News New DAS System at Walt Disney World 2024

[jennab55]

Said in a jocular tone, DAS is meant to be a disability accommodation, not the most pure form of communism that ever existed. It's not meant to equalize all human differences.

I don’t have an issue with DAS. I do believe it gives a slightly better experience, but I’m ok with that as there is still a waiting component (just outside of the queue).

What I had an issue with was PP stating that her front of the line pass was necessary because it gave her party the ability to enjoy the parks the same as a non disabled family. I disagreed that it gave a similar experience to a non disabled party.

ETA - also I don’t think people should get DAS just because they can only be in the parks 4hrs per day (if they don’t meet the qualifications otherwise).

 

[DisneyHead123]

I don’t have an issue with DAS. I do believe it gives a slightly better experience, but I’m ok with that as there is still a waiting component (just outside of the queue).

What I had an issue with was PP stating that her front of the line pass was necessary because it gave her party the ability to enjoy the parks the same as a non disabled family. I disagreed that it gave a similar experience to a non disabled party.

ETA - also I don’t think people should get DAS just because they can only be in the parks 4hrs per day (if they don’t meet the qualifications otherwise).

Disagree on the idea that people with disabilities (if they really, truthfully have them) are having a "slightly better experience" with DAS. Maybe some are, I of course can't speak for everyone, but for many people being disabled is not something that can be equalized by any form of accommodation.

That said, my comment was about the idea that people can't go to the park for long days due to "other factors". Once you go down that road, you could say that Disney should be paying for people who can't afford longer trips, or offer babysitting to single moms with kids, and on an on. My point being that the whole idea of DAS centers around disabilities, specifically, so saying that other people have difficulties in life too is noteworthy in a personal sense but beside the point when it comes to DAS.

 

[ConfettiCupcake]

There are many ways to look at these situations. For many guests with disabilities, they are not going to be able to stay in the park for long periods of time, so the desire is to maximize the time in the park.

It honestly makes my brain hurt that people seem to lack the compassion to understand this.

I don’t think it’s a lack of compassion, I think it’s just understanding this is not what Disney’s accessibility programs are intending to correct, and that it’s a massive can of worms for them to open. Nobody’s big picture experience is ever equal at WDW, for a multitude of reasons and limitations that have absolutely nothing to do with disabilities. The most obvious factor that determines how much you overall can experience at Disney is time spent in the parks, so do they then start accounting for ticket length, past visit history, ticket type (ie are you an AP), how far you’re traveling from, etc?

There’s a reason that for all but very exceptional circumstances (like Make a Wish kids), they are offering as close to equal access as they can on an attraction by attraction basis.

 

[Jenn Finan]

I personally just done like the argument of “well our party can only go for a few hours due to a disability, so we should get access to everything in those few hours”. As you stated, many people cannot do full park days due to other factors as well.

I totally agree with that sentiment as well. The DAS and other changes were made in an attempt to reduce fraud and provide accommodation for those who needed them. I applaud the attempt and am pleased with the couple of tweaks that I have heard of but I think that there are likely more adjustments that would make the program better. Disney is probably still continuing to evaluate and will, I assume, make further changes as they feel warranted. I simply did not find value when we went in October, as well as experiencing a less courteous/welcoming environment. Will this change in 5 years? I hope so, as I truly love Disney and have been going for over 40 years. I want to return at some point but that point for me and my family is not now and that's fine. I did not mean to stir up such a hornet's nest. I just relayed my experience and decision that WDW was not the place for us at this time. No worries. Everybody makes their own decisions based on their individual circumstances.

 

[Jenn Finan]

I don’t have an issue with DAS. I do believe it gives a slightly better experience, but I’m ok with that as there is still a waiting component (just outside of the queue).

What I had an issue with was PP stating that her front of the line pass was necessary because it gave her party the ability to enjoy the parks the same as a non disabled family. I disagreed that it gave a similar experience to a non disabled party.

ETA - also I don’t think people should get DAS just because they can only be in the parks 4hrs per day (if they don’t meet the qualifications otherwise).

For what it is worth, I never asked for a "front of the line" pass, nor was that what my party had/what we needed. I'm not sure where that idea even came from! We had the ability to join a LL standby queue for a small number of rides without having to book it prior...FULL STOP. We still waited 15, 20, 30, even 40 minutes for a particular ride once we were in line. I never walked onto ANY ride with the possible exception of Stitch's Great Escape, and that was because it was a walk on for everyone!

Edit** and before anyone jumps on my "waiting time" comment, my nephew was much better about lines when he was 2 than he is now at 12. Naps were a wonderful thing! DAS may work for us sometime in the future, it just didn't this past time.

 

[jennab55]

I totally agree with that sentiment as well. The DAS and other changes were made in an attempt to reduce fraud and provide accommodation for those who needed them. I applaud the attempt and am pleased with the couple of tweaks that I have heard of but I think that there are likely more adjustments that would make the program better. Disney is probably still continuing to evaluate and will, I assume, make further changes as they feel warranted. I simply did not find value when we went in October, as well as experiencing a less courteous/welcoming environment. Will this change in 5 years? I hope so, as I truly love Disney and have been going for over 40 years. I want to return at some point but that point for me and my family is not now and that's fine. I did not mean to stir up such a hornet's nest. I just relayed my experience and decision that WDW was not the place for us at this time. No worries. Everybody makes their own decisions based on their individual circumstances.

