DAS changes coming WDW May 20/ DL June 18, 2024

[AnnaKristoff2013]

I expect that the suggestion would be for the grownups to take turns being the ones to go through the LL with your son. Most families spend years taking turns in this manner with child swap for the rides where one child is too short to ride. You don’t need the entire party to ride together to have a good time.

I wonder if they will let people combine DAS with rider switch for these larger groups where not everyone is eligible? You can use rider switch with lightning lane / genie right now.

 

[otg]

I expect that the suggestion would be for the grownups to take turns being the ones to go through the LL with your son. Most families spend years taking turns in this manner with child swap for the rides where one child is too short to ride. You don’t need the entire party to ride together to have a good time.

That would we great if its allowed. I was thinking they party of 4 would be set and the 5th person would just be out. Do we think swaping out would be an option with das?

 

[starlite_]

A doctor's note saying you can't wait in lines will not be an automatic yes. Instead, you'll be transferred to speak to a registered healthcare professional about why you can't wait in line. Disney may not even read your documentation.

This doesn't read to me that they will allow notes at all. This reads to me like they know folks will bring notes to their interviews to push to get DAS and that their response to that will be to escalate to the healthcare professionals if they do.

That way folks can't say Disney denied their doctor mandated accommodation (not that it matters what the doctor writes imo).

Honestly, good on Disney for taking care of their CMs this way and giving them a way to get out of the conversation.

Hopefully it will also deter abusers from trying to get "free genie".

 

[Angel Ariel]

Honestly, good on Disney for taking care of their CMs this way and giving them a way to get out of the conversation.

CMs have always had a way out of this conversation. It was a simple - we don't take doctor's notes. They refused to look at the note at all.

 

[Disneychick75]

This doesn't read to me that they will allow notes at all. This reads to me like they know folks will bring notes to their interviews to push to get DAS and that their response to that will be to escalate to the healthcare professionals if they do.

That way folks can't say Disney denied their doctor mandated accommodation (not that it matters what the doctor writes imo).

Honestly, good on Disney for taking care of their CMs this way and giving them a way to get out of the conversation.

Hopefully it will also deter abusers from trying to get "free genie".

It won't. A lot of people with this mentality see restrictions as a challenge. It isn't just about getting ahead, it's about getting over.

 

[abbyandangel]

Len Testa posted this today so as usual, we're getting differing info:

"Some WDW CMs got briefed today on the new rules. The take-aways that I heard (which could be wrong, so grain of salt) (Just thought it was important to highlight this)

• DAS Advance is going away
• There'll be a 10-minutes-between-rides enforced break before signing up for a new ride
• Guest Relations will no longer have the ability to register or modify anything DAS-related. That's being taken away.
• It's going to be restricted to developmental needs like autism and Down's. Mild cases may not qualify.
• Guests claiming IBS/gastrointestinal issues, or diabetes, will be instructed on how to use the new exit-and-return lines.
• A doctor's note saying you can't wait in lines will not be an automatic yes. Instead, you'll be transferred to speak to a registered healthcare professional about why you can't wait in line. Disney may not even read your documentation.
• The party-size limits will be strictly enforced.

Guest-facing CMs were also told:

• The job is going to suck for a while
• You can remind guests:
  • It's well-known that theme park vacations involve long waits in line
  • The new policy is designed for the small percent of the population that has developmental disabilities; it's not for everyone with any medical condition.
  • Disney provided ample notification of the policy change.

In talking about this, I got the sense that Disney was already overwhelmed with questions along the lines of "Why does this qualify now but not after May 20?" And their point is that if everything that counted now counted on May 20, we'd have the same system and the same problems."


My takeaways:

Doctor's note????
Also, ample time has not been given to those whose triups fall w/in days of the rule implementation. IMO, Disney should have given people at least a 3 months heads up.

Where does he post? I have a touring plans subscription but can't ever find any thing in there. Maybe it’s just me, but the layout seems confusing.

 

[starlite_]

CMs have always had a way out of this conversation. It was a simple - we don't take doctor's notes. They refused to look at the note at all.

Yeah but that was before ppl were planning their lawsuits...
Seems like they will still refuse to look at them but have planned on what to do if folks get pushy.

