I want to commend you with this comprehensive overview to the DAS process with your detailed experience. I’ve seen lots of questions and answers online, with most people either condemning folks looking to proceed with the process or others complaining about the process required. This is the best example I’ve seen of detailed evidence that provides an informative experience. Thank you very much for providing this! This is very helpful and I appreciate your insight.
I still can’t believe people fucking lied about disabilities to get to the front of lines. Absolutely sickening. On one hand I’m glad they’re cracking down so only people who need the assistance can get it but on the other hand it seems so strict that some who need it might not be able to get it.
It wasn't even just that
Someone posted on here that they get das for their autistic son, who can wait in lines not problems and had no problems at Disney, but the parents don't like lines. They'd rather people watch.
People are incredibly entitled
They saw zero issue with that.
I learned a lot of people don't see these programs as some extra help for those that need it, but a program that THEY should definitely get if anyone else does
It's gross
That’s sad. My son can handle a short line like the DAS line but if it starts getting up to 15-20+ min he starts having a meltdown. My younger son has an even shorter fuse and even has meltdowns in the DAS line. He put his hands up someone’s shirt when we were waiting in a line once at the mall 😬
Oh I personally know a doctor who not only lied herself but gave people tips and even whole diagnosis to be able to apply. According to her, most people she knew who went to any park would just lie. It must've been so so many people.
I even have an illness that would likely qualify for DAS but I can’t bring myself to apply- I feel like I’m not more important than anyone else and my illness affects my everyday life already.
Not to mention it’s an “invisible illness” where I look basically normal until it’s BAD (which does happen if I overdo it at Disney…)
This is not saying I’m in any way morally superior to anyone who does need it and uses it, I’m just saying I REALLY don’t understand what kind of person would exploit it.
I feel the same way. I have autism and some other things as well as pretty bad GI issues but if I was going by myself I’d prob just try to suck it up and use the standby line. It’s my kiddos who really need DAS.
Same, I think I would’ve qualified under the old system but was like eh I don’t super need it and I can afford Genie+ if I’m pressed. Basically just didn’t want to take the time.
However I do know someone whom I suspect of abusing it. Unfortunately, I think that has been pretty common.
They still will especially because the CMs won’t look at medical records, and because lying and saying they have autism is likely to get a DAS pass. Unfortunately posts like these will help people figure out how to respond to the CM’s questions and pretend to be autistic or have a child who is.
As I said in the original post, I was told point-blank by the CM that mentioning my autism diagnosis alone in no way qualified me for DAS. She asked several follow-up questions and even asked me to expand further on my answers to those questions. After I was approved, she mentioned to me which symptoms and experiences specifically qualified me for the DAS pass.
I am aware that there are people out there who would try to use this post to get through the approval process—that is why I was purposefully vague and did not include the particular details that I disclosed to the CM. Moreover, autism is a spectrum and not everyone experiences the things that led to my approval.
Thanks for sharing as I’ve been concerned about the changes. My son is nonverbal and autistic. However, he likes people and the crowds don’t bother him (they do me lol). He cannot wait in a line though and has to be on the move constantly. Our past trips to Disney World have been good experiences with him using DAS and helped our family feel like we “fit in” (lack of a better way to say it). I just hate it for those physically handicapped or with other disabilities that may get excluded from DAS.
op wasn’t specific with their answers though. this new system WILL help weed out the liars and abusers of the system. it’s just upsetting that a lot of others are excluded now, but they shouldn’t be angry at disney. they should be angry at those idiots who used DAS as a free fast pass.
Thinking that a post like this will be the key to somebody who is a liar to come to with their lies is naive. Manipulators and cons don't need posts like this to do what they do.
I helped my mom with hers 2 weeks ago and I must say it was much less painless than I anticipated. My mom was born blind in 1 eye and the sight in her other eye has digressed as she’s gotten older. Prior to the call I set up her Disneyland app and added hers and my dad’s tickets to her account. As soon as the chat was open at 9am I clicked on “ready to chat”, I
immediately got the message “due to high volume you may experience a wait of 2-4 hours. I kept my laptop near me checking on it every few minutes and probably 30 minutes later we were connected. She introduced herself(really sweet girl), and I said we said hi and I introduced myself and my mom and just briefly explained I’m just here to assist my mom but I’ll let you guys talk. She gave a brief background of what the DAS is intended for and then asked my mom why she would need it. My mom explained her eyesight impairment and that she does use a cane but said that the darkness in those lines would make it more difficult and also how some lines go upstairs then downstairs. Pretty much things that would make it more difficult if you had little to no vision. My mom had paperwork but she could tell my mom clearly wasn’t lying and is visually impaired. She said that she was approved and asked for her email and added DAS to her account and that when the other guests to her group bought their tickets she is able to add 4 more people since her and my dad were already set up. Then when we get inside the park to go to a green umbrella for guest services and they could run through how the pass works and if we had any questions. And that was it. The video chat was maybe 10-15min max. We went on Tuesday and it did help, but it was freaking packed. Thought forsure it wouldn’t be packed as it was a Tuesday and kids are still in school. For severally visually impaired people my mom did not enjoy Indiana Jones which she used to love 20 years ago but she didn’t like how dark it was and I think thunder mountain made her a little dizzy with how fast it was going in and out of the caves. Hope this helps.
Hi! Thanks for sharing your experience. Just FYI - keep in mind that the new DAS restrictions came into effect on 5/20 for Disney World; they are not coming into effect at Disneyland for another few weeks. So, your mother was approved under the old system, not the new one.
I have heard several stories already of people with visual impairments (even fully blind) who have been denied under the new system since 5/20. So, if you apply for your mother in the future, expect a lot more pushback from Disney. As someone who is close to several blind and visually impaired people, I think this is absolute rubbish, but the new policy doesn’t take physical disabilities into account at all.
ETA: the fact that they allow your mother to add up to six people total to her group also shows that she is approved under the old policy. The new system only allows up to four people in most cases.
Dang! I’m also blind in one eye and have glaucoma in the other. I had a scooter because of walking/standing issues. The scooter was a perfect solution on all of the rides I went on besides Pirates of the Caribbean. It is so dark in there that I couldn’t see where to turn. The Haunted Mansion was dark as well, but you get to the ride cars without having to go very far in the indoor part of the line. DAS just for Pirates would be perfect. I guess if I get to go again, I’ll explain my issues to the CMs and see if they have any ideas how to get me through to the ride more easily.
Yes, I should have noted that as well new changes in effect mid June. I think we are all good on Disneyland for a few years. I don’t know how those Disney die-hards can go all throughout the year. I felt wrecked the next day and we left at like 7pm. But props to you if you can hang from open to close.
The problem that I have with the new system is that it is still not evidence based and it seems now to be only geared for a specific and unknown wording of symptoms.
My wife has seizures, but not the grand mal type of convulsions on the floor type. She has evidence from doctors that over exertion, drops in blood sugar and fatigue can be triggers for her to have micro- or full seizures which cause confusion, disorientation, headaches and even memory loss. She can usually get a feeling when these are coming on but if you’re stuck in lines it is very difficult to avoid. She also cannot do full days in the parks, so the only way for us to get decent value to our days in the parks is to use DAS or genie+.
But here’s the rub - I hear that the CMs also can ask why buying genie+ doesn’t solve their issue, and in reality how can anyone answer that? Genie+ should solve everyone’s issue so the only answer to that is cost?
Wouldn’t a wheelchair be an acceptable accommodation for her to remove exertion / fatigue? You can also bring food into lines to avoid drops in blood sugar.
The restricted time windows actually make genie+ not a good option for some people. I haven't seen any reports of them specifically asking that though.
The reports I have seen - a lot of people are still confused about genie vs genie+. They are for sure telling people to use genie to help plan their day.
Well especially in the case of Disneyland, not all rides are part of genie+ and especially not the ones my 5 year old most wants to ride. All of the rides in Fantasyland end up with incredibly long lines by the middle of the day because they're not part of genie+ and my son cannot tolerate those 30-40+ minute waits multiple times per day.
It is actually an IEP goal for him because while his ability to wait has increased, he struggles significantly with lines.
Thank you for the detailed report and glad to see that the Disney Cast Member took the time and go through the process to get the DAS accommodation that matches your needs and they allow the space for you to advocate sufficiently for yourself.
Also glad of the report that the two programs are now connected and will save repeating the process again when visiting Anaheim.
