks on to only allow signing into ‘approved’ networks.

 

[Lsdolphin]

Ok i Give up! I’m thinking we should be ok with buying the genie+. During 5 days visiting parks first thing in morning the end of Sept was able to ride a total of 4 rides. Finally went to Guest services on 6th and last morning and was given a DAS and was able to ride 4 rides on our 6th and last day. Not doing any “headliners” or any roller coasters....actually only able to do several rides so wanted to be able to ride PP and HM a few times and with Genie+ you can only do each ride one time...but I’ve already spent 3 days trying online....

 

[lanejudy]

Ok i Give up!

I'm sorry it's been such a challenge to get the Advanced DAS registration - that's really unacceptable on WDW's part.

I suggest you get DAS when you arrive - your first day in a park. It will work pretty much like earlier this fall except you can obtain the DAS Return Time via the app now. If you want to do repeat rides, and you have the budget for Genie+, you can double-up: get a DAS return time, get a Genie+ time, even get another DAS return time after using the first. Yes you can only use the Genie+ once per attraction but you can use DAS multiple times.

Good luck!

 

[Lsdolphin]

I'm sorry it's been such a challenge to get the Advanced DAS registration - that's really unacceptable on WDW's part.

I suggest you get DAS when you arrive - your first day in a park. It will work pretty much like earlier this fall except you can obtain the DAS Return Time via the app now. If you want to do repeat rides, and you have the budget for Genie+, you can double-up: get a DAS return time, get a Genie+ time, even get another DAS return time after using the first. Yes you can only use the Genie+ once per attraction but you can use DAS multiple times.

Good luck!

thank you! We arrive on 11/30 and that’s exactly what I’ll do if I find we actually do need the DAS after I buy the Genie+ which I’d rather do than request a DAS if we can do without...

 

[jenny8484]

Can someone explain how it will work for rides that require a boarding group and DAS? We really want to go on Rise of the Resistance. I know you had to log on when the park opens to get a boarding group.

 

[Splashboat]

I know you are all sick of seeing me here.... and believe me, I'm sick of posting my connection issues... sorry... skip if I'm too annoying.... Grasping at any idea or thought here. Trip is 17 days.....

Can I ask what kind of devices folks are using right now that is actually getting the Chat session screen to come up when they hit "Request Video Chat?"

I'm using desktop with Google Chrome, have also tried Windows Edge. And I even tried an incognito session to see if it would work to get me in.... I tried on tablets, phone and Chromebook... all Android or Google products.

Tried from home wifi, over phone, and from computer repair shop wifi.....I even had a family member try their account....

Still today getting the Disney.com home page when I try to initiate the chat. Helpdesk yesterday was no help, wrote to the Disability email - they MAY get back to me within two weeks...

Anyway - just wondering if the Apple products are more successful?

I was able to do it from my iphone. Actually checked back today hoping you had good news to report

 

[SueM in MN]

Can someone explain how it will work for rides that require a boarding group and DAS? We really want to go on Rise of the Resistance. I know you had to log on when the park opens to get a boarding group.

Rise of the Resistance is no longer using Virtual queue/ Boarding groups. It stopped on September 23. Guests wanting to ride it can choose to pay for the Individual Lightning Lane. There is also a Standby Wait line; since there is a posted wait time, guests using DAS are able to get a DAS Return Time.

The only attraction currently using Virtual Queue/Boarding Groups is Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Disney has noted that Virtual Queues may be added or stopped for attractions depending on crowd levels.

At this point, EVERY guest who wants to ride Remy needs to get into the Virtual queue; this includes guests using DAS. They still must get into the Virtual queue; DAS is used AFTER the Boarding group is called.
The first opportunity to join the queue from My Disney Experience is at 7am on the day of visit. For that, you need to have a Park Reservation for EPCOT, but don’t need to be in the park. The 7am reservations tend to fill pretty quickly, so they may be closed a few minutes after 7.

The next opportunity to sign up is at 1pm in EPCOT. The 1pm Virtual queue may fill up quickly; if any spots are left after 1pm, the Virtual queue signup area on the My Disney Experience app will still show up and it will be listed on the status boards near the blue Guest Experience umbrellas (the CMs there can also help you sign up).

If they add back any Virtusl queues, they would work the same.

 

[sandlsmom]

I know you are all sick of seeing me here.... and believe me, I'm sick of posting my connection issues... sorry... skip if I'm too annoying.... Grasping at any idea or thought here. Trip is 17 days.....

