I am deaf and use a hearing aid. Waiting in long lines causes headaches, stress…I hear everyone’s noises from scratching, talking, coughing amplified!!! If I shutdown my hearing aid it limits my communication with my family that are with me. Please consider the deaf community when looking at your DAS rules. Busch parks allow me an accessibility pass and also offer one Saturday a month geared to deaf and hearing impaired guests. Please look out for this population..
Of note I am deaf permanently from Covid. Studies have shown that Covid through latent symptoms have caused 20% of the Covid patients to be permanently deaf in one or both ears within 24 months of having the disease. Look to the Cleveland Clinic for their vast studies. Those spikes are in your system waiting to attack your acoustic nerve and permanently destroy it. It is an awful feeling to wake one day to watching your love ones speak and hearing nothing around you. That’s what happens with latent Covid. Thank you for your consideration.
make a special entrance for people with disabilities, Let them in first, I have no problem with that. Review the process of Das passes because for some their disability cant be seen, but is there . A letter from the Dr would be helpful also to get a pass sooner.
I have crhons and anxiety with panic attacks. When standing in line I may have to go to the baton losing my spot in line. And the standby lane can be to crowed and cause a panic attack. I used to be able to use the DAS but now I can’t. Not all illnesses are seen. And they need to understand that the fast pass lane was great now I’m denied. This does go against the ADA guidelines.
I had to use the DAS pass temporarily when I was going through chemo treatments. Thankfully I am now cancer free and have no use for it. I know I couldn’t have gone with my family to Disney if I didn’t have it. I do see some people abusing it and getting their doctor friends to write up something for them in order to get the pass. The HIPPA laws prevent Disney from going into medical records or having to disclose what illness you are being diagnosed with. I think there should be different levels designated for the disabilities. Those with clearly severe disabilities should have priority and should be able to get on rides immediately. I saw someone mention above about using hearing aids. My son wears hearing aids in both ears since birth. I can confirm that the crowd noise does bother him but for the most part we know that’s part of being at a park. He just turns the volume down on his hearing aids and he reads lips pretty good until we get on the ride. We’ve never got a DAS pass for him. I guess its a choice.
Sadly, most of the changes came because people were gaming the system. They would hire somebody in a wheelchair so they could get special Park privileges. That ruined it for everyone else they had legitimate disabilities.
YES!!! I worked with persons with disabilities for 35 years (mental and physical) – took LARGE Groups of Disabled folks to the parks over the years. If our folks could stand in line THEY DID. The only exception was a gentleman in a w/c that had to come out in his insert to be placed on rides – which Disney people were nervous about but let us “do our thing”. So many now use the disability label to gain some advantage over those with REAL disabilities. Just like the “support” animal craze which is also BS. Support animals are great but there should be some type of registration and training. Trying to get on a plane with a support peacock is BS>
DAS policy as it is now is too restrictive. A lot of seniors still love to visit Disney but with age comes health issues that makes it difficult to wait in long lines.
This is a step in the right direction re: DAS program. It gives hope to those of us that had a DAS for years, but were abruptly disqualified based on the new criteria.
Disney will never have a system in place that people will be happy about. Some people abuse the system or try to use their disability as a reason to not follow rules.
When I was a ticket taker, we had an annual passholder that would want to cut the line because the fireworks stressed her son. She would come at that same time multiple times a week knowing when fireworks were occurring. She tried to use the excuse with me and I told her no, they can wait in line like everyone else. Her solution to that was to then harass me at work for months away from the turnstile until a manager saw her and revoked her pass.
We have used the DAS for years and woyld not beale to visit without it. Te main issue we see, apart from abusers is what is a disability? Here in the UK we know what is a disability and what is a condition, from a goverment provided list. It might sound like just definitions but they are a worlds apart, as a condition is somethi g that can be controlled or treated. Disney should look at the system Universal etc are now using, where you have to provide proof of disability and it is dealt by company outside Florida so the don’t ask is avioded.
My husband wears a leg brace, so he walks slowly and stops frequently. He has started utilizing a Electric Scooter, but that is also an issue. If we don’t get to the park early enough, they are out of them. I end up pushing him in a wheel chair. We have seen on several occasions, a group of 3 or 4 people renting them and they are young. I am not sure how to correct the situation. But it is frustrating.
There will never be a DAS system that satisfied everyone, but the current restrictions have simply gone too far. One year I brought a note from my doctor stating my need for one and the person at the desk just turned it over saying that due to HIPPA regulations, she can’t read it. Wha? Even if I’ve offered it up?
Anyway, when I was going through chemo, the DAS passed made the trip possible and provided some true fun during a time in my life that was…well…not fun.
I am applauding the federal oversight to fix WDW Executives very bad decisions on DAS.
I am one who was refused DAS even though I am a Disabled veteran with injuries to shoulders, lung function restricted due to Burn Pits in Iraq. I also have PTSD from an attempted stabbing by an Iraqi Medical Corpsman.
