DAS is getting an Upgrade!

[lanejudy]

I'm with Sue in that I think there will now most likely be a script that CMs will use to determine whether or not to issue a DAS. And I would think the first question would be "Do you have a disability as defined by the ADA?" That would throw 90% of the cheaters off right there.

While I agree that they are likely to have more probing questions to get at the specific need, I disagree that a question as specific as "Do you have a disability as defined by the ADA?" is appropriate as an immediate qualifier. Some folks qualify under ADA but have no need for DAS because their disability is mobility related or hearing/vision or not otherwise impacting ability to be in a WDW queue. And I suspect many others who need DAS are not aware of the technical ADA definition of disability. Especially those with kids. Unless the guest/child qualify for state or federal benefits, they may not have been through any kind of process defining disability, or the process they have been through uses a different definition.

 

[OurBigTrip]

While I agree that they are likely to have more probing questions to get at the specific need, I disagree that a question as specific as "Do you have a disability as defined by the ADA?" is appropriate as an immediate qualifier. Some folks qualify under ADA but have no need for DAS because their disability is mobility related or hearing/vision or not otherwise impacting ability to be in a WDW queue. And I suspect many others who need DAS are not aware of the technical ADA definition of disability. Especially those with kids. Unless the guest/child qualify for state or federal benefits, they may not have been through any kind of process defining disability, or the process they have been through uses a different definition.

I see what you’re saying, but another perspective is that unless someone has a disability per the ADA, Disney isn’t obligated to provide accommodations. I just don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect that someone who is requesting a legally required accommodation know what the legal definition of disability is.

 

[HappyDisneyWife]

Wow. This is very interesting reading through the comments… I will admit that I also have my concerns about the new DAS implements (concerned about “difficulty” to renew and, even though it seems to be the opposite- the possibility for abuse).

That said, I am THRILLED that I will not have to haul myself across the park to get another DAS return time! In fact, I would often just look at the kids and ask them if we could just be done for the day instead of doing exactly that. It really depends on my pain levels for the day, but too many times I have just left early. The ability to get return times directly from MDE will be such a gift!!! (I’ve actually asked for something like this many times at GS, and I am soooo happy that they’ve listened!!)

 

[lanejudy]

I see what you’re saying, but another perspective is that unless someone has a disability per the ADA, Disney isn’t obligated to provide accommodations. I just don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect that someone who is requesting a legally required accommodation know what the legal definition of disability is.

I disagree; a person should not have to know a legal definition in order to qualify for DAS. Besides, while WDW's Disability Access Service may be predicated on providing accommodations required under ADA, the ADA definition of "disabled" does exactly match the qualification criteria for DAS and therefore should not be a determining factor.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I disagree; a person should not have to know a legal definition in order to qualify for DAS. Besides, while WDW's Disability Access Service may be predicated on providing accommodations required under ADA, the ADA definition of "disabled" does exactly match the qualification criteria for DAS and therefore should not be a determining factor.

This is just one of those agree to disagree situations.

 

[SueM in MN]

So, how do we access this pre-visit video DAS request?

Is it another "call a number and wait hours on hold" scenario? I guess that does away with any ability to do a surprise visit (I'm just thinking logistics; my daughter who needs the DAS is leaving for college out of state; was hoping to do a surprise Disney trip for her in November)...

Any concrete news on how that will work? We can still just walk up to Guest Services as we have in the past, right? We just don't get the two "pre-registered" passes then? Thanks!

The information they have put out is fairly concrete other than how to access the virtual call. It says:
”Starting this fall, there will be 2 ways Guests can register for DAS. The recommended option is to register in advance via live video chat between 2 and 30 days prior to a park visit. If deemed eligible for DAS, the Guest (or a parent/guardian if the Guest is under 18 years of age) will participate in a virtual registration process. The Guest utilizing DAS must be introduced on the video call, and a photo will be taken of them. At the end of that process, the Guest will be able to select up to 2 DAS Advance selections for select attractions (subject to availability).
Guests who do not pre-register for DAS can register in-person with a Cast Member at Guest Relations on the day of their visit.”

