A Universal DAS Card?

[Smiley/OCD]

I read an article in my newspaper today about a “universal” type of DAS card now being accepted at several theme parks including:
Universal
Six Flags
Knoebels
Sesame Place

The cards are issued by the International Board of Credentialing & Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES)
They are offered free of charge and can be applied for online with an additional phone interview.
Yes, there are many variables and more in-depth details and concerns which will need to be addressed, but could this be the start of a universal DAS type card? Is this something that Disney could participate in? I’m not 100% in approval YET, but it seems like a step in the right direction…thoughts?
The article was printed in USA Today… https://asburyparkpress-nj.newsmemory.com/?selDate=20231005&goTo=C03&artid=0

 

[EatSalsa]

Doubt it. They're all private properties and can operate however they want.

 

[Tom Morrow]

A better way to phrase it is that Universal, Six Flags, Knoebels, Sesame Place, and a few others are requiring those who wish to use DAS-type accommodations to register with IBCCES.

 

[mkt]

I went through the process. The IBCCES part was easy. Waiting half an hour in line at guest services to be able to get my Universal DAS was a pain.

 

[Smiley/OCD]

I went through the process. The IBCCES part was easy. Waiting half an hour in line at guest services to be able to get my Universal DAS was a pain.

Yes, that’s the part that needs to be changed…instead of having to register at each park, the CM’s should be trained to accept the card at each attraction and eliminate that step in the process. What would be even better is if presenting the card at one attraction would automatically enroll you in the park for the visit. Yeah, I know, too easy and practical…

 

[JIMINYCR]

Make it easier and more efficient for disabled individuals to get DAS status. Those who can benefit by a program that gives them a way to enjoy the parks like everyone else shouldn’t have a difficult time from one site to another. A more universal program would be utilized by all. Unfortunately Dis probably would rather be set apart from everyone else and not conform to anything Uni uses.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

Nice idea, but I notice Disney nor any of the Sea World owned parks nor any of the Cedar Fair owned parks are listed. Few issues I can see:

For Disney: this pass includes people with mobility issues. Disney doesn't include people with mobility issues on the DAS as most of their queues are wheelchair accessible. For ones that aren't (ex. Space Mountain) they issue return times for wheelchairs.

Other issues: I've filled out questionaires for other parks, and their ADA passes frequently list which rides the user is able to ride based on those answers. For instance, at Hersheypark, you can't do certain attractions with a hard cast or prosthetics. The questionaire also asks you about your ability to hold yourself in place. The one I did for Busch Gardens was similar, and both had the rides you were able to do listed on the pass. Workers deny entrance if the attraction is not listed. I can imagine that they wouldn't want to get rid of their in-house questionaire in favor of this one for that reason.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

Waiting half an hour in line at guest services to be able to get my Universal DAS was a pain.

That makes such sense. In order to get a pass to not have to stand in a long line, please stand in a long line...when you need this pass because you have trouble standing in long lines.

 

[mkt]

Which obviously means they are quite capable of standing in line.

Not exactly the same. Without going into detail about my condition that necessitated a DAS and Universal's equivalent, i'll leave it at this: my wife held the spot for me while I exited the queue at guest services to use the restroom due to the medically diagnosed condition that allowed for my DAS.

That condition can not affect me for months at at time, or it can affect me consistently for months. As of late, it's been affecting me for about three consecutive months on and off, but has been mostly manageable, with one extremely painful flare and a merely uncomfortable one in that time.

 

[mergatroid]

On a related note if slightly off topic, this is an email I sent Disneyland Paris about our trip next week

Hi there,

I had brain surgery a year ago to try to help my coordination as I suffer from Dystonia. This means I have an implant in my brain and a battery in my chest. I have been told that I must avoid metal detectors by the doctors and have a card to present at airports to avoid their metal detectors. My wife and I have booked to visit Disneyland Paris on the xx and xx of October this year and I just want to check that it won't be a problem entering the parks without going through metal detectors which I can't do? I'm happy to be searched by security in another way, happy to bring my card saying I can't do metal detectors accepted by all international airports and happy to provide any other proof requested. If you could please reply to me saying if this is ok it would be very much appreciated.

Thanks

Mergatroid

Their slightly unexpected response

Dear Mergatroid,

Thank you for your e-mail regarding your forthcoming visit at Disneyland® Paris.

We kindly invite you to bring a letter from your doctor signed within the three months preceding your visit stating that for medical reasons, you cannot go through our metal detectors and will have to be searched manually so that you will not have any problem with our security team.

We remain available for any further questions you may have.

Kindest regards,

So on top of a card and form of proof accepted by security teams at international airports, Disneyland Paris require also or instead a letter from a doctor dated not more than 3 months ago. Good job I have an understanding neurologist who found the process 'bewildering' but was happy to comply a few weeks back. It seems an odd way for Disney to operate but as a private company they can choose to do so if they want.

 

[mkt]

So on top of a card and form of proof accepted by security teams at international airports, Disneyland Paris require also or instead a letter from a doctor dated not more than 3 months ago. Good job I have an understanding neurologist who found the process 'bewildering' but was happy to comply a few weeks back. It seems an odd way for Disney to operate but as a private company they can choose to do so if they want.

I'm guessing french law is different in this regard.