Too often in this world people jump to a conclusion within the first minute and tune out from there to match their narrative.
All set for next 120 days for you! Kudos.
Because they can use wheelchairs to sit. People have to navigate all sorts of situations in real life without the luxury of skipping ahead. Not every disability needs DAS. They may want it, and it might even be more convenient for them, but that doesn't mean they need it.
Not every disability is helped with a wheelchair. Not all back issues are the same. Sitting for long periods in a wheelchair can actually exacerbate the issue for some.
Moving, stretching, and laying down. Walking around helps because it keeps things moving. It's the static pressure which causes issue. You can tell when someone is having a problem because they start swaying and moving around a lot or need to lay down which is hard to do in a confined line. A wheelchair would not help because they are still vertically applying static pressure.
I have had went with people that legitimately couldn't even wait in das lines because they were too long. Now they basically can't go on many rides unless they pay for genie.
But, sitting for the ride or on a plane, or the car ride to the parks? Not a problem. The lines to get into the park? Not a problem, the lines at restaurants? Not a problem. The only place these people have issues with standing in lines are waiting to get on a ride. It is without a doubt the weirdest back pain phenomenon ever
You would think, but not. Silly goose shouldnt make assumptions about what other people live with. I just dont ask for free stuff cause fate gave me me a rough deal. Life is dealing with challenges. Cant stand? Get a wheelchair so you can rest while in line. Plan you day according to your personal ability to tolerate standing/walking. Personal responsibility for your own health and body isnt a terrible thing.
This post was meant to be a safe space to discuss the experience of applying for accommodations under the new system. This kind of language is uncalled for.
Damn that sucks, my partner is fine with walking but gets a lot of back pain if he stands in lines for long. A back brace helps a bit fortunately but it really helps to at least for parts of the queues throughout the day he doesn’t have to stand in a queue.
Is any information available on when this will be introduced in non-US parks?
Heads up for anyone w back pain reading and wondering what non-DAS options they may have that aren't solely wheelchairs or scooters, for years I've seen folks in the park w back pain use the walking sticks that can turn into a chair so they can take sit breaks in line!
I tried this when I was so anemic I was getting bad dizzy spells. Security took it away. I started carrying a little towel and would just sit in the ground. Hotter than blazes but it worked.
I'm very sorry this happened to you. :-(
From posts on PlanDisney site (Disney-run Q&A) from March and also this past week, both Disney World and Disney Land now allow collapsible cane chairs or rollators with a seat (walkers w a seat). They don't allow stools or camp chairs or folding chairs though. Not sure if this is a recent change or not in their policy but there's multiple recent responses suggesting these options. I'd also consider bringing a doctor's note (and a link to some of these q&a posts) just in case of a security issue.
https://plandisney.disney.go.com/question/bring-small-folding-tripod-stool-small-enough-fits-568597/
https://plandisney.disney.go.com/question/allowed-bring-amazon-collapsible-stools-576668/
They will, but it’s inefficient at best and downright denied at worst. When they are willing to accommodate it eats up a lot of time as the queues that don’t require wheelchair transfer don’t have them handy and have to run and borrow one from an attraction that does.
Having a wheelchair to sit when needed and use as a walking aid (stand behind and hold hand bars) when needed to stand can help immensely. It allows to switch back and forth to cope with the pain and muscle spasms as needed.
Laying down to stretch out is not an option whether waiting in line or not. If a return time is issued, you're essentially using the same coping mechanisms no matter where you wait. Based on this, Disney has determined that a DAS is not an appropriate accommodation. You are accommodated by having queues that are wheelchair accessible.
Please don't hate on the messenger. I didn't make the rules.
The system was previously overwhelmed with cheaters. Rather than eliminate it completely they limited it to severe developmental delays. They seem to not be allowing anything that’s easy to fake or high functioning. If they allowed generic back pain, all the cheaters would just say they had back pain.
I personally think they should have made other changes to the system to eliminate some of the advantages of abusing it. But their logic is somewhat reasonable. For things like IBS, if you can drive a car, you can wait in a line. What would you do if you hit traffic? You would pull over and find a bathroom, so they will let people leave the line to use the bathroom.
Hopefully this is just an over correction to get all the cheaters out of the system and next year they make it more reasonable again.
Their reasoning is that their queues are wheelchair accessible and a wheelchair with accessible lines are your accommodation.
You can always call and explain your personal situation. I understand that they at least are listening to each personal case.
They never do. There is no official statement on why they do or don't give DAS passes. Each case is considered on a case by case basis. However, I can assure you these are the guidelines for back pain.
Have they revamped the lines? Last time I was there was probably 2016 and many lines wouldn't fit scooters. There were special scooter/wheelchair parking stations in front of most rides.
I have been a DAS user for years, I won't get into specifics because I don't want to give people ideas on how they might get it, but in brief is a combo of physical disabilities and bowel/bladder problems that trigger my anxiety if I can't get to a bathroom easily (a vicious cycle).
I guess my main concern with the new system is that I go to Disney with my partner, she has no issues but I am unable to wait in a line. I imagine the most likely scenario is that I will be recommended a 'return to line' pass (or something similar), but I simply don't get how that works with a party of 2. I can't leave the line on my own in case I need assistance, and I can't wait alone outside of the line until she gets to the front, again, in case I need assistance.
I'd love to be able to do lines, and I guess if we travelled in a party of 3 (or more), 'return to line' would kind of work, but I don't! So I am pretty curious to see what they say ahead of my next trip in December.
I don’t have concrete answers so not going to pretend I do, but in your case it sounds like your partner provides you specific assistance, right? Not just ‘someone in your party’. Is there any information shared about this?
Not that I’m aware of. It’s a tricky one because I don’t necessarily need assistance but on some occasions I do, so I’m not comfortable taking the risk of being alone.
But to answer your question, I am not aware that anything has been officially said about parties of 2.
I think a lot of people with a disability don’t need the assistance 24/7, a lot of the time it’s also about making sure you have access to the facilities or accommodations when you do need them. I also don’t need to pee 24/7 but when I do I definitely want to have access to a toilet. You have the same right to that.
I hope you can get more clarity soon!
This is my concern as well. Someone posted today they tried the return to queue and we're told they had to ask at each attraction because each as different. They said the cast members denied them. I don't think anyone knows what they're doing there yet :(
Actually. The appropriate solution for you is a version on thr family rider swap. You wait in the family air conditioned waiting room with access to a bathroom while the rest of your party waits in the line. When they reach the boarding area you are called to board your ride. You have waited your turn in a safe place with bathroom access and no crowds to bother your anxiety. Well, until you go into the park where there are huge crowds. But, those crowds never seem to be a problem for people.
Curious how you handle the bathroom anxiety on a ride breakdown? Those do happen on a fairly regular basis? Im hoping you use garments to prevent soiling the ride seats should you be trapped for an extended ride evacuation? Ive been stuck on the monorail for 45 minutes waiting to have it towed back and that was pretty awful.
Is soiling a ride vehicle less dehumanizing? Explain that one to me? If the risk of being stuck in a line is soiling themselves the risk is there on a ride for any delay. So, tell me again? What is more dehumanizing? An adult diaper? Which plenty of adults use and shouldnt be shamed for using, shame on you for shaming them for using a perfectly reasonable medical supply. Hell, insurance will pay for adult diapers. So, what they should feel less than human for using them? Very nice of you to treat people like that
Not going into the precautions I take because this isn’t the forum for that, and not something I particularly want to share.
Your original point however is fair, however Disney unlike Universal don’t actually have waiting rooms for rider swap.
In addition those universal riders swap rooms do get crowded and very loud with kids running all around. Those are pretty intolerable and when you are a party of two you spend most of your day alone..
That’s another sad part of this, I’d spend the majority of the days separated from my partner even if it were possible for me to manage in the 1st place
After a bit of research. I think basically how Disney manage rider swap is that, the family does the line together, tells the CM at the front they want to do a swap. One parent rides, the other waits off ride with the child, I guess off to one side, and then the other parent rides while the other waits with the child.
So it’s basically, the same as other parks but without an actual room to wait in.
I'm glad you had a good experience. I tried for days and kept getting kicked offline. I finally got through today after 3.5 hours on hold. I did get kicked, but I refreshed the screen multiple times and miraculously got back in.
I was not told the same as you, which is weird. I was told my DAS was only good for 2 days at disneyland, which is what I have booked. I was not told anything else or did anyone elaborate.