The process for applying in person should be similar to the process listed for the virtual registration process because what is written is pretty much the current walk in process.

I guess we’ll have to wait to find out how the virtual video call will be accessed. Disney already has live chat pop ups on many of their website pages. Maybe initial contact will be that? Maybe there will be a Popup when looking at the DAS information page on the website? Maybe there will be a number to call and then be transferred to do or schedule the video call?

And if they did track me, they would see that I need to use the restroom a ridiculous amount of times and might feel bad for me. LOL But I really don't think it is right to track people. It's too much big brother for me.

I think what they could/would track would be the things like dates and times for entry and exit into a park and attractions, not specific locations or what the guest is doing.

I know they already track park entry because one time I was entering the park with my daughter and when I helped her do her finger scan, it said it didn’t match. The CM called a supervisor who asked me what park DD had visited last and which day. After she verified it, we were let in. I found out later that when my DH had brought her to the park the day before, he had trouble getting her finger scan to read. The CM suggested my DH use his finger scan for DD’s ticket, so when I tried to use her finger to get in the next day, it didn’t match.
I reset it and we’ve refused CM suggestions since then to use our fingers.

 

[TwoMisfits]

While I agree that they are likely to have more probing questions to get at the specific need, I disagree that a question as specific as "Do you have a disability as defined by the ADA?" is appropriate as an immediate qualifier. Some folks qualify under ADA but have no need for DAS because their disability is mobility related or hearing/vision or not otherwise impacting ability to be in a WDW queue. And I suspect many others who need DAS are not aware of the technical ADA definition of disability. Especially those with kids. Unless the guest/child qualify for state or federal benefits, they may not have been through any kind of process defining disability, or the process they have been through uses a different definition.

This is why I expect them to ask the "parts", too (which the law is great at calling out by every specific need)...b/c those needs that don't qualify for the pass (sight, hearing, mobility) would then also lead to an exclusion for the pass.

Sort of like a yes/no map - if yes, keeping going...if no, stop and deny the pass.

 

[mom to minnie&mickey]

For repeat users of DAS who want to renew I don't think it will be difficult. They know when you first applied for it and how many times you have had it renewed in the past. At most I can see them asking if your needs remain the same or verify that your need is the same as in the past. I mean on what grounds do they deny you now when they issued you one in the past (for the same disability). I think though that people applying for the first time will find it a bit more difficult with certain (legal) questions asked in order to determine, to the best of their ability, the legitimate and the frauds. I agree with other posters that many non-disabled may attempt to get a DAS as a free replacement for FP and Disney knows this too, hence their new warning.

 

[SueM in MN]

What I want to know about is what do we do if we have to renew our DAS? Do we still set up the video conference and get the 2 book ahead return times? Or is that just for those getting a DAS for the first time? It was so easy to go and say that you need to renew and it took no time at all. Will they start questioning those who have had it for years to see if we are lying? I also feel that using the term "disability" kind of pigeon holes those using DAS. I don't consider myself disabled, but do have a legitimate medical issue that makes it impossible for me to wait in an extended line. And my condition is not something that they can verify because I don't have to see a doctor for it since there is nothing they can do. They can easily claim that I am lying. This is concerning.

the written information says that DAS will expire after 60 days and guests will need to re-register. Exactly what the process will be is not clear, but it will probably/possibly be repeating the same process.
I don’t think they will be going thru with a fine tooth comb trying to prove people are lying. I think the emphasis will be on whether information that was given before is consistent with whatever is on whatever record they have (if any) and whether it’s consistent with the needs DAS addresses.
I don’t think people who are truthful have much to worry about.

Regarding using ‘disability’ - first of all, that’s what DAS is for - to address needs that prevent waiting in regular lines that are related to a person’s disability.
The other reason is the previous names - Guest Assistance Card and Special Assistance Pass - did not mention disability, which people used to rationalize using them even though they were not disabled.

My husband will be using a scooter he has heart issues and also has dementia does this qualify him for the DAS program?

No one can tell you whether he will qualify or not. The important things to be able to discuss with the CMs are how those things would/could affect his ability to wait in the regular lines.

