DAS Questions for Upcoming WDW Trip — Need Guidance

[LittleMerman]

Hello! I’m heading to Walt Disney World in a few weeks and had a few questions about DAS. I’ll be traveling with someone who has significant sensory challenges and may qualify for the service, so I want to make sure they feel prepared.

Do you know what kinds of questions they typically ask during the DAS interview?

Also, I understand that DAS can be used by the guest plus three others. Our group is eight—can those three guests rotate from attraction to attraction, or do they have to stay the same for the entire trip?

Thank you so much for any insight!

 

[Disneyfanatic30]

experienced das user with developmental disabilities here I suggest doing it through zoom so that way he or she doesn’t have any issues in line they will ask you about his disability and what are his challenges I wouldn’t say he’s in a wheelchair as I’ve heard that they will deny you for that also they might inform you about what has a lot of stairs as well.

 

[Tigger&Pooh]

You/they will be asked what is it about the queue that you cannot manage. Diagnosis is not necessary to be disclosed, but you/they may need to explain some details. If there has been a time in the past (relatively recent or otherwise) that was a bad experience in a queue, try to draw from that. The CM may also ask about other accommodations in daily life.

Plan for whatever you can control as well. That may mean noise-blocking earmuffs, dark sunglasses, big hat or a lightweight hoodie, fidgit toys, electronic games, etc. Keep hydrated and eat snacks so nobody gets too hungry or thirsty. Plan some downtime during the day -- be that at a sit-down restaurant or back at your hotel room or on a bench (if you can find one).

 

[Disney4family]

I have had a family member benefit from DAS due to severe disabilities. This family member has been approved for many years until this year.
As Tigger&Pooh said, they will ask about details and other accommodations.
Even when explaining everything, you will be able to know by the look on their poker faces if they have approved your request or not, especially when they ask you to share your story with different CMs, managers, and Advent Health people, as we had to for almost two hours.
After all that, the CM told us, they "were looking for people who don’t even know what a line is.” That is a direct quote.
Their lack of compassion and severe demeanor were far from what anyone would expect from a CM.
Good luck. It does make a difference. It’s a shame what has happened.
With or without, I hope you have a magical time with your family.

 

[JIMINYCR]

I have had a family member benefit from DAS due to severe disabilities. This family member has been approved for many years until this year.
As Tigger&Pooh said, they will ask about details and other accommodations.
Even when explaining everything, you will be able to know by the look on their poker faces if they have approved your request or not, especially when they ask you to share your story with different CMs, managers, and Advent Health people, as we had to for almost two hours.
After all that, the CM told us, they "were looking for people who don’t even know what a line is.” That is a direct quote.
Their lack of compassion and severe demeanor were far from what anyone would expect from a CM.
Good luck. It does make a difference. It’s a shame what has happened.
With or without, I hope you have a magical time with your family.

Yes, it's a travesty how Disney handled the DAS program. It's still open to fraudulent cases where guests can scam the CM's and claim a need. We also utilized it for many years and in my DW's case there were very few attractions she could visit anyway. But it did assist us in those instances and is sorely missed.