Disney Changes Both DAS Eligibility and Application Process at US Disney Parks
On April 9, Disney announced several changes to both policies and processes for the Disability Access System (DAS). Most of these changes were announced by an update to the Disability Access portion of Disney’s website.
The biggest change is to the definition of who qualifies for DAS. The website now states that it is “intended to accommodate a small percentage of Guests who, due to a developmental disability such as autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for a long period of time.” That is much more specific than the previous language which was: “Guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to a disability.”
It’s clear that information is still coming out about these changes. For example, there are reports that Disney will introduce a defined “return to queue” process for guests who need to leave a queue and re-enter. This new workflow will accommodate some who may formerly have received DAS accommodations. The new website design addresses the different types of needs and accommodations that are available, which will help make guests more comfortable during their visit.
Changes to the DAS Registration Process
Changes to the DAS registration process are being rolled out at Disney World on May 20th, and Disneyland on June 17th. If you are visiting the parks before these changes go into place, what you have already learned about the current registration process will still apply when you take your vacation.
For DAS specifically, both Disney World and Disneyland will continue to offer pre-registration via video chat, similar to the current process. Cast Members from both Florida and California will be joined by employees from Inspire Health Alliance, who can help determine the approval of a guest’s request if needed. However, for guests who go to the parks without pre-registration, Disney World and Disneyland have slightly different approaches.
At Disney World, beginning May 20th, video chat will be the only option for registration. If you have not pre-registered, you will be directed to the same video registration process as guests use to pre-register. Disney will presumably be able to provide assistance in the form of an iPad or whatnot, but in-park Guest Services will not be handling your request; instead you will conduct the video chat process from within the park.
In Disneyland, the changes go into effect on June 17th. After this time, although it is beneficial for you to have the video chat in the privacy of your home and not spend park time on a DAS registration, there will be an accessibility window where you can speak in person about a DAS request.
Other Changes to the DAS System
In addition to these changes, the enrollment eligibility will increase from 60 days to 120 days. You must wait 10 minutes after you scan into an attraction before you may make another return time. Guests with service animals will be asked to use the Rider Switch program if the attraction does not allow animals to ride. DAS Advance will no longer be available. And when touring the parks, your DAS group will be “immediately family, or no more than four people”. That means that if your immediate family is 7 people, they will be able to get a DAS return time together. But if you are touring with your child who is a DAS user and your three bestie roommates from college, at most 4 of you will be able to ride using a DAS return time — and of course, the DAS user must be one of them.
So, What Does This Mean?
The US Disney Parks are changing the scope, application process, and some details of the DAS.
Some examples
- Guests who have medical conditions that are not developmental disabilities will be accommodated in different ways.
- It will be beneficial (especially at Disney World) to request a DAS via a virtual chat. Guest Services will not be working with DAS requests in person starting May 20.
- DAS Advance will no longer be available.
- Guests with service animals will be accommodated with Rider Switch if the attraction does not allow animals.
- Current DAS holders will need to re-apply.
- The DAS party size is limited to 4 guests with exceptions for immediate family members.
- You will need to renew in 120 days; previously, it was 60.
- You will need to wait 10 minutes after scanning into an attraction before you can make another return time.
- The DAS’s actual function of setting return times while in the park using your My Disney Experience App will remain the same.
Why Is This Happening?
Disney has said that DAS use has tripled over the last five years. As a mom of someone who needs and uses the DAS system, we’ve seen the effects in action. It’s more and more common that the Lightning Lane is overflowing, which affects not only the guests who paid for access but also the guests with a DAS. And it affects standby waits too!
We all know that many disabilities are invisible, and it is impossible to tell by looking whether someone truly needs an accommodation. Please be kind and never assume, when watching an individual guest.
But on the system level, that doesn’t mean it isn’t true that this increase is largely due to guests “faking” a medical condition in order to receive a DAS. Multiple TouringPlans personnel have personal experience with overhearing guests “advising” others about how to beat the system. Unfortunately, these changes are Disney’s response to a level of abuse that is simply damaging their ability to give a good guest experience to everyone.
Have you used the DAS in a Disney Park? Do you have questions about how this new system will work? How will this impact your vacation? Let us know in the comments!
You May Also Like...