So we will be new to DAS on our next visit. The reason for the DAS is not the wheelchair we will rent for DD, though the need for a wheelchair is somewhat related to DD's need for DAS. Does the wheelchair for a part of the problem disqualify us? If so, we'll consider very short trips into parks without a wheelchair because the DAS issues > the fatigue for which we planned the wheelchair - now I'm (even more) worried and confused than I was about suddenly finding our family in a situation where DAS was needed.

My daughter uses a wheelchair because she has cerebral palsy and is not able to walk. If that was her only issue and her needs were met by using the wheelchair, she wouldn’t need or qualify for DAS.
Her OTHER needs are not met by the wheelchair. Those need greatly affect her ability to wait in lines; those are what we discuss with CMs and are what she has DAS for.
So, think about your daughter’s needs/issues. What are met by using that wheelchair? What would not be met, even if she was using the wheelchair?

I disagree; a person should not have to know a legal definition in order to qualify for DAS. Besides, while WDW's Disability Access Service may be predicated on providing accommodations required under ADA, the ADA definition of "disabled" does exactly match the qualification criteria for DAS and therefore should not be a determining factor.

I agree. I think the registration process and questions asked will be used to determine qualification without the guest needing to know the definition.

 

[Branderson610]

Y'all I am just excited about the video call! I don't have to wonder how long I will be waiting at guest services before we can start our day. I hate to make people wait, even if it is members of my family. This is going to be a huge time saver. Also, the fact I will know which two rides we have reserved is a bonus too. Since, we don't stay on property anymore getting 2 rides helps a lot. Staying in the Disney bubble was too overwhelming for my daughter.

 

[Starwind]

While I agree that they are likely to have more probing questions to get at the specific need, I disagree that a question as specific as "Do you have a disability as defined by the ADA?" is appropriate as an immediate qualifier. Some folks qualify under ADA but have no need for DAS because their disability is mobility related or hearing/vision or not otherwise impacting ability to be in a WDW queue. And I suspect many others who need DAS are not aware of the technical ADA definition of disability. Especially those with kids. Unless the guest/child qualify for state or federal benefits, they may not have been through any kind of process defining disability, or the process they have been through uses a different definition.

And all the international guests, many of whom are likely to have no clue what "disability as defined by the ADA" means or only have a vague concept, accurate or not.

 

[4Hawks]

I disagree; a person should not have to know a legal definition in order to qualify for DAS. Besides, while WDW's Disability Access Service may be predicated on providing accommodations required under ADA, the ADA definition of "disabled" does exactly match the qualification criteria for DAS and therefore should not be a determining factor.

Correct. I have a child with ADHD, which is technically a cognitive "disability", but that does not make him eligible for DAS. While my other child doesn't have something officially considered a disability, but has qualified for DAS many times.

 

[Disneyfan754321]

It sounds like will be able to book our DAS return times our self witch will be very helpful to me since I go alone a lot

Yes !! I often am looking for the umbrellas to sign up... and since covid they have spaced them out. This is wonderful.

 

[Evita_W]

While I agree that they are likely to have more probing questions to get at the specific need, I disagree that a question as specific as "Do you have a disability as defined by the ADA?" is appropriate as an immediate qualifier. Some folks qualify under ADA but have no need for DAS because their disability is mobility related or hearing/vision or not otherwise impacting ability to be in a WDW queue. And I suspect many others who need DAS are not aware of the technical ADA definition of disability. Especially those with kids. Unless the guest/child qualify for state or federal benefits, they may not have been through any kind of process defining disability, or the process they have been through uses a different definition.

I would think if they did ask such a question, it would be similar to what they ask those with a service dog, maybe something along the lines of:
"Will the DAS be used to accommodate needs resulting from a disability which you have?"

and

"What needs do you have that cannot be met if you are in the traditional standby queue?"

I have no idea if this is how it will go or not, but I think something along those lines would be perfectly reasonable.

 

[tjmw2727]

I agree and I also think there are many people who always knew about it and qualified for it based on criteria, but never asked for it/used it because they relied on fp and that was enough for them. But that’s about to change.

