DAS is getting an Upgrade!

[SueM in MN]

We dont have cards we just have to take letters showing a diagnosis.

No idea how Disney plan to police this then by allowing DAS users to pre book rides 30 days out its open to abuse like never before. Id like to believe people are not low enough to take advantage...but..

Requiring a letter with diagnosis to get accommodations for disability would not be allowed under US Law. The ADA is written talking about needs related to a disability, rather than diagnosis, and people CAN be asked about their needs. A big part of not asking for diagnosis is that people with the same diagnosis can have very different needs.
My daughter’s main diagnosis is cerebral palsy. At one point, one of her physicians was an orthopedic surgeon who also had cerebral palsy. He had a slight limp and had a brace on one leg for support, but didn’t use any assistive devices and could stand for long hours of surgery. I don’t know if he ever went to WDW, but if he did, he would have possibly used an ECV if anything. My daughter uses a wheelchair for those needs related to her cerebral palsy; DAS is not needed to use a mobility device in lines, so if the wheelchair met her disability related needs, she wouldn’t have DAS. Since the wheelchair doesn’t meet all her needs, she uses DAS to address other needs that prevent her from waiting in long lines.

 

[SueM in MN]

For those concerned about abuse, Disney is publicizing pretty severe penalties for lying or abuse. This is a screenshot from information right on the Disney website DAS FAQs page. I’m pretty sure it will be covered when registering for DAS, along with probably having the guest sign something that attests they gave true answers.


This is a screenshot of the DAS card that was replaced by a digital version of DAS. Both the card and digital version of DAS had guests sign the statement as part of the DAS registration process.
I don’t know whether anyone was banned and got their passes forfeited for lying in the past, but those statements could be used to do it if someone did fraudulently apply for or use DAS. It’s just that now they are making the possible penalties clear on the page about DAS.

 

[pasta]

It hasn’t been stated, but I have no reason to expect that would change from the current total of 6 — DAS-holder + 5.

I was there the end of July, and someone in front of me asked for 15. They were given 6. I also believe this would remain the same.

 

[Kbrb]

For those concerned about abuse, Disney is publicizing pretty severe penalties for lying or abuse. This is a screenshot from information right on the Disney website DAS FAQs page. I’m pretty sure it will be covered when registering for DAS, along with probably having the guest sign something that attests they gave true answers.
View attachment 598655

This is a screenshot of the DAS card that was replaced by a digital version of DAS. Both the card and digital version of DAS had guests sign the statement as part of the DAS registration process.
I don’t know whether anyone was banned and got their passes forfeited for lying in the past, but those statements could be used to do it if someone did fraudulently apply for or use DAS. It’s just that now they are making the possible penalties clear on the page about DAS.
View attachment 598656

Judging from the fact they cant ask for any proof as has been explained to me above, i see no way of them ever proving this. Its going to be a brave cast member that calls a guest out on lying about needing a DAS. Maybe the wording might be able to put a few off but the real scum will just do it none the less.

 

[keishashadow]

Rides like ROTR and the Spider web slinger ride are virtual queue. I understand that we will need to get a boarding pass for those - no big deal.

Not sure what you are saying here but, unfortunately getting a boarding pass for RoTR in WDW is often a very ‘big deal’ For many

When the am lottery system was in the park, we observed many meltdowns from those who were shut out.

even those who visit often & think they have it ‘down’, can easily be shut out On both chances per day.

if they are selling LL (day of?) going to guess that will lessen the number of boarding spots garnered the existing way.

With the Genie on your phone, as someone in TPAS mentioned, they'll be able to have unbelievable amounts of data on each person in the park (b/c the app is gonna need access to everything to do what it's supposed to do), including DAS users...finding proof of abuse probably won't be Disney's problem...it will be admitting they have it...

even though we carry chargers & swap them out in the parks, i automatically find myself shutting down most of my apps on those days…including the Disney app. not planning on changing to accommodate Genie other than firing it back up when needed.

So if they see DS waited longer for Slinky, Haunted Mansion, Pirates but couldn't wait for Frozen, Buzz or BTMR ... you are suggesting a black and white decision to ban him?!?

no way, so many people have multiple conditions, some that ebb & wane day to day, if not hour to hour. I wouldn’t worry about this one bit

It's not about length of time alone. It is more about the factors in the line that make it difficult. Punishing or banning a person because they are using the DAS where needed and not using the DAS where it is not needed is unacceptable. You aren't supposed to use your DAS unless you need it at any particular attraction.

