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

[JoJoGirl]

We did the video chat registration for my brother’s DAS this morning. Requested the chat at 8:40 am, and got through to a live agent around 10:15 am. The agent was great, and the chat was short and sweet. The video portion took less than five minutes total.

The video agent immediately passed us on to the advance selection cm, who set up our preselects. In the chat box, she had me fill out a brief online form listing our preferred attractions and what time of day was best. The agent confirmed attractions and times with me before she booked them. She was able to schedule around our dining reservations each day . The only advance selection she could not get us was Jungle Cruise, and since we are only 21 days out, that wasn’t surprising. We can just schedule that one day-of.

Aside from some odd behavior from the Disney website this morning (they were having issues), everything went really smoothly. So happy to have that done! Seeing the preselects in MDE makes it all seem so real. Let the fun begin!

 

[boxer]

We are bringing a guest with us (neice) this trip that may be eligible for the DAS pass--so trying to learn what I can. Am I understanding that the DAS is only for (2) attractions per day? If this is the case, then the Genie+ would probably be more appealing (except the cost, of course), because seems like she will need to go through a lot of hoops, for only 2 attractions per day. Am I correct in this line of thinking?

I'm pretty good using the Genie, so I told her our waits would be very minimal for the rides I would be selecting.

 

[lanejudy]

Am I understanding that the DAS is only for (2) attractions per day?

For guests who do the online video registration, they are allowed to plan 2 DAS Advanced Selections per day. Regular in-park DAS continues to work the same way it always has with DAS Return Times obtained throughout the day with no max on how many (just a limit of 1 at a time, though).

DAS doesn't really replace Genie+, though, so you may still want to consider purchasing that. Especially if there are attractions the DAS-holder won't ride, or if you have a group larger than 6, or if there is an interest in riding multiple times close together.

 

[jlundeen]

We are bringing a guest with us (neice) this trip that may be eligible for the DAS pass--so trying to learn what I can. Am I understanding that the DAS is only for (2) attractions per day? If this is the case, then the Genie+ would probably be more appealing (except the cost, of course), because seems like she will need to go through a lot of hoops, for only 2 attractions per day. Am I correct in this line of thinking?

I'm pretty good using the Genie, so I told her our waits would be very minimal for the rides I would be selecting.

The Advance Reservations that you can get after doing the Advance DAS Registration are indeed for only 2 per day. However, you can also reserve DAS times during the day of park visit by using the app, similar to using G+, for as many as you care to do, but only one at a time.

Here's the link to Disney's website that explains the whole DAS program, as well as how to do the Advanced registration.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/guests-with-disabilities/

Feel free to ask questions here after you take a look at the link... there's a ton of knowledge in this group.

 

[boxer]

The Advance Reservations that you can get after doing the Advance DAS Registration are indeed for only 2 per day. However, you can also reserve DAS times during the day of park visit by using the app, similar to using G+, for as many as you care to do, but only one at a time.

Here's the link to Disney's website that explains the whole DAS program, as well as how to do the Advanced registration.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/guests-with-disabilities/

Feel free to ask questions here after you take a look at the link... there's a ton of knowledge in this group.

Thank you!!! I completely mis-read that originally. So, because she lives separate from us--I'm thinking we would just do the in-person interview--since my SIL is not really a 'Disney' person, and I can't trust her to wait for the on-line interview (I heard it can take hours to wait).

Is there any downside to this plan?

 

[lanejudy]

Is there any downside to this plan?

Just that you don't get the 2 pre-scheduled Advanced Selections. But many folks end up skipping those anyway because the times offered don't always work with your in-park plans. You can still do DAS Return Times as usual.

 

[jlundeen]

Thank you!!! I completely mis-read that originally. So, because she lives separate from us--I'm thinking we would just do the in-person interview--since my SIL is not really a 'Disney' person, and I can't trust her to wait for the on-line interview (I heard it can take hours to wait).

Is there any downside to this plan?

This is the way it was done before they introduced the Advanced registration... the questions are the same, but it's done in a more open environment, so if being able to talk to the CM in person and answer the questions is something your niece would have a harder time with, that could be a consideration.

EDITED TO ADD: The CMs are very good at talking with the guests, and it is not intimidating, so hopefully this won't be a problem for her.

 

[jlundeen]

Just that you don't get the 2 pre-scheduled Advanced Selections. But many folks end up skipping those anyway because the times offered don't always work with your in-park plans. You can still do DAS Return Times as usual.

Sorry, @lanejudy, I keep stepping on your replies.

 

[lanejudy]

Sorry, @lanejudy, I keep stepping on your replies.

No worries! My reply focused on using DAS while your reply was more on the process of obtaining DAS. All good info!

 

[jlundeen]

I think it's been mentioned here before, but asking again in case I missed it. Does anyone have any idea how/IF they will do Adv Reservations once the park pass requirement is gone after the first of the year? For park hoppers. it would be great if they would drop that requirement.

My hubby and I will be visiting in April, and I have an AP so will still need one, but he doesn't ... wonder if I'll be able to schedule ADV attraction reservations for more than one park a day....

 

[boxer]

This is the way it was done before they introduced the Advanced registration... the questions are the same, but it's done in a more open environment, so if being able to talk to the CM in person and answer the questions is something your niece would have a harder time with, that could be a consideration.

EDITED TO ADD: The CMs are very good at talking with the guests, and it is not intimidating, so hopefully this won't be a problem for her.

So we just go to a Blue Umbrella that first day--or do we go to Guest Services? About how long does this take--meaning like a half hour, or are we there for hours on end? Just trying to get an idea how to handle that first day when we bring her.

