News New DAS System at Walt Disney World 2024

[Chi84]

Huh?

Would it cost WDW less if they did NOT accommodate food allergies?

What is mystifying you so

 

[ConfettiCupcake]

I think a huge factor in the food allergy conversation and similar accommodations that makes it apples to oranges with DAS and very hard to compare is there is absolutely nothing to gain above and beyond the general public guest experience when talking about these accommodations. If anything, it can often be more time consuming with less options available. It’s self limiting, in that there’s no concern that somebody who isn’t allergic to peanuts is going to need to speak to a chef about a peanut allergy, or order a peanut free QS meal.

Like some have mentioned, they have streamlined it more over the years, especially at QS. There are also certain vendors/locations at WDW that can’t accommodate beyond providing information (like the smaller booths) and guests are free to make their own decisions on whether or not it’s a safe option for them.

Idk it seems like a weak comparison at best, coming back to the way DAS use can easily balloon due to the nature of it becoming better access for some parties instead of equal, whereas allergy accommodations don’t have that issue at all.

 

[Chi84]

I think a huge factor in the food allergy conversation and similar accommodations that makes it apples to oranges with DAS and very hard to compare is there is absolutely nothing to gain above and beyond the general public guest experience when talking about these accommodations. If anything, it can often be more time consuming with less options available. It’s self limiting, in that there’s no concern that somebody who isn’t allergic to peanuts is going to need to speak to a chef about a peanut allergy, or order a peanut free QS meal.

Like some have mentioned, they have streamlined it more over the years, especially at QS. There are also certain vendors/locations at WDW that can’t accommodate beyond providing information (like the smaller booths) and guests are free to make their own decisions on whether or not it’s a safe option for them.

Idk it seems like a weak comparison at best, coming back to the way DAS use can easily balloon due to the nature of it becoming better access for some parties instead of equal, whereas allergy accommodations don’t have that issue at all.

None of the other accommodations are even remotely like DAS (with the possible exception of service animals) so these comparisons are useless.

Not to mention they don’t have anything to do with people’s current experiences or any recent modifications, lawsuits, etc.

These comparisons are simply a rehash of prior discussions.

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

What is mystifying you so

Sarcasm?

Would ignoring food allergies, and food allergy laws work in WDW's favor?

 

[Purduevian]

Sarcasm?

Would ignoring food allergies, and food allergy laws work in WDW's favor?

Simplifying a menu/kitchen would make it move faster, cheaper, and smaller.

 

[Chip Chipperson]

I think a huge factor in the food allergy conversation and similar accommodations that makes it apples to oranges with DAS and very hard to compare is there is absolutely nothing to gain above and beyond the general public guest experience when talking about these accommodations. If anything, it can often be more time consuming with less options available. It’s self limiting, in that there’s no concern that somebody who isn’t allergic to peanuts is going to need to speak to a chef about a peanut allergy, or order a peanut free QS meal.

Like some have mentioned, they have streamlined it more over the years, especially at QS. There are also certain vendors/locations at WDW that can’t accommodate beyond providing information (like the smaller booths) and guests are free to make their own decisions on whether or not it’s a safe option for them.

Idk it seems like a weak comparison at best, coming back to the way DAS use can easily balloon due to the nature of it becoming better access for some parties instead of equal, whereas allergy accommodations don’t have that issue at all.

Agreed. I can assure you that nobody is lying about a food allergy to get the allergy-friendly hamburger buns or dinner rolls, but we know people have lied to get DAS (not saying all or even most people lied, since i know statements about liars and cheaters tend to upset some people who take it personally). Very few allergy substitutions are better than the standard version, whereas DAS is better than paid LL access (with the lone possible exception being LLPP, but the cost is prohibitive for many, if not most).

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

None of the other accommodations are even remotely like DAS (with the possible exception of service animals) so these comparisons are useless.

Not to mention they don’t have anything to do with people’s current experiences or any recent modifications, lawsuits, etc.

These comparisons are simply a rehash of prior discussions.

The food allergy discussion belongs in a different thread. Or maybe not at all.

Food allergy is a complicated medical condition that the average person does not understand very well.

In that sense, it is a bit like the rest of this thread though, because this thread has touched on wide range of medical conditions, and legal issues that lay people don't understand. Or at least don't fully know the details in depth.

None of us knows the fine details of why WDW has chosen to handle DAS the way they have.