I hear you on some of the changes. Our last trip was summer 2022 and at that time the level of customer service we received was not what I expected. We had quite a few other issues as well. So like you, we decided to take a break. We are planning to return this year and hoping things have gotten better. We will see!

 

[Jenn Finan]

I hear you on some of the changes. Our last trip was summer 2022 and at that time the level of customer service we received was not what I expected. We had quite a few other issues as well. So like you, we decided to take a break. We are planning to return this year and hoping things have gotten better. We will see!

I hope for only wonderful things for you and your family on your next trip. Many magical wishes!

 

[jennab55]

I hope for only wonderful things for you and your family on your next trip. Many magical wishes!

Thanks! You as well, wherever you decide to vacation next!

 

[rubydoo2]

Hi all, not sure if this is the correct place for this so apologies if not.
My Dad suffers with severe claustrophobia that causes him to have panic attacks and a need to find an open space- he has been known to run out of a hotel room if he wakes up in the night in the dark!- and has qualified for the DAS in the past due to the tight spaces in queues (specifically places like some of the alley ways in Rise, the tight space in the Remy queue etc)
We only used it for queues that I knew he’d find tricky and he doesn’t ride everything as things like simulators with locked doors are too much for him.
We haven’t been since the DAS change but assuming he will no longer qualify?
Thanks for any input anyone can give.

 

[nickys]

Hi all, not sure if this is the correct place for this so apologies if not.
My Dad suffers with severe claustrophobia that causes him to have panic attacks and a need to find an open space- he has been known to run out of a hotel room if he wakes up in the night in the dark!- and has qualified for the DAS in the past due to the tight spaces in queues (specifically places like some of the alley ways in Rise, the tight space in the Remy queue etc)
We only used it for queues that I knew he’d find tricky and he doesn’t ride everything as things like simulators with locked doors are too much for him.
We haven’t been since the DAS change but assuming he will no longer qualify?
Thanks for any input anyone can give.

From what you’ve said my guess is that they will probably suggest that your Dad waits outside and join your group at the merge point.

But the only way to know for sure is for your Dad to do the video call.

 

[jennab55]

Hi all, not sure if this is the correct place for this so apologies if not.
My Dad suffers with severe claustrophobia that causes him to have panic attacks and a need to find an open space- he has been known to run out of a hotel room if he wakes up in the night in the dark!- and has qualified for the DAS in the past due to the tight spaces in queues (specifically places like some of the alley ways in Rise, the tight space in the Remy queue etc)
We only used it for queues that I knew he’d find tricky and he doesn’t ride everything as things like simulators with locked doors are too much for him.
We haven’t been since the DAS change but assuming he will no longer qualify?
Thanks for any input anyone can give.

He will likely not qualify. Is he able to wait outside the queue while you wait, then join you at the merge point through the LL?

 

[StarWarsGirl]

Hi all, not sure if this is the correct place for this so apologies if not.
My Dad suffers with severe claustrophobia that causes him to have panic attacks and a need to find an open space- he has been known to run out of a hotel room if he wakes up in the night in the dark!- and has qualified for the DAS in the past due to the tight spaces in queues (specifically places like some of the alley ways in Rise, the tight space in the Remy queue etc)
We only used it for queues that I knew he’d find tricky and he doesn’t ride everything as things like simulators with locked doors are too much for him.
We haven’t been since the DAS change but assuming he will no longer qualify?
Thanks for any input anyone can give.

He will likely not qualify. Is he able to wait outside the queue while you wait, then join you at the merge point through the LL?

I would try it anyway, especially with the recent change in wording. The worst that they can say is no. Explain that he gets panic attacks in crowds and that he would benefit from waiting elsewhere where there aren't as many people. I would put it as that it's a sensory issue (because really, that's what claustrophobia is). I would also put it as it would improve your vacation because it would reduce the likelihood of a panic attack and make your vacation less stressful. And that combined with lightning Lane, it would allow him to take plenty of breaks throughout the day away from crowds.

Good luck.

 

[jennab55]

I would try it anyway, especially with the recent change in wording. The worst that they can say is no. Explain that he gets panic attacks in crowds and that he would benefit from waiting elsewhere where there aren't as many people. I would put it as that it's a sensory issue (because really, that's what claustrophobia is). I would also put it as it would improve your vacation because it would reduce the likelihood of a panic attack and make your vacation less stressful. And that combined with lightning Lane, it would allow him to take plenty of breaks throughout the day away from crowds.

Good luck.

I’m just being realistic as I don’t want people should get their hopes up and plan to get DAS, then be disappointed 30 days prior to their trip.

If his need is met by waiting outside the line then joining his party at the merge, why is DAS needed?

 

[StarWarsGirl]

I’m just being realistic as I don’t want people should get their hopes up and plan to get DAS, then be disappointed 30 days prior to their trip.