 

[jlundeen]

So we just go to a Blue Umbrella that first day--or do we go to Guest Services? About how long does this take--meaning like a half hour, or are we there for hours on end? Just trying to get an idea how to handle that first day when we bring her.

Last December, one of my group hadn't done the Advanced Registration and just talked to Guest Services when we got to our first park. It didn't take long, maybe 5-10 minutes, but there was no one ahead of him in line, so it was quick. If there is a line,it could take longer. (Also, he was renewing, it could take longer for a first time registration).

 

[SueM in MN]

think it's been mentioned here before, but asking again in case I missed it. Does anyone have any idea how/IF they will do Adv Reservations once the park pass requirement is gone after the first of the year? For park hoppers. it would be great if they would drop that requirement.

My hubby and I will be visiting in April, and I have an AP so will still need one, but he doesn't ... wonder if I'll be able to schedule ADV attraction reservations for more than one park a day....

Annual Passholders already can enter a park without park reservations after 2pm (except Saturdays and Sundays at MK). I have read some AP experiences with making DAS Advance Selections. They were just asked which park they planned to visit and any selections had to be for that park after 2pm.
I expect the same thing will happen for tickets that don't require reservations after January 9, 2024. I DON'T expect guests will be able to 'split' their DAS Advance Selections between 2 parks.
One other thing -park reservations are not going away for all WDW guests. Some ticket types will still require them. This is a screenshot of the WDW park reservation page that explains.

So we just go to a Blue Umbrella that first day--or do we go to Guest Services? About how long does this take--meaning like a half hour, or are we there for hours on end? Just trying to get an idea how to handle that first day when we bring her.

You can go to either one of the blue Guest Experience umbrellas or Guest Relations. Any wait would just be to wait for anyone in front of you in line. The process itself only takes a few minutes. The CM asks a question similar to: What are your concerns with waiting in line? OR What are your concerns with waiting in lines that would cause you to leave the line?

CMs are supposed to be asking the questions each time - even if the guest has had DAS before, it's a re-application, not a renewal

 

[Smile&NodVB]

For others that have been lurking on this thread, worrying that they might get denied a DAS that they received before (I was one of those) I got mine approved/registered today for digestive issues - no questions asked - I followed advice and had my "why" written down so I had a general statement and then how travel and stress of waiting in line caused flare ups. Got in the queue about noon and was off at 1:45 - I had to login a couple times and the first video chat the sound was awful so the cast member closed that session and started another one. Offered to send me to make advance selections but I think we are going to skip those - we found last time that the having to be in a part at a specific time was stressful so we'll just go with the flow day of!

 

[jlundeen]

...
CMs are supposed to be asking the questions each time - even if the guest has had DAS before, it's a re-application, not a renewal

I didn't mean to imply that my friend just got green-lighted just because he had had DAS before. I think it took less time because he was familiar with the process and understood what the CM was asking... yes, the CM did ask the questions, and went through the whole procedure, but because my friend knew what to expect, was prepared with how to answer them effectively.

 

[CarlyMur09]

Just wrapped up our DAS call for DB. Went through the process much quicker than anticipated.

3:30-ish- Accepted T&C, requested live video chat. Within 5 min, they had automated questions (Who DAS was for, who was their guest, if the trip was within 2-30 days). Once those were answered, live chat almost began immediately. They are being a bit more scrutinizing about why DAS would apply for DB, but we did get approved relatively quickly.

Was on Advanced DAS selections by 3:55, and did have to sign back in twice but got our first 7 park days set up for our thanksgiving/holiday trip. Some of the times weren't the best, but we reminded ourselves that day-of DAS will help too. Still have 4 more days to do after that.

When can we do the last 4 days all at once? After we use up the 4 days, or starting the 5th day? Can we do them in the park at Guest Services/Relations, or do we have to do it online? Our 4th day is switching to a diff on-site hotel and grocery shopping after the day in the park, and 5th day is MVMCP, so being online is gonna be limited.

 

[lanejudy]

When can we do the last 4 days all at once?

You can do the remaining days after you have used a day. If you want to book all 4 remaining days at the same time, you will need to wait until you have used the first 4 days of Advanced Selections. It cannot be done in-person and must be done online. Keep in mind that you must be at least 2 days out from the day you want to schedule. And since you mentioned your trip is around Thanksgiving and you already found less-than-preferred times, be aware that there could be very limited availability if you wait until just 2 days prior. I recommend trying to do it on a rolling basis each night.

 

[jlundeen]

Does anyone know what the process is for DAS at Disneyland? I was told there is some kind of process, similar to the Universal and other various parks across the US, that requires some kind of verification of disability. Many have suggested that WDW will eventually be utilizing this (or similar) type of process for DAS, and if it entails a visit to a doctor, it would be better to know sooner rather than later since sometimes getting an appointment can take a long time.

Anyone here have any experience with this?

 

[lanejudy]

Does anyone know what the process is for DAS at Disneyland?

It is basically the same process as WDW. Video chat (using the DL link instead of the WDW link) in advance. No documentation required.

Edit to add the link to the Disneyland DAS page:
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/gu...y-access-service/#drawer-card-step-1-register

 

[jlundeen]

It is basically the same process as WDW. Video chat (using the DL link instead of the WDW link) in advance. No documentation required.

Edit to add the link to the Disneyland DAS page:
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/gu...y-access-service/#drawer-card-step-1-register

Thank you... there is so much misinformation out there that it's hard to keep everything straight.