 

[flynnibus]

Sarcasm?

Would ignoring food allergies, and food allergy laws work in WDW's favor?

What 'food allergy laws' are you referring to?

Restaurants are responsible for warning about allergens and preventing contamination -- They are not required to offer you alternatives or tailor anything to someone's allergies. They are responsible for the duty of care to make sure someone doesn't get surprised or mislead about their food and potential allergens.

That's why this entire tangent is dumb in a thread about Disabilities and legal accommodations for them.

Disney's approach to allergy free alternatives or vegan/gluten/etc are all about product marketing and choices -- Nothing to do with disability laws or requirements.

 

[Chip Chipperson]

Simplifying a menu/kitchen would make it move faster, cheaper, and smaller.

True. It would also cost them a lot of money in lost guests who can no longer eat there. Their allergy accommodations are a big reason why my wife and I go there so often and ended up buying DVC. We exclusively dine on-property and aren't shy about spending money for a nice meal, especially dinner. Our DVC points allow us to bring family and friends, which puts even more money in Disney's pockets for tickets, meals, and merchandise. How many others like us would stop dining on-property or even stop going altogether? And my issue, while serious, doesn't begin to compare to others who could literally die if someone prepares their food incorrectly. Those people would absolutely stop going. Some restaurants would easily fill those spots, but others that are slower would certainly suffer.

In any event, there are some obvious differences between DAS and food allergy procedures that make the comparison weak when people are approaching it as some sort of slight against people who need line accommodations since even an accomodation that is seen as less than DAS still provides access to the attraction except in situations where a ride vehicle can't accommodate a mobility device and the guest is not able to out/off of the mobility device to ride.

 

[Splash4eva]

Another serious question…

For ALL the people who use DAS or have complained when denied etc. Currently and even in the past there is NO option for any accommodation for Meet & Greets. Asked again today. How come noone ever cries foul or threatens law suits over that? How come thats “acceptable” for people in need or people who say the only way they can do Disney is with DAS?

 

[jennab55]

I think a huge factor in the food allergy conversation and similar accommodations that makes it apples to oranges with DAS and very hard to compare is there is absolutely nothing to gain above and beyond the general public guest experience when talking about these accommodations. If anything, it can often be more time consuming with less options available. It’s self limiting, in that there’s no concern that somebody who isn’t allergic to peanuts is going to need to speak to a chef about a peanut allergy, or order a peanut free QS meal.

Like some have mentioned, they have streamlined it more over the years, especially at QS. There are also certain vendors/locations at WDW that can’t accommodate beyond providing information (like the smaller booths) and guests are free to make their own decisions on whether or not it’s a safe option for them.

Idk it seems like a weak comparison at best, coming back to the way DAS use can easily balloon due to the nature of it becoming better access for some parties instead of equal, whereas allergy accommodations don’t have that issue at all.

I wasn’t trying to compare it to DAS, but instead trying by to give examples of other areas in which people can’t always be accommodated to their liking.

 

[Purduevian]

True. It would also cost them a lot of money in lost guests who can no longer eat go there. Their disability allergy accommodations are a big reason why my wife and I go there so often and ended up buying DVC. We exclusively dine vacation on-property and aren't shy about spending money for a nice trip meal, especially dinner. Our DVC points allow us to bring family and friends, which puts even more money in Disney's pockets for tickets, meals, and merchandise. How many others like us would stop vacationing dining on-property or even stop going altogether? And my issue, while serious, doesn't begin to compare to others who could literally die if someone prepares their food incorrectly. Those people would absolutely stop going. Some parks restaurants would easily fill those spots, but others that are slower would certainly suffer.

Not saying it is right or wrong... but with just a few edits to your post, this is what a lot of people are saying about the DAS changes.

 

[jennab55]

Another serious question…

For ALL the people who use DAS or have complained when denied etc. Currently and even in the past there is NO option for any accommodation for Meet & Greets. Asked again today. How come noone ever cries foul or threatens law suits over that? How come thats “acceptable” for people in need or people who say the only way they can do Disney is with DAS?

In the past there was DAS for character meets that had LLs (any you could book online). But yes, there’s always been some that can’t use DAS. My guess is most have 1 person in their party wait for everyone, but seems odd people would be ok splitting up for that, yet not ride queues

 

[flynnibus]

Not saying it is right or wrong... but with just a few edits to your post, this is what a lot of people are saying about the DAS changes.

