New DAS System at Walt Disney World 2024

[Splash4eva]

This has always been the case and has not changed with the updated DAS system. People who do not have developmental disabilities should assume they will not receive DAS and plan that way. I’d even go as far to say that adults with developmental disabilities who are the ones planning the trip should probably assume they will be denied as well. This is just based on what Disney has listed as their criteria and what it appears they are approving.

Does anyone know the latest update in regards to solo travelers or single parent's traveling with a minor?

 

[jennab55]

Does anyone know the latest update in regards to solo travelers or single parent's traveling with a minor?

I would assume you will be denied and talk to the CM before entering the queue. I’ve heard each queue has a process depending on party size/makeup, like length, etc. You don’t need to go into detail about your disability, just let them know due to a disability you may need to exit the line or can’t wait that long and ask what options are available.

You can also buy LLMP if that’s easier

 

[Angel Ariel]

Does anyone know the latest update in regards to solo travelers or single parent's traveling with a minor?

The only way to know if you'd qualify is to do the call. Yes, they're denying more (as Jenna reported earlier), but they haven't released any further specific guidelines related to solo travelers or single w/minor. If you feel you need it and qualify, do the call. Otherwise make your plans without it.

 

[DoubleSwitchback]

I think think part of the challenge is DAS was the sole offering, for the most part. And a lot of people really do benefit from some accomodations but maybe didn't need "full DAS" but that is what was offered and they used it.

And now they still probably do need *something* but the alternate accommodations really aren't sufficient. So I get Disney needing to have to cut back on who they give DAS too, but think it swing too far the other way and the alternatives aren't enough to enable people to enjoy the parks to the extent that people with no special needs do.

They offer quite a lot of granular alternative accommodations. ADA-compliant lines, return to queue, attraction return times, unique party size, etc. What's an example of someone who doesn't need DAS but whose needs can't be met by the above? My imagination is failing me.

eta: Or are you referring to people who don't qualify for the alternative accommodations that they want, either?

 

[TheMaxRebo]

They offer quite a lot of granular alternative accommodations. ADA-compliant lines, return to queue, attraction return times, unique party size, etc. What's an example of someone who doesn't need DAS but whose needs can't be met by the above? My imagination is failing me.

eta: Or are you referring to people who don't qualify for the alternative accommodations that they want, either?

Ahead of time you either qualify of DAS or you don't but there could be like DAS A, B, C, etc, with different levels providing different accommodations depending on the need. But right now you if you don't qualify for DAS but need something yuou have to explain it to the CM at the front of the line which can be embarrassing, especially if having to detail things about you or your kids, and B you don't know what the accommodation will be or if there will even be one ahead of time

Couple of examples, if someone is able to wait in some lines but not those out in the sun as prolonged exposure to sun can make them sick, they could have that indicated ahead of time and that for 10 rides where the line is largely in the sun they can use the LL or if the standby line is beyond a certain point they can use it, but not on other attractions or not if it is beyond a certain point - but at least they know ahead of time and can plan for it and around it

While there is "return to queue" for a lot of the lines it isn't easy to get our of the line in a hurry if you need to and/or get a CMs attention. Would be nice if they adjusted their queues to better enable this but for now perhaps similar to above there are some lines that are easier to get out of and those you can wait and others that they know it will be hard to get out of you can use the LL.

Just a couple of ones off the top of my head but something that shows they are trying to listen to what specific needs people have and have plans in place to address them even if they don't qualify for traditional DAS

 

[jennab55]

Ahead of time you either qualify of DAS or you don't but there could be like DAS A, B, C, etc, with different levels providing different accommodations depending on the need. But right now you if you don't qualify for DAS but need something yuou have to explain it to the CM at the front of the line which can be embarrassing, especially if having to detail things about you or your kids, and B you don't know what the accommodation will be or if there will even be one ahead of time

Couple of examples, if someone is able to wait in some lines but not those out in the sun as prolonged exposure to sun can make them sick, they could have that indicated ahead of time and that for 10 rides where the line is largely in the sun they can use the LL or if the standby line is beyond a certain point they can use it, but not on other attractions or not if it is beyond a certain point - but at least they know ahead of time and can plan for it and around it

While there is "return to queue" for a lot of the lines it isn't easy to get our of the line in a hurry if you need to and/or get a CMs attention. Would be nice if they adjusted their queues to better enable this but for now perhaps similar to above there are some lines that are easier to get out of and those you can wait and others that they know it will be hard to get out of you can use the LL.

Just a couple of ones off the top of my head but something that shows they are trying to listen to what specific needs people have and have plans in place to address them even if they don't qualify for traditional DAS

I feel like this has been said a bunch of times already, but no one needs to detail every aspect of their disability to the line CM. Just make it simple, “I may need to leave the line due to my disability, what is the process if that happens”?