100%

 

[VandVsmama]

I’ve been following the latest news of this with interest because we are going to WDW in Oct of next year with 2 friends, one of whom is both visually impaired and has a physical disability. Because of the physical disability, he qualifies for a handicap placard for one’s car, which his wife uses whenever they go places.

They’ve used the DAS service at DL a few times and it’s worked well for them. In the past, they’ve used the DAS ride return times along with FP in order to limit his wait time to 15-20 min. After the 20 min mark, it becomes quite difficult and painful for him to stand without resting due to a REALLY bad car accident years ago which totally messed up his ankle. He also needs extra time when getting on or off a ride vehicle. Using a scooter is out for obvious reasons since he literally can’t see a thing.

We’ve gone with them to DL before and the combo method of DAS and FP worked out great. He had a really nice time and didn’t need to bust out the prescription painkillers…so that was really great. At DL, he said that the visually impaired descriptive headset devices don’t work that great, so I’m hoping that maybe it’s better at WDW.

 

[SueM in MN]

Judging from the fact they cant ask for any proof as has been explained to me above, i see no way of them ever proving this. Its going to be a brave cast member that calls a guest out on lying about needing a DAS. Maybe the wording might be able to put a few off but the real scum will just do it none the less.

I don’t know exactly how they will be assessing abuse, but 2 potential sources of abuse I am aware would be using DAS on an attraction without the DAS holder and people bringing unrelated people (think people acting as tour guides).

I have seen CMs calling guests out for trying to get on an attraction without the DAS holder.
When checking in to a DAS Return Time, the DAS holder has to scan in first and their picture comes up on a screen for the CM to validate. In our experience, the CM looks at that picture carefully. I have seen people called out by the CM and not allowed to enter the attraction when the picture didn’t match. Knowing that Disney tends to take care of things ’backstage’ , something might have happened outside of what I could see. It’s likely there is also be a way for CMs to ‘flag’ something for further review without calling out the guest directly. Once might be an error or misunderstanding about how DAS works, a pattern after being told it doesn’t work that way would be evidence of trying to pull something.

The ‘unrelated’ people issue is pretty well handled by digitally linking guests to the DAS. CMs wouldn’t have to directly call anyone out; I think it would be flagged for security to deal with.

 

[JoJoGirl]

Thanks for all the great info on this thread! I’m still trying to wrap my head around what all this means for my son, because he relied so heavily on FP+. Very grateful that Disney will allow him to pre-register for DAS and schedule two attractions a day In advance. His stamina is limited, so getting to the park early or staying too long is not realistic for him most days. I think that between pre-scheduling two rides for late morning/early afternoon, and using Genie+ or DAS for a couple more, he can make this work without getting too worn out. He loves Disney so much!

 

[beachdreamr1229]

I'm super excited that we'll be able to pre-register for DAS. In the past, even waiting in the line for guest services to get DAS has been hard for my mom on busy days since she can't stand or sit that long without pain. And we're rope droppers, so we hate missing out on prime short wait time. I'm a little nervous about the 2 reservations thing though. I haven't read all 13 pages, but I'm wondering if anyone knows if that means you can only use DAS for 2 rides, or if it's 2 rides at a time and you can add more as you use them. We will be buying the...lightning pass?...whatever it's called...anyway because we always relied on both, but I'm just wondering if with the new structure, return times will become synonymous with using the genie app or something.

 

[Evita_W]

Is it actual law that prevents proof being shown?

Over here(Uk) I have to carry my sons diagnosis letter to show theme parks, zoos, attractions etc.

Yes, in the U.S. it is.

 

[jlundeen]

I'm super excited that we'll be able to pre-register for DAS. In the past, even waiting in the line for guest services to get DAS has been hard for my mom on busy days since she can't stand or sit that long without pain. And we're rope droppers, so we hate missing out on prime short wait time. I'm a little nervous about the 2 reservations thing though. I haven't read all 13 pages, but I'm wondering if anyone knows if that means you can only use DAS for 2 rides, or if it's 2 rides at a time and you can add more as you use them. We will be buying the...lightning pass?...whatever it's called...anyway because we always relied on both, but I'm just wondering if with the new structure, return times will become synonymous with using the genie app or something.

