New DAS System at Walt Disney World 2024

[thegoatfeeder]

I think we got way off topic and I feel for you with this post as it is a tough situation. I don't have the answer, but what I do know is that they will tell you to go to the attraction entrance, explain your situation, and the CM there should help you. I'm guessing one of the following 4 things will happen at each attraction

1. Told to stand in standby and leave the line if needed (I know this isn't very practical for you, but this might be what you are told)
2. Your partner may be asked to stand in the standby line alone and if you need assistance, you can contact them to leave the line. Then both you and your partner enter the LL once done. If you do not need assistance, you will meet them at the LL merge (you going through the LL)
3. You and your partner may get a LL return time similar to a 1 time use DAS (this is rare)
4. You and your partner may get sent immediately through the LL with no delay (seems like this happens based on how backed up the LL is)

Personally, I hope you get 3 or 4 for most attractions, but I expect 1 and 2 will be more common for you. I know this isn't what you want to hear, but I would consider buying LLMP/LLSP on some of the days.

EDIT: I should also mention, I still think you should apply for DAS once you are able to. I do not think you will get it, but with the triple issue of restroom problems, being in an ECV, and occasionally needing assistance with the restroom, maybe you will get it.

Thanks so much for this. To be honest, I wouldn’t expect or even want 4, that is probably too much of an accommodation and not necessary for me.

I have no issue with the waiting, it’s just something that I really need to do out of line. If it’s just a matter of just asking a CM for a return time and coming back 45 minutes later, that would be fine! That’s how it works in most European parks and obviously how DAS works. So 3 is what I know works for me.

But yeah, I guess we’ll still apply. Thought long and hard about renewing my APs yesterday, because the accommodations on our next trip are really going to be make or break. If we have to do 1 or 2 for the majority of rides, Disney is no longer somewhere we can easily go.

 

[Purduevian]

Thanks so much for this. To be honest, I wouldn’t expect or even want 4, that is probably too much of an accommodation and not necessary for me.

I have no issue with the waiting, it’s just something that I really need to do out of line. If it’s just a matter of just asking a CM for a return time and coming back 45 minutes later, that would be fine! That’s how it works in most European parks and obviously how DAS works. So 3 is what I know works for me.

But yeah, I guess we’ll still apply. Thought long and hard about renewing my APs yesterday, because the accommodations on our next trip are really going to be make or break. If we have to do 1 or 2 for the majority of rides, Disney is no longer somewhere we can easily go.

Unfortunately, even if you know/want #3. You may not be offered that at all or even any attractions. I think someone said that CMs are tracked on the number of return passes they give out and are told to keep it to a minimum. You will most likely only be offered 1 of the 4 above and its up to them, not you.

Regarding #4, I think that only happens if they were planning to give you #3, but the LL has fluctuated to a low point at the moment. It actually might be better for ride operations for you to enter the LL immediately then return later when the LL might be spilling out onto the pathway.

Sounds like you aren't the type of person to be mean, but just remember to be nice to the CMs. They are juggling doing what they can/want to do for you, what is best for the park/ride, and what management is telling them to do all while usually dealing with upset guests.

Hope you have a great vacation, and please come back here afterwards and post your experience! We get a lot of "what ifs" and 3rd hand social media information, but a firsthand account is always interesting and useful!

 

[thegoatfeeder]

Unfortunately, even if you know/want #3. You may not be offered that at all or even any attractions. I think someone said that CMs are tracked on the number of return passes they give out and are told to keep it to a minimum. You will most likely only be offered 1 of the 4 above and its up to them, not you.

Regarding #4, I think that only happens if they were planning to give you #3, but the LL has fluctuated to a low point at the moment. It actually might be better for ride operations for you to enter the LL immediately then return later when the LL might be spilling out onto the pathway.

Sounds like you aren't the type of person to be mean, but just remember to be nice to the CMs. They are juggling doing what they can/want to do for you, what is best for the park/ride, and what management is telling them to do all while usually dealing with upset guests.

Hope you have a great vacation, and please come back here afterwards and post your experience! We get a lot of "what ifs" and 3rd hand social media information, but a firsthand account is always interesting and useful!