I don’t understand why people keep using the excuse of “I don’t want to have to explain my disability in front of strangers” when that’s not necessary.

There is also the option of party waits in standby and disabled person waits outside the queue, then joins rest of their party through LL line once standby people are at the merge point. Of course, this wouldn’t work for a single person though, which is why they state to talk to the line CM, as options may depend on party size.

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

I don’t believe they changed their policy again. I’m talking about people who were approved after the change, now being denied upon reapplying. There haven’t been any other policy changes since that have been announced… they are supposed still only supposed to approve those with developmental disabilities that are unable to wait in lines.

Oh, wow! I misread then.

If that is widespread, then it sounds pretty bad on WDW's part, IMO. Sounds even more like they are now trying to issue as few as possible so they can push people into buying the assorted new paid options.

 

[jennab55]

Oh, wow! I misread then.

If that is widespread, then it sounds pretty bad on WDW's part, IMO. Sounds even more like they are now trying to issue as few as possible so they can push people into buying the assorted new paid options.

I don’t personally think they are denying people because they want to push them into paid options. I think they redid the program because of drastic overuse. I think some people were getting DAS because they didn’t want to have to pay for LLs though…

To me it sounds like they are trying to catch the people who slipped through the first go around and upon renewal are denying. The ones I’ve heard of are adults though, not children (not saying there aren’t any, just not the ones I’ve heard of yet).

 

[Chi84]

I don’t personally think they are denying people because they want to push them into paid options. I think they redid the program because of drastic overuse. I think some people were getting DAS because they didn’t want to have to pay for LLs though…

To me it sounds like they are trying to catch the people who slipped through the first go around and upon renewal are denying. The ones I’ve heard of are adults though, not children (not saying there aren’t any, just not the ones I’ve heard of yet).

They may be trying to push them into accommodations other than DAS.

 

[jennab55]

They may be trying to push them into accommodations other than DAS.

Yes! They decided other accommodations could fit most people.

 

[Tigger&Pooh]

Oh, wow! I misread then.

If that is widespread, then it sounds pretty bad on WDW's part, IMO. Sounds even more like they are now trying to issue as few as possible so they can push people into buying the assorted new paid options.

I think it's a case that since the initial roll-out the CMs have had additional training, better training, more specific instructions to the CM's side of the conversation, etc. Some guests who were initially approved right after the changes took place now not re-approved -- so maybe they shouldn't have been approved in May/June/July anyway but they were.

 

[DoubleSwitchback]

Ahead of time you either qualify of DAS or you don't but there could be like DAS A, B, C, etc, with different levels providing different accommodations depending on the need. But right now you if you don't qualify for DAS but need something yuou have to explain it to the CM at the front of the line which can be embarrassing, especially if having to detail things about you or your kids, and B you don't know what the accommodation will be or if there will even be one ahead of time

Couple of examples, if someone is able to wait in some lines but not those out in the sun as prolonged exposure to sun can make them sick, they could have that indicated ahead of time and that for 10 rides where the line is largely in the sun they can use the LL or if the standby line is beyond a certain point they can use it, but not on other attractions or not if it is beyond a certain point - but at least they know ahead of time and can plan for it and around it

While there is "return to queue" for a lot of the lines it isn't easy to get our of the line in a hurry if you need to and/or get a CMs attention. Would be nice if they adjusted their queues to better enable this but for now perhaps similar to above there are some lines that are easier to get out of and those you can wait and others that they know it will be hard to get out of you can use the LL.

Just a couple of ones off the top of my head but something that shows they are trying to listen to what specific needs people have and have plans in place to address them even if they don't qualify for traditional DAS

I see. I guess I'd argue that return to queue can work for someone with extreme sun sensitivity, it may just not be what they want if they still remember DAS.

But to your point -- I don't know if there was any chance that any lobbying or advocacy could have forced Disney to change its mind when the DAS changes were first announced and/or implemented. But I do think a big part of the problem was that initially, the "disability community" (I'm putting that in scare quotes because I know it's a massive and diverse group, I'm talking more about the loudest voices and self-appointed spokespeople for DAS users) was insistent that there couldn't be any "compromise" of DAS. Many people said that yeah, it's probably pretty easy in the software to give people DAS that only works on outdoor lines, or only works on lines that are particularly hard to get out of, etc. It had to be old-DAS-back-completely, or nothing, and it looks like nothing is the result.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I see. I guess I'd argue that return to queue can work for someone with extreme sun sensitivity, it may just not be what they want if they still remember DAS.

But to your point -- I don't know if there was any chance that any lobbying or advocacy could have forced Disney to change its mind when the DAS changes were first announced and/or implemented. But I do think a big part of the problem was that initially, the "disability community" (I'm putting that in scare quotes because I know it's a massive and diverse group, I'm talking more about the loudest voices and self-appointed spokespeople for DAS users) was insistent that there couldn't be any "compromise" of DAS. Many people said that yeah, it's probably pretty easy in the software to give people DAS that only works on outdoor lines, or only works on lines that are particularly hard to get out of, etc. It had to be old-DAS-back-completely, or nothing, and it looks like nothing is the result.