-
One of the highlights of the D23 Expo is always the Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products (DPEP) panel. Usually held on…
-
We’re here with a series of quick posts, “Disney in a Minute,” bite-sized nuggets of information that can better help you…
My husband and I are going to Disney World this September. He has congestive heart failure, he has diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. He is on all kinds of medications that have side effects that make it difficult for him to be in the heat for long periods of time. When we are in Disney, we need to take frequent breaks in air conditioned buildings throughout Disney. Waiting on a line for an attraction where the line extends into the outside can be unsafe and dangerous to his health. We have gone, in the past, to Disney and had a DAS pass. Having a DAS pass made it possible for us to enjoy the attractions he felt physically comfortable to go on. Next month, we will try and register for a DAS pass. He already has letters from his cardiologist and general doctor clearing stating that his medical condition make it impossible for him to wait on a long line. I am very nervous that Disney will deny him a DAS pass because his disability is not cognitive. It seems so unfair that the people that abused the system made it impossible for people who need a DAS pass not being able to go to Disney anymore. Shame on those people and shame on Disney for not coming up with a better way to include people with medical disabilities with a DAS pass as well.
Did you get your DAS pass.. my husband has same problem
No one wants to see anyone abuse the DAS program, but there needs to be service for those of us that truly needs it. I have severe pain and anxiety conditions that make it hard to stand in a line. I do NOT mind waiting to go on a ride I just cant do it in a line for more than 15 to 20 mins, Das gave the opportunity to come back and walk thru to the ride, I waited my time just not physically. So Disney needs to figure out how to accommodate guests that truly have issues or I will no longer be able to go and wont renew my annual. I can back up all my issues by medical providers. Universal Studios does this with a special program, or they should bring back regular fast passes that lets you get your passes and again wait to a certain time to go on.
My 13 yr old has crohn’s disease. When we fly she has to pre board to be close to a bathroom and clean the area she sits. Her medication was just changed and it cause her joints to hurt where she can’t stand or walk to long it also makes her tired and fatigue easy she will require a scooter. I would like to come to Disney World but under the new changes do not know if she will qualify for the DAS pass
My family and I just visited Disneyland last week. I have MS and have used the DAS pass system for the last two years. I have been visiting Disneyland for over 40 years since my father worked for the park. I consider it my home away from home. I use an electric wheelchair because I have weakness on my left side that makes using a manual wheelchair difficult and increases my fatigue. I get fatigued very quickly and sometimes out of the blue for no apparent reason. Temperature changes can leave me feeling nauseous, dizzy, and disoriented. It’s easy to plan for cold weather, but I can only remove so many clothes for heat. We always visit in the off season during cooler months, but Southern California can have unpredictable weather. The DAS pass allowed me to wait for rides in shady areas or inside shops or restaurants if the temperature became uncomfortable for me or I became overwhelmed from fatigue. It also gave us a window of time to access the ride if I needed a little more rest time. These are just the basics of why DAS pass was so helpful for me. It allowed me to enjoy the parks I love with minimal discomfort from my disabilities. Last week’s visit was stressful, uncomfortable, and just not enjoyable. We rode considerably fewer rides because we avoided the longer lines. I no longer feel welcome at a place I used to love.
I’m so sorry, I understand how hard this is. Has Disneyland already started narrowing the scope of who can use the DAS? In Florida they will begin on May 20th with both the virtual calls and the new parameters of who qualifies for DAS.
Len Testa talked extensively on the Disney Dish podcast released this morning (Shmursday April 15, 2024), and is certain that Disney has extensive records on people who are abusing DAS. He said that if you have been reading from the numerous scripts out there and using words that virtually guaranteed that your party would qualify for DAS, you might consider not doing that anymore.
One other thing he said is that queue are being modified and in new attractions will be constructed with a way to return to the queue in case a member of your party has to leave, i.e., for a bathroom emergency. If that happens, I have to wonder if those who have medical issues where they have to use the bathroom frequently will no longer qualify for DAS.
Regardless, stay tuned. This is by far the most popular article that I have seen on the Touring Plans blog in recent years!
My family has been going to Disney World for the last 30 years, well over 25 trips or so, we usually go once a year. My wife is blind, and we have always been granted a DAS. These new changes mention nothing about Blind disabilities or how they will be accommodated. DAS has always help her out with the lines since alot of ques have uneven walk areas, stairs, props around the ques, etc. It would be a crime if Disney no longer considers Blindness a Disability, seeing how DAS was originally created with physical disabilities in mind. It’s not like these disabilities have gone away. I worry that their new staff are going to be so focused on autism, etc that all other disabilities will be disqualified. Seeing there is no mention of them has me and my wife very worried….
Hi Scott, if you take a spin through Disney’s page for “Guests with Disabilities” (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/guests-with-disabilities/), you’ll see that blind and vision loss is indeed still considered a disability, with its very own category at the top, and Disney will continue to offer accommodations.
We’ve been using DAS for many years. Sounds like we’ll no longer qualify. While this likely means our Disney visits will go away, I get why they’re doing it and I think it’s the right move. DAS is designed to keep the lines short for those who need it. If that line isn’t short, they have a problem that needs to be solved. They can’t make it perfect for everyone and we’ll be one of the ones who probably won’t be able to visit anymore, but I applaud the move.
