Disney shareholder here. We have been informed that Disney’s choice is to say No to the idea of reviewing the DAS process. We have no say in determining what, if any, changes may occur even if the vote is Yes (highly unlikely) to review the program.
Also, DAS guests don’t wait less, they actually wait more than the regular guests who are able to remain in the physical queue. They have return times based on the posted wait times, which are typically longer than the actual waits AND then they return to wait in the Lightning Lanes, which add another 5-10 minutes. A lot of extra wait? No. However, anyone reporting they wait less than other guests has not completed their research.
Thank you. I’m a DAS guest, one of our children needs DAS. It’s definitely vital for our family. But we have felt the changes have been a net positive. Having more oversight seems a but late in the game. I feel it’s pretty good finally….adding it would increase costs for sure. Which is always passed onto guests. Idk if people realize. And for what? They aren’t going to change the rules backwards because of oversight.
I appreciate how you explained the queue system. That’s spot on. We do wait longer at times, it’s at least just as long. It’s not great to have to wait in fast pass lines because that defeats a lot of the purpose of DAS….those lines are not better than others just less time for issues to arise vs the whole time in the normal queue.
But overall I think perhaps it’s about as fair as they can make it. I was also in a wheelchair this past year and that’s a different system. We had both of course, I think guests misunderstood and got upset thinking we slmehow got DAS for wheelchair use and that was not the case. But I do like the system for most rides, though I was limited to what I COULD ride at the time also. Just due to my disabilities.
I don’t expect every ride to be for every person, especially physical ailments can be a big liability. But for our child with ASD they bhave been pretty accommodating most times.
This is one of many reasons why I will never go to Disney again. Disney used to be a magical and fun experience now it’s all about how much money they can make while taking away every single experience especially for those that need the assistance.
I agree. They’ve also taken away a lot of the “magic” for all guests. Like the airport busses. That really adds to the cost due to paying for a long ride to the hotel and back with an uber. Also they took care of the luggage too. Plus magic hours, etc. we need a DAS for our son but like mentioned above, I don’t know how much faster the line is.
Both Disney and another park in the area have both lost their way with disabled people. All Disney did was push ALL disabled people to the regular line. Now the wait time is unbearable. My wife and I stood in line for almost 3 hours. I can’t do that anymore. It hurts to bad. I asked one of the cast members what the ratio was between the fast pass line and the regular line. She said that the ride was 100:10. She said most of the rides are at least 50:1. How is this fair for us disabled people? We now have our wheelchairs, rollators, walkers, etc. in the regular line making it even longer. We’ll be letting our yearly pass expire and not renew.
-Disabled vet that can’t get a das.
Hi, where would you wait those 3 hours if you had a DAS pass, and what is the difference with having to wait not having it?
Genuine question, I don’t understand. If it’s simply standing for that amount of time (like everyone else, you can either take a tiny fold up chair, (pic if required?), or you yourself hire a wheelchair for the longer wait rides
I have a younger sister with CHARGE Syndrome. She looks different, is somewhat intellectually challenged but smart enough to know when ppl are staring at her looking like she has 4 heads. Parents are as terrible as their children. When I use my money to take her and we have to leave a regular line bcuz she is now in a state of panic about her appearance and wants to crawl in a hole… at this point, her asthma, terrible allergies (perfumes etc), heart defect, tunnel vision and profound deafness are all benched disabilities and the anxiety, CAUSED BY THE HUMANS IN THE LINE WHO CAN’T ACT DECENT) takes spot 1. So we wait the queue time wherever less rude effing people are staring at her and whispering to each other, from 2ft away in a restricted movement environment. I watch ppl take advantage of these programs every time we go to any park and it infuriates me, but I have to also be objective and realize that what is wrong with someone isn’t always obvious by looking at them, but is always none of my business. Good day.
Now they also have a process that’s unfair where they make people wait ten minutes after scanning into a ride. Which can easily add up with disabilities like ASD, on the ride then whatever needs to be handled with the ASD, and then you realize you forgot to get a DAS time and it just sucks away the time.
It’s like we’re penalized for using the system. It’s small but irksome.
Why is it unfair to make a DAS user wait 10 minutes to get another return time? A non-DAS guest can’t be waiting in two standby lines at the same time, and since DAS is supposed to provide an experience similar to that of someone in standby, there is no reason a DAS user should be able to.
If you forget to get a new return time at the 10 minute mark, that’s on you. If it’s that important, then set a timer on your phone to remind you.
To say that you’re being penalized for being treated like every non-DAS guest is the height of entitlement.
I agree the wait is longer in time. However the fact we can walk to a quiet place or sit somewhere that is in a corner to be less stressful and stimulating is worth it. I just wish we could plan out 2-3 rides and leave as we are local. But not only do I pay for a AP, but can not use it much anymore. It was a great system for us who needed it. Now we use the system at universal and spend our money there on days we try to explore somewhere else besides home.
Disney used to be our hero 1-2 days a week.
Universal’s system is amazing and so easy to use. The IBCCES access card is an extremely fair way to weed out who qualifies and who doesn’t. This seems to solve the problem of people taking advantage of the system whole keeping things fair.
Every time I’ve used IBCCES it’s been very smooth. You get your return time and then wait in their fastpass line. Its still waiting, sometimes more than 10-15 minutes in a line, which can be hard depending on the queue. We’ve been fortunate that when even that short time has become unbearable, they’ve let us out of line and led us to a quieter or more open area, usually by an elevator. Then they get us when it was our turn.
Disney’s system seems to treat individual disabilities different by allowing some to use DAS and denying others with legitimate needs who don’t necessarily fit in their narrowed guidelines.
I agree. Letter from my Dr was needed, which I provided. When I was online with the cast member I offered the letter & was told no but DAS was denied even though under the old rules I got it. At the end it said could be reviewed. I filled out info & have never heard back.
Our son was a Make A Wish recipient when he was younger. Same person who has cerebral palsy and experienced strokes bilaterally in utero. In diapers and cannot use his hands. Disney, who granted his wish, now will not recognize his multiple disabilities. We had letters from his doctors…they were not interested in seeing them. As I stood there and was shut down, I vowed never to return to Disney and we never looked back. Regarding the ignorance of people, we were on the monorail, our son was in his wheelchair with his Make A Wish hat on and this idiotic woman asked very loudly what was wrong with him. I asked her what was wrong with her asking that. I informed her that there was nothing wrong with his hearing. If you have healthy children, count your blessings. We will never know how that feels.
Michelle,
Thank you for that. My daughter is on oxygen & we have.always.used DAS until last yr when we were denied. She cannot wait in a two hour que. The DAS helped bc we could make sure we could switch out her tank, rest a bit in First Aide, but always knew we were near the First Aide when we needed it. We never asked for front of the line like people assume, we only need a comeback time so we could gauge how long til we needed to change out her tanks. We have also always carried a doctor’s note also which people have a fit over not wanting to do. We want to enjoy the park also. It is her safe haven, a place where we can go and forget about the medical at least for àwhile.
Michelle
Please explain why as a disabled person and a Vet with a disability, with 30+ surgeries 7 back surgeries a completely numb leg , unable to walk any distance, unable to stand or sit for wait times in lines, I’m told I’m not qualified for DAS?