Oh I’m with you 100%, no matter what I’m dealing with, I’d never take it out on a CM, they deserve all the credit in the world for the work they do!

 

[spiffy577]

I agree. It's about time.

I've been saying for over a decade that this was the only real solution - and I say that as someone who has a member of my family that when we bring them needs a DAS.

I'm absolutely sure that some are going to be very defensive about this, but the fact is - anyone that has a disability - especially what we call an "invisible disability" - already has this documentation, or can easily get it.

For example, if you child has a diagnosis of some form of autism, you already have piles of documents that you have to update and provide yearly to schools in order to get accommodations, ones that go way more in detail than it sounds these programs require. It can be dozens or even hundreds of pages of reports from specialists, etc. detailing what your child needs. This is nothing compared to that.

And harsh as it may sound, if you don't already need to have this type of documentation for anything, that your child is able to make it through school, etc. without any accommodations/special needs at home, and/or are receiving no type of medical treatment whatsoever, then a vacation at Disney should be no different. Same for adults, many of whom are self-diagnosed, etc. - if your disability requires no medical or other support care, then claiming you only need assistance at Disney is just not realistic.

I just fell onto this post about the new das and was reading some of the comments. I was curious, how is it working for you? Many, including myself, have been denied now since it is only for autistic type symptoms but it seems those too have been denied. The third party das qualifiers have been extremely restrictive, not even allowing many autistic as well. They are basing decisions based on your conversation with them, and it seems if you can have any (and I mean any) coherent conversation, you are denied.

I absolutely want to get rid of the scammers but now no one seems to be getting the das. Not only that, they are discriminating against disabilities. That is strictly against the ADA.

Anyway, I digress, how is it working for you?

Thanks!

 

[Ayla]

I just fell onto this post about the new das and was reading some of the comments. I was curious, how is it working for you? Many, including myself, have been denied now since it is only for autistic type symptoms but it seems those too have been denied. The third party das qualifiers have been extremely restrictive, not even allowing many autistic as well. They are basing decisions based on your conversation with them, and it seems if you can have any (and I mean any) coherent conversation, you are denied.

I absolutely want to get rid of the scammers but now no one seems to be getting the das. Not only that, they are discriminating against disabilities. That is strictly against the ADA.

Anyway, I digress, how is it working for you?

Thanks!

*sigh* Nope.

 

[Disstevefan1]

I just fell onto this post about the new das and was reading some of the comments. I was curious, how is it working for you? Many, including myself, have been denied now since it is only for autistic type symptoms but it seems those too have been denied. The third party das qualifiers have been extremely restrictive, not even allowing many autistic as well. They are basing decisions based on your conversation with them, and it seems if you can have any (and I mean any) coherent conversation, you are denied.

I absolutely want to get rid of the scammers but now no one seems to be getting the das. Not only that, they are discriminating against disabilities. That is strictly against the ADA.

Anyway, I digress, how is it working for you?

Thanks!

We cant judge since my family member no longer qualifies for DAS after at least a decade of using the previous system.

My family member still cannot tolerate queues, so we do not go in attractions that have long waits which are most of them.

 

[DoubleSwitchback]

I've seen a few reports of kids under 2 being approved for DAS. Is there any 1-year-old who understands the concept of a line? I get why disabled infants/toddlers were approved under the old, broad system, but I'm surprised under the new system, as it would seem that could then apply to all infants/young toddlers. Not judging, just genuinely curious.

 

[DisneyHead123]

I've seen a few reports of kids under 2 being approved for DAS. Is there any 1-year-old who understands the concept of a line? I get why disabled infants/toddlers were approved under the old, broad system, but I'm surprised under the new system, as it would seem that could then apply to all infants/young toddlers. Not judging, just genuinely curious.

A lot kinda do, yeah. I mean not in an intellectual way - of course they couldn’t define the word “line” for you - but if mom or dad is in line at Target, they get that they have to wait.