Can I ask what kind of devices folks are using right now that is actually getting the Chat session screen to come up when they hit "Request Video Chat?"

I'm using desktop with Google Chrome, have also tried Windows Edge. And I even tried an incognito session to see if it would work to get me in.... I tried on tablets, phone and Chromebook... all Android or Google products.

Tried from home wifi, over phone, and from computer repair shop wifi.....I even had a family member try their account....

Still today getting the Disney.com home page when I try to initiate the chat. Helpdesk yesterday was no help, wrote to the Disability email - they MAY get back to me within two weeks...

Anyway - just wondering if the Apple products are more successful?

My husband just used his phone over our wifi. He has a Samsung Galaxy and used the Disney app.

 

[jlundeen]

Has anyone used Firefox as a browser? I have uninstalled and reinstalled Chrome about 20 times, and I'm still not getting anywhere. I did try it on my daughter's Ipad today and if Firefox is not an option for using it with my laptop, I will go back to her house and do it on her iPad.

 

[zumbergc]

Has anyone used Firefox as a browser? I have uninstalled and reinstalled Chrome about 20 times, and I'm still not getting anywhere. I did try it on my daughter's Ipad today and if Firefox is not an option for using it with my laptop, I will go back to her house and do it on her iPad.

Yes I used firefox as a browser. I turned my pop-up blocker off because i didn't know if that would cause issues. It was a 4 hour wait then another hour to do all the stuff. I did this on a sunday evening.

 

[DisSurfer878]

Rise of the Resistance is no longer using Virtual queue/ Boarding groups. It stopped on September 23. Guests wanting to ride it can choose to pay for the Individual Lightning Lane. There is also a Standby Wait line; since there is a posted wait time, guests using DAS are able to get a DAS Return Time.

The only attraction currently using Virtual Queue/Boarding Groups is Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Disney has noted that Virtual Queues may be added or stopped for attractions depending on crowd levels.

DisneyLAND is still using the boarding group for Rise. That's really important so people don't get confused.

 

[SueM in MN]

That’s true, but has DisneyLand rolled out Genie yet?

 

[Liquidice]

Has anyone used Firefox as a browser? I have uninstalled and reinstalled Chrome about 20 times, and I'm still not getting anywhere. I did try it on my daughter's Ipad today and if Firefox is not an option for using it with my laptop, I will go back to her house and do it on her iPad.

If it helps, I am using Microsoft Edge on a Apple Mac Mini M1 computer, with a Logitech C922 Pro Stream Webcam - but I have no antivirus or firewall software installed. I do have an ad blocking extension installed called uBlock but I disable it for all of the "go.com" websites and I have an HTML5 AutoPlay blocker which I also disabled for Disney websites.

The latest Microsoft Edge browser is based on Chrome, so the two are very similar.

I personally don't think the issue is with the laptop itself that you're using or the browser, I'm guessing that you may have something installed that is causing the issue like an antivirus, antimalware or firewall software that doesn't like however Disney is trying to do the video chat.

An iPad might work better since it doesn't have any antivirus software on it or anything - but the problem with tablets and phones is they tend to turn off things when they think you're idling - the chat requires a constant network connection to hold your place in line, if you disconnect for a short time, it tends to reconnect and you'll maintain your place in line .. but it basically means plugging in the ipad, leaving the display on all the time and constantly sending a message - say every 5 minutes through the chat to maintain the connection.

 

[DisSurfer878]

That’s true, but has DisneyLand rolled out Genie yet?

They haven't but a lot of uninformed people think they have. So there's a lot of confusion among people who think the situation is the same on both coasts.

 

[elledubs]

I'm trying to get on today, but the link is missing to get into chat and keeps spinning. I've tried in Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and on my phone. Do you think that Disney CM @ guest services will accommodate the 2 per day Das rides if you spent days trying to get into their ridiculous system? I'm a former CM and we were told to bend over backwards for guests.... this is causing me (and a lot of other people!) so much unnecessary stress since their systems are not capable of doing this process.

 

[CBMom01]

I'm trying to get on today, but the link is missing to get into chat and keeps spinning. I've tried in Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and on my phone. Do you think that Disney CM @ guest services will accommodate the 2 per day Das rides if you spent days trying to get into their ridiculous system? I'm a former CM and we were told to bend over backwards for guests.... this is causing me (and a lot of other people!) so much unnecessary stress since their systems are not capable of doing this process.