It’s probably because wheelchairs aren’t included in DAS. That’s a different thing with different accommodations (I’d assume you’re in a wheelchair if you can’t walk any distance). If you visited the park, I can assure you that you would receive special accommodations without DAS.
JKay,
🤣🤣🤣That’s comical, what you said. They don’t accommo-date anyone except for ASD. Even PTSA isn’t considered anymore. As a disabled vet with many medical ailments and PTSD who used to get a das pass and now can’t, I won’t be going anymore. Last time I was there, I had to stand in line for almost 3 hours. Lucky for me, I have a rollator with a seat cause I can’t stand or sit for long periods of time.
Not exclusively in a wheel chair. I can walk short distances, but as I said can’t stand or sit for extended periods especially standing, sitting makes my other leg go numb. But I have talked to Disney and was told I’d have to wait in lines like every one else. Years ago in Disneyland you’d go up the exit in the wheelchair and get on a ride fairly quick. I guess maybe abusers of this have screwed us that really need it.
Disabled vet here. I find DAS helps me because of my service dog. I have severe PTSD as well several other disabilities. I wait other places and I dont ride the huge ticket rides. I ride dumbo or Nemo. Maybe one a trip. Saying disabled veterans arent qualified for DAS is just wrong. We can provide lots of documentation but disney won’t allow that. Vets come back with ptsd and asking us to wait away from our families is just wrong. Disney enjoys the tax break of having a DOD hotel on their property but do very little for wounded warriors. Except give us discounts we cant use because of DAS. Vets use the hotel and then go to other theme parks.
My Dad was disabled. Maybe some day you’ll find yourself disabled. And I hope your crap attitude comes back to bite you hard……When you treat people like garbage…it come back to haunt you. What’s it like to be so full of hate???
No hate here at all. I have many disabled family members who require accommodations at Disney, and they continue to receive them, but they don’t receive DAS because they can be accommodated without the DAS.
As can the vast majority of disabled people. The difference is that too many disabled people believe they are entitled to the accommodation that they prefer (DAS) to an accommodation that will work (return to queue, waiting outside the line and joining their party later, etc.)
I am so sad to say we are not supporting Disney anymore. We did cruises and have the Vacation Club but my family will not be visiting again due to their DAS exclusion of people with special needs. My son cannot enjoy any of the rides anymore unless we pay more monies for special passes. It’s a sad decision when you side with making lots of profit on the backs of individuals with special needs.
What you are doing is wrong you are refusing people with wheelchair. And with anyone who have disabilities. Former president Ronald reagan sign into law the Disabilities Act
They aren’t refusing anyone with wheelchairs. Lol DAS is not part of that. They have literal disability access in the parks for the laws you speak of and those mainly, if not totally, apply to public spaces. Inside the parks is not public space.
I was in a wheelchair all last year. I couldn’t go on most rides. Many of these physical ailments are a liability for Disney. Someone with ASD has a different set of issues.
My child has DAS for ASD. For us we seriously wouldn’t go without it. Unlike those in wheelchairs etc complaining because they have no real issue in lines. At all.
As in my case, waiting in lines is easy when in a wheelchair. Or not any harder than any other time. They have disability lanes for people with disabilities like that. You can go through the normal line and then at the end go to the place for entering the ride with a physical disability. They go above and beyond really.
Or there is rider swap and single rider etc.
DAS is mainly for autistic individuals. It was never supposed to be utilized like it was before…or what it got to. They started out experimenting with the idea and didn’t train people with good guidelines so they let everyone and anyone in.
So most people that had DAS did not need it. They just assumed they would have shorter wait lines. Many didn’t stay in DAS because they found out it’s longer at times. Others didn’t pay attention and kept backing up the lines of people that need it. That’s cruel.
We had so many rude people and cruel that would make the DAS line more intolerable and at times even dangerous when they should’ve been in the normal line.
Disney has plenty of special treatment for people using physical aides, that have blindness and MS etc. If they need the help. Like extra time getting on the ride.
They have ramps, though TBH could use one at mainstream train station for SURE or a lift. But that’s one of the only places I know to be an issue and in our experience it’s minor.
Once the DAS was revised to only include those with extremely special needs such as autism, Disney removed a large group of folks: the older guests. Those of us with artificial hips, knees, RA, osteoarthritis, and other painful joint diseases did not necessarily abuse the system. We got our assigned wait time and returned. Now, we are told to use stand-by or rent an ecv or wheel chair. For many with arthritis, medical advice is to keep moving, not sitting or standing still. Disney is alienating and hurting some of its most honest folks who spend quite a bit of money. When Disney stated that they revised the DAS to only include autism and a few other disabilities, they said that folks were abusing the system and letting in too many relatives. Disney has the capability of limiting how many are included on a DAS pass, and did so the last three years I had it. You’ve punished and alienated many of us. I laughed when I was told that I could just leave my family members in line, walk around, then return to the front of the line when they got there…imagine the anger of the guests behind us. I was also told to rent an ECV…as a former cast member, I can only imagine the nightmare if all senior citizens in the parks had ECVs…Disney used to do better.
It is not about the wheelchair. It is about the person inside the chair and what confines them to the chair. Many people who are full-time wheelchair users also have timed medical treatments that need to be done. Using DAS allows families to plan their day around those treatments- feeding tubes, catheterizations, respiratory treatments, etc… Being in a wheelchair is not relaxing- it is hot and confining when standing in a long line. It is impossible to join your party like families are told to do– you cannot have members wait in line and then try to get past an entire line in a wheelchair as your family approaches the front. People in wheelchairs are not asking to cut the line, they are asking for the same special courtesy that Disney gives to families with other special needs like ASD. Additionally, no one who is mobile (ie- seizure disorders, POTS, autoimmune diseases, arthritis, etc..) should ever be asked to use a wheelchair to enjoy a day at the parks– they should also be considered for DAS access. In my opinion, they should consider all disabilities equal or not consider any at all and make everyone buy LL if they cannot wait in a long line.
How? Emotional Support Animals aren’t allowed on any flights unless they’re being transported with baggage. The only animals allowed in the passenger compartment are legitimate service animals which are not ESAs, but protected under federal law as “necessary medical devices”. They can go anywhere their handler can go with VERY few exceptions. ESAs are just glorified pets with a fancy title and meaningless paperwork. They are not service animals.
It’s pretty callous of you to say that it’s only meant for people with your child’s specific disability.
My husband’s disability makes standing for long periods of time incredibly painful, walking is mostly fine, but standing still is not.
Our previous access to DAS made it so that we could go sit in a restaurant or go watch a show and he wouldn’t be in pain waiting. On our last trip he was only once offered a wheelchair to stand in line. Other times they said they didn’t have the availability of the wheelchairs for people who were able to walk, or they didn’t have any available at all, but we could wait for them to bring one from another ride (we did this once, it took them 30min to get it and then we had to stand in the 2hr line).
DAS made Disney more easily enjoyable for us, and less painful for my husband, we’ve been once since the DAS overhaul and are unlikely to go back except for our kids school trip, we will go to Universal instead, it’s less expensive and is now more disability friendly than Disney.
If they have pointless oversight it’s going to cost the guests more money. The DAS system is finally working. People that shouldn’t have had it in the first place are now upset. Most of those types still go. 😆 We wouldn’t because we actually need DAS. But we got it easily.
I also had to use their other services for a physical disability this year and they have good methods for that.