Disney’s decision during a phone interview to deny my DAS PASS has ruined our times at WDW and may cancel our Annual Passes.
Heartless CEOs and WDW Board could careless.
Magically the new Fast Pass is financially out of reach for this Disabled Vetetan.
Thank you CEO, CFO and operations for screwing this disabled veteran.
My prayer is that you never get treated the way you have me.
Your company is MUBAR.
MESS UP BEYOND ALL RECOGNITION!
Walt and Roy Disney arecrolling over in their grave how you treat guests fir a buck.
What was your profit last year? 94 billion net 12.4 billion.
I am a disabled shareholder. Before I was disabled, I was annoyed with so many people abusing the DAS system. Now that I am disabled, I see it even more critical. I was standing in a looonnnggg line for an attraction. A cast member came up to me after a visitor went to the cast member and asked to help me. I was then referred to the DAS program. I had the access for only about a year, before this dramatic change occurred. I can’t stand in line for longer than 20 minutes. I won’t cut in line in front of others, either. So, I didn’t renew my annual pass (why have it when I can’t do rides at parks). Last year I took my grandkids for their 2nd ever trip. My legs gave out many times, I stumbled catching myself on my grandkids or a wall, etc., until I actually fell. I cut my knee bad
A cast member stood there, as 3 others came to help. I haven’t been to the park since.
The ADA law states a company MUST make accommodations, if able. Disney is able, yet refuses to do. I will definitely vote for the proposal and hope every other shareholder will, also.
Have Multiple sclerosis , difficult to walk and stand still for too long. I couldn’t get Das in the last two years that I have been to Disney. I’m from Brazil traveling with my wife and two infants.
Consider a disability plaque or card. When people have any true disability they should have a disability card. and platter when parking in the parking lot, the applies to children and adults that need assistance. They’re very hard to get so I think that’s all you would really need and they wouldn’t be able to be abuse. The system.
I apologize for the writing a bath, but when you receive a handicap tag and a handicap card that should be all Disney would need to say to prevent abuse. They should really take those people in consideration, both children and adults that have these cards.
Comments for NEW: Disney World Pulls the Plug on Controversial DAS Program After Investigations Pile Up
Antonina McCabe
I am deaf and use a hearing aid. Waiting in long lines causes headaches, stress…I hear everyone’s noises from scratching, talking, coughing amplified!!! If I shutdown my hearing aid it limits my communication with my family that are with me. Please consider the deaf community when looking at your DAS rules. Busch parks allow me an accessibility pass and also offer one Saturday a month geared to deaf and hearing impaired guests. Please look out for this population..
Of note I am deaf permanently from Covid. Studies have shown that Covid through latent symptoms have caused 20% of the Covid patients to be permanently deaf in one or both ears within 24 months of having the disease. Look to the Cleveland Clinic for their vast studies. Those spikes are in your system waiting to attack your acoustic nerve and permanently destroy it. It is an awful feeling to wake one day to watching your love ones speak and hearing nothing around you. That’s what happens with latent Covid. Thank you for your consideration.
lorraine cramer
make a special entrance for people with disabilities, Let them in first, I have no problem with that. Review the process of Das passes because for some their disability cant be seen, but is there . A letter from the Dr would be helpful also to get a pass sooner.
Joan
I have crhons and anxiety with panic attacks. When standing in line I may have to go to the baton losing my spot in line. And the standby lane can be to crowed and cause a panic attack. I used to be able to use the DAS but now I can’t. Not all illnesses are seen. And they need to understand that the fast pass lane was great now I’m denied. This does go against the ADA guidelines.
Wendy
I did bring letter from my doctor but because of HEPPA law they couldn’t read it. Im a senior legally disabled here in WI.
Stephanie
I had to use the DAS pass temporarily when I was going through chemo treatments. Thankfully I am now cancer free and have no use for it. I know I couldn’t have gone with my family to Disney if I didn’t have it. I do see some people abusing it and getting their doctor friends to write up something for them in order to get the pass. The HIPPA laws prevent Disney from going into medical records or having to disclose what illness you are being diagnosed with. I think there should be different levels designated for the disabilities. Those with clearly severe disabilities should have priority and should be able to get on rides immediately. I saw someone mention above about using hearing aids. My son wears hearing aids in both ears since birth. I can confirm that the crowd noise does bother him but for the most part we know that’s part of being at a park. He just turns the volume down on his hearing aids and he reads lips pretty good until we get on the ride. We’ve never got a DAS pass for him. I guess its a choice.
KitChat
Sadly, most of the changes came because people were gaming the system. They would hire somebody in a wheelchair so they could get special Park privileges. That ruined it for everyone else they had legitimate disabilities.
