New DAS System at Walt Disney World 2024

[Comped]

I didn’t ask for a comprehensive list, so CP might be there. Next time I get an update I’ll ask about that.

I assume it would be there because the cdc throws it in with autism as a developmental disability, but I would appreciate it!

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

I don't think every line is able to be reconfigured, so it'll be something like "For the lines that offer it, the exit-and-re-enter process is this..."

I'm told that some lines are too small to be reconfigured, so you'll have to excuse yourself back through the line to get out and back to where you were. I'm not sure how that's going to work, from the perspective of "I was at this exact spot 20 minutes ago so I'm going back to there now."

The regular CMs at the line entrances will be reminding people to hit the restrooms before they get in long lines.

I fear this part will be a bit of a mess for a while. It will also be interesting to see if everyone will be able to exit/reenter or just those who preregister.

And if everyone now has the ability to exit/re-enter, then well, the cynical part of me is not optimistic that = shorter standby waits. It will just be easier for everyone to wait 60+.

Maybe I've just heard Rush's song The Trees a few too many times.

It will also be interesting if WDW plans to tell every adult to use the restroom before entering the queue as though we are all 3 years olds.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I didn’t ask for a comprehensive list, so CP might be there. Next time I get an update I’ll ask about that.

If disney commits to having a comprehensive list, I'd be amazed. Many doctors don't have a comprehensive list of developmental disorders. There are many developmental disorders that are genetic like Down's that result in significant needs, but that are rare enough to not be known by most unless they happen to have a patient that has it.

 

[HoustonHorn]

I do not think that anyone really has an issue with people who viably leave a line coming back by then 10-20 min later especially as they leave they let you know they will be back.

I hope you are correct, but I can tell you from personal experience that I am doubtful. See that picture by my name? The day that was taken, we were in line for the safari. At the point where you are required to park your stroller, I take it out of line and park it, and the 2 minutes later when I came back to line, the ladies behind us tried to physically block me from rejoining my wife, daughter and brother. They had been behind me for 30 minutes and had watched me take the stroller out, yet tried to block my reentry.

I really hope there is a good plan for the return-to-line program. In theory, I think it is an excellent idea. But my faith in the average Disney line denizen to play nice and make this work is not high.

 

[Comped]

If disney commits to having a comprehensive list, I'd be amazed. Many doctors don't have a comprehensive list of developmental disorders. There are many developmental disorders that are genetic like Down's that result in significant needs, but that are rare enough to not be known by most unless they happen to have a patient that has it.

The CDC list of major developmental conditions of note:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Cerebral Palsy
• Fragile X Syndrome
• Intellectual Disability
• Language Disorders
• Learning Disorders
• Tourette Syndrome

Obviously some of these won't be covered (ADHD or learning disorders for example, even if they are technically developmental disorders), but most of the other ones may be possible? And we know Downs is one Disney is covering that isn't on the CDC's list, per Len.

Personally, I agree with you 100% that there's a long list of possible conditions - but if Disney must have a relatively short main list, this isn't a terrible one as it covers most of them. There will be rare cases, but that's why they have medical folks involved I suppose. (I just really hope Disney/their doctor partners don't tell me to simply rent a wheelchair every time I come instead of giving me DAS approval...)

 

[HoustonHorn]

Guest-facing CMs were also told:

• The job is going to suck for a while
• You can remind guests:
  • It's well-known that theme park vacations involve long waits in line
  • The new policy is designed for the small percent of the population that has developmental disabilities; it's not for everyone with any medical condition.
  • Disney provided ample notification of the policy change.

In talking about this, I got the sense that Disney was already overwhelmed with questions along the lines of "Why does this qualify now but not after May 20?" And their point is that if everything that counted now counted on May 20, we'd have the same system and the same problems.

I have read nearly every post in this thread. I can see that many of you are angry and hurt at the change. And all I can implore you to do is remember at whom your anger and hurt should be directed, and please remember that it is NOT the frontline CMs or the GR teams, and please show them grace when they give you answers you may not like. They are enforcing the rules their bosses have set, and berating, belittling, demeaning, or yelling at them will accomplish nothing.

