New DAS System at Walt Disney World 2024

[ConfettiCupcake]

I’d like to know the context with recommending people with vision issues use wheelchairs. During the changeover there’s been a lot of taking recommendations made for a specific scenario a guest is asking about by a single CM out of context and extrapolating it to the wider picture. Is this more of that?

I think it’s very different if there was an official statement or official guidance that people with vision issues should use a wheelchair, than it is if someone asked a CM how they’re supposed to help their blind mother through a standby queue and they were told ‘an option is assisting using a wheelchair’ for example.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

I’d like to know the context with recommending people with vision issues use wheelchairs.

It was a post on social media reporting that this has happened 3 different times to 3 different guests - the one they talked about specifically was at haunted mansion but I don’t know the full context obviously.

I’m not sure why anyone would recommend a blind guest should use a wheelchair though - seems like a very odd statement no matter the context.

 

[jaklgreen]

This is the impression I got from the changes as well. The example of “developmental disability like autism or similar” made me think of: Low-functioning autism (LFA) is a degree of autism marked by difficulties with social communication and interaction, challenging behavior, and differences in social or emotional reciprocity. Sleep problems, aggression, stereotypical, and self-injurious behavior are also common symptoms.

It’s been speculated this example was given due to the GAS lawsuit, it also works to convey the set of ongoing challenges in every queue where DAS is surely suited. Most of have known or encountered LFA individuals. Those with low functioning autism symptoms might exhibit significant challenges in communication and social interaction, requiring dedicated support and interventions. It’s clear to see how that impacts standing in lines.

But is that only who they are giving it to? The problem is the inconsistencies of it. It feels bad for those who are denied because some Disney cast member thinks that they are not disabled "enough" when in reality, there is no way for a cast member to make that distinction because they don't know the person. This again comes down to how a person describes their medical issues. Once people figure out what to say, we will have the same issues with abuse.

 

[ConfettiCupcake]

It was a post on social media reporting that this has happened 3 different times to 3 different guests - the one they talked about specifically was at haunted mansion but I don’t know the full context obviously.

I’m not sure why anyone would recommend a blind guest should use a wheelchair though - seems like a very odd statement no matter the context.

I can see it. I don’t pretend to know how the conversations went but they seem to be recommending wheelchairs as a possible solution when a guest presents with issues navigating the queue due to a more physical barrier.

I feel like cast members listing possible solutions when asked that aren’t DAS has been twisted into ‘Disney is telling disabled guests to do _____’, so I may be biased when seeing these kinds of claims.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

I feel like cast members listing possible solutions when asked that aren’t DAS has been twisted into ‘Disney is telling disabled guests to do _____’, so I may be biased when seeing these kinds of claims.

Ultimately- I think it is wrong for Disney to be putting CM’s in this position. Especially when it somewhat contradicts traditional Disney training of going the extra mile to create happy guests and magical moments.

Safety and Courtesy rank over Efficiency.

 

[NotTheOne]

It was a post on social media reporting that this has happened 3 different times to 3 different guests - the one they talked about specifically was at haunted mansion but I don’t know the full context obviously.

I’m not sure why anyone would recommend a blind guest should use a wheelchair though - seems like a very odd statement no matter the context.

The poster gave you the context for when it might be appropriate

"I think it’s very different if there was an official statement or official guidance that people with vision issues should use a wheelchair, than it is if someone asked a CM how they’re supposed to help their blind mother through a standby queue and they were told ‘an option is assisting using a wheelchair’ for example."

 

[NotTheOne]

But is that only who they are giving it to? The problem is the inconsistencies of it. It feels bad for those who are denied because some Disney cast member thinks that they are not disabled "enough" when in reality, there is no way for a cast member to make that distinction because they don't know the person. This again comes down to how a person describes their medical issues. Once people figure out what to say, we will have the same issues with abuse.

They're not making any decisions about who is "disabled enough", they're making decisions about which needs can only be met with a DAS.

 

[NotTheOne]

Ultimately- I think it is wrong for Disney to be putting CM’s in this position. Especially when it somewhat contradicts traditional Disney training of going the extra mile to create happy guests and magical moments.

Safety and Courtesy rank over Efficiency.

And I'm assuming that "happy guests and magical moments" to you means "give a DAS to everyone who says they need one"

 

[ConfettiCupcake]

Ultimately- I think it is wrong for Disney to be putting CM’s in this position. Especially when it somewhat contradicts traditional Disney training of going the extra mile to create happy guests and magical moments.

Safety and Courtesy rank over Efficiency.

If not CMs, then who? Would passing the buck to a third party to give the same accommodations and not approve for DAS really make people feel better? I doubt it.

Where does courtesy = giving guests whatever they ask for, draw the line? I absolutely think if that’s what guests think courtesy means, they should be ranking it above efficiency in practice much of the time.

 

[Dranth]

People have had to leave the LL if it gets too long. This is not a secret. It seems that many of you are struggling to comprehend what people have to deal with. It is easy to sit back and say "just do this" but in reality, it is not so simple. You can say that about Autistic people, to just go wait in line until it gets "too much" and then just "easily" leave the line. But no one is saying that so why would you say that to people with other medical issues?

There are certainly a few, but I don't think there are that many that are struggling to comprehend.

The reality is that Disney has determined that they cannot continue to accommodate every last person who comes to them with any sort of disability using DAS. According to insiders who have been fairly reliable, it has reached the point where it is impacting not only the people who really need it by creating LL lines that are longer than they should be, it is also impacting revenue, operations and overall guest satisfaction.

