New DAS System at Walt Disney World 2024

[Andrew25]

If they follow Universal's process, it should be a seamless/quick experience for those already approved... the issue is people (whether they actually need the system or not) not aware of the new process when visiting day of.

Disney doesn't really have much wiggle room, but this should at least help curb abuse.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

If they follow Universal's process, it should be a seamless/quick experience for those already approved... the issue is people (whether they actually need the system or not) not aware of the new process when visiting day of.

Disney doesn't really have much wiggle room, but this should at least help curb abuse.

Is there a day of process at universal?

 

[Andrew25]

Is there a day of process at universal?

Sort of? They'll "push you" to get approved via the IAC 3rd party as its their policy, but there's always ways around that for guest services.

 

[nickys]

If they follow Universal's process, it should be a seamless/quick experience for those already approved... the issue is people (whether they actually need the system or not) not aware of the new process when visiting day of.

Disney doesn't really have much wiggle room, but this should at least help curb abuse.

I’ve yet to see any report of an international guest using Universal’s system. GDPR may well mean it doesn’t work even if technically it should. And I doubt the company would make international phone calls.

I know the advance DAS registration isn’t available to UK guests. Even using a vpn people have been told they cannot do the video call; bar one person who said a CM went ahead and did it for them even though they shouldn’t have done.

 

[Touchdown]

It has majorly cut down on use of Express lines at Universal. I get Express the “honest way” there everytime I go (by staying in the right hotel or buying it for HHN) and there has been an impressive drop in express lines since it went into effect. It was so bad just before the change that I would often go up to the scanner and the employees would be suprised to process a normal express.

 

[Chi84]

As an adult DAS guest, I just wanted to contribute a few thoughts to this conversation.

Many autistic adults are not formally diagnosed - particularly those of us who grew up when autism was less understood. Autism evaluation as an adult is very costly and usually out of pocket. It is in this sense a privilege to have a formal diagnosis. For autistic individuals in the UK, they can receive diagnosis through their health system, but the process can literally take years.

Furthermore, some may not pursue formal diagnosis even if they can afford it, due to the real stigma against autistic people. There are many who wouldn't want to come out as openly autistic. I understand this choice.

Lastly, what I need accommodation for is not autism per se, but my sensory differences. It is not uncommon for autistic people to be noise sensitive or just overall have a lower sensory threshold. (It is not just neurodivergent people who have sensory differences, there are certain medical conditions as well.) These kind of neurological differences are not usually diagnosed by a doctor. I do not have a doctor's note that says I have hyperacusis (noise sensitivity.) And IBCCES, who does Universal's system, will not give you accommodations without some kind of doctor's note.

DAS works like the old-fashioned, original Fastpass. We receive a return time. I have never used the maximum number of guests, but I believe the max is 6. We are not cutting any lines. We are asking to queue like everyone else, but in an alternate location that doesn't cause physical pain.

Edit to add, here is a page following the mentioned litigation. https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/51814816/IL_v_Six_Flags_Entertainment_Corp_et_al

Thank you for posting the link. It appears the answer to the complaint is due this month, although there could be extensions granted. Maybe you or someone else with a Pacer account could provide it when it's filed? I would be very interested in reading it.

 

[WondersOfLife]

I'm gonna be the most controversial (and possibly deleted) post on here...

...perhaps if one cannot go through the new steps with the new system in place to prove that these people actually have a disability that needs to actually be accommodated... And they cannot enjoy their time at the parks, then maybe they shouldn't go to parks, or should try to do less in the day.

I took a student who got the DAS pass and I dont think he really needed it I dont think (mild autism). But that was the best trip I went on because we just skipped the waiting. I'd have anxiety too going back to "normal" waiting after that trip lol.

But we still had to 'wait' for some experiences even with DAS pass. So I just dont get it. Why go to a crowded people packed #1 tourist trap if you have social anxiety or something of the sorts? Doesnt make sense to me. Do something more tame with your money if you dont like crowds. Get your Disney fix on a cruise instead.

I dunno. Weird.

The only one I really get is physical disabilites. Which isnt even covered through DAS half the time.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

The only one I really get is physical disabilites.

I don’t think you really “get” disabilities then…

 

[DryerLintFan]

I'm gonna be the most controversial (and possibly deleted) post on here...

...perhaps if one cannot go through the new steps with the new system in place to prove that these people actually have a disability that needs to actually be accommodated... And they cannot enjoy their time at the parks, then maybe they shouldn't go to parks, or should try to do less in the day.

I took a student who got the DAS pass and I dont think he really needed it I dont think (mild autism). But that was the best trip I went on because we just skipped the waiting. I'd have anxiety too going back to "normal" waiting after that trip lol.

But we still had to 'wait' for some experiences even with DAS pass. So I just dont get it. Why go to a crowded people packed #1 tourist trap if you have social anxiety or something of the sorts? Doesnt make sense to me. Do something more tame with your money if you dont like crowds. Get your Disney fix on a cruise instead.

I dunno. Weird.

The only one I really get is physical disabilites. Which isnt even covered through DAS half the time.

Even if you discount anxiety and autism, there are still a lot of disabilities you cannot see.

Also, your take is not original. There are posts on every single DAS thread, including this one, that say if you cannot handle the parks you shouldn’t go. You aren’t nearly the cutting edge poster you think you are with this

 

[nickys]

I'm gonna be the most controversial (and possibly deleted) post on here...

