New DAS System at Walt Disney World 2024

[Splash4eva]

I think the point is that someone who lies to get DAS gets a pretty major advantage, which is why so many people do it.

Again its already been proven so many DONT do it. Im sorry. 8% of guests have DAS from whats been reported. Of which how many are outright frauds?!? So the number is not as high as people keep saying it is.

 

[Splash4eva]

Sorry this is Not abuse if you qualify for DAS. This just shows why people would be encouraged to abuse

Again. Its been said 8% of guests have abuse. Of which obviously a good amount actually need it. So with all this “encouragement” NOT many people are abusing it…

 

[Splash4eva]

The OP explicitly prefaced his comment by referring to someone who has no physical or mental need for DAS; as in, an abuser of the system.

Honestly ive lost track who says what and it seems like everything changes in regards to this seemingly hot topic…

 

[Splash4eva]

This is where it gets so complicated for me.. as someone with a person who has a family member with extreme special needs… I see him suffer every day and I see my sister and her husband fear for his future and who will take care of him when they are gone… and all these other issues and challenges that people with “typical”children don’t deal with (I hate the word normal, none of us are lol) …

So when I see these threads I see a lot of posts where people who have all these needs and struggles feel attacked for getting an accommodation that would be an “advantage” if they were not disabled..
and that really hurts my heart.

I know life is hard for those with extra challenges… and personally I (and most people ) wouldn’t have an issue waiting 10 or 20 more minutes to allow these folks some extra magic in their lives…

That said, I also have waited in hot crowded standby lines with a toddler who didn’t have special needs, but was still a handful in that scenario… and it certainly was not fun.

And then I think the big challenge is that while most of us who do not have special needs want to be kind to others that do… I think that the generosity becomes thin when it’s a person with challenges and 7 of their friends .. and then many many groups of others with needs and their friends and family.

It is such a balancing act. And I wouldn’t want to be Disney right now..
but my heart does break for those who need accommodations and feel uncertain.

And I feel for those who would like to not wait in a 3 hour standby line with their children after spending all the time and money to take this trip…

I truly hope that Disney is able to offer those who help the help they need, while also keeping the waits of other guests more manageable.

Blame Disney for allowing bigger party sizes. Blame Disney for allowing 2 pre books. Blame Disney for their policies. You cant blame maybe the 2% of guest who are lying to get it under completely fraud and selfish terms.

 

[Tha Realest]

Honestly ive lost track who says what and it seems like everything changes in regards to this seemingly hot topic…

It was right there in the OP’s post.

 

[Purduevian]

If you factor in the actual time on the attraction, plus time running from attraction to attraction, the number of rides decreases.

I said start time was 3:45pm. I am assuming all walking speed is @3 miles per hour wait times were accurate at 3:45pm.

DAS user (that does not need DAS, but got it anyway thus is abusing the system, OR a legitimate non-abusing DAS member following Disney's rules)	Non-DAS user
Walk to mad tea party ~0.3 miles [3:51pm]	Walk to 7D ~.33 mile [3:52pm]
10 min wait for ride [4:01pm]	75 minute wait [5:07pm]
90 second ride [4:03pm]	3 min ride [5:10pm]
Walk to little mermaid ~.14 miles [4:06pm]	Walk to Space mountain [5:14pm] (Can make new LL at 5:14PM) via thrill data could book a 6:15 return time for Buzz)
10 min wait for ride [4:16pm]	15 min wait in the LL [5:29pm]
7 minute ride [4:23pm]	3 min ride (1 min for exit) [5:33pm]
Walk to dumbo ~0.05 miles [4:24pm]
10 min wait for ride [4:34pm]
90 second ride [4:36pm]
Walk to space mountain ~.2 miles [4:40pm] (Can make new LL at 4:40pm) via thrill data could book a 5:50pm return time for Buzz)
Lets call it a 15 min LL wait for Space [4:55pm]
3 min ride (1 min for exit) [4:59]
walk to 7D ~.2 miles [5:03pm] (can book another DAS return time for JC at 5:13pm that will be ready to be redeemed at 5:48pm
We can call it 15 mins in ILL [5:18pm]
3 min ride (5:21pm)

Tried to make it a more more complete and fair comparison I included walking distance and ride time.

DAS user (that legitimately can do this and is not abusing, or DAS abuser that has no right to DAS) vs Non-DAS user got on Mermaid, Dumbo, Teacups a 25minute sooner LL return time to buzz, a return time for JC is 27 minutes from getting off 7D and ended Space/7D 12 minutes earlier.

Also if you genuinely have DAS for needs you probably need that time for rest, sitting, the bathroom etc. I think that’s something people keep forgetting is typically a disability slows you down.

This example is meant for either a person that does not need that time, but still can not wait in a line more than about 15-20 mins or a person/group that has no need for DAS that got it anyway.