Nothing was the decision before anyone said anything. While I don't agree with how the DAS Defenders group has gone about their advocacy, their advocacy didn't cause how this is being enforced.

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

I don’t personally think they are denying people because they want to push them into paid options. I think they redid the program because of drastic overuse. I think some people were getting DAS because they didn’t want to have to pay for LLs though…

To me it sounds like they are trying to catch the people who slipped through the first go around and upon renewal are denying. The ones I’ve heard of are adults though, not children (not saying there aren’t any, just not the ones I’ve heard of yet).

You are talking about people who do have a 'qualifying' disability.
They had enough of a disability that they qualified under the new rules, and were approved by a CM, but now on return visits they are being denied.

Under the prior rules, WDW gave people some benefit of the doubt if they were not good at advocating for themselves.

Under the new rules, parkgoers have to be BOTH disabled AND have strong skills at advocating for themselves every visit (or a relative who can do it).

IMO, the system is kinda broken.

 

[jennab55]

You are talking about people who do have a 'qualifying' disability.
They had enough of a disability that they qualified under the new rules, and were approved by a CM, but now on return visits they are being denied.

Under the prior rules, WDW gave people some benefit of the doubt if they were not good at advocating for themselves.

Under the new rules, parkgoers have to be BOTH disabled AND have strong skills at advocating for themselves every visit (or a relative who can do it).

IMO, the system is kinda broken.

These were both under the new rules people were approved, then denied. I honestly think adults who are considered “low support needs” are being denied. Likely because they are planning their own trips and getting themselves there, unlike adults with developmental disabilities who need constant support and care (likely don’t have the maturity of their actual age).

 

[Purduevian]

Couple of examples, if someone is able to wait in some lines but not those out in the sun as prolonged exposure to sun can make them sick, they could have that indicated ahead of time and that for 10 rides where the line is largely in the sun they can use the LL or if the standby line is beyond a certain point they can use it, but not on other attractions or not if it is beyond a certain point - but at least they know ahead of time and can plan for it and around it

1. Told to stand in standby and leave the line if needed (I know this isn't very practical for you, but this might be what you are told)
2. Your partner may be asked to stand in the standby line alone and if you need assistance, you can contact them to leave the line. Then both you and your partner enter the LL once done. If you do not need assistance, you will meet them at the LL merge (you going through the LL)
3. You and your partner may get a LL return time similar to a 1 time use DAS (this is rare)
4. You and your partner may get sent immediately through the LL with no delay (seems like this happens based on how backed up the LL is)

I think 2,3, and 4 are still fair accommodations (with 2 being the most likely) for the sun sensitive person.. #1 might also be appropriate but really depends on the individual, line, weather, ect.

If they are a solo party or have a unique party mix... 3 and 4 seem like the only reasonable accommodations outside of full DAS.

 

[Angel Ariel]

unlike adults with developmental disabilities who need constant support and care (likely don’t have the maturity of their actual age).

Having high support needs with a developmental disability does not men someone is cognitively impaired, and cognitive impairment isn’t indicative of maturity either. People with developmental and cognitive disabilities are often infantilized and it is a problem. Let’s please be aware and conscious of that in a disability thread.

 

[jennab55]

Having high support needs with a developmental disability does not men someone is cognitively impaired, and cognitive impairment isn’t indicative of maturity either. People with developmental and cognitive disabilities are often infantilized and it is a problem. Let’s please be aware and conscious of that in a disability thread.

I wasn’t trying to say that, sorry if it came off that way. I was talking specifically about adults with developmental disabilities who likely also have cognitive disabilities and need constant care. Many people with high support needs do not need constant care and I wasn’t including those people in my statement.

 

[Angel Ariel]

I wasn’t trying to say that, sorry if it came off that way. I was talking specifically about adults with developmental disabilities who likely also have cognitive disabilities and need constant care. Many people with high support needs do not need constant care and I wasn’t including those people in my statement.

I appreciate that, and - Even people with developmental and cognitive disabilities both should not be infantilized, even ones who require around the clock care. "developmental age" and similar concepts are very harmful and outdated. We can recognize a persons disabilities without treating them as younger than they are.

 

[jennab55]

I appreciate that, and - Even people with developmental and cognitive disabilities both should not be infantilized, even ones who require around the clock care. "developmental age" and similar concepts are very harmful and outdated. We can recognize a persons disabilities without treating them as younger than they are.

Good point. I had no ill intent. I was trying to state my opinion on why they might be denying some adults vs others by explaining the difference of people on the far sides of the spectrum, a low needs person and a very high needs person, but I did not mean that those are the only possible options. I definitely could have stated it better though.