My understanding is two advanced bookings per day if you use the video interview process. Otherwise, you can use it like always, but now you can see it on the Disney App and book your return time (one at a time like always) there instead of going to the ride itself to do that, then returning at the appropriate time. But you can still ask for a return time at the ride itself it that is more convenient for you.

 

[JenLT]

Judging from the fact they cant ask for any proof as has been explained to me above, i see no way of them ever proving this. Its going to be a brave cast member that calls a guest out on lying about needing a DAS. Maybe the wording might be able to put a few off but the real scum will just do it none the less.

Honestly I don’t think a cast member will ever accuse someone of lying. I can see them saying that according to their criteria they won’t be able to offer a DAS at this time and refer them to a supervisor. But I think that would only be in very obvious cases.

 

[Lilsia]

I'm super excited that we'll be able to pre-register for DAS. In the past, even waiting in the line for guest services to get DAS has been hard for my mom on busy days since she can't stand or sit that long without pain. And we're rope droppers, so we hate missing out on prime short wait time. I'm a little nervous about the 2 reservations thing though. I haven't read all 13 pages, but I'm wondering if anyone knows if that means you can only use DAS for 2 rides, or if it's 2 rides at a time and you can add more as you use them. We will be buying the...lightning pass?...whatever it's called...anyway because we always relied on both, but I'm just wondering if with the new structure, return times will become synonymous with using the genie app or something.

So how it works is that if you do their video conference to set up your DAS, they will then set up 2 advanced return times. At this time, we do not know which rides will be included, but it does sound like that you pick the time, but that time is only good for an hour. If you miss your time frame for those 2, then they are just gone. But after you use those 2 return times, or the time expires, then it will just work like normal DAS does where you pick a ride, get your return time and go from there 1 ride at a time. They did say that you will now be able to reserve your return time through the app as well as getting one from the cast member. And as before, the DAS has nothing to do with the new FP system(lightening lane). They can work in tandem.

 

[SueM in MN]

So how it works is that if you do their video conference to set up your DAS, they will then set up 2 advanced return times. At this time, we do not know which rides will be included, but it does sound like that you pick the time, but that time is only good for an hour. If you miss your time frame for those 2, then they are just gone. But after you use those 2 return times, or the time expires, then it will just work like normal DAS does where you pick a ride, get your return time and go from there 1 ride at a time. They did say that you will now be able to reserve your return time through the app as well as getting one from the cast member. And as before, the DAS has nothing to do with the new FP system(lightening lane). They can work in tandem.

For clarification, from what has been released, you don’t need to use either of the DAS Advanced selections before getting a DAS Return Time.

 

[Evita_W]

For clarification, from what has been released, you don’t need to use either of the DAS Advanced selections before getting a DAS Return Time.

I read that the opposite way, it say you will not be able to make same day selections, am I missing something?

 

[SueM in MN]

I read that the opposite way, it say you will not be able to make same day selections, am I missing something?


View attachment 598778

The part you underlined is referring to the DAS Advance selections, not DAS Return Times. So, if the guest did not make the DAS Advance selections when doing the video chat at least 2 days before arrival, they won’t be able to make any DAS Advance arrival selections.

 

[CJN]

I read that the opposite way, it say you will not be able to make same day selections, am I missing something?


View attachment 598778

I read the part you highlighted as simply emphasizing that the two daily Advanced Planning DAS choices must be made no later than two days prior. You cannot wait until day-of and then try to make those two selections.

That’s apparently separate from regular day-of DAS simultaneously going on as normal, except now being able to get return times through MDE.

 

[CJN]

The part you underlined is referring to the DAS Advance selections, not DAS Return Times. So, if the guest did not make the DAS Advance selections when doing the video chat at least 2 days before arrival, they won’t be able to make any DAS Advance arrival selections.

You beat me and probably explained it better

 

[keishashadow]

Very grateful that Disney will allow him to pre-register for DAS and schedule two attractions a day In advance.

I interpreted the 2 advance DAS as ‘per trip’, not per day

 

[SirDuff]

I interpreted the 2 advance DAS as ‘per trip’, not per day

It literally says « per day »

During your chat with a Cast Member, you’ll also have the opportunity to select up to 2 experiences per day (subject to availability) using our new DAS Advance planning option. Please keep in mind that DAS Advance selections must be booked at least 2 days prior to the day you plan to redeem them, and you will not be able to make selections on the day of your visit.