I originally wrote a long reply about how I support tightening the restrictions but not as much as Disneyland Paris as thier service in my opinion is now too restrictive. I however seemed to have timed out.
My other note would be that people like us in the U.K. have to use a VPN to access the pre chat service, luckily I got this on a free trial. It may however disadvantage international guests if this is the only way to register int he future.
Everybody needs to realize is that most conditions were excluded to begin with. If you were in the wheelchair or had issues walking that did not qualify. They are just tightening the belt right now because people were lying and they cannot ask you for a doctor’s note so I don’t blame them for what they’re doing.
Hi Folks,
This is a little off topic but I was saddened to hear how many of us suffer from panic/anxiety disorders. There are a few things that helped me a lot with anxiety even though my anxiety is fundamentally related to autism genetics. The most important thing is getting gut health under control. For more info, please search for: “The Role of Gut Microbiota in Anxiety, Depression, and Other Mental Disorders as Well as the Protective Effects of Dietary Components”, which is a 2023 scientific study. The second thing is ensuring vitamin D levels to what healthy people who spend all day in the sun can produce. This level was recommended by “The Vitamin D Council”, founded by an MD. The third thing is to avoid excessive air pollution, because this can contribute to neurotransmitter dysregulation. IQair.com is helpful. Finally, it is important to avoid all foods which trigger even the slightest allergic response (even something like hot ears or red flushed skin). This will get better once the gut is more healthy.
Please note that these things won’t cure you, but can make for an easier life in the long run (months/years), particularly if you have a wide range of seemingly unrelated symptoms (such as tics, sleep disturbances, etc.) This will also not replace a therapist, but may help you make faster progress in therapy.
Hang in there and never give up hope! See you in Disney!
Len Tesla was on the news on video and said a lot of people abuse / use the system.
Then said that touring plans had data that 75% of people using the lighting lane line are das users.
How are wait times actually affected by DAS users?
Where’s the touring plans data? Publish an article with some data about it. A news piece hit vaguely referring to abuse and “data” without details isn’t cool!!
Also the touring plans unofficial guide info is like the secret sauce that ruins it if everybody knows the secret.
Len addressed that by saying in the book their reach was limited and people don’t follow the advice anyway. (Sleep in).
But it seems like everybody’s a YouTuber now and all the “secrets” are easy to know now.
Hi Ron, we appreciate your faith in our data!
Although we have done some counting, this kind of data is very sensitive because there *are* many people with invisible disabilities. It’s one thing for us to provide some context to why Disney might be making these changes, as we see from comments here and elsewhere that many people simply don’t realize how significant the volume of DAS users is and how it affects the lines overall. Comments like “maybe there’s a little fraud but it’s worth it for the people who benefit” are common, and knowing that the volume is so high helps to demonstrate that DAS as it was couldn’t really meet its original purpose as even those with a DAS were seeing wait times beyond their ability to stand in line.
But Disney’s response is not predicated on “well, if it’s 45% that’s OK, but if it’s 47% we have to do something”. A general number here is all that’s needed to help users understand, and more specifics just opens up a conversation that will attract a lot of negative comments about those who truly do need the DAS. We don’t want to go there.
One of the suggestions on the Disney website for people who have issues waiting in line, is to, “Encourage other members of your party to help create space around you in line to make it more comfortable.”
How’s that going to work with castmembers repeatedly saying, “Fill in all available space?”
I am raising a grandson who has autism. Every year since 2016 he has been granted DAS. I am hoping they will not take DAS away from him. If they do, we might only be attending after hours events when the lines are much shorter. Genie Plus does not work for us, because often he wants to ride one ride over and over again, which is one of those repetitive symptoms of autism. I guess I will find out in late July when it will be 30 days before our trip and time for the video interview.
It looks like they are narrowing the focus to JUST autism and similar issues (when I hear “similar” I think of psychological issues like panic disorder and PTSD). This should mean your grandson will be just fine.
The reply from Disney to my email about the DAS changes- a form letter:
Cameron (Disney Parks)
Apr 11, 2024, 3:19 PM EDT
Dear XXXX,
Thank you for your message to the Walt Disney World Resort regarding services for Guests with disabilities.
Disney is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment, and accessible experience for all our Guests. All Guests who inquire about accessibility options during this period of transition are receiving this note to share information ahead of your next visit.
We would encourage you to first explore our website for Guests with disabilities, which has been updated to showcase a variety of accommodations and services to meet different needs.