DAS is not for everyone. It’s for a very small percentage that’s the point. If you can sit in a line or can’t even ride the ride then it’s not for you.
And they are NOT hurting for money. Sorry but they sell out of their $5000/ night hotel rooms consistently. Just saying.
“The DAS system is finally working. People that shouldn’t have had it in the first place are now upset.”
The callous generalizations in your comment are gross and devoid of any empathy, which is odd considering how deeply you currently depend on accommodation. I’m an adult with a traumatic brain injury who relied on DAS to help me control how much stress I put on my brain while waiting for ride queues. I cannot wait for rides without this accommodation. Disney has decided I’m no longer eligible for accommodation, forcing me to either pay (if still available that day) or just not go. But I cant even get an official conversation with them until I buy a park ticket. I get that you won’t care about this, since you currently dont have problems utilizing DAS. I’m commenting in the hopes that one day, when this rollback personally affects you, that you remember how unfeeling your sentiments have been in the past.
Universal utilizes a third party evaluation to designated DAS access, which requires DRs notes to confirm eligibility. Disney could simply do that. It’s right there. It works for Universal, and no doubt they could improve on the process. But Disney doesn’t want a solution that actually accommodates people. If they did, they would have done so already. They want people paying for lightning lanes. They want people like myself to pay to use a park ticket I’ve already paid for, due to circumstances beyond my control. It’s unconscionable and antithetical to Disney’s original goals for accommodation.
Exactly kelly. I feel for you. I have a nephew with traumatic brain syndrome. In lines even in his wheel chair or mobility device he can become very agitated from basically sensory overload. But like someone who said y”you can sit in a wheelchair then you can sit in line. It doesn’t always work that way especially for him. Myself it’s legs going numb and pain level going up. The more pain I get the more irritated I can get. It’s not easy. I guess just no Disney world for us.
All of the “Just use the system that Universal uses” people seem to miss a couple of points.
First, proving that you have a disability doesn’t prove that you need a DAS. There are all sorts of disabilities for which DAS isn’t the correct accommodation.
Second, being approved by IBCCES doesn’t mean that you’ll get an AAP (DAS equivalent) at Universal. Universal will still discuss your needs, and they approving fewer people for AAP and instead accommodating people by splitting the party and having the disabled person wait outside the line then meet up with their party when they get near the front.
Just because someone is legitimately disabled doesn’t mean that DAS is the only accommodation available.
The LLs had become so overcrowded with people who could be accommodated by other means that many people who actually need DAS couldn’t even wait in them.
Add on to that, the extreme overuse of DAS by people who could be otherwise accommodated made the standby lines even longer for everyone.
These changes needed to be made, and I hope Disney sticks with it.
I have been going to Disney world since it opened in 1971 and have been a member since 2002. I am not able to stand up and must use a wheelchair. The seats on all the rides are too small for my legs to extend fully. I can no longer sit for any extended amount of time in a wheelchair. I pay full price to enter the park and can’t use 99% of the rides. Each so called improvement takes away any access for my enjoyment of the park. I also pay over $3000.00 in membership dues every year plus the full price of the ticket to enter the park for the day. People who do not have disability have ruined it for people with true disabilities. I watch people jump out of their rented wheelchair and run and jump on a ride while I wait for several people who can help me. Something has gone terriblely wrong with all of how Disney is being managed. I know that there are disability that are not visible but there has got to be a better way of dealing with this problem. Shame on the people who take advantage of people with medical disability and the family who are teaching their families to be dishonest.
As an annual PH who is terminally ill due to a degenerative neurological disease.
I wonder how this will effect Make A Wish, Field trips for children who are disabled and others with real disabilities.
My family has paid well for a Club 33 membership for many year. My family has no issue releasing their membership, drop Disney Vacation Club, Disney Cruises, and any financial support purchasing Disney Merchandise, Disney Pandora, Loungefly, Vera Bradley and artist who offer Disney Related one of a kind art work. WDW disrespecting any paying guest is shitty.
I for 1 can say the financial loss from a single family my family alone with a singled disabled family member could easily cost Disney 100 to 150k per year alone based on our choices and desire to pay for special accommodations.
What’s the point of supporting Disney if Disney is not willing to support disabled Disney guests?
I have a suggestion. Remove Disability Services and reset the program to accomodate the ignorant political White Christian Nationalist Kens and Karen’s.
Those always seem to be the ones at the parks who melt down about disabled people be treated like royalty. Reality as a severely disabled woman visiting a Disney Park, it really sucks how poorly I’m treated by entitled white women. I have had to wait up to 45 minutes for access to a power chair stall, only to roll into a child urine and diaper party filth.
My assistant and I try to use the family / disability asdistat restroom for folks who need help and thats a joke. Little drunk college girls doing sexual selfies, as if you can’t see between the openings.
I see a financial loss for US WDW and DL due to rampant ignorance.
Walt himself would do a board od directors reset if he were alive and witnessed this political game between the current issues in the US.
Im also sick and tired of the political games the red haters pull in their attempts to instigate issues and fights in WDW.
Wow, what does DAS have to do with White, Christians? I support people using this service who actually need it. Jesus lady, you sound just like the Karens you describe…entitled, with a sprinkling of racism pixie dust!
Are you sure your vitriol should be targeted at the “red haters,” or did you mean, “red hatters?”
You should probably read up on the political backgrounds of people within the top echelon of the Disney group. It would surprise you.
I need DAS for 2 family members but because the system is so complicated and disney doesn’t want to give them a DAS, I have to purchase Lightening Lanes for 7 family members. That’s more that 1,500.00 usually each trip extra. That’s not cheap when we’ve already bought annual passes each plus the photo packages (I forgot proper name) as well as 10 to 14 nights (depending on the trip length) for 3 rooms each trip. Trips are becoming so expensive we may have to vacation somewhere else. Or not come as often.
The way the DAS program currently operates. It is in fact discriminatory if they want it to only be about part go with autism they need to call it the autism accessibility program. Because there are many disabilities that physically cannot wait in line and they are being refused access to the disability access program. I’m after time people, major spine issues people that have seizures that can be caused by things that happen inside the cues people with neurological conditions people who are affected by sound, kite, faces, etc. are discriminated against purely because this program is catering to only those with autism and that great people at the park with autism deserve accessibility, but so do other people with disability and requiring the people that do not fit into their box for the DAS program to buy a lightning lane to accommodate their disability is illegal and discriminatory. And I really hope that Disney gets there ducks in a row with disability access because it’s truly sad what it has become at the parks, it’s essentially the Florida Parks, it’s crazy that some people can receive DAS at the California parks, but not at the Florida parks. It should operate the same under one system so matter how universal Studios has one system for all of their parks. You apply one time that is good for your passholder year, you apply documentation, proving your disability and you receive accommodations that app apply to your disability, the program is super vibes by a third-party. It makes sense and it doesn’t leave room for the company to be affected by the decisions because it is a third-party operating the disability system at Universal Studios and Disney should really take notes.
If Disney makes accessibility harder, they will lose more money. That’s just common sense. They should be making it easier for more people to go there. Otherwise, those people will just find other entertainment places that make it easier for them.
The parks are raking in money for Disney. Losing some people because they can no longer have their preferred accommodation is not going to hurt Disney.
