New DAS System at Walt Disney World 2024

[TrainsOfDisney]

The standard is to provide for a caregiver - not your whole party. This is why handicap seating at a theatre etc comes with 1-2 seats -- not 5-6 per handicap seat.

I think you’re mixing up 2 different points. I’m not saying the whole party should be able to wait with her.

In the theatre example, the seat accommodating the handicap seat is not for “a caregiver” it’s for a member of the party to sit with them and enjoy the show with them. And in fact, it’s in the ADA code that the seats must be completely even, on the same level, and not separated in any way so that the handicap audience member can enjoy the show with someone, the same way everyone else can.

 

[flynnibus]

I think you’re mixing up 2 different points. I’m not saying the whole party should be able to wait with her.

In the theatre example, the seat accommodating the handicap seat is not for “a caregiver” it’s for a member of the party to sit with them and enjoy the show with them. And in fact, it’s in the ADA code that the seats must be completely even, on the same level, and not separated in any way so that the handicap audience member can enjoy the show with someone, the same way everyone else can.

No I'm not mixing things up... the reason they have an additional seat is because a high percentage of the disabled don't go out alone because... they have a caregiver/aid (even if not by employment). Not because they believe the disabled shouldn't be split from their party to avoid inequality (your standard). For many disabled they NEED that person.. so it's part of the accommodation.

The point about where the handicap seats are located is about ensuring a equitable performance - not to do with WHO they sit with.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Not because they believe the disabled shouldn't be split from their party to avoid inequality (your standard).

Ok, then I think you are wrong from a legal perspective.

 

[Splash4eva]

My question would also be, are other members of her party allowed to wait with her? Meaning the party can split up, some wait with her, some wait in the line, or is she the only one that has to wait alone?

Cause that gets into unfair treatment - a guest without disabilities can wait with members of the group.

As a das user is it fair that im allowed to ride something while in a “vq” for my next ride? Everything is NOT gonna be 100% equal so honestly DAS users need to give a little back as well as a sacrifice if they want the same or similar accommodations

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

so honestly DAS users need to give a little back

Disabled guests should give a little back?

 

[Splash4eva]

Disabled guests should give a little back?

All im saying is this. And again i use DAS we do get some “perks” thats Disney allows. So if some things are not 100% the same as non DAS users we cant cry hey this is not fair is all im saying

 

[flynnibus]

Ok, then I think you are wrong from a legal perspective.

Find one accessibility standard where it's written that separate accommodations must include a person's traveling party beyond the ones NEEDED by the individual to function.

Uncle Tony doesn't get a seat just because you're on a family trip...

The desired outcome is your venue is accommodation WITHOUT separating parties by providing an accessible experience PERIOD. But where that is not possible... you provide for the person in need, not anyone associated with them. The reason this can often be confused is... if there is no consequence to allowing the rest of the party along.. there is no reason to exclude them (like, allowing the full party to use the alternate entrance). But when there are facility limitations (like actual seats available... or attraction capacity) you are not obligated to fit them all.

 

[Vacationeer]

Ok, then I think you are wrong from a legal perspective.

One big case involving wheelchair user in movie theatre was Robin Fortyune. The argument and ruling consistently includes that his wife was caregiver. The case was about removing guests from the seat next to wheelchair so the wife could sit. It’s seems to be a very important part of that ruling but I cannot find the supporting ADA language.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

The case was about removing guests from the seat next to wheelchair so the wife could sit. It’s seems to be a very important part of that ruling but I cannot find the supporting ADA language.

In a case like that, you are obviously going to argue an extra point to ensure a win.

My understanding, from reading the ADA language, is that each handicap seat in a venue must have a seat next to it for a “companion” - which makes logical sense. It would be unfair to make a disabled guest sit alone, and not enjoy the show with a companion, since all other audience members have that ability.

 

[Wendy Pleakley]

Disabled guests should give a little back?

The system is never going to be perfect in terms of equal opportunity.

A DAS user who can only handle 4 hours in the park compared to someone without that limitation? Yeah, it's arguably fair if they can do an above average amount of rides during that time by using VQ and standby queues concurrently.

The latter person, who is less limited, could do a lot more than the average guest if they follow the same strategy over an entire day.