Additionally, to help you plan your visit, we have developed an Accessibility Planning Guide and Recommendations and a Sensory Experience Guide, which provide pertinent information as well as answers to many Frequently Asked Questions.
There are various accommodations available to meet the needs of our Guests, which may be discussed in individualized conversations within 30 days of a planned visit with our Accessibility Services Cast Members. The Disability Access Service (DAS) is one program offered, and it is intended specifically for those guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.
Some Guests enrolled in DAS in the past may be offered alternate accommodations based on the results of their individual conversations. These include Rider Switch, Mobility Services, options for those who may unexpectedly need to leave a queue, and/or other recommendations. Guests who may need accessibility accommodations will be offered an individualized conversation with our team within 30 days of a planned trip (including on the day of your visit, if necessary), to help provide an appropriate match of tools and services.
If you are visiting before May 20, 2024:
Please visit us at Accessibility Services to initiate a connection with our team. You will be connected with a Cast Member via live video to assist you further. Please note that you will need to have access to a video camera and a microphone. During this discussion, if eligible, you may register in advance for DAS between 2 and 30 days prior to your visit.
During this time, you may also request accommodations by visiting a Guest Relations location once you arrive at our theme parks. Our Guest Relations Cast Members will work individually with you to discuss your overall needs to determine which service will be appropriate. Guests will not be asked for medical documentation.
Note: If you already have an approved DAS accommodation, it remains valid until your existing expiration.
If your visit begins May 20, 2024 or later:
Beginning May 20 at the Walt Disney World Resort, there will be an updated process for Accessibility Services conversations. Guests can learn more on our website for Guests with disabilities. In this video discussion, health care professionals may be available, if needed, to help determine appropriate accommodations. Guests will not be asked for medical documentation.
Please know we will not determine any Guest’s future eligibility until our processes are updated on May 20.
Kindest Regards,
Walt Disney World Accessibility Services Team
Our travel party consists of 8. 6 adults 3 of those on scooters. Of the 3, 2 have severe anxiety and the other is prone to seizures due to PTSD anxiety and multiple other medical conditions. There is no way with scooter or wheelchair to do a return to queue. We also have an 11-year-old with ADHD and on the spectrum and an 8-year-old with ADHD. This is our first trip altogether since our new blended family has been together.
I have used DAS for over 20 years and am not sure how this is going to affect our July vacation. It stated we can register 120 days in advance for us that would be now. Any idea if they will let future quests register now, since it is within the 120 day window?
Hi Missy, Your group sure does have a lot going on. I think you have some numbers mixed up. The new DAS doesn’t expire for 120 days, but you cannot register until you are 30 days away from your vacation. When you talk with the cast member on the video chat, explain your family dynamic to them. Good Luck and have a great time!!
I would like a list of the Developmental Disabilities that qualify since that is a very broad term.
Hi Tina, Unfortunately listing the disabilities leads to more abuse of the system. If you believe you or a family member you care for will still qualify for the DAS, you will need to have a video call.
They will never post this because people will use the list to scam the system. 🙁
I have ulcerative colitis (IBD), GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) and also suffer with heart palpitations. I have used the DAS in Orlando many times without issue. We have a holiday coming up there in August, our first in 8 years due to my medical issues. I was so looking forward to it, but now I am already starting to panic & having severe anxiety over whether I will be able to get a DAS pass. Without one, I simply won’t be able to do the lines. I can queue for maybe like 15 minutes, but after that I start to panic and then I get dizzy & have the palpitations. I wouldn’t be able to leave the queue and return as I am unable to be left on my own for more than short periods, as I also panic. I am 46 and from the outside you wouldn’t know anything was wrong with me. I also fear being judged by others – I watched a Youtube video on the new DAS system yesterday and was shocked and upset to see the comments, really horrible, nasty comments about people with invisible illness/disabilities.
Of note, I now live in Hong Kong and visit Disney quite a bit as it is so close and usually not too busy. I have used the DAS card for over 5 years. My last visit a week ago, I gave them my medical letter as usual but this time I was questioned about why I couldn’t stand in the queue. The questioning was very severe and I was badgered badly by the cast member. My anxiety overwhelmed me and had to leave the office and wait outside whilst my husband tried to sort it, I was in tears as I had never experienced this kind of judgement before and I felt awful. Disney is the only place that I can relax to some extent, it is my happy place and this really upset me. I hope it isn’t the way things will be going.
I absolutely agree that people shouldn’t be able to abuse the system, but not at the expense of the people that truly do have issues. There are enough fights and squabbles going on at Disney World as it is, can you imagine how mad people will be having people return to the queue? Plus, using autism as the base line, do they realise how many people have autism now? It just feels a bit of a mess and instead of now being excited to finally return to Orlando, I’m just scared.