My family goes still, but mostly without me, as I cannot be in line and because I use a scooter I “don’t need DAS” even though I used it for years and when I didn’t I was completely miserable. I refuse to support their discriminatory practices.
@DebbieParks,
Why were you miserable waiting in line with your family, on your scooter? What was the difference between that and having a das pass? I genuinely don’t get it
That’s what I don’t get either, All About Me…why is it so hard to wait in the line with a wheelchair?
So many people with legitimate disabilities seem to think that a disability alone entitles them to DAS.
Wrong – no one is entitled to their preferred accommodation.
Disney can (and does) offer alternate accommodations; just because those accommodations aren’t as favorable as DAS doesn’t mean that people should be able to demand DAS because they prefer it.
When my children where young we visited Disney parks yearly and I figured out how to use the fast pass, my daughter had random seizures so standing in the hot sun and lines was not an option, but she wanted to do everything, including have supper in the castle, which we did. Breakfast with Micky and friends was even better. Anyway I brought a mini clip board and would go to 3 rides in an area and get fast pass times schedule each one at 45 minutes to an hour apart and then hunt down character’s schedule (where they are out giving autographs and taking photos), it was a thing to get as many as possible and fill her autograph book to add the photos later. We waited for nothing in-between rides, having the clip board made planning easier, and filling in time gaps by a character hunt became a challenge they enjoyed. We missed nothing, did it all, every year while they where young, including performing as AllStar Cheerleaders at Disney.
I’m from the UK and my son and I have visited Walt Disney World five times. He has ASD and ADHD and cannot safely wait in a conventional line. We had used DAS in the past which worked brilliantly, but I was told he was not eligible when we applied for our last visit in October. I couldn’t cancel our trip so ended up spending significantly more on Lightning Lanes to try to make it more bearable. The trip was awful, he couldn’t cope with the lines and ended up completely overwhelmed, eloping and leaving the park on a number of occasions. We didn’t manage to get on some of his favourite rides at all. I was devastated as we’d had such amazing holidays at Disney but the whole experience was ruined. Sadly I don’t plan to return unless policies are reviewed. In theory we are the people who DAS is designed for 😢
I am so sorry this happened to you. I agree 100% – you are the family this program was designed for. Shame on Disney for denying you. The pass was the only way our family was able to visit DW, too.
I dropped my Disney annual passes due to their changes. Use IBCCES like Universal does. They require documentation from a physician regarding your diagnosis. My ASD son was absolutely terror struck when he was going to be interviewed by non-medical cast members, so we didn’t end up going that route. Universal has a much better system that doesn’t cause him discomfort and the pass (which is now online in their app) is good for an entire year! I’d much rather give them my money. Do better Disney!
Well I hate to be the naysayer and I am NOT saying accommodations should not be made BUT BUT BUT…. I have seen the “special cases” increase to infinity and beyond over 30 years. I used to plan and take persons with mental illnesses and severe physical disabilities on vacations to the parks. There were ALWAYS attractions that were not appropriate for people due to their needs and we did not demand Disney provide them to us. And by the way, we did not push our way to the front of the line to gain faster access. We waited in line as people could. If someone could not wait in the normal queue – then they and only they (plus attendant) used special access. This system is grossly abused. Everyone now has a disability EVERYONE (diagnosed or not). I have seen HUGE groups abuse the quick access for the “accommodation of ONE person in their group, Yet another actually had a FAKE CAST – HE TOLD ME! Everyone thinks their special accommodation is the most important! This is not a Disney Problem only it is an entitlement attitude – me me me I I I. Perhaps not every attraction is for every person and that is the beauty of Disney – they have enough to do to provide opportunities for all. If someone cannot handle a long line or heavy crowds and you can accommodate them GREAT! – but if it is too much for them why would you want to subject them to that? I am POSITIVE it has more to do with the person demanding access than the person who has the issue.
This is one reason I refuse to renew an annual pass. The only people that get DAS are those with Autism and those kids should be learning to act appropriately in public and not tantrum. Who is Disney to decide that one disability is worse than another. Years ago when fast pass was free there were no issues! Can we also address people bringing in their emotional support pets! Leave them home if you need that much help maybe you should not be in a crowded park. Your pet does not like walking on the hot surface in 100 degree heat waiting for you in a cage because your being selfish. Those pets need to stay HOME. Especially those of you that bring the dogs with no shoes. Here in fl. It’s animal abuse letting your dog burn their paws. In case you haven’t noticed, just thoroughly disgusted with Disney and they were the reason we moved here. I’ve been coming here for 30 years and have watched the decline.
You, sir or ma’am, need to educate yourself. Your comments regarding people with ASD are highly offensive and hurtful.
And you should remember that it is Disney who made this policy, not the people with ASD.
Choose kindness.
@Angry
Who in gods name do you think you are!!
You clearly know nothing about ASD so are not even entitled to open your mouth about it.
Thank goodness you haven’t renewed your AP’s, one less bigot to worry about!
It been abused for years. I doubt it will go away they will just tighten who can use the program.
People with real disabilities need the program. If you haven’t officially been given a medical disability then you don’t get it at the parks.
OK so I am disabled. I am a double ak amputee. I’m in a wheelchair.
First of all, Twitter is not going to be like for once in their lives can people who run companies and investors surrounding that company not use social media interactions as a way to know if the policy is going well or not because that’s not a good way to actually gauge that and all you have to do is look at tech to figure that out. They shoved AI into everything and everybody wants them out as soon as possible from everything that it was put into cause it’s so irritating and it doesn’t work, but all they looked at was social media and all they saw was tech bros and other investors hyping it up instead of listening to the actual people.
Anyway, the park is relatively accessible. No one who is disabled. No one should ever in their life, be given the impression that they will be able to have an identical experience to able bodied people.
I don’t think most disabled people are delusional enough to think that they will. Because each of us is quite aware of our limitations and how it’s going to affect us and whatever like I don’t need you to tear down like like 70-year-old things at Disneyland to shove a ramp in an elevator into it. It’s like I just don’t need to do everything and that’s fine.
I will say that this program the point of it like it was initially implemented because the wheelchairs themselves were being abused by people who were just paying to rent them and then using them to skip lines
And I totally get needing some way to try to curve that to force them to stand in front of you and then like lie to your face at the very least if they want to do that which most people will not do
But ultimately, it became more confusing because like sometimes the policy was that if you’re in a wheelchair on certain rides, you do go through the exit and on the other ones you don’t because they were overhauled or whatever and like if you went to the wrong one they would just literally make you go to the correct ones. You’d like end up packing to go through line twice because if you don’t know how the ride works yet you don’t necessarily know which way you’re supposed to be going and the exits are not necessarily near to the entrance entrances so that could actually be extremely irritating.
That was the one policy that kind of seemed to flip-flop a lot, and the cast members ability to manage these groups of people is also not necessarily there.
Essentially, the percentage of people who are disabled is so minuscule and comparison to the percentage of other people that a lot less effort should be put into micromanaging the ways they get onto rides as long as the way that they go is literally safe
Like I’m Pirates of the Caribbean if you’re on a wheelchair, you cannot go in the front way. It’s not safe to do that. You have to go through the exit but on Buzz Lightyear, I’m pretty sure even if you’re disabled, you can go through the whole line and it doesn’t matter, but if someone goes through the exit who cares like that line is incredibly well designed, you’re never gonna be in it for more than 30 or 40 minutes. If someone goes through intend because they went to the exit I don’t I don’t care nobody cares and anybody who does care can eat a dik.
