News New DAS System at Walt Disney World 2024

[Fido Chuckwagon]

But not if they still have to purchase tickets before they can even schedule the call.

Hotel & Ticket packages are refundable up to 30 days before the scheduled trip.

 

[jennab55]

If someone applies and is denied multiple times, they are clearly not the intended recipient of DAS. If they continue to call back, tweaking their story to seek approval and using approval scripts published by DAS Defenders, what would you call that?

This, exactly. It’s not always about customer service. Sometimes it’s about “shopping” to try to get someone who is more lenient, or keep changing their story until someone finally gives in.

 

[jennab55]

And they should have the right to determine if the accommodation they will have access to will fit their needs. Just because Disney says it will doesn't mean they will agree - everyone should have the agency to determine if accommodations anywhere will work for them or not without being financially tied.

Most people don’t even know. If it’s someone who has never been they don’t know if the accommodation will even work until they go, right? For people who have been, they also don’t know if other accommodations won’t work until they try them. They may assume it won’t work, but most of that is because they know there is a “better” option that they would prefer. If DAS didn’t exist, what would people do? Makes me wonder…

 

[NelleBelle]

Hotel & Ticket packages are refundable up to 30 days before the scheduled trip.

Is this true in the case that you have just tickets and not a package?

 

[Angel Ariel]

Most people don’t even know. If it’s someone who has never been they don’t know if the accommodation will even work until they go, right? For people who have been, they also don’t know if other accommodations won’t work until they try them. They may assume it iwon’t work, but most of that is because they know there is a “better” option that they would prefer. If DAS didn’t exist, what would people do? Makes me wonder…

This is what again feels circular. I've acknowledged repeatedly that many don't know about DAS and that people shouldn't assume the non-DAS accommodations don't work without trying them. My comment isn't about DAS itself - it's just about the idea that disabled people have the right to know the extent of accommodations available to them before financially committing (specifically if that financial commitment is nonrefundable).

Plenty of other entertainment venues, including amusement parks, allow disabled people to have this knowledge either before financially committing or it's refundable. There is no reason Disney can't.

 

[jennab55]

This is what again feels circular. I've acknowledged repeatedly that many don't know about DAS and that people shouldn't assume the non-DAS accommodations don't work without trying them. My comment isn't about DAS itself - it's just about the idea that disabled people have the right to know the extent of accommodations available to them before financially committing (specifically if that financial commitment is nonrefundable).

Plenty of other entertainment venues, including amusement parks, allow disabled people to have this knowledge either before financially committing or it's refundable. There is no reason Disney can't.

Oh yes, then I agree. Isn’t that information already available though? Disney has listed on their website what types of accommodations are offered and an option to email for additional information. So what more are you suggesting?

Services for Guests with Disabilities

Be our guest! Your wish is our command, as you enjoy this Walt Disney World service.

disneyworld.disney.go.com

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/accessing-attractions-queues/

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

Is this true in the case that you have just tickets and not a package?

No, however all reports have been that Disney is refunding in the DAS refusal situations, and in any event Disney is historically very generous with refunds of “non-refundable” tickets.

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

Plenty of other entertainment venues, including amusement parks, allow disabled people to have this knowledge either before financially committing or it's refundable. There is no reason Disney can't

Refundable if it’s a package, or if a person is that worried about it, buy from an authorized third-party retailer like Undercover Tourist that allows refunds. This is not an actual problem.

 

[NotTheOne]

Walt Disney World has made another update to the DAS policy - Guests can now have a pre-arrival discussion with a Cast Member as soon as 60 days prior to their visit. Previously it was 30 days.

Here's the updated language:

You may have a pre-arrival conversation as soon as 60 days in advance of a park visit.

That's great news, and I'm glad to see them do it.

 

[jaklgreen]

I find the bolded to be untrue. What you received was far above and beyond what parties without disabilities experience. Honestly, even DAS is above and beyond.

It is even well above what people with other disabilities get. Many that qualified for DAS also are not able to spend much time in the park. That is why it makes sense that the cast member was under the impression that the nephew's life was short lived. To give something an accommodation like that is reserved for the most severe situations.

 

[jaklgreen]

There are many ways to look at these situations. For many guests with disabilities, they are not going to be able to stay in the park for long periods of time, so the desire is to maximize the time in the park.

It honestly makes my brain hurt that people seem to lack the compassion to understand this.

But then you must feel that anyone with a disability that doesn't allow for them to spend more than a few hours a day in the park should get this same kind of accommodations? I have never heard of anyone getting something like this outside of MAW, and I don't think anyone else here has either. Even though I am sure that there are others that have very limited time in the parks.
I have no issues with someone that is to the level of MAW getting this, they absolutely should. But does anyone really think that this type of accommodation should be for every trip for a decade+?

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

But then you must feel that anyone with a disability that doesn't allow for them to spend more than a few hours a day in the park should get this same kind of accommodations?

No, I meant DAS. Which maybe wasn’t clear because of the posts surrounding it.

 

[Purduevian]

Because it sucks having to wait alone while the rest of your group is in line? Because he's older and then has to navigate his way back in?

That's why I said go ahead and apply and the worst they can say is no. Besides, is the need technically being met? When we talk about accomodations, we talk about equal access. Separating someone from their family on vacation when that's not being asked if other guests is NOT equal access.

Equal access is impossible if you compare someone that can not wait in a line with someone that can. There will be advantages and disadvantages for each group. The goal is to make it as reasonably similar as possible.

Taking the idea of the disabled person waiting with a caregiver outside of the line while the rest of the party is in standby. Only to meet at the LL merge...