They are now offering alternative solutions and what I see are people claiming those changes can't possibly work without even trying them. The problem with that argument, for many of us, is that we saw the EXACT same things being said last time they changed the system. That mostly turned out to be people over reacting and many of us expect it will be more of the same this time. It won't be perfect but the hope is that Disney continues to adjust to handle those exceptions so as few people as possible get left behind.

Finally, the reason not everyone is suggesting the same solution for every disability is because every disability is not the same. The needs for people who are blind, deaf, have mobility issues, Crohn's, or the different levels of autism are all different. Why on Earth would they all be treated the same?

 

[NotTheOne]

There are certainly a few, but I don't think there are that many that are struggling to comprehend.

The reality is that Disney has determined that they cannot continue to accommodate every last person who comes to them with any sort of disability using DAS. According to insiders who have been fairly reliable, it has reached the point where it is impacting not only the people who really need it by creating LL lines that are longer than they should be, it is also impacting revenue, operations and overall guest satisfaction.

They are now offering alternative solutions and what I see are people claiming those changes can't possibly work without even trying them. The problem with that argument, for many of us, is that we saw the EXACT same things being said last time they changed system. That mostly turned out to be people over reacting and many of us expect it will be more of the same this time. It won't be perfect but the hope is that Disney continues to adjust to handle those exceptions so as few people as possible get left behind.

Finally, the reason not everyone is suggesting the same solution for every disability is because every disability is not the same. The needs for people who are blind, deaf, have mobility issues, Crohn's, or the different levels of autism are all different. Why on Earth would they all be treated the same?

There are a few on this thread, not many, but a very few, who are making it abundantly clear that they don't care one whit about any guest - disabled or not - in the park except for themselves and their party. They don't care that handing out DAS like candy not only made the standby lines longer, but made the LLs so long that many legitimate DAS users couldn't access the attraction even after waiting the standby time. No, it doesn't matter whether other disabled guests are adequately accommodated or not, I don't want to have to split my party darn it! I don't want to try the standby line, even though I might be able to do so, because I don't want to have to leave the line and meet my party at the merge. All of that bonding time in line together, oh my pearls!

This is why I hope Disney sticks to their guns on these changes and doesn't lose their spine. And if guests are giving CMs at the attractions a hard time because they don't want to try the accommodation - escort them from the park and give them a few hours to cool off, grow up, and act like adults.

Finally, I hope Disney institutes a policy that says if you're a denied a DAS, you won't be reconsidered, no matter how many times you call, until you try the recommended accommodations.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

If not CMs, then who? Would passing the buck to a third party to give the same accommodations and not approve for DAS really make people feel better?

Well I meant front-line CM’s.

Ideally, there would be a specific place at each park where guests can talk to a Guest Relations CM about their needs and then they would be issued a specific type of access.

When that guest arrives at an attraction, they can show the CM the card (physical or digital) and the CM will know which accommodation they should be offered.

That’s my solution.

 

[NotTheOne]

Well I meant front-line CM’s.

Ideally, there would be a specific place at each park where guests can talk to a Guest Relations CM about their needs and then they would be issued a specific type of access.

When that guest arrives at an attraction, they can show the CM the card (physical or digital) and the CM will know which accommodation they should be offered.

That’s my solution.

The bullying of CMs to get them to give DAS is, IMO, a contributing reason to why the entire process was removed from within the parks themselves. Smart move, and Disney should stick with it.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

a contributing reason to why the entire process was removed from within the parks themselves.

It’s still in the parks in California- not sure if that is because of California laws or it was a park decision.

 

[NotTheOne]

It’s still in the parks in California- not sure if that is because of California laws or it was a park decision.

It is not within the parks themselves - it's in a location between the two parks.

 

[ConfettiCupcake]

Well I meant front-line CM’s.

Ideally, there would be a specific place at each park where guests can talk to a Guest Relations CM about their needs and then they would be issued a specific type of access.

When that guest arrives at an attraction, they can show the CM the card (physical or digital) and the CM will know which accommodation they should be offered.

That’s my solution.

That was GAC, which broke under the weight of Disney being too lenient with who they would give the ‘good’ accommodation to.

What Disney appears to be doing is making all (or most) non DAS accommodations available to everyone upon request. The exception being RTQ. No need for a card, there shouldn’t be rejection from front line CMs.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

It is not within the parks themselves - it's in a location between the two parks.

Calling the space in between the parks “not within the parks” is a strange technicality to point out. But yes, you are correct.

Goodness I must be very careful to say “front line CM” and within security and on-property” or I’ll be proven a liar! Haha

 

[NotTheOne]

Calling the space in between the parks “not within the parks” is a strange technicality to point out. But yes, you are correct.

Goodness I must be very careful to say “front line CM” and within security and on-property” or I’ll be proven a liar! Haha

Not really a technicality, because now the "I wanna DAS" bullies won't be able to put on their show in front of all of the other guests in GS or at the umbrellas, which put additional pressure on the poor CMs who had to deal with their antics.

 

[jaklgreen]

And I'm assuming that "happy guests and magical moments" to you means "give a DAS to everyone who says they need one"

You say that but in reality, it is arbitrary. We have already seen that it depends on what cast member you get on if you get approved.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Not really a technicality, because now the "I wanna DAS" bullies won't be able to put on their show in front of all of the other guests in GS or at the umbrellas, which put additional pressure on the poor CMs who had to deal with their antics.

you do know that legally, Guest Relations is the place where disabled guests are supposed to complain about access issues.

I’m not sure what your definition of bully, pressure, or antics are.