Wow, I hope this is fluid as it goes. If not my last days have been had at Disney. I have severe CHF, some rides I’ll never ride again but newer ones like RISE and RUNAWAY RAILROAD I can still do besides Toy story mania, etc. However, I’m in small burst of walking. Cue to my scooter is a chore. Add in one of my twins has heart issues, we used the DAS pass. And I’ve had people tell me they abused it but there has to be a way to screen out those who need it to those who abused it. I have no problem sharing medical with anyone. But if I am to perform back to pre CHF LEVELS, I can’t.
Sad day, truly sad day.
I’m so sorry, I would be very surprised if these new qualifications for the DAS change.
I am very upset about this change. I have severe PTSD symptoms and was planning on using the DAS service for an upcoming trip scheduled just days *after* this change goes into effect (how about a little warning Disney? like we can just completely change our plans _now_). It seems to me that Disney just said we aren’t accommodating your disability anymore, oh well. They haven’t offered any alternatives for guests with PTSD (or really a host of other disabilities that were addressed by the DAS service). I tried the “webchat” on the DAS page to try and speak with someone about PTSD and my situation. It was a joke. First it only responded if you say you want to register now for the service, then it said that my trip wasn’t within 30 days (ours is May 25th), call back then and hung up on me. I get that Disney wanted to crack down on abuse, i just don’t understand _why_ the change needed to disallow other disabilities. We’ve been a Disney family for more than 20 years when we purchased our DVC membership and we’ve always deeply valued the great service that Disney provided. I am deeply disappointed.
Why? I don’t understand. Disney is cracking down on those who abuse DAS and don’t even need it. I thought that’s what you wanted
It is truly sad that some people would fake disabilities to take advantage of and ruin a system intended to help those who have struggled with hyperintensity, anxiety, pain, movement disorders, and other severe issues throughout their lives. To me, this is no different from bullying.
That being said, given the amount of money we had to scrape up to get to Disney, they need a better system for practically dealing with disabilities. Having to wait several hours to maybe connect to someone in a video chat and maybe get disconnected is not workable. I have been trying to stay connected in the queue since April 9th. I hope Disney can find a way to fulfill its wonderful promise.
I’m happy to report that after just over 5 hours of being “disconnected” and reconnected and needing to respond to a prompt every 1/2 hour or so, I did get connected to a very kind, relatable, and smart cast member. She was able to screen me, walk me through my family’s needs and answer a *lot* of questions. This included many “what ifs” I hadn’t thought of. A big kudos to Disney and cast members, special people in my mind, for making things work. April 10th.
Hi Andrew, I’m happy to hear that! Do you mind sharing some of the what if’s??
The what ifs generally weren’t really about DAS itself, but rather how to potentially handle various situations that might arise due to the long/hot day with my neurodivergent children or my complex disability. This included questions regarding rest, stimulation reduction, food allergies, what to bring, confusion, ECT, etc. Almost all of this stuff is available on disney’s and other websites, but the information overload can be daunting. The cast person really helped me narrow information down to focus on needs and variables specific to my family. She was very well trained.
I agree, I do know they have hired several new castmembers and they have begun their new training. Hopefully there are enough of them to make this less time consuming.
I work with adults with disabilities. We have a trip planned next month. A week ago we started registering for DAS. Last week very helpful kind cast members. Started setting up the second to last of ten DAS passes Thursday. Total nightmare. Wait times were plus two hours. Cast members were short with us. We were allotted ten minutes with the cast member and then disconnected. We didn’t get it done in ten minutes the first time and had to start over. Cue another two hour wait. This individual truly can not wait in line. He has Down syndrome, a heart condition, diabetes, and extreme social anxiety. He did not qualify under the new guidelines. His peers with similar concerns did just a week ago.
Hi Amanda- what a mess. Down Syndrome is a developmental disability, so this doesn’t make sense to me. I think it will be a couple of weeks before Inspired Health Alliance joins the team. He should absolutely qualify from now to May 20- but even after if he is denied, ask to speak to a healtcare professional.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. And thank you for the work you do!!
Situations like in Amanda’s post about long waits for the video chat as it is now is why the only semi-safe way to do it is to try to get in to the chat the second they open. However, I know that is not likely to be the case in her situation, and having to show up on Disney property for one of these chats is going to add to the stress of the day for these individuals and their chaperones.
I just contacted Disney to find out for myself. As someone here posted, my problem is physical. Curious to see what Disney will reply. Praying I can get the DAS or I will have to stay in our hotel room rather than enjoying the parks with my husband and grandchildren. In the email, I stated that getting a doctor’s note is not an issue and if I and others do this voluntarily, I don’t see why ADA would have a problem because Disney would not be demanding the letter.