To be clear I do not think people that need DAS and do this are abusing the system, Disney allows this. My points are:
1) DAS can be a clear advantage to those that do NOT need it thus it promotes people to lie to obtain it
2) Disney should not allow DAS to redeem a LL while waiting for a DAS time (something you can not do if waiting is standby). It wouldn't solve everything, but would eliminate the 12 minute advantage and to 25 minute sooner LL return time.

 

[Splash4eva]

I said start time was 3:45pm. I am assuming all walking speed is @3 miles per hour wait times were accurate at 3:45pm.

DAS user (that does not need DAS, but got it anyway thus is abusing the system, OR a legitimate non-abusing DAS member following Disney's rules)	Non-DAS user
Walk to mad tea party ~0.3 miles [3:51pm]	Walk to 7D ~.33 mile [3:52pm]
10 min wait for ride [4:01pm]	75 minute wait [5:07pm]
90 second ride [4:03pm]	3 min ride [5:10pm]
Walk to little mermaid ~.14 miles [4:06pm]	Walk to Space mountain [5:14pm] (Can make new LL at 5:14PM) via thrill data could book a 6:15 return time for Buzz)
10 min wait for ride [4:16pm]	15 min wait in the LL [5:29pm]
7 minute ride [4:23pm]	3 min ride (1 min for exit) [5:33pm]
Walk to dumbo ~0.05 miles [4:24pm]
10 min wait for ride [4:34pm]
90 second ride [4:36pm]
Walk to space mountain ~.2 miles [4:40pm] (Can make new LL at 4:40pm) via thrill data could book a 5:50pm return time for Buzz)
Lets call it a 15 min LL wait for Space [4:55pm]
3 min ride (1 min for exit) [4:59]
walk to 7D ~.2 miles [5:03pm] (can book another DAS return time for JC at 5:13pm that will be ready to be redeemed at 5:48pm
We can call it 15 mins in ILL [5:18pm]
3 min ride (5:21pm)

Tried to make it a more more complete and fair comparison I included walking distance and ride time.

DAS user (that legitimately can do this and is not abusing, or DAS abuser that has no right to DAS) vs Non-DAS user got on Mermaid, Dumbo, Teacups a 25minute sooner LL return time to buzz, a return time for JC is 27 minutes from getting off 7D and ended Space/7D 12 minutes earlier.


This example is meant for either a person that does not need that time, but still can not wait in a line more than about 15-20 mins or a person/group that has no need for DAS that got it anyway.

To be clear I do not think people that need DAS and do this are abusing the system, Disney allows this. My points are:
1) DAS can be a clear advantage to those that do NOT need it thus it promotes people to lie to obtain it
2) Disney should not allow DAS to redeem a LL while waiting for a DAS time (something you can not do if waiting is standby). It wouldn't solve everything, but would eliminate the 12 minute advantage and to 25 minute sooner LL return time.

Has anyone really claimed DAS while using Genie or taking advantage of short wait times while “waiting” in line virtually is on an equal playing field as a non DAS user… assuming they are in parks the same amount of time. Which may i add is a BIG assumption. But i dont think anyone would really argue that. Again blame Disney for this noone else. They created this mess and the fix is what? Now telling people who need DAS they are no longer eligible. Will now sell more Genies potentially and standby lines will imo not move a blink unless they stop fudging wait times and proclaim victory

 

[Tha Realest]

Again blame Disney for this noone else. They created this mess and the fix is what?

They are trying to fix it by limiting how generous they’ve been in conferring DAS.

 

[Splash4eva]

They are trying to fix it by limiting how generous they’ve been in conferring DAS.

They could have done that by changing some of the rules 1st as opposed to literally telling people who relied on this that they may be denied access. Ive suggested plenty which would make things for Disney way better and allow for a better experience for all. The only issue they have is re rides bc thats a tricky situation. They should have “tested” the changes out without ruffling all the feathers they are but it seems like they realize this is effecting bottom line numbers money wise & some bean counter said hey we can make more money. Did changes need to be made 100%.

 

[phillip9698]

Has anyone really claimed DAS while using Genie or taking advantage of short wait times while “waiting” in line virtually is on an equal playing field as a non DAS user… assuming they are in parks the same amount of time. Which may i add is a BIG assumption. But i dont think anyone would really argue that. Again blame Disney for this noone else. They created this mess and the fix is what? Now telling people who need DAS they are no longer eligible. Will now sell more Genies potentially and standby lines will imo not move a blink unless they stop fudging wait times and proclaim victory

A major issue is there doesn’t seem to be an admittance that people who NEED DAS and people who were approved for it in the past are not one and the same.

 

[Angel Ariel]

A major issue is there doesn’t seem to be an admittance that people who NEED DAS and people who were approved for it in the past are not one and the same.

I'm sure those people exist. Being that wdwmagic is a small subset of Disney fans, and an even smaller subset of DAS users, how many of those people are the people responding in this thread is not something any of us can know.

 

[Tha Realest]

A major issue is there doesn’t seem to be an admittance that people who NEED DAS and people who were approved for it in the past are not one and the same.