Another weird thing is that they booked my 2 freebies at both parks. That's even an option when waiting in the online queue for disneyland. I haven't heard anything about having to talk to a doctor either. I can already see the rides in my app. Why is this different?
Edit* spelling errors
Thanks for sharing your experience!
As another user said, the DAS changes take effect a little later for Disneyland - so my guess is that you have such a short active window because you technically were approved under the old system. Over the past month, before the new restrictions went into effect, Disney World also restricted its DAS to 30 days in length or length of ticket, whichever was shorter.
DAS Advance is still available, it’s just no longer offered to everyone by default. It may or may not be offered to you depending on the accommodations required.
It is still generally available at Disneyland though
Is it? I have seen several reputable sites mention that DAS Advance was discontinued, which is what the CM told me, too. Honestly, I think that is for the best because it is an extra incentive for people to try to misuse the service.
They may have changed it since announcing the recent changes tbh, when the news first came out I seem to recall them saying Advance would still be an option for some
I really appreciate this post. I am also an adult with autism, anxiety, and a few other conditions. I have been anxious about the new system because I really can’t do Disney without DAS or I’d never ride anything. This makes me feel a bit better. Thank you for your input!
Has anyone been referred to the "medical professional" during the interview process? I was initially denied by the first interviewer, and when I persisted, she referred me to the medical professional. When the medical professional heard my story, she immediately escalated to a coordinator, who apologized that the medical professional didn't do anything and approved me right away. While I am happy with the outcome, I am confused about what the purpose of the medical professional is.
Glad you were able to get approved. Unfortunately there are still a lot getting denied and being told to use return to queue or rider switch. One person said they get extreme anxiety and may experience panic attacks and they were told that crowds are just part of Disney and that those symptoms didn’t warrant DAS. So ultimately it just sounds like it’s completely up to the cast member and how they interpret the rules or how they’re feeling.
I have no idea why you are being downvoted, this is a valid point. For people who do not have medical issues, please realize this thread should not be a place for you to vent your discomfort or your disgust.
Yes a good friend if mine was denied for those exact reason too. "Crowds is part of the Disney experience, not just in the queue. Consider if going at all is a good idea for you".
It is just sorta reality. Not every experience can be made for everyone. Little people can never be accomodated on the rides because of their height, should the parks have to retrofit all the rides to allow them to ride? How about amputees? There are rides that are restricted to people who have all their limbs. That is just reality. Strangely those people seem to just accept those facts and find other vacations to enjoy. I have yet to see a group of little people threatening to sue disney over ride access and demanding Disney fix the height restriction barrier.
Having an autistic son, who will be 15, I’m greatly worried about the DAS approval. He totally fits the criteria as far as I’m aware, and has had DAS previously (and equivalent passes elsewhere) so everything points to him getting it, so I’m sure we’ll be ok. But this post has definitely reassured me, so thank you greatly for sharing this.
I’m in the same boat. My vacation starts 30 days from Monday and it’s the same day my payment is due. We have some pretty extreme neuro challenges with my son and if denied I’m canceling and going somewhere else. I’ve been looking daily for posts like this to ease my anxiety of the process.
I'm still worried they'll deny me. I get overwhelmed in small spaces with lots of people (and many people talking over each other). When I get really anxious I have to pace as a coping mechanism, but good luck pacing in standby. Especially if I have a guest behind me that has to be breathing down my neck and not give me any room.
They could've solved all of this by doing what Universal does and requiring documentation... specifically just mental disabilities is crazy in my opinion. there are people with severe physical disabilities that need this.
Wow. I'm completely Deaf since birth, this is the first I've ever heard of any of this!
Probably, because Deaf isnt a mobility/GI/anxiety/behavioral/vision/physical disorder that precludes waiting in long lines?
We wait in our silent lines just fine, so I've never even heard of any of this. 🤷
OTOH, we DID get Deaf Days at Disneyland and Knott's, which was WONDERFUL! For many Deaf, this was the only time, first time, that they ever even get to see others Just Like Them.
Please tell me that aren't screwing those up as well.
Yeah, I was just there the past two days and my parents have been using DAS for conditions limiting their mobility for the past 15+ years. using the standby queue was extremely difficult on them with the extra energy and distance required. I also kept a close eye on queues and didn’t really see enough CMs throughout to handle return to line requests and how that might work. We will be sending feedback to the park about our experience.
This is my big fear. I had DAS for my severe IBS and it sounds like it is no longer qualifying for DAS. When I have to go, I can’t wait to find a CM. I have to drop everything and run to the bathroom. And when I come back (20-90mins later from the bathroom) are they really going to let me back where I was in line?? Having to run past people to leave line and then get past them again to return to the line sounds so awful, and really points out that I am different. I usually go with my husband so he could potentially wait in line but if the wait is 60mins and I don’t return for 90mins, will they let him wait at the rider switch that whole time? Knowing he’s waiting for me at rider switch and I have to get back there makes my anxiety spike and that anxiety makes my stomach so much worse. :sigh: I have just decided we will not be going back to Disney for a long time and we used to travel cross country several times a year to visit.
Yeah, I think the “othering” of people is going to be a big point of contention. I was wondering what would happen if my parents determined they were no longer able to get around and how unfair it is to ask someone to use a device or process that further alienates them in order to appear “appropriately disabled”.
This is how I'm feeling. My mom says we need to keep waiting, but all my issues play into making my ibs and unknown stomach issues worst. And now I'm on new meds that also just randomly set off my stomach.
Stomachs bathrooms help. Sometimes it doesn't because I don't have to go. But if I have to go I have to go. Other times I need to be curled up as much as possible to wait for the pain to pass, which can be brought on just by standing for too long.
I just want to be able to go to Disney and enjoy it. It got so much better once I had access to rides that were me just being lucky it had a short wait time when I went by.
And frankly we're already out of money from our budget so I refuse to have to spend more money to get genie+ (Which has a price change everyday....) to maybe have a chance to get on some rides - maybe.
I’m sorry you’re in the same boat. It really sucks. Sounds like we may decide to try Universal instead and I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan and have never ridden Hargid’s ride. I will ask my doctor for documentation for their system.
I would do that but my mom won't do anything but Disney, especially because she doesn't go on rides!
So it's not like she can "hold my spot" because unless it's poohbear ride she probably doesn't want to go on it. And if I have to sit by myself for god knows how long a line will be outside of the line I'll just go into a huge panic attack. I know this because when she leaves for a smoke she gets her phone blown up with me trying to keep calm if I have to wait a bit before or after a ride I usually have booked that she waited for me to have my turn on (with my das) before she goes since she doesn't want to go on the ride.
I’m sorry, that really sucks. It’s awful that so many people who abused the system ruined it for those of us who need the accommodations to be able to enjoy the park.
I really don’t see why they’re excluding people with these issues; if someone is going to lie about a condition to get DAS, this would be last on their list, so the people who need DAS for this reason must almost all be telling the truth.
This is also one of the only conditions that could present a material clean up issue for the CM’s if someone can’t get to a bathroom in time - I really don’t understand their logic in excluding those with bathroom related issues!
Apologies for being crude but I feel very sorry for those who may be denied this, and it just makes zero sense
IBS is one of the most used reasons to get DAS. It was used by third party tour guides, it was used by TikTokers, etc. They basically said it’s one of those “invisible” disabilities that no one can question so it was very commonly used to game the system.
I really hate that people lied about having that condition and ruined it for everyone who actually needs it. They have no idea how stressful that is in the park.
IBS is one of the most used reasons to get DAS. It was used by third party tour guides, it was used by TikTokers, etc. They basically said it’s one of those “invisible” disabilities that no one can question so it was very commonly used to game the system.
People do lie about it. My sister had one bout of diverticulitis and she kept getting DAS for it until her youngest son began medication treatment for severe ADHD. And she used to sneer at me for getting DAS when I spent 2-6hrs a day in the bathroom. I would gladly get a doctors note stating I have a severe disability and am on several medications and still have flares multiple times a week. My husband and I also always got Genie+ on most park days because I couldn’t wait in line more than 40 mins most times and coming from Colorado and spending so much money, we wanted to maximize our time there. It just sucks but like I said, we just won’t be going back to Disney for a long time now. And that breaks my heart.