Too many XL Karen’s taking advantage, too many adults with no kids, acting like kids, Disney went WOKE and themagi is gone. Now, Disney is cutting corners to compensate. I’ve spent lots of money at Disney but unless they turn back to what they once were, they will never see another dime from me.
When I was younger my mother needed a wheel chair due to physical and surgical problems. We could go up the exit and get on a ride in a few minutes, it was limited to 3-4 people.
Now myself and my wife would love to go see Disney in Florida. But from what I’ve been told with my situation I’m disabled civilian wise and have disability from military service issues, over 30 surgeries including 7 on my back with a totally numb left leg and vein issues that don’t allow me to stand or even sit very long I’m not afforded their DAS program even though I need a wheel chair or my mobility scooter for long term things like amusement parks, fairs or anything where I’d need to be on my feet for hours or go distances between things.
So I guess I can forget about seeing Disney florida
I too used to use das I had a heart attack n kidney failure im on dialysis it makes it very difficult to stand in lines i get. Dizzy n feel as if i will pass out im 61 it was embarrassing enough to explain to an 18 year old my issues but das made it worth it
I’ve been going to Disney parks since before I was born I’m heartbroken how Disney is treating disability don’t give a three month pass unless ur a pass holder show more mercy to those already cursed with disability
Why does being non-verbal mean that he can’t wait in lines? Why does not being potty trained mean that he can’t wait in lines?
If you’re going as a family and you feel he can’t wait in the standby line, then someone else in the party can wait outside the line with him and join up at the merge and ride together.
I only became disabled 4 yrs ago. It was a cast member that informed me of the program after a person saw me struggling in the long line to Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railroad. I only has DAS for a year, until the policy changed and I no longer am eligible. So, I no longer go to the parks, except for the Halloween Party (only a few hours & shorter wait times). I didn’t renew my Annual Pass, either.
It’s unfortunate. My husband is handicap, but our kids do enjoy Disney. He enjoys going on vacation with them to see their smiling faces. He has his handicap, blacker and Card, but no longer is qualified for the DAS. We don’t get there often maybe once every few years because we live states away, but this is truly our kids favorite vacation and hopefully they’ll do some kind of accommodation in the future for people that are truly handicap in to have the validation legal documents to show it
No, not every disability needs DAS but when you’re handicapped not everybody gets approved for it so that means there’s a major disability and you can go through and tell them that so I don’t know what your logic is
My logic is that if I have a handicapped placard for my car because I’m paralyzed and must use a wheelchair, while that is indeed a major disability, it doesn’t mean that I need a DAS in order to access Disney. I do need accessible lines or alternative entrances, but I don’t need a DAS.
Under your logic, the fact that I have a handicapped placard means that I should get a DAS, even though I can be accommodated without one.
Someone who has a handicapped placard because they use a wheelchair doesn’t need a DAS because they can use the wheelchair to access attractions through the standby line or through alternate entrances, if the standby line isn’t wheelchair accessible.
You seem to think that the DAS should be the accommodation for any and all disabilities, but Disney is well within their rights to offer different accommodations for different disabilities, or even different accommodations for different people with the same disability, depending on the needs of the individuals.
For me I know Disney is not needing the 8000 to 12000 spend for 5 days i would go to disney and they are okay with that because das is not allowed for me so I can not go we both have to accept that money issue is what disney sees
Disney is an entertainmebt based company and just like the entertainment industry they are shallow. Disney doesnt care about those that in their eyes “arent normal” they dont like those that arent pretty or handsome. if you’re not said normal, pretty, and handsome then you are nothing to Disney and its unfortunate. If you want proof look at the majority of guests that are at all of the parks. They all look like models. Disney wants those people to be there to make their parks look good.
You’re wrong again @NJMOM…I absolutely acknowledge that there are many people who need accommodations.
But I understand that there are accommodations other than the DAS that can be offered and utilized to make Disney accessible, whereas you seem to believe that anyone with any kind of disability should be granted a DAS whether they really need it or not.
What you seem to miss is that DAS is meant for those who need it in order to make Disney possible…not easier, not faster, not more comfortable, not more magical – possible.
Justme your absolutely wrong we went to Disney without the DAS that was ok what isn’t ok is that there was zero accommodation gor my husband do you hit a nerve. There are many people who rely on accommodations. I glad that you’re aware that there are people who have disabilities and need accommodation. I stated my thoughts. You voiced yours. Thank you and I’m done. 😉
Honestly all of those without disabilities really can not have an opinion based on the facts, in the way those of us who do can. You can’t speak from experience. It’s quite selfish and callous to believe you can speak for any of us or judge a system that isn’t meant for you.
Anyone is entitled to an opinion, whether you agree with that opinion or not.
Overuse and abuse of DAS affects everyone in the park, whether they are disabled people who actually need DAS, but can’t wait in LLs that are too long due to overuse and abuse, non-disabled people who pay for LL that is ineffective because too many people are in the LL, or people in standby who have to wait much, much longer because of too many people in the LL.
Comments for End of an Era for Park Accessibility: Disney Confirms Plans To Block Major Disability Overhaul
Michelle
Disney shareholder here. We have been informed that Disney’s choice is to say No to the idea of reviewing the DAS process. We have no say in determining what, if any, changes may occur even if the vote is Yes (highly unlikely) to review the program.
Also, DAS guests don’t wait less, they actually wait more than the regular guests who are able to remain in the physical queue. They have return times based on the posted wait times, which are typically longer than the actual waits AND then they return to wait in the Lightning Lanes, which add another 5-10 minutes. A lot of extra wait? No. However, anyone reporting they wait less than other guests has not completed their research.
Linda
Thank you. I’m a DAS guest, one of our children needs DAS. It’s definitely vital for our family. But we have felt the changes have been a net positive. Having more oversight seems a but late in the game. I feel it’s pretty good finally….adding it would increase costs for sure. Which is always passed onto guests. Idk if people realize. And for what? They aren’t going to change the rules backwards because of oversight.
I appreciate how you explained the queue system. That’s spot on. We do wait longer at times, it’s at least just as long. It’s not great to have to wait in fast pass lines because that defeats a lot of the purpose of DAS….those lines are not better than others just less time for issues to arise vs the whole time in the normal queue.
But overall I think perhaps it’s about as fair as they can make it. I was also in a wheelchair this past year and that’s a different system. We had both of course, I think guests misunderstood and got upset thinking we slmehow got DAS for wheelchair use and that was not the case. But I do like the system for most rides, though I was limited to what I COULD ride at the time also. Just due to my disabilities.
I don’t expect every ride to be for every person, especially physical ailments can be a big liability. But for our child with ASD they bhave been pretty accommodating most times.
Rich
This is one of many reasons why I will never go to Disney again. Disney used to be a magical and fun experience now it’s all about how much money they can make while taking away every single experience especially for those that need the assistance.
Dixie
I agree. They’ve also taken away a lot of the “magic” for all guests. Like the airport busses. That really adds to the cost due to paying for a long ride to the hotel and back with an uber. Also they took care of the luggage too. Plus magic hours, etc. we need a DAS for our son but like mentioned above, I don’t know how much faster the line is.