When the parks reopened in 2020, and when Disney continued to require measures like masking after others had dropped them, the CMs and GR teams all looked like they had PTSD with as much abuse as they were forced to endure. I hope for their sake this is not a repeat of those days, but I'm afraid it might be.

 

[Angel Ariel]

The CDC list of major developmental conditions of note:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Cerebral Palsy
• Fragile X Syndrome
• Intellectual Disability
• Language Disorders
• Learning Disorders
• Tourette Syndrome

Obviously some of these won't be covered (ADHD or learning disorders for example, even if they are technically developmental disorders), but most of the other ones may be possible? And we know Downs is one Disney is covering that isn't on the CDC's list, per Len.

Personally, I agree with you 100% that there's a long list of possible conditions - but if Disney must have a relatively short main list, this isn't a terrible one as it covers most of them. There will be rare cases, but that's why they have medical folks involved I suppose. (I just really hope Disney/their doctor partners don't tell me to simply rent a wheelchair every time I come instead of giving me DAS approval...)

Like I said - there are many developmental disorders that are rare, and will not be on a list like that. My daughter's is one. Only 600 people in the world diagnosed. Doctors at major metropolitan children's hospitals don't know what it is. Inspire Health Alliance won't either.

and to head this off at the pass: yes I get Google exists. I've had multiple doctors gaslight us when they didn't know this disorder, despite them having access to Google. So that's not a source of confidence building.

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

Any abuse directed towards cast members should result in a lifetime ban, zero tolerance.

Yes, but....

Adults being reminded to use the restroom before they get in a queue? I am suddenly picturing CM's saying the same way they explain to every guest that single rider queue = single rider.

In 2024?

I am thinking late night hosts would have a field day....

 

[DisneyHead123]

Personally, I agree with you 100% that there's a long list of possible conditions - but if Disney must have a relatively short main list, this isn't a terrible one as it covers most of them. There will be rare cases, but that's why they have medical folks involved I suppose. (I just really hope Disney/their doctor partners don't tell me to simply rent a wheelchair every time I come instead of giving me DAS approval...)

Just a note - other cases may be rare individually, but not in aggregate. For example, listing every single genetic disorder out there would be difficult if not impossible, but in aggregate “chromosomal disorders” could constitute a fairly significant number.

 

[Angel Ariel]

And all I can implore you to do is remember at whom your anger and hurt should be directed, and please remember that it is NOT the frontline CMs or the GR teams, and please show them grace when they give you answers you may not like.

100%!

 

[Angel Ariel]

Just a note - other cases may be rare individually, but not in aggregate. For example, listing every single genetic disorder out there would be difficult if not impossible, but in aggregate “chromosomal disorders” could constitute a fairly significant number.

Genetic would be better than chromosomal (as chromosomal disorders are genetic but not all genetic disorders are chromosomal ), but your point is well made and I hope they do have some guidance on that.

 

[DisneyHead123]

Genetic would be better than chromosomal (as chromosomal disorders are genetic but not all genetic disorders are chromosomal ), but your point is well made and I hope they do have some guidance on that.

Yes that’s a good point. Also, maybe I should have noted that not all chromosomal disorders cause developmental issues, but a significant number do.

 

[pigglewiggle]

I appreciate that everyone has different life circumstances and nothing is one size fits all.

We should also be reasonable and understand Disney can't possibly list everything that qualifies and people should just expect to explain their unique situation with the qualified healthcare professional when it's time for their interview.

 

[Comped]

Like I said - there are many developmental disorders that are rare, and will not be on a list like that. My daughter's is one. Only 600 people in the world diagnosed. Doctors at major metropolitan children's hospitals don't know what it is. Inspire Health Alliance won't either.

and to head this off at the pass: yes I get Google exists. I've had multiple doctors gaslight us when they didn't know this disorder, despite them having access to Google. So that's not a source of confidence building.