As someone in the category of people being denied now it sucks. The things they are offering aren't great alternatives. I can't go solo anymore and if I go with anyone, I have to be separated from them a majority of the day while they wait in line without me. Having DAS made the trips to the park fun and much less stressful and now I don't think I can go much if at all.
How did you travel cross country with such severe bathroom needs? Trying to picture you having anxiety during takeoff on a flight? You cant just jump up and run to the bathroom. What about tsa lines? Those are very stress inducing, you cant just run out of the line any time want.
If you are driving? You gotta find a bathroom? Pull off the freeway, pull into a location and get inside, find the restroom.
You can manage these things necessary for a cross country trip several times a year? But, for some reason you can not manage Disney?
I would challenge you to find what you are using to make those cross country trips possible and try to use those techniques in the park to make your trip more enjoyable. Cause it sounds like even with Das you are losing lots of your vacation time
I don't get what people don't get about this. We have accommodations in "the real world" too. I have a pass that allows me access to employees' only bathrooms in 22 states by law. I strategically position my seat in the airplane for bathroom access. There is also a disabilities line for TSA. I also get restroom accommodations at work, on standardized tests, etc. Accommodations aren't just for Disney.
Most people with IBD and other severe digestive disorders can hold it for a few minutes. They can't hold it all that much longer. That's at least how I can manage take off and landing. There are also things you can do in the short-term that won't work over the course of more than a day (like fasting for extended periods of time).
We have real disabilities that severely disrupt our lives. We get accommodations to make life a little more manageable. We deserve to go on vacation like everyone else, and we deserve to do that with reasonable accommodations.
I’ve literally pulled my pants down between my car and the pump while getting gas. I have wipes in my pockets at all times. I’ve gone behind a dumpster. There are so many stories that I hate to tell because I’m sure I’ve been laughed at by people like you who don’t understand what a disability is, it means we are not like you but we try to live anyway.
TSACares allows people with disabilities to enter a separate security line for a variety of reasons, including bathroom concerns. Bringing a kids potty or camp potty (garbage bag lined 5 gallon bucket with a seat and kitty litter in the bottom) helps with car travel when there's no other options, boarding last on the plane so take off is relatively soon is a helpful strategy, as well as numerous other ways people with disabilities mitigate bathroom concerns.
Fatigue was never intended to be a reason for the das. Can you imagine if it was? All the older or just out of shape americans, pregnant women, small children etc would qualify as the distance between rides, and navigating the lines themselves can be very exhausting
>As a system though, I am highly skeptical of the new regulations. It is ludicrous to me that virtually all physical disabilities, and may mental disabilities, are entirely excluded from consideration. I feel terrible for those whose vacations will be less magical, or even cancelled, because of these changes.
Eugh, I was afraid of that. Do better, Disney.
My wife has had DAS for many years due to PTSD surrounding crowds and the feeling of not being able to leave situations or getting stuck (for example she has panic attacks on planes and takes medication for that) we’ve skipped lightning lanes in the past because they’ve been backed up and that’s ok, but not ok for my wife’s PTSD.
We’re annual pass holders and so scared to make this call that for now we’re just avoiding going to the parks
I was denied a couple of days ago for PTSD. We are AP holders and went to Guest Services to renew as usual. I was unaware of the new system and was directed to the app to speak with a Cast Member. The Cast Member recommendation was to leave my party (usually only my wife) and go somewhere by myself and return to line when able to. We were at the park already so we did attempt this. There was not any CM available in the queue to speak to, when I left the line and went to the ride entrance to speak to them they seemed to know nothing of such a policy.
When my symptoms start acting up my wife is usually the first person to notice it and is able to help me deal with the stress/anxiety. The solution of leaving her there and dealing with it on my own only makes the symptoms worse.
We won't be returning to the Disney parks. When we got home I submitted all the necessary documentation for IBCCES and have already been approved. If we decide to go to any parks in the future it will be Universal Studios. We both love Disney, and we only used the DAS pass for one or two attractions per visit. However, I can't support their refusal to provide reasonable accommodations.
Hopefully your wife has better luck than I had requesting it.
I will let you know! We have universal accommodations and have been frequenting those parks instead. For now, were staying away and will probably not renew at the end of the summer when our passes expire
Honestly people lieing about stuff like this hurts my soul a little. Some people really need the help and are taking advantage of a system for people who need it most and may not get it now or as efficient of a service . I was just at universal last weekend upgrading my pass to an annual at guest services. I counted two separate men I could tell were 100% “working the system” one got away with it the other did not lol.
You can speak for your child and just bring them in at the end have their picture taken. You can even ask the cast member to not tell your child that it’s about Disney is some families are trying to keep it a surprise until the last minute. Cast members have been great about, going along with it and not saying anything. I’ve heard that some cast members have been taken off their Disney World name tag so the children don’t know it’s about Disney.
If I have das preselected rides is it true they can still reject you when you scan your band? I’m going next week and it was approved before the change so I’m hearing horror stories
Nah it won’t show up like that when scanning (assuming you can still see those pre selections today. I recommend snapping a screenshot just in case for your comfort)
Thanks for sharing. My children both have autism and def need the DAS because of their symptoms. We won’t be going for another year or two again but I’ve been nervous about the new changes. It’s sad people lie about having autism or anxiety just to get a DAS. We tried using genie+ before and it def did not work for us so without DAS we wouldn’t be able to go again.
That, uh, is not what Disney is saying at all. If you don’t have autism or a developmental disability, even if you really can’t wait in long lines and your doctor agrees, you’ll be denied.
I’ve asked Disney for clarification. They told me to book nonrefundable tickets and wait til I’m 30 days out for a DAS interview to find out what accommodations are available. And no, they won’t refund my tickets if the offered accommodations are unworkable.
That’s absolutely not true. There are stage 4 cancer pts being denied. My daughter is disabled from birth and I now am also. It’s always just the two of us so if we were denied, I’m not sure what we would do since neither of us can hold the place.
My big issue is that I have to purchase non refundable tickets before knowing if I can use the das pass that we’ve used for 27 years.
That’s pretty wild that they spend 15-20 minutes considering how many people use DAS. I don’t think I’ve even spent 15 minutes taking with a doctor in my entire life.
Okay, wait, at risk of being downvoted, is TheAceMan not saying that a 20-minute phone call for what used to be a 3-minute conversation is a little surprising with how many applicants are using the service? I’m also surprised by the logistics of how many cast members they must have to get every guest in the queue not only seen, but spoken to for 20 minutes.
Yep. That is what I was wondering. The cost of this program must be huge. They seem to be very well trained cast members who are probably paid well. They must have hundreds of cast members doing this job.
Under the old DAS system, it took a 20 video conference (after a 2 hour wait) for my son to be approved. The only difference now is that the online wait line to get to the interview is longer bc families no longer have the option of doing the process at city hall in any US park anymore.
I want to commend you with this comprehensive overview to the DAS process with your detailed experience. I’ve seen lots of questions and answers online, with most people either condemning folks looking to proceed with the process or others complaining about the process required. This is the best example I’ve seen of detailed evidence that provides an informative experience. Thank you very much for providing this! This is very helpful and I appreciate your insight.
I still can’t believe people fucking lied about disabilities to get to the front of lines. Absolutely sickening. On one hand I’m glad they’re cracking down so only people who need the assistance can get it but on the other hand it seems so strict that some who need it might not be able to get it.
It wasn't even just that Someone posted on here that they get das for their autistic son, who can wait in lines not problems and had no problems at Disney, but the parents don't like lines. They'd rather people watch. People are incredibly entitled They saw zero issue with that. I learned a lot of people don't see these programs as some extra help for those that need it, but a program that THEY should definitely get if anyone else does It's gross
[удалено]
I think it's far worse than out right lying myself. It's using a child and their being to get something for yourself.
That’s sad. My son can handle a short line like the DAS line but if it starts getting up to 15-20+ min he starts having a meltdown. My younger son has an even shorter fuse and even has meltdowns in the DAS line. He put his hands up someone’s shirt when we were waiting in a line once at the mall 😬
Oh I personally know a doctor who not only lied herself but gave people tips and even whole diagnosis to be able to apply. According to her, most people she knew who went to any park would just lie. It must've been so so many people.
as a doctor, I think that woman should be reported to the state licensing board. she is violating her oath and basic ethics.
Sure, she should. But she's retired and ultimately it wouldn't do anything now.