...perhaps if one cannot go through the new steps with the new system in place to prove that these people actually have a disability that needs to actually be accommodated... And they cannot enjoy their time at the parks, then maybe they shouldn't go to parks, or should try to do less in the day.

I took a student who got the DAS pass and I dont think he really needed it I dont think (mild autism). But that was the best trip I went on because we just skipped the waiting. I'd have anxiety too going back to "normal" waiting after that trip lol.

But we still had to 'wait' for some experiences even with DAS pass. So I just dont get it. Why go to a crowded people packed #1 tourist trap if you have social anxiety or something of the sorts? Doesnt make sense to me. Do something more tame with your money if you dont like crowds. Get your Disney fix on a cruise instead.

I dunno. Weird.

The only one I really get is physical disabilites. Which isnt even covered through DAS half the time.

Perish the thought that those with a disability should be able to do things that you take for granted.

Or that the rest of their family should be able to enjoy themselves. Maybe you think they should just put them into respite care and go without them.

But I see you enjoyed your trip with a student (I notice you didn’t say a friend) who had DAS. Just wondering if you consider your student has a disability? Because clearly you were quite happy to benefit from his DAS, and yet you say you don’t “get” cognitive disabilities.

 

[WondersOfLife]

But I see you enjoyed your trip with a student (I notice you didn’t say a friend) who had DAS. Just wondering if you consider your student has a disability? Because clearly you were quite happy to benefit from his DAS, and yet you say you don’t “get” cognitive disabilities.

They are a student of mine with a parent that comes up with a new label for that student every other week. Which, I know the student very well. They're just a bit sheltered/homeschooled. And only started having anxiety symptoms when their mom would ask "are you okay?" But when they were away from their mom, just a "normal" kid. And yes, I did enjoy taking advantage of the system. But I have no guilt because it wasnt my choice. I havent done it for myself before. Thatd just be morally wrong.

I know there are people who actually need help and assistance. This isnt the case for the group I was with.

Anyways, all valid points from everyone responding. In all seriousness, though... Im not opposed to a system where you do have to prove yourself with proper documentation... And if it is a bit too inconvenient or you cannot prove it, then maybe just move on to other new adventures... Is what my viewpoints boil down to.

 

[Disney Glimpses]

To be clear, for anyone to question someone's disability, use of a wheelchair, etc. based on how they perceive things in the moment, that's disgusting and ignorant. And I think it would be unacceptable if legitimate users of DAS are denied based on the premise that their disability isn't bad enough or something (for example, disabilities that may have impacts that are transient or sometimes random). Disney's goal here should be to ensure that every legitimate DAS user continues to be able to use DAS. That must be the top priority.

 

[Comped]

I think we talked about this months ago somewhere around here, but yes it is coming, and it was meant to come much earlier in the year, but was delayed.

Damn. Now I can't deny it. Better start figuring out the wording on the letter I'm going to need!

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Im not opposed to a system where you do have to prove yourself with proper documentation...

You may not be, but the ADA might disagree.

 

[Tha Realest]

FWIW, the way I approach these issues is that I presume each person who has DAS is entitled to it. I’m not here to second guess the decisions to give it or not. I do think those who have a legitimate disability will be able to sufficiently demonstrate it in advance or on the day of.

I do think they need to reevaluate operational methods here. It is not unreasonable to require the DAS user to have a limited amount of “friends and family” or that they accompany their group on each and every attraction.

If I’m with my DAS mom, for example, why should I get to skip lines without her?

 

[Jrb1979]

You may not be, but the ADA might disagree.

Universal is using a similar system and there hasn't been any issues.

 

[Brian]

If I’m with my DAS mom, for example, why should I get to skip lines without her?

Have you experienced a situation in which a guest used DAS to admit their party, but then sat the ride out? The policy is already that the DAS guest must ride.

ETA: I'm certain it's possible to get around this, but the policy already prohibits this behavior.

 

[nickys]

FWIW, the way I approach these issues is that I presume each person who has DAS is entitled to it. I’m not here to second guess the decisions to give it or not. I do think those who have a legitimate disability will be able to sufficiently demonstrate it in advance or on the day of.

I do think they need to reevaluate operational methods here. It is not unreasonable to require the DAS user to have a limited amount of “friends and family” or that they accompany their group on each and every attraction.

If I’m with my DAS mom, for example, why should I get to skip lines without her?

You don’t get to skip the lines without her. If you’ve managed to do that then a CM wasn’t following procedure. The DAS user has to scan in first to make sure of that. And there is a limit to the number in the party.

 

[nickys]

Universal is using a similar system and there hasn't been any issues.

Apart from a pending lawsuit which someone reported. And no, it wasn’t the Six Flags one.

To be clear, I don’t oppose having to prove your disability. It is common practice across Europe to have to do so. I’m aware that the ADA has certain limitations around that though, which is why Disney can’t simply say “show us the documentation”.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Can I drop the crap?

Here in the northeast (where people never go to wdw)…the word is out to “just say autism” to Shanghai genie.

It’s a fact…it’s out there…they need to stop it.

And I am not disability shaming anyone or condoning abuse. Just recognizing that both things are real and need to be addressed accordingly.