I am in this category- before FP I had a DAS that allowed me a return time in specific circumstances. With FP and then FP+I could make this accommodation myself by using FP for those situations and waiting standby for the rest so I stopped asking for the DAS. My last trip in April I ended up using a DAS again after many years.

Not sure what to do moving forward as I can technically accommodate my needs with the new program but this will mean I have to pay for it (times 5!)......

eta - I don't technically have a "disability" but more a medical condition that I can manage well in daily life but if I want to participate in a day at the parks with my kids and my niece I need some assistance.

Waiting to see what happens with the registration as my trip starts in 2 weeks

 

[audrey2580]

I hope they tighten up who they give DAS to. At WDW this summer I watched a CM give it to a women who said she had lumps on her legs and couldn't stand. He told her about the wheelchair rentals AND gave her the DAS. I thought mobility issues were excluded. At DL in May I watched a CM give one to a lady who said "I don't think I can wait in these lines." Yep that's all it took.
I say tighten it up! And yes Disney will be getting my $ for Genie along with using DAS. I'm grateful they finally added it to the app.

 

[JenLT]

The problem with relying on data like this, especially for people with needs related to developmental or mental disorders, is that it doesn't take into account "good days vs bad days." I mean, this applies to people with medical issues as well, to be fair.

Our son with autism is not in the same state of mind every single individual park visit. Some days, he has more mental stamina to tolerate longer waits. Other days, he is on edge all day and is on the verge of a meltdown after 30 minutes in line. We have been clear about this with GR CMs every time we request a DAS for him. We tell them that his ability to wait on numerous standby lines without suffering from anxiety/stress/mental fatigue is inconsistent and we use the DAS oniy "as needed" when he is having one of those days where seeing a wait time over 30 minutes sends him into a tailspin. He is capable of waiting up to an hour for a ride, but he is not capable of waiting an hour for EVERY ride, all day long. It becomes too much, and would mean we would have to leave earlier than we would if we had access to a few shorter waits interspersed into the day.

Our son is the same way. He might be having a good day and then suddenly not. So it’s not even a matter of good day/ bad day. It can be good hour / bad hour. There is no way he can wait in line for an hour even when he’s doing well but I can totally see how some people might be able to tolerate one or two longer waits before sensory issues kick in.

 

[DLgal]

Our son is the same way. He might be having a good day and then suddenly not. So it’s not even a matter of good day/ bad day. It can be good hour / bad hour. There is no way he can wait in line for an hour even when he’s doing well but I can totally see how some people might be able to tolerate one or two longer waits before sensory issues kick in.

Our son was like that when he was younger. He is 15 now and has developed the ability ability wait longer and longer before meltdown. Maturity and experience and all that. Plus, he has a phone now and can plug into that and kind of zone out sometimes to avoid the sensory assault (sometimes he doesn't want to do that though). It all depends and yeah, things can take a turn quickly!

 

[JenLT]

Our son was like that when he was younger. He is 15 now and has developed the ability ability wait longer and longer before meltdown. Maturity and experience and all that. Plus, he has a phone now and can plug into that and kind of zone out sometimes to avoid the sensory assault (sometimes he doesn't want to do that though). It all depends and yeah, things can take a turn quickly!

Our son has his phone but last time we were there he was in a stroller. I’m nervous because now he’s way to big for a stroller and that was his hiding spot. I’m glad that when they released this genie plus they didn’t try to do away with DAS.

 

[Lilsia]

I'm with Sue in that I think there will now most likely be a script that CMs will use to determine whether or not to issue a DAS. And I would think the first question would be "Do you have a disability as defined by the ADA?" That would throw 90% of the cheaters off right there.

My issue is not defined as a disability under the ADA but that does not make me a "cheater". My specific medical condition, precluded me from being able to wait in line. That is what the DAS is made for. There are disabilities, as defined by the ADA, that do NOT need a DAS. Specifically those with mobility issues since that has been addressed in another way. This is a very slippery slope to go down if they would ask this question.