If his need is met by waiting outside the line then joining his party at the merge, why is DAS needed?

Because it sucks having to wait alone while the rest of your group is in line? Because he's older and then has to navigate his way back in?

That's why I said go ahead and apply and the worst they can say is no. Besides, is the need technically being met? When we talk about accomodations, we talk about equal access. Separating someone from their family on vacation when that's not being asked if other guests is NOT equal access.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

I totally agree with that sentiment as well. The DAS and other changes were made in an attempt to reduce fraud and provide accommodation for those who needed them. I applaud the attempt and am pleased with the couple of tweaks that I have heard of but I think that there are likely more adjustments that would make the program better. Disney is probably still continuing to evaluate and will, I assume, make further changes as they feel warranted. I simply did not find value when we went in October, as well as experiencing a less courteous/welcoming environment. Will this change in 5 years? I hope so, as I truly love Disney and have been going for over 40 years. I want to return at some point but that point for me and my family is not now and that's fine. I did not mean to stir up such a hornet's nest. I just relayed my experience and decision that WDW was not the place for us at this time. No worries. Everybody makes their own decisions based on their individual circumstances.

FWIW, I feel like Disneyland is easier to navigate if you don't qualify for DAS. Lightning Lane is absolutely worth it there. I got about 5 LLs per day with it. If you purchase on Undercover Tourist, you can get it as part of your ticket. The vast majority of CMs there were wonderful. Even when it's crowded, there's usually something in either park with a shorter line. I have ADHD and get overstimulated, so I would go hang out in the lobby of Grand Californian if I needed a sensory break (you don't have to be staying there). They also have lots of single rider lines, so if that's something your family can handle, it cuts down on wait times a good bit.

I was in Disneyland in October and had an amazing time. Honestly, when I was in MK this trip, I got a little mad that it wasn't Disneyland (other parks I didn't feel the same way, lol). The only times I felt like it wasn't as welcoming were security (I HATE Disneyland security, lol) and there were a couple of rude CMs, but other than that, it was fantastic.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I’m just being realistic as I don’t want people should get their hopes up and plan to get DAS, then be disappointed 30 days prior to their trip.

If his need is met by waiting outside the line then joining his party at the merge, why is DAS needed?

I agree that no one should get their hopes up at this point - but anyone who feels this service meets an accessibility need they have should apply for it. Let Disney decide, rather than preemptively decide whether it will or won't be granted. Don't go in expecting it, but also don't talk yourself out of applying for it. @rubydoo2 hasn't said whether joining at the merge meets his needs one way or the other. If ruby has any questions, there's no harm in applying as long as there's no expectation.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

I don’t have an issue with DAS. I do believe it gives a slightly better experience, but I’m ok with that as there is still a waiting component (just outside of the queue).

I went on more stuff in DHS on Tuesday when I purchased LL and was by myself than on Thursday when I was with my brother who has a DAS for ASD. I went on, jumped on three rides, went to lunch, and then as the park started to clear out in the afternoon, I went on more stuff and got an additional LL. Also made use of the single rider line on ROTR and wandered Galaxy's Edge when lines were a bit longer.

Had the same experience in Disneyland. Between LL and single rider lines, I was just zooming through the park. My brother can't do single rider lines because of his verbal processing; he sometimes has trouble understanding CMs or needs us to repeat instructions.

The DAS is literally making it so that people with disabilities have a better experience than they otherwise would, not a better experience than the general population.

 

[NotTheOne]

Because it sucks having to wait alone while the rest of your group is in line? Because he's older and then has to navigate his way back in?

That's why I said go ahead and apply and the worst they can say is no. Besides, is the need technically being met? When we talk about accomodations, we talk about equal access. Separating someone from their family on vacation when that's not being asked if other guests is NOT equal access.

OK, but "it sucks having to wait alone" is not a disability to be accommodated, and there are plenty of reasons that non-disabled guests have to separate from their families.

 

[jennab55]

I agree that no one should get their hopes up at this point - but anyone who feels this service meets an accessibility need they have should apply for it. Let Disney decide, rather than preemptively decide whether it will or won't be granted. Don't go in expecting it, but also don't talk yourself out of applying for it. @rubydoo2 hasn't said whether joining at the merge meets his needs one way or the other. If ruby has any questions, there's no harm in applying as long as there's no expectation.

Sure, go ahead and apply. I just feel that many are given false hope and then find out they are denied right before their trip. I think people should plan their trip assuming they won’t get DAS. Go ahead and still apply, but don’t assume you will get it and plan that way.

 

[jennab55]

Because it sucks having to wait alone while the rest of your group is in line? Because he's older and then has to navigate his way back in?

That's why I said go ahead and apply and the worst they can say is no. Besides, is the need technically being met? When we talk about accomodations, we talk about equal access. Separating someone from their family on vacation when that's not being asked if other guests is NOT equal access.

Not wanting to wait alone and being old are not disabilities that need to be accommodated. People with young children have to separate all the time. People in large groups likely do as well. Disney just needs to accommodate the disabled person being unable to wait in a queue. There are other accommodations that may work besides DAS.