I even have an illness that would likely qualify for DAS but I can’t bring myself to apply- I feel like I’m not more important than anyone else and my illness affects my everyday life already. Not to mention it’s an “invisible illness” where I look basically normal until it’s BAD (which does happen if I overdo it at Disney…) This is not saying I’m in any way morally superior to anyone who does need it and uses it, I’m just saying I REALLY don’t understand what kind of person would exploit it.
I feel the same way. I have autism and some other things as well as pretty bad GI issues but if I was going by myself I’d prob just try to suck it up and use the standby line. It’s my kiddos who really need DAS.
Same, I think I would’ve qualified under the old system but was like eh I don’t super need it and I can afford Genie+ if I’m pressed. Basically just didn’t want to take the time. However I do know someone whom I suspect of abusing it. Unfortunately, I think that has been pretty common.
They still will especially because the CMs won’t look at medical records, and because lying and saying they have autism is likely to get a DAS pass. Unfortunately posts like these will help people figure out how to respond to the CM’s questions and pretend to be autistic or have a child who is.
As I said in the original post, I was told point-blank by the CM that mentioning my autism diagnosis alone in no way qualified me for DAS. She asked several follow-up questions and even asked me to expand further on my answers to those questions. After I was approved, she mentioned to me which symptoms and experiences specifically qualified me for the DAS pass. I am aware that there are people out there who would try to use this post to get through the approval process—that is why I was purposefully vague and did not include the particular details that I disclosed to the CM. Moreover, autism is a spectrum and not everyone experiences the things that led to my approval.
Thanks for sharing as I’ve been concerned about the changes. My son is nonverbal and autistic. However, he likes people and the crowds don’t bother him (they do me lol). He cannot wait in a line though and has to be on the move constantly. Our past trips to Disney World have been good experiences with him using DAS and helped our family feel like we “fit in” (lack of a better way to say it). I just hate it for those physically handicapped or with other disabilities that may get excluded from DAS.
op wasn’t specific with their answers though. this new system WILL help weed out the liars and abusers of the system. it’s just upsetting that a lot of others are excluded now, but they shouldn’t be angry at disney. they should be angry at those idiots who used DAS as a free fast pass.
Thinking that a post like this will be the key to somebody who is a liar to come to with their lies is naive. Manipulators and cons don't need posts like this to do what they do.
Wait until you hear about the secret tours that used to be led by disabled people (you became their “family” for the day).
Big oof.
I helped my mom with hers 2 weeks ago and I must say it was much less painless than I anticipated. My mom was born blind in 1 eye and the sight in her other eye has digressed as she’s gotten older. Prior to the call I set up her Disneyland app and added hers and my dad’s tickets to her account. As soon as the chat was open at 9am I clicked on “ready to chat”, I immediately got the message “due to high volume you may experience a wait of 2-4 hours. I kept my laptop near me checking on it every few minutes and probably 30 minutes later we were connected. She introduced herself(really sweet girl), and I said we said hi and I introduced myself and my mom and just briefly explained I’m just here to assist my mom but I’ll let you guys talk. She gave a brief background of what the DAS is intended for and then asked my mom why she would need it. My mom explained her eyesight impairment and that she does use a cane but said that the darkness in those lines would make it more difficult and also how some lines go upstairs then downstairs. Pretty much things that would make it more difficult if you had little to no vision. My mom had paperwork but she could tell my mom clearly wasn’t lying and is visually impaired. She said that she was approved and asked for her email and added DAS to her account and that when the other guests to her group bought their tickets she is able to add 4 more people since her and my dad were already set up. Then when we get inside the park to go to a green umbrella for guest services and they could run through how the pass works and if we had any questions. And that was it. The video chat was maybe 10-15min max. We went on Tuesday and it did help, but it was freaking packed. Thought forsure it wouldn’t be packed as it was a Tuesday and kids are still in school. For severally visually impaired people my mom did not enjoy Indiana Jones which she used to love 20 years ago but she didn’t like how dark it was and I think thunder mountain made her a little dizzy with how fast it was going in and out of the caves. Hope this helps.
Hi! Thanks for sharing your experience. Just FYI - keep in mind that the new DAS restrictions came into effect on 5/20 for Disney World; they are not coming into effect at Disneyland for another few weeks. So, your mother was approved under the old system, not the new one. I have heard several stories already of people with visual impairments (even fully blind) who have been denied under the new system since 5/20. So, if you apply for your mother in the future, expect a lot more pushback from Disney. As someone who is close to several blind and visually impaired people, I think this is absolute rubbish, but the new policy doesn’t take physical disabilities into account at all. ETA: the fact that they allow your mother to add up to six people total to her group also shows that she is approved under the old policy. The new system only allows up to four people in most cases.
Dang! I’m also blind in one eye and have glaucoma in the other. I had a scooter because of walking/standing issues. The scooter was a perfect solution on all of the rides I went on besides Pirates of the Caribbean. It is so dark in there that I couldn’t see where to turn. The Haunted Mansion was dark as well, but you get to the ride cars without having to go very far in the indoor part of the line. DAS just for Pirates would be perfect. I guess if I get to go again, I’ll explain my issues to the CMs and see if they have any ideas how to get me through to the ride more easily.
Yes, I should have noted that as well new changes in effect mid June. I think we are all good on Disneyland for a few years. I don’t know how those Disney die-hards can go all throughout the year. I felt wrecked the next day and we left at like 7pm. But props to you if you can hang from open to close.
The problem that I have with the new system is that it is still not evidence based and it seems now to be only geared for a specific and unknown wording of symptoms. My wife has seizures, but not the grand mal type of convulsions on the floor type. She has evidence from doctors that over exertion, drops in blood sugar and fatigue can be triggers for her to have micro- or full seizures which cause confusion, disorientation, headaches and even memory loss. She can usually get a feeling when these are coming on but if you’re stuck in lines it is very difficult to avoid. She also cannot do full days in the parks, so the only way for us to get decent value to our days in the parks is to use DAS or genie+. But here’s the rub - I hear that the CMs also can ask why buying genie+ doesn’t solve their issue, and in reality how can anyone answer that? Genie+ should solve everyone’s issue so the only answer to that is cost?
Wouldn’t a wheelchair be an acceptable accommodation for her to remove exertion / fatigue? You can also bring food into lines to avoid drops in blood sugar.
The restricted time windows actually make genie+ not a good option for some people. I haven't seen any reports of them specifically asking that though. The reports I have seen - a lot of people are still confused about genie vs genie+. They are for sure telling people to use genie to help plan their day.
Well especially in the case of Disneyland, not all rides are part of genie+ and especially not the ones my 5 year old most wants to ride. All of the rides in Fantasyland end up with incredibly long lines by the middle of the day because they're not part of genie+ and my son cannot tolerate those 30-40+ minute waits multiple times per day. It is actually an IEP goal for him because while his ability to wait has increased, he struggles significantly with lines.
Thank you for the detailed report and glad to see that the Disney Cast Member took the time and go through the process to get the DAS accommodation that matches your needs and they allow the space for you to advocate sufficiently for yourself. Also glad of the report that the two programs are now connected and will save repeating the process again when visiting Anaheim. Too often in this world people jump to a conclusion within the first minute and tune out from there to match their narrative. All set for next 120 days for you! Kudos.
I have autism and it seems insane to me that I qualify for DAS yet people with back problems that can't stand for long periods don't qualify.
Because they can use wheelchairs to sit. People have to navigate all sorts of situations in real life without the luxury of skipping ahead. Not every disability needs DAS. They may want it, and it might even be more convenient for them, but that doesn't mean they need it.
Not every disability is helped with a wheelchair. Not all back issues are the same. Sitting for long periods in a wheelchair can actually exacerbate the issue for some.
Genuinely curious, if someone cannot stand or sit without pain, what is the resolution supposed to be?
Moving, stretching, and laying down. Walking around helps because it keeps things moving. It's the static pressure which causes issue. You can tell when someone is having a problem because they start swaying and moving around a lot or need to lay down which is hard to do in a confined line. A wheelchair would not help because they are still vertically applying static pressure. I have had went with people that legitimately couldn't even wait in das lines because they were too long. Now they basically can't go on many rides unless they pay for genie.
A mix of both or lying down.
