Disneyland Rolls Out New DAS Program

[Stevek]

The biggest thing they will have to define is what truly qualifies for DAS. My daughter has had to use it, she's diabetic. We've had times where she's had to get out of line because her blood sugar has dropped suddenly, and she feels weak. Even if she takes a glucose drink or tablet, it doesn't bump her up right away. Conversely, I'm not sure it's truly what one might consider something that should be eligible though it's been utilized (and allowed by Disney) by many diabetics we know. And let me be clear, she's not using it to game the system, it's genuinely been an issue multiple times for her.

If I were a betting man, I'd guess she will no longer qualify...which is ok. We'll just manage things differently as needed. If she has to get out of line, so be it.

 

[mickEblu]

This is going to stop a few DAS abusers from cheating the system but they ll be replaced with more Genie + users.

Non DAS people will have the same experience in the parks
Genie + people will have the same experience in the parks

This is going to affect a small % of people abusing the system who will stop ( or won’t be able to) abuse anymore and unfortunately a small % of people who really need it. Unless you re one of these two groups it’s much ado about nothing.

 

[SplashJacket]

This is going to stop a few DAS abusers from cheating the system but they ll be replaced with more Genie + users.

Non DAS people will have the same experience in the parks
Genie + people will have the same experience in the parks

This is going to affect a small % of people abusing the system who will stop ( or won’t be able to) abuse anymore and unfortunately a small % of people who really need it. Unless you re one of these two groups it’s much ado about nothing.

That’s simply a mischaracterization of the issue.

DAS abuse was so rampant and extreme that it broke Lightning Lane and ratios on both coasts.

If they would remove DAS altogether (absolutely not suggesting this, but just theoretically) it would improve for non-Genie+ guests even if they sold twice as much Genie+.

DAS was so broken and abused that it effected absolutely every guest negatively by a sizable amount.

It made non-Genie+, Genie+, and legitimate DAS guests experience worse. It only benefited themselves

 

[mickEblu]

That’s simply a mischaracterization of the issue.

DAS abuse was so rampant and extreme that it broke Lightning Lane and ratios on both coasts.

If they would remove DAS altogether (absolutely not suggesting this, but just theoretically) it would improve for non-Genie+ guests even if they sold twice as much Genie+.

DAS was so broken and abused that it effected absolutely every guest negatively by a sizable amount.

It made non-Genie+, Genie+, and legitimate DAS guests experience worse. It only benefited themselves

IF they removed. But they re not and from what I understand they re not even requiring medical documentation.

I think you may have misunderstood what I said. I believe the majority of people abusing the system will continue to do so. I also believe that the large majority of those who actually do need it will continue to be eligible. Leaving a small % of abusers and an even smaller percent of people who actually need it out. Meaning it’s going to be same old experience at the park for Non DAS users and Genie + users. We all know every spot they get back in the queue from a DAS user will be replaced with a Genie + user.

 

[SplashJacket]

IF they removed. But they re not and from what I understand they re not even requiring medical documentation.

I think you may have misunderstood what I said. I believe the majority of people abusing the system will continue to do so. I also believe that the large majority of those who actually do need it will continue to be eligible. Leaving a small % of abusers and an even smaller percent of people who actually need it out.

No, I agree, I understood that.

Meaning it’s going to be same old experience at the park for Non DAS users and Genie + users.

I also agree, it’s not going to make enough of a change to have much impact (hopefully we’re wrong).

We all know every spot they get back in the queue from a DAS user will be replaced with a Genie + user.

What I was saying is DAS is so broken, even if DAS abuse decreases by 20%, DAS abuse is so bad, they legitimately have no room to sell more Genie+, it’s that bad right now.

 

[mickEblu]

What I was saying is DAS is so broken, even if DAS abuse decreases by 20%, DAS abuse is so bad, they legitimately have no room to sell more Genie+, it’s that bad right now.

If that’s the case why do they rarely sell out of Genie + at DLR?

 

[Nirya]

If that’s the case why do they rarely sell out of Genie + at DLR?

I didn't even realize they COULD sell out of Genie+.

 

[shambolicdefending]

I mean, I'm simultaneously infuriated by DAS cheaters and surprised Disney didn't see this coming.

They turned "FastPass" access - a once-free perk - into an expensive commodity, while offering an easy backdoor way for anybody to get it for free.

In the modern day of social media and a growing "everybody is a victim/has a disability" culture, this outcome should not have been hard to predict.

 

[SplashJacket]

If that’s the case why do they rarely sell out of Genie + at DLR?

Top attractions sell out basically everyday regardless if park-ride genie+ sells out.

Mainly an issue with top attractions on busy days anyway (since DAS guests use DAS predominantly on DAS).

 

[mickEblu]

Top attractions sell out basically everyday regardless if park-ride genie+ sells out.

Mainly an issue with top attractions on busy days anyway (since DAS guests use DAS predominantly on DAS).