Ron
Both Disney and another park in the area have both lost their way with disabled people. All Disney did was push ALL disabled people to the regular line. Now the wait time is unbearable. My wife and I stood in line for almost 3 hours. I can’t do that anymore. It hurts to bad. I asked one of the cast members what the ratio was between the fast pass line and the regular line. She said that the ride was 100:10. She said most of the rides are at least 50:1. How is this fair for us disabled people? We now have our wheelchairs, rollators, walkers, etc. in the regular line making it even longer. We’ll be letting our yearly pass expire and not renew.
-Disabled vet that can’t get a das.
Jolene Townley
Hi, where would you wait those 3 hours if you had a DAS pass, and what is the difference with having to wait not having it?
Genuine question, I don’t understand. If it’s simply standing for that amount of time (like everyone else, you can either take a tiny fold up chair, (pic if required?), or you yourself hire a wheelchair for the longer wait rides
Nellie
I have a younger sister with CHARGE Syndrome. She looks different, is somewhat intellectually challenged but smart enough to know when ppl are staring at her looking like she has 4 heads. Parents are as terrible as their children. When I use my money to take her and we have to leave a regular line bcuz she is now in a state of panic about her appearance and wants to crawl in a hole… at this point, her asthma, terrible allergies (perfumes etc), heart defect, tunnel vision and profound deafness are all benched disabilities and the anxiety, CAUSED BY THE HUMANS IN THE LINE WHO CAN’T ACT DECENT) takes spot 1. So we wait the queue time wherever less rude effing people are staring at her and whispering to each other, from 2ft away in a restricted movement environment. I watch ppl take advantage of these programs every time we go to any park and it infuriates me, but I have to also be objective and realize that what is wrong with someone isn’t always obvious by looking at them, but is always none of my business. Good day.
Linda
Now they also have a process that’s unfair where they make people wait ten minutes after scanning into a ride. Which can easily add up with disabilities like ASD, on the ride then whatever needs to be handled with the ASD, and then you realize you forgot to get a DAS time and it just sucks away the time.
It’s like we’re penalized for using the system. It’s small but irksome.
JustMe
Why is it unfair to make a DAS user wait 10 minutes to get another return time? A non-DAS guest can’t be waiting in two standby lines at the same time, and since DAS is supposed to provide an experience similar to that of someone in standby, there is no reason a DAS user should be able to.
If you forget to get a new return time at the 10 minute mark, that’s on you. If it’s that important, then set a timer on your phone to remind you.
To say that you’re being penalized for being treated like every non-DAS guest is the height of entitlement.
Nellie
Most of them are entitled. Through the ADA.
JustMe
The ADA entitles them to accommodations, it doesn’t entitle them to DAS.
DJ
I agree the wait is longer in time. However the fact we can walk to a quiet place or sit somewhere that is in a corner to be less stressful and stimulating is worth it. I just wish we could plan out 2-3 rides and leave as we are local. But not only do I pay for a AP, but can not use it much anymore. It was a great system for us who needed it. Now we use the system at universal and spend our money there on days we try to explore somewhere else besides home.
Disney used to be our hero 1-2 days a week.
Samm
Universal’s system is amazing and so easy to use. The IBCCES access card is an extremely fair way to weed out who qualifies and who doesn’t. This seems to solve the problem of people taking advantage of the system whole keeping things fair.
Every time I’ve used IBCCES it’s been very smooth. You get your return time and then wait in their fastpass line. Its still waiting, sometimes more than 10-15 minutes in a line, which can be hard depending on the queue. We’ve been fortunate that when even that short time has become unbearable, they’ve let us out of line and led us to a quieter or more open area, usually by an elevator. Then they get us when it was our turn.
Disney’s system seems to treat individual disabilities different by allowing some to use DAS and denying others with legitimate needs who don’t necessarily fit in their narrowed guidelines.
Deb
I agree. Letter from my Dr was needed, which I provided. When I was online with the cast member I offered the letter & was told no but DAS was denied even though under the old rules I got it. At the end it said could be reviewed. I filled out info & have never heard back.
Melody
Our son was a Make A Wish recipient when he was younger. Same person who has cerebral palsy and experienced strokes bilaterally in utero. In diapers and cannot use his hands. Disney, who granted his wish, now will not recognize his multiple disabilities. We had letters from his doctors…they were not interested in seeing them. As I stood there and was shut down, I vowed never to return to Disney and we never looked back. Regarding the ignorance of people, we were on the monorail, our son was in his wheelchair with his Make A Wish hat on and this idiotic woman asked very loudly what was wrong with him. I asked her what was wrong with her asking that. I informed her that there was nothing wrong with his hearing. If you have healthy children, count your blessings. We will never know how that feels.
Pam
Michelle,
Thank you for that. My daughter is on oxygen & we have.always.used DAS until last yr when we were denied. She cannot wait in a two hour que. The DAS helped bc we could make sure we could switch out her tank, rest a bit in First Aide, but always knew we were near the First Aide when we needed it. We never asked for front of the line like people assume, we only need a comeback time so we could gauge how long til we needed to change out her tanks. We have also always carried a doctor’s note also which people have a fit over not wanting to do. We want to enjoy the park also. It is her safe haven, a place where we can go and forget about the medical at least for àwhile.
Mr D
Michelle
Please explain why as a disabled person and a Vet with a disability, with 30+ surgeries 7 back surgeries a completely numb leg , unable to walk any distance, unable to stand or sit for wait times in lines, I’m told I’m not qualified for DAS?
JayK
It’s probably because wheelchairs aren’t included in DAS. That’s a different thing with different accommodations (I’d assume you’re in a wheelchair if you can’t walk any distance). If you visited the park, I can assure you that you would receive special accommodations without DAS.
Ron
JKay,
🤣🤣🤣That’s comical, what you said. They don’t accommo-date anyone except for ASD. Even PTSA isn’t considered anymore. As a disabled vet with many medical ailments and PTSD who used to get a das pass and now can’t, I won’t be going anymore. Last time I was there, I had to stand in line for almost 3 hours. Lucky for me, I have a rollator with a seat cause I can’t stand or sit for long periods of time.
JustMe
If you can wait in an almost three hour line by using a rollator, you definitely do not need a DAS.
Mr D
Not exclusively in a wheel chair. I can walk short distances, but as I said can’t stand or sit for extended periods especially standing, sitting makes my other leg go numb. But I have talked to Disney and was told I’d have to wait in lines like every one else. Years ago in Disneyland you’d go up the exit in the wheelchair and get on a ride fairly quick. I guess maybe abusers of this have screwed us that really need it.
JustMe
Sit in the wheelchair when you need to, and if you need to walk, then push the wheelchair.
Jamie
Disabled vet here. I find DAS helps me because of my service dog. I have severe PTSD as well several other disabilities. I wait other places and I dont ride the huge ticket rides. I ride dumbo or Nemo. Maybe one a trip. Saying disabled veterans arent qualified for DAS is just wrong. We can provide lots of documentation but disney won’t allow that. Vets come back with ptsd and asking us to wait away from our families is just wrong. Disney enjoys the tax break of having a DOD hotel on their property but do very little for wounded warriors. Except give us discounts we cant use because of DAS. Vets use the hotel and then go to other theme parks.
JustMe
Because you can use a wheelchair or an ECV and wait in the lines.
