New DAS System at Walt Disney World 2024

[Tigger&Pooh]

Maybe we can just all agree that airlines should be required to provide greater disability access regardless of which government entity is responsible

Absolutely. I was simply clarifying why there is a difference for airplanes (ACAA) vs trains, buses, cars, etc. (ADA). There are a couple other nuances that are specifically carved out by the ADA due to other legislation.

Unfortunately any new legislation isn't likely to have an impact for air passengers for at least a decade (or more) because all those aircraft cannot be easily retrofitted/modified nor replaced that quickly. I agree that should be worked on sooner rather than later, but it's more complicated than just "the ADA already says it." Plus the aspect of air travel involves international.

 

[Chi84]

Absolutely. I was simply clarifying why there is a difference for airplanes (ACAA) vs trains, buses, cars, etc. (ADA). There are a couple other nuances that are specifically carved out by the ADA due to other legislation.

Unfortunately any new legislation isn't likely to have an impact for air passengers for at least a decade (or more) because all those aircraft cannot be easily retrofitted/modified nor replaced that quickly. I agree that should be worked on sooner rather than later, but it's more complicated than just "the ADA already says it." Plus the aspect of air travel involves international.

Those are all good points to consider.

 

[flynnibus]

I’m not saying the ADA applies to airlines… I’m saying it should. I know that it doesn’t.

There was already separate federal regulation for Air Carrier accessibility when the ADA law was passed - hence it was explicitly carved out... vs trying to replace.. which didn't make much sense as air (as well as forms of rail) have a lot of their own silo'd federal regulations.

The ADA was focused on the topic of discrimination keeping people from functioning in a normal course of life. Going out in public, the ability to use public services, and employment.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

The ADA was focused on the topic of discrimination keeping people from functioning in a normal course of life. Going out in public, the ability to use public services, and employment.

By the ADA’s own definition public and private transportation is included.

 

[flynnibus]

By the ADA’s own definition public and private transportation is included.

No - you're taking introductory briefing text and taking it as 'definition'. What is 'definition' is very much spelled out in the law. Title II on the topic is very extensive in terms of carving out what is 'in scope' or not when it comes to the ADA. And it generally has to do with the points raised already... existing separate regulatory bodies.

Dealing with Air Travel is not the same kind of day to day activity as getting to the grocery store.

 

[Chi84]

By the ADA’s own definition public and private transportation is included.

The ADA’s own definition excludes aircraft.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

You guys care so much about this it’s laughable to me.

At the end of the day, I want those with disabilities to have equal access and support whatever laws, organizations, agencies, etc. that help to get that!

 

[Chi84]

You guys care so much about this it’s laughable to me.

At the end of the day, I want those with disabilities to have equal access and support whatever laws, organizations, agencies, etc. that help to get that!

So stop misstating the law and we’re all good.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

So stop misstating the law and we’re all good.

While by strict definition the ADA is a law (and the sky is not blue) the ADA is also a concept and a term used to refer to issues that would keep those with disabilities from having equal access.

If you want to narrow it down to the definition, that’s your choice. I see it as a concept as well - and a concept I very much support.

 

[flynnibus]

While by strict definition the ADA is a law (and the sky is not blue) the ADA is also a concept and a term used to refer to issues that would keep those with disabilities from having equal access.

No - this is how people generate misinformation and generate confusion when they treat cites and facts as something that generally fits their narrative, but isn't actually true itself. Then the next guy regurgitates it as fact... and then people overstate everything in their mission of supporting their belief.

Details matter. Especially when you are talking about something being legal, or REQUIRED... and not just 'Its my belief that...'

 

[Chi84]

While by strict definition the ADA is a law (and the sky is not blue) the ADA is also a concept and a term used to refer to issues that would keep those with disabilities from having equal access.

If you want to narrow it down to the definition, that’s your choice. I see it as a concept as well - and a concept I very much support.

The ADA is a law, not a concept. Disability access is a concept.

I believe it's important for people to accurately understand the extent of their legal protections, especially in areas of life where they are impacted on a daily basis.

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

No - this is how people generate misinformation and generate confusion when they treat cites and facts as something that generally fits their narrative, but isn't actually true itself. Then the next guy regurgitates it as fact... and then people overstate everything in their mission of supporting their belief.

Details matter. Especially when you are talking about something being legal, or REQUIRED... and not just 'Its my belief that...'

Sure, but this thread is mostly the same 5 people restating the same thing over and over, and nitpicking each other over and over.

They aren't telling each other anything new. Nor are they telling any lurkers anything new.