I’m sure not.

 

[SarahC97]

I'm trying to get on today, but the link is missing to get into chat and keeps spinning. I've tried in Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and on my phone. Do you think that Disney CM @ guest services will accommodate the 2 per day Das rides if you spent days trying to get into their ridiculous system? I'm a former CM and we were told to bend over backwards for guests.... this is causing me (and a lot of other people!) so much unnecessary stress since their systems are not capable of doing this process.

No. It's been my understanding that GS CMs won't be able to do anything like that.

 

[caitlinlikesgames]

After three full days in the chat queue, I did get through around 9pm last night and completed the process within an hour. Some thoughts/tips from my experience:

- I had a lot of trouble with various error messages, spinning wheels, broken pages, and needing to constantly log back in on my computer during all three days (PC, Chrome). In fact, I missed a CM responding on day 2 and another on day 3 because the page wasn't functioning when they responded. When I used my android phone and the MDE app chat last night, it worked perfectly, no errors or interruptions. It even made the message noise when they wrote to me, so you don't need to keep the screen open.
- It was around 6 hours between entering the queue to getting a CM response each of the three times.
- Once a CM wrote in the chat, it was 22 minutes and 18 minutes, respectively, before they closed me out of the queue for not responding.
- I wasn't aware that the two paid lightning lane attractions are not available for preselection (the two pre-selected DAS times per day), but I confirmed that we will be able to use DAS return times for those attractions, except Remy because of the virtual queue.

Good luck, everybody! It's been brutal, but the CM I video chatted with was so kind and patient, especially considering she must have been at the end of a very long day of frustrated people.

 

[jlundeen]

After three full days in the chat queue, I did get through around 9pm last night and completed the process within an hour. Some thoughts/tips from my experience:

- I had a lot of trouble with various error messages, spinning wheels, broken pages, and needing to constantly log back in on my computer during all three days (PC, Chrome). In fact, I missed a CM responding on day 2 and another on day 3 because the page wasn't functioning when they responded. When I used my android phone and the MDE app chat last night, it worked perfectly, no errors or interruptions. It even made the message noise when they wrote to me, so you don't need to keep the screen open.
- It was around 6 hours between entering the queue to getting a CM response each of the three times.
- Once a CM wrote in the chat, it was 22 minutes and 18 minutes, respectively, before they closed me out of the queue for not responding.
- I wasn't aware that the two paid lightning lane attractions are not available for preselection (the two pre-selected DAS times per day), but I confirmed that we will be able to use DAS return times for those attractions, except Remy because of the virtual queue.

Good luck, everybody! It's been brutal, but the CM I video chatted with was so kind and patient, especially considering she must have been at the end of a very long day of frustrated people.

SO glad you were successful! Whew,.... I'm hopeful if not today at least tomorrow.

I was up WAY too early to see if I could use FireFox - answer was, not really... So I packed up and got to DH's house about 7AM(CT) and got on her IPad... Since I'm not an" I-Device" person at all, I found it very difficult to keep trying to reconnect every time I had to sign in to Disney again.... So.... I abandoned my session again after an hour of struggling with it. I decided to run past Walmart on the way home and invest in a new little laptop (under $200) but it's got Windows and the Microsoft apps already loaded.. So Since I'm not really happy with the new Chromebook anyway, I will take that back for a refund and keep this cute little laptop instead.

Anyway, I didn't want to clutter up the new device, so I only installed Chrome and set it to NOT share anything with other devices... I figure the cleaner I can keep it until this process is done, the better.

So, I finally got into the chat queue again around 11AM (CT)... now still waiting... I really doubt I will see an agent pick up at all today, as I got in so late, but it's giving me a lesson about the chat box and the WDW website.... and re-signing in.... (sometimes the whole box just disappears and I've had to totally start at WDW home screen and wade thru all the pages to get back, and then it still takes a bit to reload....) And for some reason I am getting a message "Connection Unavailable"... not sure if that's wifi/internet connection or what... Comes back though... hoping it's not pushing me back to the end of the queue each time.

I'll update again if/when I either get this done or pull the plug for the day... There's a great big beautiful tomorrow... I have all day then to see if I can get this task done....

Update: pull the plug after 5 hours. We'll start up again right away at 6:00 a.m. our time.