For the Disabled guest and caregiver:

• Advantage: Freedom of the park (can get food, drink, shop, redeem LL, get in another standby line, find some shade, sit and people watch, watch a parade, watch a show, meet a character, ect.)
• Disadvantage: Not with their entire party. Also might take more time to actually ride (due to coordinating the merge meetup timing)

For the party that has no one that needs to wait in line:

• Advantages: keep their whole group together
• Disadvantage: Confined to a standby line.

Sorry! I think we were talking about 2 different issues here.

I was referring to guests needing to wait alone while the rest of the party waits in standby. My point was… either way the same number of guests are going to be merging at some point to get on the attraction.

There is also park capacity to consider. Standby lines are giants sponges that pull people off benches, out of store, out of eateries, and out of other lines. The more people virtually waiting, the more crowded the rest of the park feels.

Part of the reason I was so sure GOTG would get off VQ when TT went down... shows what I know.

 

[Disstevefan1]

They made an update you can now speak to a cast member and get rejected 60 days in advance of a park visit.

 

[Section106]

We have decided to sell our DVC at BWV due to these changes. My wife feels like Disney has decided that she is no longer welcomed on their property. We first went in 2013 and had such a stress free time that we purchased a resale at BWV in 2014. We've gone on 2 cruises, an Adventures by Disney trip to Ireland, been to WDW 13 times, done countless backstage tours, spent money all over property and no one will even speak to me about my misgivings as to their policy change. The nice sales associate at The DVC Store said that we aren't the first to sell because of this DAS change.

And make no mistake, this is a money grab. Less pesky sick people clogging up the Lightning Lanes the better, am I right? WDW charged $499 per person per day for LLMP over Christmas to prove to me that they don't want disabled people in their parks anymore. Just able bodied people on their first trip with lots of disposable income(or credit).

I hear you Bob, we're out!

 

[Chi84]

We have decided to sell our DVC at BWV due to these changes. My wife feels like Disney has decided that she is no longer welcomed on their property. We first went in 2013 and had such a stress free time that we purchased a resale at BWV in 2014. We've gone on 2 cruises, an Adventures by Disney trip to Ireland, been to WDW 13 times, done countless backstage tours, spent money all over property and no one will even speak to me about my misgivings as to their policy change. The nice sales associate at The DVC Store said that we aren't the first to sell because of this DAS change.

And make no mistake, this is a money grab. Less pesky sick people clogging up the Lightning Lanes the better, am I right? WDW charged $499 per person per day for LLMP over Christmas to prove to me that they don't want disabled people in their parks anymore. Just able bodied people on their first trip with lots of disposable income(or credit).

I hear you Bob, we're out!

That seems awfully harsh. They are still accommodating people but not necessarily with DAS. The number of people using it became unsustainable and impacted Disney’s ability to serve all of its guests, both disabled and non-disabled.

 

[Vegas Disney Fan]

We have decided to sell our DVC at BWV due to these changes. My wife feels like Disney has decided that she is no longer welcomed on their property. We first went in 2013 and had such a stress free time that we purchased a resale at BWV in 2014. We've gone on 2 cruises, an Adventures by Disney trip to Ireland, been to WDW 13 times, done countless backstage tours, spent money all over property and no one will even speak to me about my misgivings as to their policy change. The nice sales associate at The DVC Store said that we aren't the first to sell because of this DAS change.

And make no mistake, this is a money grab. Less pesky sick people clogging up the Lightning Lanes the better, am I right? WDW charged $499 per person per day for LLMP over Christmas to prove to me that they don't want disabled people in their parks anymore. Just able bodied people on their first trip with lots of disposable income(or credit).

I hear you Bob, we're out!

Sorry to hear it but unfortunately it’s the only real option they’ve given many of us.

We don’t have DVC but did decide to let our annual passes go as result of DAS changes. We did WDW in January and had a good time but without DAS we’re going to have to be much more selective when we go based on weather, what has been a monthly (or more) trip for the last decade + will now be a yearly trip or 2. It’s unfortunate but sadly our new reality.

The silver lining is DCL provides easier options for (many) former DAS guests to get a Disney fix and it’s big world full of millions of non Disney travel options, when one door closes another opens.

 

[Tigger&Pooh]

WDW charged $499 per person per day for LLMP over Christmas

Not exactly. Premier Pass went as high as $449 during that time, not LLMP. LLMP cost ranged between $17 - $39 per person per day during the year-end holidays (12/20 thru 1/3).

 

[Disstevefan1]

We have decided to sell our DVC at BWV due to these changes. My wife feels like Disney has decided that she is no longer welcomed on their property. We first went in 2013 and had such a stress free time that we purchased a resale at BWV in 2014. We've gone on 2 cruises, an Adventures by Disney trip to Ireland, been to WDW 13 times, done countless backstage tours, spent money all over property and no one will even speak to me about my misgivings as to their policy change. The nice sales associate at The DVC Store said that we aren't the first to sell because of this DAS change.

And make no mistake, this is a money grab. Less pesky sick people clogging up the Lightning Lanes the better, am I right? WDW charged $499 per person per day for LLMP over Christmas to prove to me that they don't want disabled people in their parks anymore. Just able bodied people on their first trip with lots of disposable income(or credit).

I hear you Bob, we're out!

Agreed! The changes in DAS and the creation of LLMP, LLSP and LLPP are all part of the money grab!

 

[NotTheOne]

Agreed! The changes in DAS and the creation of LLMP, LLSP and LLPP are all part of the money grab!

Disney is a company, and their purpose to increase profit. If they choose to do that by selling access to the LLs, that is their right. It makes no sense whatsoever to give away something for free to people who can be accommodated via other means.

Not to mention that the overuse of DAS negatively impacted everyone in the park, including some DAS holders who weren't able to utilize LLs because the lines were so long.