Walt
YES!!! I worked with persons with disabilities for 35 years (mental and physical) – took LARGE Groups of Disabled folks to the parks over the years. If our folks could stand in line THEY DID. The only exception was a gentleman in a w/c that had to come out in his insert to be placed on rides – which Disney people were nervous about but let us “do our thing”. So many now use the disability label to gain some advantage over those with REAL disabilities. Just like the “support” animal craze which is also BS. Support animals are great but there should be some type of registration and training. Trying to get on a plane with a support peacock is BS>
Cathy
DAS policy as it is now is too restrictive. A lot of seniors still love to visit Disney but with age comes health issues that makes it difficult to wait in long lines.
Tammy Benson
This is a step in the right direction re: DAS program. It gives hope to those of us that had a DAS for years, but were abruptly disqualified based on the new criteria.
Terri
Disney will never have a system in place that people will be happy about. Some people abuse the system or try to use their disability as a reason to not follow rules.
When I was a ticket taker, we had an annual passholder that would want to cut the line because the fireworks stressed her son. She would come at that same time multiple times a week knowing when fireworks were occurring. She tried to use the excuse with me and I told her no, they can wait in line like everyone else. Her solution to that was to then harass me at work for months away from the turnstile until a manager saw her and revoked her pass.
Josephine
We have used the DAS for years and woyld not beale to visit without it. Te main issue we see, apart from abusers is what is a disability? Here in the UK we know what is a disability and what is a condition, from a goverment provided list. It might sound like just definitions but they are a worlds apart, as a condition is somethi g that can be controlled or treated. Disney should look at the system Universal etc are now using, where you have to provide proof of disability and it is dealt by company outside Florida so the don’t ask is avioded.
Debbie
My husband wears a leg brace, so he walks slowly and stops frequently. He has started utilizing a Electric Scooter, but that is also an issue. If we don’t get to the park early enough, they are out of them. I end up pushing him in a wheel chair. We have seen on several occasions, a group of 3 or 4 people renting them and they are young. I am not sure how to correct the situation. But it is frustrating.
Allison M
There will never be a DAS system that satisfied everyone, but the current restrictions have simply gone too far. One year I brought a note from my doctor stating my need for one and the person at the desk just turned it over saying that due to HIPPA regulations, she can’t read it. Wha? Even if I’ve offered it up?
Anyway, when I was going through chemo, the DAS passed made the trip possible and provided some true fun during a time in my life that was…well…not fun.
Bring back some sort of middle ground. PLEASE!
Real Star Wars
The DAS system now is too restrictive.
It needs to be tweaked not everyone truly needs it.
Expand some especially t-1 , and others it will never please everyone
BKC
I am applauding the federal oversight to fix WDW Executives very bad decisions on DAS.
I am one who was refused DAS even though I am a Disabled veteran with injuries to shoulders, lung function restricted due to Burn Pits in Iraq. I also have PTSD from an attempted stabbing by an Iraqi Medical Corpsman.
Disney’s decision during a phone interview to deny my DAS PASS has ruined our times at WDW and may cancel our Annual Passes.
Heartless CEOs and WDW Board could careless.
Magically the new Fast Pass is financially out of reach for this Disabled Vetetan.
Thank you CEO, CFO and operations for screwing this disabled veteran.
My prayer is that you never get treated the way you have me.
Your company is MUBAR.
MESS UP BEYOND ALL RECOGNITION!
Walt and Roy Disney arecrolling over in their grave how you treat guests fir a buck.
What was your profit last year? 94 billion net 12.4 billion.
D
I am a disabled shareholder. Before I was disabled, I was annoyed with so many people abusing the DAS system. Now that I am disabled, I see it even more critical. I was standing in a looonnnggg line for an attraction. A cast member came up to me after a visitor went to the cast member and asked to help me. I was then referred to the DAS program. I had the access for only about a year, before this dramatic change occurred. I can’t stand in line for longer than 20 minutes. I won’t cut in line in front of others, either. So, I didn’t renew my annual pass (why have it when I can’t do rides at parks). Last year I took my grandkids for their 2nd ever trip. My legs gave out many times, I stumbled catching myself on my grandkids or a wall, etc., until I actually fell. I cut my knee bad
A cast member stood there, as 3 others came to help. I haven’t been to the park since.
The ADA law states a company MUST make accommodations, if able. Disney is able, yet refuses to do. I will definitely vote for the proposal and hope every other shareholder will, also.
Luiz Oliveira
Have Multiple sclerosis , difficult to walk and stand still for too long. I couldn’t get Das in the last two years that I have been to Disney. I’m from Brazil traveling with my wife and two infants.
Njmom
Consider a disability plaque or card. When people have any true disability they should have a disability card. and platter when parking in the parking lot, the applies to children and adults that need assistance. They’re very hard to get so I think that’s all you would really need and they wouldn’t be able to be abuse. The system.
NJMOM
I apologize for the writing a bath, but when you receive a handicap tag and a handicap card that should be all Disney would need to say to prevent abuse. They should really take those people in consideration, both children and adults that have these cards.