Mr D
But that’s just it I can’t sit for awhile or other leg goes numb and pain gets excruciating
JustMe
Then walk and push the wheelchair.
Disney (and Universal too) are finally enforcing the fact that people aren’t entitled to their preferred accommodation.
Marie
For “Just Me”….
My Dad was disabled. Maybe some day you’ll find yourself disabled. And I hope your crap attitude comes back to bite you hard……When you treat people like garbage…it come back to haunt you. What’s it like to be so full of hate???
JustMe
No hate here at all. I have many disabled family members who require accommodations at Disney, and they continue to receive them, but they don’t receive DAS because they can be accommodated without the DAS.
As can the vast majority of disabled people. The difference is that too many disabled people believe they are entitled to the accommodation that they prefer (DAS) to an accommodation that will work (return to queue, waiting outside the line and joining their party later, etc.)
Deborah Baker
I am so sad to say we are not supporting Disney anymore. We did cruises and have the Vacation Club but my family will not be visiting again due to their DAS exclusion of people with special needs. My son cannot enjoy any of the rides anymore unless we pay more monies for special passes. It’s a sad decision when you side with making lots of profit on the backs of individuals with special needs.
JESSICA
What you are doing is wrong you are refusing people with wheelchair. And with anyone who have disabilities. Former president Ronald reagan sign into law the Disabilities Act
Jamie B
Yes!
SS
No, George H.W. Bush signed the ADA act when he was president.
Linda
They aren’t refusing anyone with wheelchairs. Lol DAS is not part of that. They have literal disability access in the parks for the laws you speak of and those mainly, if not totally, apply to public spaces. Inside the parks is not public space.
I was in a wheelchair all last year. I couldn’t go on most rides. Many of these physical ailments are a liability for Disney. Someone with ASD has a different set of issues.
My child has DAS for ASD. For us we seriously wouldn’t go without it. Unlike those in wheelchairs etc complaining because they have no real issue in lines. At all.
As in my case, waiting in lines is easy when in a wheelchair. Or not any harder than any other time. They have disability lanes for people with disabilities like that. You can go through the normal line and then at the end go to the place for entering the ride with a physical disability. They go above and beyond really.
Or there is rider swap and single rider etc.
DAS is mainly for autistic individuals. It was never supposed to be utilized like it was before…or what it got to. They started out experimenting with the idea and didn’t train people with good guidelines so they let everyone and anyone in.
So most people that had DAS did not need it. They just assumed they would have shorter wait lines. Many didn’t stay in DAS because they found out it’s longer at times. Others didn’t pay attention and kept backing up the lines of people that need it. That’s cruel.
We had so many rude people and cruel that would make the DAS line more intolerable and at times even dangerous when they should’ve been in the normal line.
Disney has plenty of special treatment for people using physical aides, that have blindness and MS etc. If they need the help. Like extra time getting on the ride.
They have ramps, though TBH could use one at mainstream train station for SURE or a lift. But that’s one of the only places I know to be an issue and in our experience it’s minor.
Barbara Dwyer
Once the DAS was revised to only include those with extremely special needs such as autism, Disney removed a large group of folks: the older guests. Those of us with artificial hips, knees, RA, osteoarthritis, and other painful joint diseases did not necessarily abuse the system. We got our assigned wait time and returned. Now, we are told to use stand-by or rent an ecv or wheel chair. For many with arthritis, medical advice is to keep moving, not sitting or standing still. Disney is alienating and hurting some of its most honest folks who spend quite a bit of money. When Disney stated that they revised the DAS to only include autism and a few other disabilities, they said that folks were abusing the system and letting in too many relatives. Disney has the capability of limiting how many are included on a DAS pass, and did so the last three years I had it. You’ve punished and alienated many of us. I laughed when I was told that I could just leave my family members in line, walk around, then return to the front of the line when they got there…imagine the anger of the guests behind us. I was also told to rent an ECV…as a former cast member, I can only imagine the nightmare if all senior citizens in the parks had ECVs…Disney used to do better.
K. Akian
It is not about the wheelchair. It is about the person inside the chair and what confines them to the chair. Many people who are full-time wheelchair users also have timed medical treatments that need to be done. Using DAS allows families to plan their day around those treatments- feeding tubes, catheterizations, respiratory treatments, etc… Being in a wheelchair is not relaxing- it is hot and confining when standing in a long line. It is impossible to join your party like families are told to do– you cannot have members wait in line and then try to get past an entire line in a wheelchair as your family approaches the front. People in wheelchairs are not asking to cut the line, they are asking for the same special courtesy that Disney gives to families with other special needs like ASD. Additionally, no one who is mobile (ie- seizure disorders, POTS, autoimmune diseases, arthritis, etc..) should ever be asked to use a wheelchair to enjoy a day at the parks– they should also be considered for DAS access. In my opinion, they should consider all disabilities equal or not consider any at all and make everyone buy LL if they cannot wait in a long line.
Denise
Thank you for your insight. The situation reminds me of the emotional support animal rules with the airlines.
JayK
How? Emotional Support Animals aren’t allowed on any flights unless they’re being transported with baggage. The only animals allowed in the passenger compartment are legitimate service animals which are not ESAs, but protected under federal law as “necessary medical devices”. They can go anywhere their handler can go with VERY few exceptions. ESAs are just glorified pets with a fancy title and meaningless paperwork. They are not service animals.
Jackie
It’s pretty callous of you to say that it’s only meant for people with your child’s specific disability.
My husband’s disability makes standing for long periods of time incredibly painful, walking is mostly fine, but standing still is not.
Our previous access to DAS made it so that we could go sit in a restaurant or go watch a show and he wouldn’t be in pain waiting. On our last trip he was only once offered a wheelchair to stand in line. Other times they said they didn’t have the availability of the wheelchairs for people who were able to walk, or they didn’t have any available at all, but we could wait for them to bring one from another ride (we did this once, it took them 30min to get it and then we had to stand in the 2hr line).
DAS made Disney more easily enjoyable for us, and less painful for my husband, we’ve been once since the DAS overhaul and are unlikely to go back except for our kids school trip, we will go to Universal instead, it’s less expensive and is now more disability friendly than Disney.
JustMe
Why doesn’t your husband rent a wheelchair?
JustMe
A wheelchair can wait in the accessible lines, and for non-accessible lines, they can get a return time.
So why would you need a DAS?
Mr D
Exactly. I’m one of those that get the shaft from Disney. They seem to be more about money.
Some exclusivity they try to say they want and have.
All About Me
Why can’t people in wheelchairs wait in line?
Genuine question?
Jen
It’s all about the money for them. And if it’s going to cost them money with no return, they aren’t doing it. End of story.
Linda
If they have pointless oversight it’s going to cost the guests more money. The DAS system is finally working. People that shouldn’t have had it in the first place are now upset. Most of those types still go. 😆 We wouldn’t because we actually need DAS. But we got it easily.
I also had to use their other services for a physical disability this year and they have good methods for that.
DAS is not for everyone. It’s for a very small percentage that’s the point. If you can sit in a line or can’t even ride the ride then it’s not for you.
And they are NOT hurting for money. Sorry but they sell out of their $5000/ night hotel rooms consistently. Just saying.
Kelly
“The DAS system is finally working. People that shouldn’t have had it in the first place are now upset.”