I know it’s a lot. If you don’t mind sharing, we would appreciate hearing about the reply you receive.
I definitely will.
The Disney DAS website has been modified since yesterday. Apparently, it is a work in progress; so we’ll just have to wait for further clarification
Hi Evan, There is definately more that they will be sharing. Can I ask which changes you noticed?
Go back to free old fast passes 3 rides per day 60 or 90 days out., that would stop a lot of scammers! I have anxiety with doctors letter if needed. For me to stand still in one place for long periods of time has giving me panic attacks in the past. one time in hollywood studios i was rushed to medical, had to leave park to go back to hotel & rest all day & lost a full day there since then Disney had no trouble giving me a DAS pass.
I assume the video chat is to ensure that the interviewer is specifically trained on the health guidelines and because they are outsourcing a lot of the decision making. I’m also going to give Disney the benefit of the doubt here and assume they can come up a way to have priority access to interviewers from guest services.
My daughter has autism and has been a DAS person in the past. How do we arrange for the video chat pre-visit application so that we can go back to Disneyland sometime in 2024. Please let us know the correct way to do this. Thanks.
Hi Leonard, the information you need is here. When you are within 30 days of your visit, there is a button right on the page to begin. https://disneyland.disney.go.com/guest-services/disability-access-service/register/
Does epilepsy qualify for DAS?
Hi GreenMan, you’ll need to contact Disney to confirm what accommodations are available to you.
I have a trip coming up prior to May 20th, and am already registered for DAS. How will this affect our trip?
Hi Doug, no, if you are already registered and your trip is before May 20th, you should be good to go. If you’re nervous, you can always contact Disney to confirm.
I believe Disney should implement a central verification system with documented medical confirmation of the need for the DAS Accommodation.
I have overheard people in the parks sharing how they beat the DAS System with false medical claims. I’ve also read articles that share how to cheat the DAS System. Let’s not forget how some people/travel agencies had “professional” disabled people accompanying tourists in the past to get services reserved for Disabled guests.
We need transparency and accountability in order to weed out those few trying to abuse the system. Applause to Disney on implementing a lifelong ban for those falsely claiming the need for the DAS Pass.
I’m going to guess Disney can’t require that because it would be a HIPAA violation.
There’s a lot of confusion in this area. The Americans with Disabilities Act is the sticky wicket here. The ADA does place limitations on requiring individuals to verify their disability in order to gain accommodations. It’s not an absolute bar, but definitely businesses need to be careful of it. But, HIPAA doesn’t cover this – it bars your doctor from sharing it with Disney unless you authorize it, but it doesn’t bar Disney from asking you to provide it in order to receive access.
People who genuinely need this for their family understandably upset about this, particularly those with unseen disabilities.
The oddest thing about these changes is having to go through a video chat even when showing up in person. I hope Disney IT is prepared for this. I can’t imagine what it would be like to show up at park opening only to have to wait for several hours to get a video chat. The only reason I can see for this is that, when someone is turned down, they can’t verbally berate the cast member making that decision in person .
Hi TwoBits – I wouldn’t be quick to leap to the worst case scenario of having to wait several hours for a video chat. There are ways to address this issue and I’m sure Disney is conscious of it. I mean – look at the counterpoint “I can’t imagine what it would be like to show at park opening only to have to wait several hours in line at Guest Services to get approved … ” — functionally, it’s all about the staffing capacity and the workflow.
Whatever other reasons there are, I’m sure that protecting Cast Members from abuse is part of it and personally I think it’s great that Disney does what they can there.
Hi Jennifer, It currently requires a several hour wait to get to do the video chat to get the DAS, and has been since the DAS pre-registration process was rolled out. Disney knows this, and hasn’t done anything to address it. So it is a fair assumption that it will continue to be be a multi-hour wait. Of course, that could change, but it feels u likely.
Respectfully, I disagree that it’s a fair assumption that it will continue to be a multi-hour wait. To assume that it’s a possibility, sure. But to assume that it’s the most likely outcome, when Disney is clearly changing the whole process? That feels a little like unjustified pessimism to me.
This is ridiculous. I have a physical disability. Does this mean I no longer can get a DAS pass to accommodate me? Why am I being discriminated against because my disability is not a developmental disability?
I seriously doubt there will be cast members present to help out. We’ve all seen people cutting in lines and cast members looking the other way or no cast members to be found when entering a line. Ridiculous and frustrating. Just another way for Disney to nickel and dime more people who come to their parks.
I assume the video chat is to ensure that the interviewer is specifically trained on the health guidelines and because they are outsourcing a lot of the decision making. I’m also going to give Disney the benefit of the doubt here and assume they can come up a way to have priority access to interviewers from guest services.