 

[AnnaKristoff2013]

Where does he post? I have a touring plans subscription but can't ever find any thing in there. Maybe it’s just me, but the layout seems confusing.

https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/new-das-system-at-walt-disney-world-2024.983481/

 

[Kgrace1989]

Im super concerned about the family limit for us. We are a family five. Me, my husband, my son Das holder. And my parents. My son would have to have his grandparents. They live with us because he cant be separated. I could always leave my self off and just not ride anything. Or possibly by genie+ and try to use it on some of the rides? Honestly i have no clue how that works or even if you gould get a return time the same time as the das. Anyone with any experience on using genie to ride with party.

I think it might work with Genie plus…. Since the DAS is open ended return, if you could get a genie plus time for after the Standby return time you it seems like it might work. But maybe you could explain those needs to the CM during the interview and they might have better ideas. I really hope you are able to make it work though, so much uncertainty for so many folks right now. I really feel for everyone affected.

 

[Elephantay]

I've read through a lot of this but not all, yet...
First, I am concerned that autism specifically is a qualification, as a blanket statement. I know many people with autism who can wait just fine in lines, and autism is so common now (the incidence is estimated to be 1 in 70 males) I think they've just "approved" a huge amount of people without understanding their individual needs at all. And of course many people with ASD would have a hard time waiting in lines...its not a one size fits all diagnosis!
Sadly, I also know people who have HFA, and got DAS for their family of 20+. Many people have abused the system so I appreciate that they are looking carefully at it.

I've honestly never considered that people with some of the conditions mentioned here use DAS.
We have a child who cannot tolerate the heat at all. We know WDW is hot, and avoid the months and times of day that heat would be an issue - sometimes all day, depending on the weather. We need to do that because even walking around the parks in extreme heat would be dangerous, even getting to a show or ride at all, never mind the lines. We've never used DAS, and like I said it didn't ever occur to me. Mostly I guess because the heat is still there whether or not we are wanting to go on a ride. We know we are choosing an outdoor experience in Florida and we tweak to do what's best for our family if we need to.
Another person in our family has IBS, has to be very careful about food on vacation, and sometimes sits out a ride or even needs a trip to the infirmary when we are at a park for a private restroom.
I'm not saying others with the same issues shouldn't get DAS, just that for some it is manageable and for others with similar issues it may not be- and blanket statements of diagnosis qualifications are very tricky, imo.

I think WDW has been very accommodating. They are a vacation destination with theme parks, and it's a decision for each family to think through if going to theme parks is something they can/should/want to do.

I truly hope they figure out a way to stop the cheaters and people who are abusing the system while providing for those who have medical accommodation needs. I'm sorry that its already causing stress for some and really hope that those with upcoming vacations receive the support they were counting on.

 

[lanejudy]

I am concerned that autism specifically is a qualification, as a blanket statement

The diagnosis is not the determine qualification. DAS is need-based so the individual must also show a need for not being within the queue.

 

[Elephantay]

The diagnosis is not the determine qualification. DAS is need-based so the individual must also show a need for not being within the queue.

The diagnosis is not the determine qualification. DAS is need-based so the individual must also show a need for not being within

How do they do that? The people I know had a huge family group and got DAS for their whole party in person! A parent with HFA ( very successful, personable), one child, a few other relatives, etc. They bragged about it
Also, saying "autism or similar" seems like they've opened the door to an issue that I could foresee as very tricky.

 

[Kgrace1989]

I wonder if they will let people combine DAS with rider switch for these larger groups where not everyone is eligible? You can use rider switch with lightning lane / genie right now.

I would think that rider swap would have to be available for guests with disabilities … since it is available for non disabled guests

 

[Kgrace1989]

How do they do that? The people I know had a huge family group and got DAS for their whole party in person! A parent with HFA ( very successful, personable), one child, a few other relatives, etc. They bragged about it
Also, saying "autism or similar" seems like they've opened the door to an issue that I could foresee as very tricky.

I think the scenario you are describing is part of the reason why the drastic changes are happening

 

[lanejudy]

How do they do that? The people I know had a huge family group and got DAS for their whole party in person! A parent with HFA ( very successful, personable), one child, a few other relatives, etc. They bragged about it
Also, saying "autism or similar" seems like they've opened the door to an issue that I could foresee as very tricky.