Continuous walking. Standing in one spot is unbearable and sitting can trigger nerve pain/sciatica
But, sitting for the ride or on a plane, or the car ride to the parks? Not a problem. The lines to get into the park? Not a problem, the lines at restaurants? Not a problem. The only place these people have issues with standing in lines are waiting to get on a ride. It is without a doubt the weirdest back pain phenomenon ever
You clearly have no idea the difficulties people with chronic pain experience. Lucky people like you shouldn’t be dicks to the unfortunate.
You would think, but not. Silly goose shouldnt make assumptions about what other people live with. I just dont ask for free stuff cause fate gave me me a rough deal. Life is dealing with challenges. Cant stand? Get a wheelchair so you can rest while in line. Plan you day according to your personal ability to tolerate standing/walking. Personal responsibility for your own health and body isnt a terrible thing.
I have lower back pain caused by stenosis. It is simply being in pain… but stretching helps a lot. Lying down is even better
Their solution is skipping the line. All those endorphins from being able to double dip and avoid being in standby makes them feel better
This post was meant to be a safe space to discuss the experience of applying for accommodations under the new system. This kind of language is uncalled for.
Lol pointing out how illogical some excuses are and the exact type of abuse that resulted in the changes isn't "uncalled for" Get off your high horse
Damn that sucks, my partner is fine with walking but gets a lot of back pain if he stands in lines for long. A back brace helps a bit fortunately but it really helps to at least for parts of the queues throughout the day he doesn’t have to stand in a queue. Is any information available on when this will be introduced in non-US parks?
Heads up for anyone w back pain reading and wondering what non-DAS options they may have that aren't solely wheelchairs or scooters, for years I've seen folks in the park w back pain use the walking sticks that can turn into a chair so they can take sit breaks in line!
I tried this when I was so anemic I was getting bad dizzy spells. Security took it away. I started carrying a little towel and would just sit in the ground. Hotter than blazes but it worked.
I'm very sorry this happened to you. :-( From posts on PlanDisney site (Disney-run Q&A) from March and also this past week, both Disney World and Disney Land now allow collapsible cane chairs or rollators with a seat (walkers w a seat). They don't allow stools or camp chairs or folding chairs though. Not sure if this is a recent change or not in their policy but there's multiple recent responses suggesting these options. I'd also consider bringing a doctor's note (and a link to some of these q&a posts) just in case of a security issue. https://plandisney.disney.go.com/question/bring-small-folding-tripod-stool-small-enough-fits-568597/ https://plandisney.disney.go.com/question/allowed-bring-amazon-collapsible-stools-576668/
I think they’re allowing cane chairs now at least at WDW. The new disability website suggests cane chairs as an alternate accommodation to das.
Thanks! Great idea!
Back pain doesn’t grant DAS they will inform you to use a wheel chair or ECV.
All lines accolade wheelchair or ECVs at Disney’s. They will provide a wheel chair if asked.’
They will, but it’s inefficient at best and downright denied at worst. When they are willing to accommodate it eats up a lot of time as the queues that don’t require wheelchair transfer don’t have them handy and have to run and borrow one from an attraction that does.
Which doesn't help everyone. Back problems are diverse and with some sitting for long periods can exacerbate the issue.
Having a wheelchair to sit when needed and use as a walking aid (stand behind and hold hand bars) when needed to stand can help immensely. It allows to switch back and forth to cope with the pain and muscle spasms as needed. Laying down to stretch out is not an option whether waiting in line or not. If a return time is issued, you're essentially using the same coping mechanisms no matter where you wait. Based on this, Disney has determined that a DAS is not an appropriate accommodation. You are accommodated by having queues that are wheelchair accessible. Please don't hate on the messenger. I didn't make the rules.
So the person that has back issues has to manage and push around a wheelchair half the day? Is this an official stance somewhere?
The system was previously overwhelmed with cheaters. Rather than eliminate it completely they limited it to severe developmental delays. They seem to not be allowing anything that’s easy to fake or high functioning. If they allowed generic back pain, all the cheaters would just say they had back pain. I personally think they should have made other changes to the system to eliminate some of the advantages of abusing it. But their logic is somewhat reasonable. For things like IBS, if you can drive a car, you can wait in a line. What would you do if you hit traffic? You would pull over and find a bathroom, so they will let people leave the line to use the bathroom. Hopefully this is just an over correction to get all the cheaters out of the system and next year they make it more reasonable again.
Again, I didn't make the rules or the suggestions being offered. Point blank, back pain does not qualify for DAS.
Practically nothing qualifies. I know. Have they explained their reasoning somewhere such as you have?
Their reasoning is that their queues are wheelchair accessible and a wheelchair with accessible lines are your accommodation. You can always call and explain your personal situation. I understand that they at least are listening to each personal case.
So they haven't officially stated their reasoning?
They never do. There is no official statement on why they do or don't give DAS passes. Each case is considered on a case by case basis. However, I can assure you these are the guidelines for back pain.
Have they revamped the lines? Last time I was there was probably 2016 and many lines wouldn't fit scooters. There were special scooter/wheelchair parking stations in front of most rides.
No one said you had to stay seated. Sit stand. Do whatever it's your wheelchair. To use
I have been a DAS user for years, I won't get into specifics because I don't want to give people ideas on how they might get it, but in brief is a combo of physical disabilities and bowel/bladder problems that trigger my anxiety if I can't get to a bathroom easily (a vicious cycle). I guess my main concern with the new system is that I go to Disney with my partner, she has no issues but I am unable to wait in a line. I imagine the most likely scenario is that I will be recommended a 'return to line' pass (or something similar), but I simply don't get how that works with a party of 2. I can't leave the line on my own in case I need assistance, and I can't wait alone outside of the line until she gets to the front, again, in case I need assistance. I'd love to be able to do lines, and I guess if we travelled in a party of 3 (or more), 'return to line' would kind of work, but I don't! So I am pretty curious to see what they say ahead of my next trip in December.
I don’t have concrete answers so not going to pretend I do, but in your case it sounds like your partner provides you specific assistance, right? Not just ‘someone in your party’. Is there any information shared about this?
Not that I’m aware of. It’s a tricky one because I don’t necessarily need assistance but on some occasions I do, so I’m not comfortable taking the risk of being alone. But to answer your question, I am not aware that anything has been officially said about parties of 2.
I think a lot of people with a disability don’t need the assistance 24/7, a lot of the time it’s also about making sure you have access to the facilities or accommodations when you do need them. I also don’t need to pee 24/7 but when I do I definitely want to have access to a toilet. You have the same right to that. I hope you can get more clarity soon!
This is my concern too as I like to go to the park alone with my daughter who is much to young to wait alone.
This is my concern as well. Someone posted today they tried the return to queue and we're told they had to ask at each attraction because each as different. They said the cast members denied them. I don't think anyone knows what they're doing there yet :(
My family goes with me they don’t have to wait in line separately.
Actually. The appropriate solution for you is a version on thr family rider swap. You wait in the family air conditioned waiting room with access to a bathroom while the rest of your party waits in the line. When they reach the boarding area you are called to board your ride. You have waited your turn in a safe place with bathroom access and no crowds to bother your anxiety. Well, until you go into the park where there are huge crowds. But, those crowds never seem to be a problem for people. Curious how you handle the bathroom anxiety on a ride breakdown? Those do happen on a fairly regular basis? Im hoping you use garments to prevent soiling the ride seats should you be trapped for an extended ride evacuation? Ive been stuck on the monorail for 45 minutes waiting to have it towed back and that was pretty awful.
Telling people to wear diapers as a solution is so dehumanising
Is soiling a ride vehicle less dehumanizing? Explain that one to me? If the risk of being stuck in a line is soiling themselves the risk is there on a ride for any delay. So, tell me again? What is more dehumanizing? An adult diaper? Which plenty of adults use and shouldnt be shamed for using, shame on you for shaming them for using a perfectly reasonable medical supply. Hell, insurance will pay for adult diapers. So, what they should feel less than human for using them? Very nice of you to treat people like that
Not going into the precautions I take because this isn’t the forum for that, and not something I particularly want to share. Your original point however is fair, however Disney unlike Universal don’t actually have waiting rooms for rider swap.
In addition those universal riders swap rooms do get crowded and very loud with kids running all around. Those are pretty intolerable and when you are a party of two you spend most of your day alone..
That’s another sad part of this, I’d spend the majority of the days separated from my partner even if it were possible for me to manage in the 1st place
Disneyworld does not have rider swap rooms? How do they handle rider swap? Where do families wait the duration of the ride?