Yeah, it worries me as well. My relevant diagnosis isn't rare (though some of my vision stuff, which for some reason no longer qualifies for DAS, is and was even when I was seeing folks over at Boston Children's growing up, which has a fantastic pediatric eye unit) - so at least I'm really lucky in that respect. Many people, like yourself/your daughter, won't be as lucky, especially as Disney will likely just make big categories while they see what fits.

Just a note - other cases may be rare individually, but not in aggregate. For example, listing every single genetic disorder out there would be difficult if not impossible, but in aggregate “chromosomal disorders” could constitute a fairly significant number.

Yep. Exactly what I think Disney will have to do to make this less than a 500 row spreadsheet or 40 page word doc.

 

[Happyday]

The CDC list of major developmental conditions of note:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Cerebral Palsy
• Fragile X Syndrome
• Intellectual Disability
• Language Disorders
• Learning Disorders
• Tourette Syndrome

Obviously some of these won't be covered (ADHD or learning disorders for example, even if they are technically developmental disorders), but most of the other ones may be possible? And we know Downs is one Disney is covering that isn't on the CDC's list, per Len.

Personally, I agree with you 100% that there's a long list of possible conditions - but if Disney must have a relatively short main list, this isn't a terrible one as it covers most of them. There will be rare cases, but that's why they have medical folks involved I suppose. (I just really hope Disney/their doctor partners don't tell me to simply rent a wheelchair every time I come instead of giving me DAS approval...)

I agree the list can become overwhelming and a shorter list may help however as I have mentioned in the past there are questions they can and do ask even without knowing a diagnosis and each question builds on the previous question. Again I don't want to give too much information but I trust that with the extra training these cast members will hopefully getting the cast members will be able to make the right decision.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I appreciate that everyone has different life circumstances and nothing is one size fits all.

We should also be reasonable and understand Disney can't possibly list everything that qualifies and people should just expect to explain their unique situation with the qualified healthcare professional when it's time for their interview.

I don't expect Disney to list everything. That's why I said I'd be surprised if they committed to having a comprehensive list. It's not possible to have one. Disney is more likely to run into problems for themselves if they try to have such a list.

 

[DisneyHead123]

I appreciate that everyone has different life circumstances and nothing is one size fits all.

We should also be reasonable and understand Disney can't possibly list everything that qualifies and people should just expect to explain their unique situation with the qualified healthcare professional when it's time for their interview.

I agree… what I wonder about, though, is them moving from “needs based” to “label + needs based”. Even if it’s a very broad label, like “developmental”. It seems like that may be open to legal challenges. Time will tell though.

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

It's well-known that theme park vacations involve long waits in line

This is true, but is also going to send a lot of lawnmowers into orbit unfortunately. I feel so badly for the frontline CM’s. Based just on the vitriol directed in this thread by some posters towards everyone else, I can’t even imagine what they’re about to be subjected to.

 

[Moth]

• It's going to be restricted to developmental needs like autism and Down's. Mild cases may not qualify.

There's a lawyer out there who just got VERYYYYY excited over this line. Waiting for this to change after someone chucks a lawsuit at Disney, especially as someone on the spectrum myself. It's only a matter of time until someone sues because Disney deemed the person applying for DAS had a 'mild case'.

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

I've heard the plan is to boost staffing in Guest Relations for the first few weeks because it will indeed suck. There will be guests who take a considerable amount of time fighting with them because they either weren't offered the accommodations they want from the virtual team, or don't want to participate in the virtual process. Many are used to getting their way, and frankly, the GR CMs are used to just giving in after a while, so this will be a big change for many.

Some guests sadly might even try to take it out on the attractions CMs. I'm told GEMs and coordinators have been/will be given instructions to not back down (for example, just cutting their losses and letting them through the LL as a "courtesy") and refer them to GR.

Yeah, it really is going to suck for them. And they are absolutely going to get just abused like crazy. People are so sure that they are entitled to their right to skip the lines. I really hope Disney doesn’t end up losing staff over the verbal abuse they’re going to endure.