What evidence is there of actual abuse? No actual evidence is offered, just a vague assumption that people are coniving liars.
Use increasing is not evidence of abuse, it’s more easily explained as a genuine increase in need by people who didn’t previously need it before Disney killed the fast pass.
People posting on what Disney is looking for to approve DSA is not evidence that people ARE actually doing it, just that social media rewards extreme content.
So what’s the real deal here Disney?
I guess we’ll see what additional options are offered for the disabled, but at this moment it feels more like a way to create additional barriers for the disabled and force them into paying for Genie to be able to enjoy the parks or to just stay out of healthy people’s way.
Hello Paul – as the article notes, several at TouringPlans have witnessed evidence of abuse ourselves, by which we don’t mean just “numbers”. And you don’t have to look far on social media to find those who say they personally know people who have lied to get DAS access.
Beyond that, Disney knows they will face legal challenges over this. I know it’s popular to think that they haven’t thought things through, but history shows that when it comes to being prepared for legal challenges, they are on the ball. I’m quite sure that Disney has a treasure trove of evidence of abuse that is based on more than statistical assumptions, because I’m quite sure that they are ready to respond to challenges in court.
Thanks for reading.
Where did this “immediate family” part come from because it’s not on the website?
I don’t think anyone was “abusing” the old system since the criteria was “Guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits . . .” Is it that hard to believe that 20% or even 50% of the population finds 60+ minute waits in the Florida heat intolerable?
For comparison: Probably almost half of kids wear glasses at school and eventually just as many will get extra time on the SAT. Similar rates for DAS sound reasonable to me.
Hi Steve, you raise an interesting point. The ADA requires that businesses make “reasonable accommodation” for those with disabilities. The assumption is that the accommodation does not damage the business, or provide the guest a vastly superior experience compared to those who don’t need it. So if 20 to 50% of the population needs an accommodation, as you suggest – then it is no longer a “reasonable accommodation” that Disney is required to give. After all, nobody would suggest that Disney needs to give everyone who gets sick on roller coasters a free Lightning Lane for Jungle Cruise to make up for them not riding TRON, right?
Completely agree. Disney’s DAS problem was a Disney choice, not a legal mandate. My point was just that people responded to the incentives they set up. That doesn’t make them cheaters or bad people. If Disney gave out a free Lightning Lane to kids who “did well in school” I’m sure 99% of parents would ask for that too.
Does anyone know how a “return to line” system would work, if at all, on a ride like Avatar Flight of Passage with a dark, indoor queue? Would someone have to play the “excuse me, excuse me” game or hold up a hall pass to keep other guests from assuming he’s a line jumper? My husband has severe IBS-D and we have used DAS for years in its various forms, because, well frankly, many days he MUST use the bathroom every 30-45 minutes or so. You would never know it my looking at him, and we loved the current, now-expiring, system because there was no way for non-castmembers to know whether we were using the lightning lane because of Genie+ or DAS. Ironically, our family almost always ALSO buys Genie+ because there are many rides my husband won’t ride (like Space Mountain or Test Track) because of motion sickness, and days where his condition is bad enough that he stays at the resort.
I’m eager to see how this plays out because we have a similar situation if my partner has flareups. I’m frankly nervous about the ability for him to make it out, find a restroom, and then get back to me and our kids before the line progresses and we get put on the ride without him. How’s he supposed to get back to us without making someone mad who thinks he cutting? It just doesn’t seem feasible as an alternative accommodation. That’s not even getting into the most important fact that it could take a long time to get to the restroom in the first place! It’s particularly annoying to hear that many people lie about having his condition to get this pass, makes us think people are suspicious of him!
Side note: Once last summer my child needed to duck out of the FOP pre-show to use a restroom and by the time we received the lanyard to return via the lightning lane and made our way out of the labyrinth they had peed their pants! I hope it’s a better system than that!
One year I brought my niece with us to WDW. She has medical issues. It was after changes to the old disability pass where the CM would put the group in a line instead of the backdoor. There was a man in line and the CM put us in line ahead of him. That man began yelling at us so we let him go ahead. The problem was that everyone around us was saying really ugly things. This happened in other lines as well. Definitely our worse trip. I don’t think the “return to the line” system will work well due to these types of people. It’s hot or rainy or kids are acting out, etc. all kinds of situations that will lead to short tempers and then guests will have to walk through that to get back to their group? not a pretty situation. Hoping it works but fear it won’t.
I have seen on sites and heard at Disney people telling other how to “get a free skip the line pass”. It makes me so angry because I actually need DAS for a chronic pain condition and for ADHD. People always have to abuse things for those who truly need it. I also think Disney is more worried about losing money, not guests who are disabled.