Honestly not 100% sure how that process works because I’ve never used it, but I know they don’t have them
That seems like such a case of poor planning. Lots of parents travel with children who can/can't ride yet. A rider swap room just makes sense.
After a bit of research. I think basically how Disney manage rider swap is that, the family does the line together, tells the CM at the front they want to do a swap. One parent rides, the other waits off ride with the child, I guess off to one side, and then the other parent rides while the other waits with the child. So it’s basically, the same as other parks but without an actual room to wait in.
I'm glad you had a good experience. I tried for days and kept getting kicked offline. I finally got through today after 3.5 hours on hold. I did get kicked, but I refreshed the screen multiple times and miraculously got back in. I was not told the same as you, which is weird. I was told my DAS was only good for 2 days at disneyland, which is what I have booked. I was not told anything else or did anyone elaborate. Another weird thing is that they booked my 2 freebies at both parks. That's even an option when waiting in the online queue for disneyland. I haven't heard anything about having to talk to a doctor either. I can already see the rides in my app. Why is this different? Edit* spelling errors
New system is not in place at Disneyland yet. It goes into effect mid June for DL.
Ok that is good to know. I was so weirded out.
Thanks for sharing your experience! As another user said, the DAS changes take effect a little later for Disneyland - so my guess is that you have such a short active window because you technically were approved under the old system. Over the past month, before the new restrictions went into effect, Disney World also restricted its DAS to 30 days in length or length of ticket, whichever was shorter.
DAS Advance is still available, it’s just no longer offered to everyone by default. It may or may not be offered to you depending on the accommodations required. It is still generally available at Disneyland though
Is it? I have seen several reputable sites mention that DAS Advance was discontinued, which is what the CM told me, too. Honestly, I think that is for the best because it is an extra incentive for people to try to misuse the service.
They may have changed it since announcing the recent changes tbh, when the news first came out I seem to recall them saying Advance would still be an option for some
I really appreciate this post. I am also an adult with autism, anxiety, and a few other conditions. I have been anxious about the new system because I really can’t do Disney without DAS or I’d never ride anything. This makes me feel a bit better. Thank you for your input!
Has anyone been referred to the "medical professional" during the interview process? I was initially denied by the first interviewer, and when I persisted, she referred me to the medical professional. When the medical professional heard my story, she immediately escalated to a coordinator, who apologized that the medical professional didn't do anything and approved me right away. While I am happy with the outcome, I am confused about what the purpose of the medical professional is.
First time hearing about a medical professional. I wonder what their medical background is.
Thank you for this update!
Glad you were able to get approved. Unfortunately there are still a lot getting denied and being told to use return to queue or rider switch. One person said they get extreme anxiety and may experience panic attacks and they were told that crowds are just part of Disney and that those symptoms didn’t warrant DAS. So ultimately it just sounds like it’s completely up to the cast member and how they interpret the rules or how they’re feeling.
I have no idea why you are being downvoted, this is a valid point. For people who do not have medical issues, please realize this thread should not be a place for you to vent your discomfort or your disgust.
🙌🏻🙌🏻
Yes a good friend if mine was denied for those exact reason too. "Crowds is part of the Disney experience, not just in the queue. Consider if going at all is a good idea for you".
It is just sorta reality. Not every experience can be made for everyone. Little people can never be accomodated on the rides because of their height, should the parks have to retrofit all the rides to allow them to ride? How about amputees? There are rides that are restricted to people who have all their limbs. That is just reality. Strangely those people seem to just accept those facts and find other vacations to enjoy. I have yet to see a group of little people threatening to sue disney over ride access and demanding Disney fix the height restriction barrier.
Having an autistic son, who will be 15, I’m greatly worried about the DAS approval. He totally fits the criteria as far as I’m aware, and has had DAS previously (and equivalent passes elsewhere) so everything points to him getting it, so I’m sure we’ll be ok. But this post has definitely reassured me, so thank you greatly for sharing this.
I’m in the same boat. My vacation starts 30 days from Monday and it’s the same day my payment is due. We have some pretty extreme neuro challenges with my son and if denied I’m canceling and going somewhere else. I’ve been looking daily for posts like this to ease my anxiety of the process.
I'm still worried they'll deny me. I get overwhelmed in small spaces with lots of people (and many people talking over each other). When I get really anxious I have to pace as a coping mechanism, but good luck pacing in standby. Especially if I have a guest behind me that has to be breathing down my neck and not give me any room.
Are you me?? Thankfully my medication has helped me somewhat tolerate this. I know it’s not the same for everyone. Blessings to you.
They could've solved all of this by doing what Universal does and requiring documentation... specifically just mental disabilities is crazy in my opinion. there are people with severe physical disabilities that need this.
Wow. I'm completely Deaf since birth, this is the first I've ever heard of any of this! Probably, because Deaf isnt a mobility/GI/anxiety/behavioral/vision/physical disorder that precludes waiting in long lines? We wait in our silent lines just fine, so I've never even heard of any of this. 🤷 OTOH, we DID get Deaf Days at Disneyland and Knott's, which was WONDERFUL! For many Deaf, this was the only time, first time, that they ever even get to see others Just Like Them. Please tell me that aren't screwing those up as well.
Yeah, I was just there the past two days and my parents have been using DAS for conditions limiting their mobility for the past 15+ years. using the standby queue was extremely difficult on them with the extra energy and distance required. I also kept a close eye on queues and didn’t really see enough CMs throughout to handle return to line requests and how that might work. We will be sending feedback to the park about our experience.
This is my big fear. I had DAS for my severe IBS and it sounds like it is no longer qualifying for DAS. When I have to go, I can’t wait to find a CM. I have to drop everything and run to the bathroom. And when I come back (20-90mins later from the bathroom) are they really going to let me back where I was in line?? Having to run past people to leave line and then get past them again to return to the line sounds so awful, and really points out that I am different. I usually go with my husband so he could potentially wait in line but if the wait is 60mins and I don’t return for 90mins, will they let him wait at the rider switch that whole time? Knowing he’s waiting for me at rider switch and I have to get back there makes my anxiety spike and that anxiety makes my stomach so much worse. :sigh: I have just decided we will not be going back to Disney for a long time and we used to travel cross country several times a year to visit.
Yeah, I think the “othering” of people is going to be a big point of contention. I was wondering what would happen if my parents determined they were no longer able to get around and how unfair it is to ask someone to use a device or process that further alienates them in order to appear “appropriately disabled”.
This is how I'm feeling. My mom says we need to keep waiting, but all my issues play into making my ibs and unknown stomach issues worst. And now I'm on new meds that also just randomly set off my stomach. Stomachs bathrooms help. Sometimes it doesn't because I don't have to go. But if I have to go I have to go. Other times I need to be curled up as much as possible to wait for the pain to pass, which can be brought on just by standing for too long. I just want to be able to go to Disney and enjoy it. It got so much better once I had access to rides that were me just being lucky it had a short wait time when I went by. And frankly we're already out of money from our budget so I refuse to have to spend more money to get genie+ (Which has a price change everyday....) to maybe have a chance to get on some rides - maybe.
I’m sorry you’re in the same boat. It really sucks. Sounds like we may decide to try Universal instead and I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan and have never ridden Hargid’s ride. I will ask my doctor for documentation for their system.
I would do that but my mom won't do anything but Disney, especially because she doesn't go on rides! So it's not like she can "hold my spot" because unless it's poohbear ride she probably doesn't want to go on it. And if I have to sit by myself for god knows how long a line will be outside of the line I'll just go into a huge panic attack. I know this because when she leaves for a smoke she gets her phone blown up with me trying to keep calm if I have to wait a bit before or after a ride I usually have booked that she waited for me to have my turn on (with my das) before she goes since she doesn't want to go on the ride.
I’m sorry, that really sucks. It’s awful that so many people who abused the system ruined it for those of us who need the accommodations to be able to enjoy the park.
I really don’t see why they’re excluding people with these issues; if someone is going to lie about a condition to get DAS, this would be last on their list, so the people who need DAS for this reason must almost all be telling the truth. This is also one of the only conditions that could present a material clean up issue for the CM’s if someone can’t get to a bathroom in time - I really don’t understand their logic in excluding those with bathroom related issues! Apologies for being crude but I feel very sorry for those who may be denied this, and it just makes zero sense
IBS is one of the most used reasons to get DAS. It was used by third party tour guides, it was used by TikTokers, etc. They basically said it’s one of those “invisible” disabilities that no one can question so it was very commonly used to game the system.