Please, can everyone resist the temptation to correct each other over topics that have already been covered in this thread.

 

[Chi84]

Sure, but this thread is mostly the same 5 people restating the same thing over and over, and nitpicking each other over and over.

They aren't telling each other anything new. Nor are they telling any lurkers anything new.

Please, can everyone resist the temptation to correct each other over topics that have already been covered in this thread.

We’re not correcting “each other.” It seems odd to complain about the corrections instead of the misstatements.

 

[flynnibus]

Please, can everyone resist the temptation to correct each other over topics that have already been covered in this thread.

Or.. maybe people could you know.. take the info and not go backwards...

 

[Angel Ariel]

While by strict definition the ADA is a law (and the sky is not blue) the ADA is also a concept and a term used to refer to issues that would keep those with disabilities from having equal access.

If you want to narrow it down to the definition, that’s your choice. I see it as a concept as well - and a concept I very much support.

The concept is the disability rights movement. It's not unique to America as the ADA is.

 

[The Mom]

Perhaps instead of arguing about what DAS should or should not be, we should concentrate on whether it is or is not working - with posts from actual users, if possible.

 

[larryz]

What is all of this arguing contributing to the thread?

WIthout all this "arguing," we wouldn't have a thread.

 

[larryz]

You guys care so much about this it’s laughable to me.

At the end of the day, I want those with disabilities to have equal access and support whatever laws, organizations, agencies, etc. that help to get that!

I care so much because it's a life-and-death issue. Key concern to me is emergency egress in the event of an accident. It's one thing to help someone with mobility issues out of a malfunctioning roller coaster. Disney and other parks routinely practice this.

It's something else entirely when the emergency involves a crashed aircraft loaded with jet fuel and up to 350 other anxious, screaming, panicked passengers, many of whom could die a horribly painful death if one person can't be swiftly evacuated and where attempts at doing so block an already very limited escape route.

You find that "laughable"?

 

[Purduevian]

New member to the forums, so I do apologise if this has been queried before but I am currently feeling a lot of anxiety and stress over my upcoming trip.

A little bit of background, we are an adult couple from the UK who are both AP holders and DVC members. I have both a mobility disability due to a road traffic accident when I was a child (I use an ECV at Disney), bladder and bowel conditions and suffer from high levels of anxiety generally, but much higher levels of anxiety around access to bathrooms due to urgency.

We generally travel as a couple, and in the past have always used the DAS system to access attractions. As I understand it, I will no longer be granted that priviledge, and I do not particularly want to get into whether I should or not, I am more concerned about what options will be available to me.

Firstly, I understand that I will be able to leave a line to use a bathroom, however, as I use an ECV I think it would be extrordinarily difficult for me to do this, just the thought of turning around and navigating against a flow of people triggers my anxiety. On top of that, when I have to go, I don't really have a much amount of time to get there, this isn't a problem in a 20 minute lightning lane, but in a 60 minute regular line it could be horrendous, and if a line is more than 40 minutes, I will pretty much have to leave it (at least) once.

The 2nd provision as I understand, is that my partner could do the line and I could wait outside the line for her to reach the front, at which point I could use the LL. The issue here is that I sometimes require assistance accessing the bathroom, this would not be possible if she were in the line.

Long story short, I am basically feeling really negative and down about our December trip for the above reasons, I kind of feel like I am being pushed into paying for Genie plus ( I realise it now has a new name, but off the top of my head I can't recall what it is!).

Is there any provisions Disney has offered anyone that I may not be aware of that might be of assistance? Because the 2 outlined above are not going to help me at all.

Sorry for the long post!

I think we got way off topic and I feel for you with this post as it is a tough situation. I don't have the answer, but what I do know is that they will tell you to go to the attraction entrance, explain your situation, and the CM there should help you. I'm guessing one of the following 4 things will happen at each attraction

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)

Personally, I hope you get 3 or 4 for most attractions, but I expect 1 and 2 will be more common for you. I know this isn't what you want to hear, but I would consider buying LLMP/LLSP on some of the days.

EDIT: I should also mention, I still think you should apply for DAS once you are able to. I do not think you will get it, but with the triple issue of restroom problems, being in an ECV, and occasionally needing assistance with the restroom, maybe you will get it.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

You find that "laughable"?

Something definitely got misinterpreted- what I find laughable is caring so much about the use of the term “ADA” and how it is used as though it were some type of holy word that can only be mentioned in certain circumstances.

I certainly don’t find any safety concerns laughable.