So what you’re saying is the popular attractions have more guests they can currently handle. That makes sense although they are handling it but just pi$$ing a bunch of people off at the same time. I’m skeptical that they won’t replace the DAS abusers that fall off with more Genie + users. Clearly it isn’t bothering standby people that much as they keep showing up and as I’ve said Disney is obviously making it work somehow. Whether this is sustainable long term I don’t know but I’m also not sure Disney cares about that kind of stuff these days.

I think DAS abuse is probably growing at such a rapid pace that they needed to shake things up before they got exponentially worse. I don’t think we’ll see less people in Lightning lanes than we’re currently seeing. It’s just to stop it from becoming unmanageable. As of now they are managing even if barely. Which goes back to my original point that nothing will change for Non DAS or Genie + users.

 

[BrianLo]

While I know there is certainly abuse, I truly believe the majority of the reason the program is breaking is because legitimately disabled individuals are receiving the wrong type of accommodations.

I jive with what @SplashJacket said about DAS being turned into a make a wish pass. I wish every disabled person could have a make a wish experience every visit, but it’s just not possible. The system has broken.

DAS should be the exclusive purview of moderate-severe cognitive impairments, largely in children, who mentally cannot tolerate the experience of waiting. Not ADHD, not anxiety, not ‘sensory issues’. Yes, mostly ‘autism’, but not autism without still a concrete moderate to severe impairment of function. Not high functioning autism, most certainly not solo AP visiting adults with autism who want to lap their favourite ride.

For the myriad of many, many legitimate disabilities, the long term solution would be an air conditioned rider swap esque lounge in all the major attractions, with chairs, water, bathrooms, etc. A place near the merge point that they can join their party from the standby line/LL merge point. If they are solo, their time can be quite easily tracked by the flow through of those intermittent red tracking passes the CM’s handout to regular standby guests. Or same for one adult/friend to accompany their child/friend if they happen to not have a larger party.

That would properly accommodate all but neurocognitive disabilities quite well. For whom the Make a Wish DAS seems like it works well for. Those families also truly cannot tolerate long park days to begin with. So I’d happily think they can cluster a bunch of rides as they’ll probably still ride less than the average guest.

But that requires lots and lots and lots of money. They need to start designing their new major attractions though with space consideration for such a function.

 

[shambolicdefending]

DAS should be the exclusive purview of moderate-severe cognitive impairments, largely in children, who mentally cannot tolerate the experience of waiting. Not ADHD, not anxiety, not ‘sensory issues’. Yes, mostly ‘autism’, but not autism without still a concrete moderate to severe impairment of function. Not high functioning autism, most certainly not solo AP visiting adults with autism who want to lap their favourite ride.

I generally agree with the spirit of your post, but let's leave the specifics to the medical professionals.

Developmental disabilities can be complex things and many of them (not just autism) are spectrum disorders. An absolute, "No one with ______ should qualify," is not a practical or medically sound approach.

 

[BrianLo]

I generally agree with the spirit of your post, but let's leave the specifics to the medical professionals.

Developmental disabilities can be complex things and many of them (not just autism) are spectrum disorders. An absolute, "No one with ______ should qualify," is not a practical or medically sound approach.

Sorry this is why I’m trying to with-hold commentary on this topic and that was not the spirit of my post to get into medical semantics. I’m quite aware…

I was trying to actually highlight that it’s not the diagnosis themselves, it’s the moderate-severe functional impairments. That applies to autism, developmental delay, behavioral disorders etc. etc.

Many children with autism also have ADHD and anxiety. Not meaning to imply it’s an exclusion. Quite the opposite.

 

[DrAlice]

I mean, I'm simultaneously infuriated by DAS cheaters and surprised Disney didn't see this coming.

They turned "FastPass" access - a once-free perk - into an expensive commodity, while offering an easy backdoor way for anybody to get it for free.

Came on to say exactly this. I have neurodivergent folks in my family. We have managed visits to the parks by just utilizing fast pass. The first time I ever even considered the DAS option was when they started charging for Genie+ (and limiting its use). I have never actually used DAS, as my family members' disabilities are mild enough to manage without it. However, I am willing to bet that I am not alone, leading to increased demand for the service. Couple that with social media showing others how to game the system and get around paying for Genie+ and BOOM, here we are.

 

[POTS]

Predictably, social media is in a lather over this, with hot takes landing in 3 camps:

Those with legit disabilities wondering how this will impact them.

Able bodied folks who think everyone using DAS is a scammer.

People mad that their self-diagnosed issue (I saw 'heat intolerance' and 'germaphobia' mentioned) won't be covered for DAS.

For somone with a dysautonomia like postural orthostatic intolerance syndrome


(POTS) which constitutes a disability, heat intolerance is a major symptom. Heat intolerance doesn’t just mean, man I really don’t like the heat. It means my body can’t regulate its temperate because my autonomic nervous system doesn’t work properly and there for I can’t be in heat. Think super high fevers and how bad that is for people. Additionally, heat intolerance for dysautonomiacs means they dehydrate at a faster rate and being in the sun doesn’t help that. Both of these can contribute to high heart rate, low blood pressure, pre-syncope, and eventually fainting. Heat intolerance isn’t a joke for those who truly suffer from it.