I also assume part of it is about the level of distress and dysregulation the child is experiencing, and if it spirals into certain behaviors. Even an 18-month-old with something like autism could have difficulties with that.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I've seen a few reports of kids under 2 being approved for DAS. Is there any 1-year-old who understands the concept of a line? I get why disabled infants/toddlers were approved under the old, broad system, but I'm surprised under the new system, as it would seem that could then apply to all infants/young toddlers. Not judging, just genuinely curious.

We were never asked whether DD understand the concept of a line. It was the same basic conversation we've always had - sharing the issues that are caused by being in the line.

 

[DoubleSwitchback]

A lot kinda do, yeah. I mean not in an intellectual way - of course they couldn’t define the word “line” for you - but if mom or dad is in line at Target, they get that they have to wait.

I also assume part of it is about the level of distress and dysregulation the child is experiencing, and if it spirals into certain behaviors. Even an 18-month-old with something like autism could have difficulties with that.

Interesting, thanks. Now that I think about it, it wasn't the people with infants who said they were approved, just that they were applying. But some toddlers definitely were.

 

[Purduevian]

I've seen a few reports of kids under 2 being approved for DAS. Is there any 1-year-old who understands the concept of a line? I get why disabled infants/toddlers were approved under the old, broad system, but I'm surprised under the new system, as it would seem that could then apply to all infants/young toddlers. Not judging, just genuinely curious.

Completely anecdotal, but my son (not autistic as far as we know) at around 19 months at least learned the concept of patience and waiting. Before that if he asked for water/milk and we took his cup away he would freak out screaming. Now he seems to understand that we need to take it away, go to the fridge, fill it up, and bring it back. He doesn't have a ton of patience, but there is at least an idea that not everything is instant.

Also, my sister is a speech language pathologist and works with kids as young as 18 months. She specializes in kids with autism, so I assume other signs besides speech would indicate to a professional a disability in a child under 2.

 

[DisneyHead123]

Completely anecdotal, but my son (not autistic as far as we know) at around 19 months at least learned the concept of patience and waiting. Before that if he asked for water/milk and we took his cup away he would freak out screaming. Now he seems to understand that we need to take it away, go to the fridge, fill it up, and bring it back. He doesn't have a ton of patience, but there is at least an idea that not everything is instant.

Also, my sister is a speech language pathologist and works with kids as young as 18 months. She specializes in kids with autism, so I assume other signs besides speech would indicate to a professional a disability in a child under 2.

I think taking something from a toddler is subtly different than waiting in a line. And anecdotally, I've never known a toddler who wasn't really weird about cups, lol! It has to be this color cup, this type of cup, or they want to carry the cup around constantly - I feel like it's this whole thing.

My son (probably neurodivergent in some way but we're not sure what his deal is) went through a brief period where he really couldn't wait in a line. It was probably around 16-months to 2-and-a-half. I used to have this weird jealousy observing other toddlers hanging out with their parents in line and not trying with every breath in their body to escape and ram past everyone they saw, so I know it is possible! Granted a parent might have to hold them the whole time, but they would calmly let a parent hold them.

 

[jennab55]

My son (probably neurodivergent in some way but we're not sure what his deal is) went through a brief period where he really couldn't wait in a line. It was probably around 16-months to 2-and-a-half. I used to have this weird jealousy observing other toddlers hanging out with their parents in line and not trying with every breath in their body to escape and ram past everyone they saw, so I know it is possible! Granted a parent might have to hold them the whole time, but they would calmly let a parent hold them.

Me too! Always jealous of the calm kiddos. Mine would try to run away, climb up anything he could find, or scream bloody murder if you tried to hold his hand or even hold him . I remember laughing at the little backpack leashes, until I had to use one on my kid to keep him safe without him freaking out. Oh the joys of being a parent!

 

[DisneyHead123]

Me too! Always jealous of the calm kiddos. Mine would try to run away, climb up anything he could find, or scream bloody murder if you tried to hold his hand or even hold him . I remember laughing at the little backpack leashes, until I had to use one on my kid to keep him safe without him freaking out. Oh the joys of being a parent!