When someone talks about "giving a little back", what they often mean, I think, is not using the system to the point where DAS represents a major advantage. Or accepting some limitations.

The reason being, when DAS is an "advantage" it attracts cheaters and can impact wait times for all guests. This is a contributing factor to the changes being made.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

One big case involving wheelchair user in movie theatre was Robin Fortyune.

From that case (and thank you for pointing it out to me!) -

“Since there are only four companion seats in the theater, AMC's policy denies Fortyune an opportunity to sit with his companion equal to that enjoyed by ambulatory patrons.”

 

[Vacationeer]

From that case (and thank you for pointing it out to me!) -

“Since there are only four companion seats in the theater, AMC's policy denies Fortyune an opportunity to sit with his companion equal to that enjoyed by ambulatory patrons.”

You’re welcome. It seemed to be helpful. Better would be what part(s) of the ADA was used in the reasoning.

It’s still not 100% clear because it’s repeatedly pointed out that his companion was his caregiver, which gave the impression that mattered.

 

[Chi84]

Ok, then I think you are wrong from a legal perspective.

Why do you think this is wrong?

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

It’s still not 100% clear because it’s repeatedly pointed out that his companion was his caregiver, which gave the impression that mattered.

I’ve read the majority of the case on Justia and I’ve seen no mention of the caregiver.

Where are you seeing the caregiver brought up?

Edit - I see it now on casetext

 

[natatomic]

But outdoor stuff is still open at the Studios.

I don’t know if you know this, but it can storm in one location and not in others miles away.

But seriously though, they close attractions by park. Lightning within a 6 mile radius of each park, for most attractions. Some exceptions that come to mind are the resort pools and water parks (10 miles) and the blizzard beach chair lift (I was told 20 miles, but I don’t know how true that is).

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Why do you think this is wrong?

to clarify - “This” = companion seating in a theatre.

The ADA law requires companion seats next to designated wheelchair spaces. This is so the guest in the wheelchair may sit with a companion, just like other guests enjoying the show.

 

[Chi84]

to clarify - “This” = companion seating in a theatre.

The ADA law requires companion seats next to designated wheelchair spaces. This is so the guest in the wheelchair may sit with a companion, just like other guests enjoying the show.

Right. So Disney is required to allow a disabled person to enjoy an attraction such as a ride or show with a companion. They do this. I’ve never heard anyone complain about being separated in rides or shows.

That case upheld a ruling that a theater is required to hold companion seats next to their accessible seats until 10 minutes before the movie starts.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Right. So Disney is required to allow a disabled person to enjoy an attraction such as a ride or show with a companion. They do this. I’ve never heard anyone complain about being separated in rides or shows.

That case upheld a ruling that a theater is required to hold companion seats next to their accessible seats until 10 minutes before the movie starts.

Yes, I agree.

 

[Tigger&Pooh]

The aspect getting overlooked is what is the purpose of the venue? At a theater that is simple it's to watch the movie or show. It is not the waiting in line to buy popcorn or buy a ticket or enter the theater. So a disabled person should be allowed to enjoy the duration of the movie with a companion.

Is the purpose at WDW to wait in queues? or is it riding the attraction? Disney apparently interprets it as riding/experiencing the attraction itself and is making steps to allow the disabled individual to join the rest of their party for the attraction. Sure there are some guests who pay admission and enter the parks without intent of doing any rides, simply to people watch or spend time with their family/grandchildren outside of queues, but those aren't the people who need line accommodations. So the line accommodation allows the disabled individual to wait outside the queue and rejoin their party to enjoy the attraction. I understand the desire to allow for a companion during that wait, but I'm not sure it's required by law -- a caregiver would be required, not a companion for the wait. It could rightly be argued that a companion be allowed to enjoy the attraction, which Disney is allowing.

 

[NotTheOne]

-She goes every week
-Brings a large group (self admission)
-Is an adult
-Does not have a cognitive disability

Unfortunately she fits the category where there are a lot of liars and you either set a hard line or let the camel stick his nose in. Disney is not at fault for this, it’s entirely due to the donkey holes that abused the curtosey. This is an example of a person hurt by their carelessness.

Yeah, I was wondering why she would think she should get the DAS.