What a customer feels they “need” is not the exact accommodation that a company must provide. It only needs to be a reasonable accommodation for that person’s type of disability, and even then, one that doesn’t fundamentally alter the company’s business.

But back to your point, “I need DAS because I always got it and the parks will be miserable to me without it” isn’t going to win the day.

A nonverbal child that has reams of IEP documentation with their school? Absolutely, enjoy DAS.

The childless millennial who suddenly got anxious over the pandemic and convinced their HR to let them telework indefinitely yet goes to a half dozen EDM shows a year across the country? Welcome to standby with the rest of us.

 

[Jenny72]

One thing we can probably all agree on is that Disney has not been great about the communication on this. Where did all their PR/communication people go? I feel like so many of their moves in recent years have been so hamfisted. I mean, no company wants to be portrayed as heartless to people with disabilities. They definitely could have rolled it out better.

Woman with Eye Disorder No Longer Feels 'Welcomed' at Disney After Disability Guidelines Change (Exclusive)

Natasha Caudill tells PEOPLE more about her experience using Disney's Disability Access Services.

people.com

 

[flynnibus]

What confuses me is how is this abuse?!? Its literally what is allowed and what Disney encourages?!?

"abuse" in the sense that the system was never intended to be an 'advantage' to do more in a park - simply to facilitate accommodating for people's needs. When you combine power with the absence of real constraints.. you get a situation that was never the intended outcome.

You take offense with the word "abuse" because it's not forbidden - But it's not how the system was intended to function in practice. Call it 'unintended consequences' if you prefer...

 

[flynnibus]

That’s a huge difference.

I’ve seen the DAS lines get pretty backed up for some of the Disneyland dark rides that don’t have any genie or LL - there is no possible way they are using even half as that would mean every other vehicle getting dispatched is DAS and you can see that is not the case. 40% seems way more in line with reality based on what I’ve seen - and that’s not all day, that’s at specific times when the DAS line was super long.

Obviously I can only compare to what I’ve seen, but Peter Pan is the ultimate of popular rides and that’s visible.

Edit to add - I realize Disneyland Park has way more over all attraction Capacity than MK let alone other WDW parks.

Disneyland also has extremely small queues - and hence right from the get go can't allocate the # of slots to the high prority queue the same as a ride built with FP return in mind in the 90s onward. Compare the merge ratio of say Indy... to the merge ratio of a Fantasyland ride like Peter Pan or Toad. Without that ability to get a lot of people in the secondary queue, they have to limit it more tightly to avoid overflowing all the time with the variation of customer returns and DAS.

Basically, don't compare a F! ride operations to something like Indy, Star Tours, etc. And all of that is BEFORE you take into account differences in patterns due to DLRs ride density.

 

[Splash4eva]

"abuse" in the sense that the system was never intended to be an 'advantage' to do more in a park - simply to facilitate accommodating for people's needs. When you combine power with the absence of real constraints.. you get a situation that was never the intended outcome.

You take offense with the word "abuse" because it's not forbidden - But it's not how the system was intended to function in practice. Call it 'unintended consequences' if you prefer...

You have others have kept repeating the same thing yet refuse to also blame Disney & these unintended consequences are the results of allowing soooo many people they allow in groups more than the frauds who have obtained it. I just think its funny that people think standby us gonna drastically be reduced.

 

[Ayla]

One thing we can probably all agree on is that Disney has not been great about the communication on this. Where did all their PR/communication people go? I feel like so many of their moves in recent years have been so hamfisted. I mean, no company wants to be portrayed as heartless to people with disabilities. They definitely could have rolled it out better.

Woman with Eye Disorder No Longer Feels 'Welcomed' at Disney After Disability Guidelines Change (Exclusive)

Natasha Caudill tells PEOPLE more about her experience using Disney's Disability Access Services.

people.com

She's the perfect example of someone who doesn't need DAS. She functions just fine everywhere else BUT at Disney. I would have kept my mouth shut if I was her - though it is amusing how all these Gen Z "content creators" think their whining is going to change anything. Let them keep outing themselves...

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Compare the merge ratio of say Indy... to the merge ratio of a Fantasyland ride like Peter Pan or Toad.

That’s much more difficult to see though. So I can’t, personally, compare.

Where does Indy send DAS? I know where the wheelchair guests go, but does DAS just go with other guests into the cave? Cause that can still be a LONG wait based on my experiences.

 

[KaitlinGrace1990]

Blame Disney for allowing bigger party sizes. Blame Disney for allowing 2 pre books. Blame Disney for their policies. You cant blame maybe the 2% of guest who are lying to get it under completely fraud and selfish terms.

Agreed. If Disney had capped the party size, they probably would have been able to control the program better.

 

[Jrb1979]

You have others have kept repeating the same thing yet refuse to also blame Disney & these unintended consequences are the results of allowing soooo many people they allow in groups more than the frauds who have obtained it. I just think its funny that people think standby us gonna drastically be reduced.

It's never been about reducing standby waits. It's about making more availability for Genie+. Disney does share a lot of the blame for allowing the amount of guests in a group.