For a long time I wouldn’t travel anywhere without an umbrella stroller, because sometimes that was definitely the only way we were getting home or back to the car! Not because he loved strollers, but because I could at least buckle him in and he wouldn’t escape.

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

Since airlines were repeatedly discussed in this thread, it is worth noting that American Airlines was recently fined $50million for violating disability laws, and the company settled.

 

[Chi84]

Since airlines were repeatedly discussed in this thread, it is worth noting that American Airlines was recently fined $50million for violating disability laws, and the company settled.

I believe they had to pay $25 million to the U.S. Treasury and invest $25 million into accessibility equipment.

 

[mitchk]

The new DAS system is completely ridiculous…… It’s funny how they won’t let you give any documents… They never have before, but since it’s become so strict, you would think that now they’re checking peoples credentials to see if they’re not lying…… Instead they hire these people who have absolutely no idea how to diagnose any type of this order… And they just tell you no you don’t qualify… I have extreme anxiety and claustrophobia… I have documentation of I take medication and everything else… This uneducated woman who spoke with me told me that I just have to talk to a Disney cast member at the front of the line to make sure that I can come out and then go back into the line … And I said what if that cast member cannot assist me because even when I was using DAS for the last four years I still had a few complications so now that I’m not even using it how can I be assured that I’d be able to ask to leave the line when I need to She had no answer for that. This is completely ridiculous… This will probably be my last trip to Disney World.

 

[Chi84]

The new DAS system is completely ridiculous…… It’s funny how they won’t let you give any documents… They never have before, but since it’s become so strict, you would think that now they’re checking peoples credentials to see if they’re not lying…… Instead they hire these people who have absolutely no idea how to diagnose any type of this order… And they just tell you no you don’t qualify… I have extreme anxiety and claustrophobia… I have documentation of I take medication and everything else… This uneducated woman who spoke with me told me that I just have to talk to a Disney cast member at the front of the line to make sure that I can come out and then go back into the line … And I said what if that cast member cannot assist me because even when I was using DAS for the last four years I still had a few complications so now that I’m not even using it how can I be assured that I’d be able to ask to leave the line when I need to She had no answer for that. This is completely ridiculous… This will probably be my last trip to Disney World.

There are many disabilities that no longer qualify for the DAS program. Maybe see how the accommodations they suggested work for you and then let them know specifically why they didn’t work.

The other alternative is to try LLMP/LLSP if the sole issue you have is needing to avoid getting in a long line.

 

[Ayla]

The new DAS system is completely ridiculous…… It’s funny how they won’t let you give any documents… They never have before, but since it’s become so strict, you would think that now they’re checking peoples credentials to see if they’re not lying…… Instead they hire these people who have absolutely no idea how to diagnose any type of this order… And they just tell you no you don’t qualify… I have extreme anxiety and claustrophobia… I have documentation of I take medication and everything else… This uneducated woman who spoke with me told me that I just have to talk to a Disney cast member at the front of the line to make sure that I can come out and then go back into the line … And I said what if that cast member cannot assist me because even when I was using DAS for the last four years I still had a few complications so now that I’m not even using it how can I be assured that I’d be able to ask to leave the line when I need to She had no answer for that. This is completely ridiculous… This will probably be my last trip to Disney World.

Anyone can leave any line they want at any time at Disney. Making it sound like you will be prevented from leaving when you want to is ridiculous.

You can use Lightning Lane to avoid waiting in a line.

 

[mitchk]

There are many disabilities that no longer qualify for the DAS program. Maybe see how the accommodations they suggested work for you and then let them know specifically why they didn’t work.

The other alternative is to try LLMP/LLSP if the sole issue you have is needing to avoid getting in a long line.

That’s exactly what I plan on doing because this is a condition that I can’t deal with. I told them I would be happy to stand out in front of the line as long as a cast member can assist me, but like I said, even when I had DAS a cast, member could not assist me besides letting me go through, the lightning lane, which was very appreciated, but…… They don’t take documents for a reason and that’s just to deny you… I have tons of documentation and it is what it is. I’ll see if the cast members can help me if they can’t best believe I will be complaining about it.