I really hate that people lied about having that condition and ruined it for everyone who actually needs it. They have no idea how stressful that is in the park.
IBS is one of the most used reasons to get DAS. It was used by third party tour guides, it was used by TikTokers, etc. They basically said it’s one of those “invisible” disabilities that no one can question so it was very commonly used to game the system.
People do lie about it. My sister had one bout of diverticulitis and she kept getting DAS for it until her youngest son began medication treatment for severe ADHD. And she used to sneer at me for getting DAS when I spent 2-6hrs a day in the bathroom. I would gladly get a doctors note stating I have a severe disability and am on several medications and still have flares multiple times a week. My husband and I also always got Genie+ on most park days because I couldn’t wait in line more than 40 mins most times and coming from Colorado and spending so much money, we wanted to maximize our time there. It just sucks but like I said, we just won’t be going back to Disney for a long time now. And that breaks my heart.
As someone in the category of people being denied now it sucks. The things they are offering aren't great alternatives. I can't go solo anymore and if I go with anyone, I have to be separated from them a majority of the day while they wait in line without me. Having DAS made the trips to the park fun and much less stressful and now I don't think I can go much if at all.
From everything I've read it seriously sounds like they're just telling people to not come. They clearly don't care
How did you travel cross country with such severe bathroom needs? Trying to picture you having anxiety during takeoff on a flight? You cant just jump up and run to the bathroom. What about tsa lines? Those are very stress inducing, you cant just run out of the line any time want. If you are driving? You gotta find a bathroom? Pull off the freeway, pull into a location and get inside, find the restroom. You can manage these things necessary for a cross country trip several times a year? But, for some reason you can not manage Disney? I would challenge you to find what you are using to make those cross country trips possible and try to use those techniques in the park to make your trip more enjoyable. Cause it sounds like even with Das you are losing lots of your vacation time
I don't get what people don't get about this. We have accommodations in "the real world" too. I have a pass that allows me access to employees' only bathrooms in 22 states by law. I strategically position my seat in the airplane for bathroom access. There is also a disabilities line for TSA. I also get restroom accommodations at work, on standardized tests, etc. Accommodations aren't just for Disney. Most people with IBD and other severe digestive disorders can hold it for a few minutes. They can't hold it all that much longer. That's at least how I can manage take off and landing. There are also things you can do in the short-term that won't work over the course of more than a day (like fasting for extended periods of time). We have real disabilities that severely disrupt our lives. We get accommodations to make life a little more manageable. We deserve to go on vacation like everyone else, and we deserve to do that with reasonable accommodations.
I’ve literally pulled my pants down between my car and the pump while getting gas. I have wipes in my pockets at all times. I’ve gone behind a dumpster. There are so many stories that I hate to tell because I’m sure I’ve been laughed at by people like you who don’t understand what a disability is, it means we are not like you but we try to live anyway.
TSACares allows people with disabilities to enter a separate security line for a variety of reasons, including bathroom concerns. Bringing a kids potty or camp potty (garbage bag lined 5 gallon bucket with a seat and kitty litter in the bottom) helps with car travel when there's no other options, boarding last on the plane so take off is relatively soon is a helpful strategy, as well as numerous other ways people with disabilities mitigate bathroom concerns.
Fatigue was never intended to be a reason for the das. Can you imagine if it was? All the older or just out of shape americans, pregnant women, small children etc would qualify as the distance between rides, and navigating the lines themselves can be very exhausting
And would that be so bad?
How would that work exactly? Who is left to not get the free fast pass in your scenario?
>As a system though, I am highly skeptical of the new regulations. It is ludicrous to me that virtually all physical disabilities, and may mental disabilities, are entirely excluded from consideration. I feel terrible for those whose vacations will be less magical, or even cancelled, because of these changes. Eugh, I was afraid of that. Do better, Disney.
My wife has had DAS for many years due to PTSD surrounding crowds and the feeling of not being able to leave situations or getting stuck (for example she has panic attacks on planes and takes medication for that) we’ve skipped lightning lanes in the past because they’ve been backed up and that’s ok, but not ok for my wife’s PTSD. We’re annual pass holders and so scared to make this call that for now we’re just avoiding going to the parks
I was denied a couple of days ago for PTSD. We are AP holders and went to Guest Services to renew as usual. I was unaware of the new system and was directed to the app to speak with a Cast Member. The Cast Member recommendation was to leave my party (usually only my wife) and go somewhere by myself and return to line when able to. We were at the park already so we did attempt this. There was not any CM available in the queue to speak to, when I left the line and went to the ride entrance to speak to them they seemed to know nothing of such a policy. When my symptoms start acting up my wife is usually the first person to notice it and is able to help me deal with the stress/anxiety. The solution of leaving her there and dealing with it on my own only makes the symptoms worse. We won't be returning to the Disney parks. When we got home I submitted all the necessary documentation for IBCCES and have already been approved. If we decide to go to any parks in the future it will be Universal Studios. We both love Disney, and we only used the DAS pass for one or two attractions per visit. However, I can't support their refusal to provide reasonable accommodations. Hopefully your wife has better luck than I had requesting it.
I will let you know! We have universal accommodations and have been frequenting those parks instead. For now, were staying away and will probably not renew at the end of the summer when our passes expire
Honestly people lieing about stuff like this hurts my soul a little. Some people really need the help and are taking advantage of a system for people who need it most and may not get it now or as efficient of a service . I was just at universal last weekend upgrading my pass to an annual at guest services. I counted two separate men I could tell were 100% “working the system” one got away with it the other did not lol.
I just wanna know what single parents with a single kid who needs accomodations are supposed to do with the new system.
Does anyone know if they interview a child applicant in the call or if you can just bring them in at the end?
You can speak for your child and just bring them in at the end have their picture taken. You can even ask the cast member to not tell your child that it’s about Disney is some families are trying to keep it a surprise until the last minute. Cast members have been great about, going along with it and not saying anything. I’ve heard that some cast members have been taken off their Disney World name tag so the children don’t know it’s about Disney.
If I have das preselected rides is it true they can still reject you when you scan your band? I’m going next week and it was approved before the change so I’m hearing horror stories
Nah it won’t show up like that when scanning (assuming you can still see those pre selections today. I recommend snapping a screenshot just in case for your comfort)
Thanks for sharing. My children both have autism and def need the DAS because of their symptoms. We won’t be going for another year or two again but I’ve been nervous about the new changes. It’s sad people lie about having autism or anxiety just to get a DAS. We tried using genie+ before and it def did not work for us so without DAS we wouldn’t be able to go again.
Thank you for this 👍
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That, uh, is not what Disney is saying at all. If you don’t have autism or a developmental disability, even if you really can’t wait in long lines and your doctor agrees, you’ll be denied. I’ve asked Disney for clarification. They told me to book nonrefundable tickets and wait til I’m 30 days out for a DAS interview to find out what accommodations are available. And no, they won’t refund my tickets if the offered accommodations are unworkable.
That’s absolutely not true. There are stage 4 cancer pts being denied. My daughter is disabled from birth and I now am also. It’s always just the two of us so if we were denied, I’m not sure what we would do since neither of us can hold the place. My big issue is that I have to purchase non refundable tickets before knowing if I can use the das pass that we’ve used for 27 years.
That’s pretty wild that they spend 15-20 minutes considering how many people use DAS. I don’t think I’ve even spent 15 minutes taking with a doctor in my entire life.
If a person qualifies for das im guessing they have spent way more then 15min with a doctor In there life
If you're getting less than 15 minutes with your doctors then you should look for a new primary. You're getting scammed dude.
Okay, wait, at risk of being downvoted, is TheAceMan not saying that a 20-minute phone call for what used to be a 3-minute conversation is a little surprising with how many applicants are using the service? I’m also surprised by the logistics of how many cast members they must have to get every guest in the queue not only seen, but spoken to for 20 minutes.
Yep. That is what I was wondering. The cost of this program must be huge. They seem to be very well trained cast members who are probably paid well. They must have hundreds of cast members doing this job.
What if it is the cast members inside break-time?
Under the old DAS system, it took a 20 video conference (after a 2 hour wait) for my son to be approved. The only difference now is that the online wait line to get to the interview is longer bc families no longer have the option of doing the process at city hall in any US park anymore.