I have seen a variety of percentages thrown out on DAS usage (ranging from 40 – 80%).
Let’s make up some numbers.
1 DAS user + 5 guests = 6 people
Family of 4 using G+ = 4 people
1 Rider Swap = 2 people
1 Disney issued LL (due to ride being down, etc) = 4 people
1 DAS user + 3 guest = 4 people
So the numbers could be:
2 out of the 5 groups used DAS = 40% DAS
10 out of the 20 people went through on DAS = 50% DAS
2 out of the 20 people actual DAS holders = 10% DAS
Relying on ride CMs for an accurate estimate of how many people are going through the line on DAS seems skeptical at best. Which method above is being used? If you looked at just the first two groups, 6 out of the 10 went through on DAS in that small sample, that gets you to 60% DAS. Without more information % DAS usage does not mean much to me.
I think the bigger issues are Disney has:
-reduced capacity (length of park hours, number of attractions/parades/diversions, etc)
-replaced a product that some were able to make work for them (Fastpass+) and replaced it with a very different product (
Genie+) that does not function the same way. Many are not able to make G+ work for them. Factor in that you pay for the lesser experience of G+ and yeah, you probably have additional people requesting DAS. Does not mean any of those people are abusing the system.
I am not saying changes do not need to be made. A LL/DAS line that is 30 minutes is not good for anyone. I think changes could be made without changing who qualifies. Get rid of the pre-booked passes. Add a leave the line pass for anyone who needs it and thinks that will work for them. If that does not work for someone, still allow them DAS. I think 1 DAS holder + 5 guests is reasonable but reducing that could help. It is not hard to get to six people. 1 couple, their 2 kids and 1 set of grandparents.
I am sure people abuse the DAS system. I have not seen anything concrete that says DAS abuse is the main problem. Maybe they need to change the G+ system. Maybe they need to keep the parks open longer. Maybe they need a few more things to divert crowds. Hopefully Tiana’s opening back up in MK will help there a little bit.
It would be nice if they released what other accommodations they will offer people with non developmental disabilities if they really plan to exclude them from DAS.