Then those people could simply speak with their wallet and maybe Disney would alter their behavior to woo that customer base back. Which is what the food discussion really is.

Also different, the different menu options don't tend to negatively impact everyone else's dining, even if they were in place of some other extended menu options. The steak is ruined because of a vegan option on the menu. But an out of control disability system did negatively impact everyone.

These scenarios are nothing alike.

 

[Purduevian]

Also different, the different menu options don't tend to negatively impact everyone else's dining, even if they were in place of some other extended menu options. The steak is ruined because of a vegan option on the menu. But an out of control disability system did negatively impact everyone.

Simplifying a menu/kitchen would make it move faster, cheaper, and smaller.

I am not saying Disney should stop providing allergy friendly menus. However, yes it does affect customers that are not utilizing that aspect of the menu.

I actually think it is an interesting comparison to DAS, it's at least apples to oranges. Some of the comparisons on here are more like apples to trains.

 

[flynnibus]

I am not saying Disney should stop providing allergy friendly menus. However, yes it does affect customers that are not utilizing that aspect of the menu.

I actually think it is an interesting comparison to DAS, it's at least apples to oranges. Some of the comparisons on here are more like apples to trains.

You're chasing pennies while dollars fly over your head...

Disney's disability systems didn't change because of minor incremental costs or product swaps - they changed because of a uncontrollable burden across a major pain point for the business and customers.

On top of that - Disney has already justified that having those menu options are worth it to them - because they haven't removed them. So once again, people are trying to draw equals between things that are no where near similar in impact or motivations.

 

[Ayla]

Actually, Disney has adjusted their handling of allergy food requests over the years. It used to be you could call in advance and speak with a chef -- a chef from a specific restaurant. That is no longer the process. You used to be able to submit in advance some requests. That is no longer an option. Disney has created "allergy menus" for many/most food establishments, menus specifically safe for the 8 (?) most common allergens. Now one can't speak with a chef in advance of the trip nor even in advance of arriving at the restaurant. And as PP below notes, many QS locations cannot accommodate certain allergies.


Correct. While still considered very "allergy-friendly" it's not like every single food establishment readily accommodates every single allergy request.

You can thank the Chef TJ’s weird af stalkers for that.

 

[Purduevian]

You're chasing pennies while dollars fly over your head...

Disney's disability systems didn't change because of minor incremental costs or product swaps - they changed because of a uncontrollable burden across a major pain point for the business and customers.

On top of that - Disney has already justified that having those menu options are worth it to them - because they haven't removed them. So once again, people are trying to draw equals between things that are no where near similar in impact or motivations.

Violent agreement. There is a negative affect to guests by offering allergy menus, but Disney has not deemed it worth changing.

Das had a negative affect to guests, but Disney deemed it worth changing.

Back on topic

Another serious question…

For ALL the people who use DAS or have complained when denied etc. Currently and even in the past there is NO option for any accommodation for Meet & Greets. Asked again today. How come noone ever cries foul or threatens law suits over that? How come thats “acceptable” for people in need or people who say the only way they can do Disney is with DAS?

Any idea how this was handled in the past for M&G that didn't have LL (such as Pooh, or Silly sideshow at MK).

 

[Chi84]

Violent agreement. There is a negative affect to guests by offering allergy menus, but Disney has not deemed it worth changing.

Das had a negative affect to guests, but Disney deemed it worth changing.

Back on topic

Any idea how this was handled in the past for M&G that didn't have LL (such as Pooh, or Silly sideshow at MK).

“Deem” is a weird word to use in that context. It suggests capriciousness, which is the opposite of what is happening here.

 

[Chip Chipperson]

Not saying it is right or wrong... but with just a few edits to your post, this is what a lot of people are saying about the DAS changes.

Sure, but many of those people haven't even tried the alternative accommodations, by their own admission. There is a big difference between "no accommodations" and "I am accomodated but some people with a different condition get different/better accommodations than me." And "I'm not sure how this accomodation works" doesn't equal "There is no accomodation available."

Again, there is a big difference between food allergies and DAS. Nobody lies to get the allergy-friendly alternatives because they generally don't taste as good and the buns/rolls are tougher. There is no advantage to the allergy menu that makes it more appealing to guests who don't need it.