Ironically we registered today for DAS for our next trip. My son is 27 and autistic and we average 2 big trips a year and are annual passholders. It doesn’t sound like this will affect our family except that we occasionally have a cousin join us. So that’s a bummer. I hate that people abuse the system then it effects those that need it.
Hi Michelle, I’m so glad you are set to apply. When you travel with the cousin, be sure to still bring everyone with you when you set up the DAS companions. We don’t know exactly how this will work, plus there might be rides the cousin would like to ride that others don’t.
Could you provide details on how the updated Disneyland Disabled Access System accommodates veterans with PTSD, specifically regarding issues with standing in congested crowds and enduring long lines? I’m looking for specific accommodations or services available to assist with these challenges.
As a disabled veteran with PTSD, crowded spaces and lengthy waits significantly impact my park experience. I appreciate Disneyland’s efforts to be inclusive and am hopeful that the DAS adjustments directly address the unique needs of individuals with invisible disabilities. It’s crucial for me and others in similar situations to enjoy the park comfortably and safely.
Hi Nick, I need to suggest you contact Disney directly. I would hate to give incorrect information, and we don’t have all of the details at this time. My suggestion is to use the chat feature on the DAS page of the website.
I contacted Disney regarding a similar issue as a disabled veteran. Damaris (Disney Parks)
Apr 10, 2024, 1:15 PM EDT
Dear Michelle,
Thank you for your question about the Disability Access Service (DAS).
While we sincerely appreciate your concern, only our DAS Online Video Chat and In-Park Guest Relations Cast Members, through their extensive training, are qualified and trained to approve or deny DAS service. Depending on when you will be visiting, it will be necessary to video chat or visit Guest Relations at your first park to discuss your specific challenges with them.
For Guests arriving May 19, 2024 or earlier, Guests may look to pre-register as soon as 30 days in advance of your park visit, but no less than 2 days before arrival by visiting our website. Guest Relations Cast Members remain available at all four major parks to assist Guests that are unable to pre-arrange registration before their arrival.
Guests arriving May 20, 2024 or later, Guests will want to visit our website as soon as 30 days prior to their arrival up to the date of their first park visit. Guest Relations Cast Members will have devices available to lend to our Guests so they may chat with DAS Cast Members on-site should they be necessary.
For more detailed information, please visit our Disability Access Service (DAS) page.
We are truly sorry that we cannot assist you further, and we wish you a magical visit.
Kindest regards,
Damaris
Disability Access Services
Walt Disney World® Resort
PLEASE NOTE: All information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to your visit.
[PP0RX2-RL1PD] gave me a non-answer. I’ve copied and pasted it below. I’m not sure if I need to cancel my September trip or not, as the thought of going to Disney without this assistance is just unbearable. “Damaris (Disney Parks)
Apr 10, 2024, 1:15 PM EDT
Dear Michelle,
Thank you for your question about the Disability Access Service (DAS).
While we sincerely appreciate your concern, only our DAS Online Video Chat and In-Park Guest Relations Cast Members, through their extensive training, are qualified and trained to approve or deny DAS service. Depending on when you will be visiting, it will be necessary to video chat or visit Guest Relations at your first park to discuss your specific challenges with them.
For Guests arriving May 19, 2024 or earlier, Guests may look to pre-register as soon as 30 days in advance of your park visit, but no less than 2 days before arrival by visiting our website. Guest Relations Cast Members remain available at all four major parks to assist Guests that are unable to pre-arrange registration before their arrival.
Guests arriving May 20, 2024 or later, Guests will want to visit our website as soon as 30 days prior to their arrival up to the date of their first park visit. Guest Relations Cast Members will have devices available to lend to our Guests so they may chat with DAS Cast Members on-site should they be necessary.
For more detailed information, please visit our Disability Access Service (DAS) page.
We are truly sorry that we cannot assist you further, and we wish you a magical visit.
Kindest regards,
Damaris
Disability Access Services
Walt Disney World® “
Thank you for sharing this with us. I know it is a lot.
I am a board-certified physician with medical licensure in two states. I am medically disabled and have been for over ten years. What are the qualifications of these “DAS” experts hired by Disney to evaluate my medical and clinical conditions?
I may need to cancel the planning and reservation for the first trip to WDW in 35 years.
It is wrong to use the DAS pass by lying. Maybe Disney should go back to fast pass.
I don’t understand this.2 year ago. I was hurt that severely damage my foot. when I leave my foot down all day, I crying all .sometimes wish I was died. This is only place .that helps me i can the lanes to much for me.workcomp doesn’t give me a lot of. Money iam still going. Now you are taking that away???????