 

[truecoat]

For somone with a dysautonomia like postural orthostatic intolerance syndrome


(POTS) which constitutes a disability, heat intolerance is a major symptom. Heat intolerance doesn’t just mean, man I really don’t like the heat. It means my body can’t regulate its temperate because my autonomic nervous system doesn’t work properly and there for I can’t be in heat. Think super high fevers and how bad that is for people. Additionally, heat intolerance for dysautonomiacs means they dehydrate at a faster rate and being in the sun doesn’t help that. Both of these can contribute to high heart rate, low blood pressure, pre-syncope, and eventually fainting. Heat intolerance isn’t a joke for those who truly suffer from it.

I'm sorry, I just had to.

 

[TBeam]

For somone with a dysautonomia like postural orthostatic intolerance syndrome


(POTS) which constitutes a disability, heat intolerance is a major symptom. Heat intolerance doesn’t just mean, man I really don’t like the heat. It means my body can’t regulate its temperate because my autonomic nervous system doesn’t work properly and there for I can’t be in heat. Think super high fevers and how bad that is for people. Additionally, heat intolerance for dysautonomiacs means they dehydrate at a faster rate and being in the sun doesn’t help that. Both of these can contribute to high heart rate, low blood pressure, pre-syncope, and eventually fainting. Heat intolerance isn’t a joke for those who truly suffer from it.

I am in the same position and was thinking the same thing. People assume everyone with heat intolerance are just people that don't want to be outside when it's warm. I have multiple sclerosis and I suffer severely from heat intolerance. Anything over 75° becomes very difficult for me. Back in the olden days, the only way they really had to diagnose multiple sclerosis was by putting somebody in a hot tub. The heat literally shuts down all of the muscles and they had to be pulled out of the hot tub. I suffer from this type of situation. My body does not regulate my body temperature well once it gets warm. I literally become so weak that I can't walk anymore. And this is just the heat portion that I'm affected by due to my MS. I also have periodic leg spasms that are uncontrollable and overall pain. Both of those will just hit out of nowhere with no warning. Having DAS in the past has been a lifesaver for me. My family would go out and wait in line and go on other rides. When I was waiting for my return time, I was able to stay somewhere where I could keep cool. Without that option, I'm basically limited to only going in the winter time, which isn't always cool enough then either.

I am worried that I will no longer qualify for DAS because I do not have have cognitive issues - NOT because I shouldn't have ever qualified for it to begin with. I feel like I used DAS exactly how it was intended and it made a tremendous difference for me when going to the parks. I may no longer have that option going forward.

 

[jkansas]

I have heat intolerance. I have a couple autoimmune disorders. I don't go when it is hot. I make sure to bring my hat/umbrella, fans, and lots of water.

I have two children that are on the autism spectrum. At one time, my oldest qualified for the DAS pass because he did have behaviors that would be dangerous for himself in the queue. He has had a lot of therapy and he has just gotten older and a lot of the dangerous behaviors have been improved. We wouldn't see the pass for him. My youngest has many sensory issues that cause anxiety. She probably could qualify for a pass but I wouldn't seek one out for her because she can be accommodated by using her stroller in the queue as a wheelchair. Its her safe place and she feels comfortable there. We can stand in the regular line with the stroller.

I think people are misrepresenting what is necessary for them to stand in line. If you can sit in a wheelchair, then most of the physical issues people bring up are resolved. Also, I did see a TikTok video with a woman who has CP say that they offered her several solutions but she would have to do them at every ride. She said they still offered her a return time but her party would wait in line or a return time for her full party. This wasn't good enough though because she thought it was unfair for her to have to explain her condition every time and leave it up to a cast member to decide if she qualified.

 

[belleschip2024]

I get cutting down on the DAS Pass, and I agree that it needs to happen. As someone with an "invisible illness"/auto-immune disorder, though, that actually is effected by heat to the point of high fevers, vomiting, severe stomach pain, headaches, and fainting, it makes it very difficult to prove my illness. Even with a mobile scooter and canopy, I am in danger of overheating in anything over 75. I recently moved to an army base in the desert, and I can barely go outside. Looking at me, though, I present as normal. There are no doctors or medical professionals on staff to say whether I'm being genuine or not, and I know I'm not the only one. Honestly, I think that people who apply for a DAS Pass should have to provide some documentation from their doctor or specialist.

As a moderate-severe special needs teacher as well, Autism Spectrum Disorder should not automatically qualify you as it sounds like it does. There's a reason it's a spectrum disorder. Children on the lower end (aka higher functioning) can be taught how to be patient in lines. Children on the opposite end need more accommodations like a DAS Pass. It's not a one-size fits all which is another reason a doctor providing documentation could be so helpful.