Liars or cheaters will lie or cheat regardless of the rules. “Autism” in and of itself does not qualify without having s conversation about needs.

I do question the “20 family members” as possibly being embellished. The current program has only allowed a max 6 for a ride so even if they managed to get all linked they had to trade off which 6 rode. The new limit is 4.

 

[Genie+]

That would we great if its allowed. I was thinking they party of 4 would be set and the 5th person would just be out. Do we think swaping out would be an option with das?

Until the changes comes it’s hard to say - but I wouldn’t give up hope just yet. I have read instances of families being able to swap out using DAS when limit was reached. Like party of 7, just that they could only use maximum 6 slots together at a time.

The biggest takeaway right now though is nobody knows what alternatives will also be offered and results of all these changes in combination. Genie+ is said to also be getting a rework. So between the rollout of reduced DAS usage, alternative access strategies and G+ revamp, new strategies may might be the solution for some people.

 

[lanejudy]

I would think that rider swap would have to be available for guests with disabilities … since it is available for non disabled guests

Rider Swap in its current form at WDW does work along with DAS. The DAS-holder must be riding in group 1. 2 others may wait with the too-short child and then ride after group 1. It is only available like that with a too-short child.

How any new version of Rider Swap may work has yet to be communicated.

 

[Kgrace1989]

I've read through a lot of this but not all, yet...
First, I am concerned that autism specifically is a qualification, as a blanket statement. I know many people with autism who can wait just fine in lines, and autism is so common now (the incidence is estimated to be 1 in 70 males) I think they've just "approved" a huge amount of people without understanding their individual needs at all. And of course many people with ASD would have a hard time waiting in lines...its not a one size fits all diagnosis!
Sadly, I also know people who have HFA, and got DAS for their family of 20+. Many people have abused the system so I appreciate that they are looking carefully at it.

I've honestly never considered that people with some of the conditions mentioned here use DAS.
We have a child who cannot tolerate the heat at all. We know WDW is hot, and avoid the months and times of day that heat would be an issue - sometimes all day, depending on the weather. We need to do that because even walking around the parks in extreme heat would be dangerous, even getting to a show or ride at all, never mind the lines. We've never used DAS, and like I said it didn't ever occur to me. Mostly I guess because the heat is still there whether or not we are wanting to go on a ride. We know we are choosing an outdoor experience in Florida and we tweak to do what's best for our family if we need to.
Another person in our family has IBS, has to be very careful about food on vacation, and sometimes sits out a ride or even needs a trip to the infirmary when we are at a park for a private restroom.
I'm not saying others with the same issues shouldn't get DAS, just that for some it is manageable and for others with similar issues it may not be- and blanket statements of diagnosis qualifications are very tricky, imo.

I think WDW has been very accommodating. They are a vacation destination with theme parks, and it's a decision for each family to think through if going to theme parks is something they can/should/want to do.

I truly hope they figure out a way to stop the cheaters and people who are abusing the system while providing for those who have medical accommodation needs. I'm sorry that its already causing stress for some and really hope that those with upcoming vacations receive the support they were counting on.

Agreed …it is about a balance and you are right things have gotten way off center when we are taking groups of 20 with open ended return times (I really think that is one of the main issues with the current DAS is that unlike Genie plus - the DAS has no set time). So it’s all a gamble as to when that group of 20 or maybe several large DAS groups come back to ride all at the same time. Causing major slow down of the LL and then a related slow down of the standby.
And you are right, it’s really unfortunate for those who are set to vacation right as this is being implemented. I do feel for them… that said, there really would not be an ideal time to put this new system in place, Disney is busy all year now.

 

[Kgrace1989]

Yeah but that was before ppl were planning their lawsuits...
Seems like they will still refuse to look at them but have planned on what to do if folks get pushy.

That is the smart thing for them to do. I’m sure it would be a big mess if they started accepting dr notes and then had to face an angry guest claiming Disney refused them the accommodations their doctor said they needed.

 

[Kgrace1989]

That would we great if its allowed. I was thinking they party of 4 would be set and the 5th person would just be out. Do we think swaping out would be an option with das?

I would hope that they are willing to be creative and think outside the box with some of the accommodations (within reason) since they are going to try to tweak the services to the individual challenges people have .