The callous generalizations in your comment are gross and devoid of any empathy, which is odd considering how deeply you currently depend on accommodation. I’m an adult with a traumatic brain injury who relied on DAS to help me control how much stress I put on my brain while waiting for ride queues. I cannot wait for rides without this accommodation. Disney has decided I’m no longer eligible for accommodation, forcing me to either pay (if still available that day) or just not go. But I cant even get an official conversation with them until I buy a park ticket. I get that you won’t care about this, since you currently dont have problems utilizing DAS. I’m commenting in the hopes that one day, when this rollback personally affects you, that you remember how unfeeling your sentiments have been in the past.
Universal utilizes a third party evaluation to designated DAS access, which requires DRs notes to confirm eligibility. Disney could simply do that. It’s right there. It works for Universal, and no doubt they could improve on the process. But Disney doesn’t want a solution that actually accommodates people. If they did, they would have done so already. They want people paying for lightning lanes. They want people like myself to pay to use a park ticket I’ve already paid for, due to circumstances beyond my control. It’s unconscionable and antithetical to Disney’s original goals for accommodation.
Mr D
Exactly kelly. I feel for you. I have a nephew with traumatic brain syndrome. In lines even in his wheel chair or mobility device he can become very agitated from basically sensory overload. But like someone who said y”you can sit in a wheelchair then you can sit in line. It doesn’t always work that way especially for him. Myself it’s legs going numb and pain level going up. The more pain I get the more irritated I can get. It’s not easy. I guess just no Disney world for us.
JustMe
All of the “Just use the system that Universal uses” people seem to miss a couple of points.
First, proving that you have a disability doesn’t prove that you need a DAS. There are all sorts of disabilities for which DAS isn’t the correct accommodation.
Second, being approved by IBCCES doesn’t mean that you’ll get an AAP (DAS equivalent) at Universal. Universal will still discuss your needs, and they approving fewer people for AAP and instead accommodating people by splitting the party and having the disabled person wait outside the line then meet up with their party when they get near the front.
Just because someone is legitimately disabled doesn’t mean that DAS is the only accommodation available.
JustMe
Exactly!
The LLs had become so overcrowded with people who could be accommodated by other means that many people who actually need DAS couldn’t even wait in them.
Add on to that, the extreme overuse of DAS by people who could be otherwise accommodated made the standby lines even longer for everyone.
These changes needed to be made, and I hope Disney sticks with it.
All About Me
Finally the voice of reason 🙌🏼
Jacqueline Thomas
I have been going to Disney world since it opened in 1971 and have been a member since 2002. I am not able to stand up and must use a wheelchair. The seats on all the rides are too small for my legs to extend fully. I can no longer sit for any extended amount of time in a wheelchair. I pay full price to enter the park and can’t use 99% of the rides. Each so called improvement takes away any access for my enjoyment of the park. I also pay over $3000.00 in membership dues every year plus the full price of the ticket to enter the park for the day. People who do not have disability have ruined it for people with true disabilities. I watch people jump out of their rented wheelchair and run and jump on a ride while I wait for several people who can help me. Something has gone terriblely wrong with all of how Disney is being managed. I know that there are disability that are not visible but there has got to be a better way of dealing with this problem. Shame on the people who take advantage of people with medical disability and the family who are teaching their families to be dishonest.
MS Warrior
As an annual PH who is terminally ill due to a degenerative neurological disease.
I wonder how this will effect Make A Wish, Field trips for children who are disabled and others with real disabilities.
My family has paid well for a Club 33 membership for many year. My family has no issue releasing their membership, drop Disney Vacation Club, Disney Cruises, and any financial support purchasing Disney Merchandise, Disney Pandora, Loungefly, Vera Bradley and artist who offer Disney Related one of a kind art work. WDW disrespecting any paying guest is shitty.
I for 1 can say the financial loss from a single family my family alone with a singled disabled family member could easily cost Disney 100 to 150k per year alone based on our choices and desire to pay for special accommodations.
What’s the point of supporting Disney if Disney is not willing to support disabled Disney guests?
I have a suggestion. Remove Disability Services and reset the program to accomodate the ignorant political White Christian Nationalist Kens and Karen’s.
Those always seem to be the ones at the parks who melt down about disabled people be treated like royalty. Reality as a severely disabled woman visiting a Disney Park, it really sucks how poorly I’m treated by entitled white women. I have had to wait up to 45 minutes for access to a power chair stall, only to roll into a child urine and diaper party filth.
My assistant and I try to use the family / disability asdistat restroom for folks who need help and thats a joke. Little drunk college girls doing sexual selfies, as if you can’t see between the openings.
I see a financial loss for US WDW and DL due to rampant ignorance.
Walt himself would do a board od directors reset if he were alive and witnessed this political game between the current issues in the US.
Im also sick and tired of the political games the red haters pull in their attempts to instigate issues and fights in WDW.
Cory
Wow, what does DAS have to do with White, Christians? I support people using this service who actually need it. Jesus lady, you sound just like the Karens you describe…entitled, with a sprinkling of racism pixie dust!
Shannon
Thank you for the truth and nothing but the truth!
Deck Decker
Are you sure your vitriol should be targeted at the “red haters,” or did you mean, “red hatters?”
You should probably read up on the political backgrounds of people within the top echelon of the Disney group. It would surprise you.
JustMe
Well said.
Sara burton
THIS Is THE PRESIDENT’S fault I am disable and what you are you doing is wrong for people like me and others in the US and the countries.
Walt
Obviously your disability is a mental one as this has nothing to do with the President – or your Trump derangement symptom.
Jamie B
I need DAS for 2 family members but because the system is so complicated and disney doesn’t want to give them a DAS, I have to purchase Lightening Lanes for 7 family members. That’s more that 1,500.00 usually each trip extra. That’s not cheap when we’ve already bought annual passes each plus the photo packages (I forgot proper name) as well as 10 to 14 nights (depending on the trip length) for 3 rooms each trip. Trips are becoming so expensive we may have to vacation somewhere else. Or not come as often.
Jes
The way the DAS program currently operates. It is in fact discriminatory if they want it to only be about part go with autism they need to call it the autism accessibility program. Because there are many disabilities that physically cannot wait in line and they are being refused access to the disability access program. I’m after time people, major spine issues people that have seizures that can be caused by things that happen inside the cues people with neurological conditions people who are affected by sound, kite, faces, etc. are discriminated against purely because this program is catering to only those with autism and that great people at the park with autism deserve accessibility, but so do other people with disability and requiring the people that do not fit into their box for the DAS program to buy a lightning lane to accommodate their disability is illegal and discriminatory. And I really hope that Disney gets there ducks in a row with disability access because it’s truly sad what it has become at the parks, it’s essentially the Florida Parks, it’s crazy that some people can receive DAS at the California parks, but not at the Florida parks. It should operate the same under one system so matter how universal Studios has one system for all of their parks. You apply one time that is good for your passholder year, you apply documentation, proving your disability and you receive accommodations that app apply to your disability, the program is super vibes by a third-party. It makes sense and it doesn’t leave room for the company to be affected by the decisions because it is a third-party operating the disability system at Universal Studios and Disney should really take notes.
Minda
If Disney makes accessibility harder, they will lose more money. That’s just common sense. They should be making it easier for more people to go there. Otherwise, those people will just find other entertainment places that make it easier for them.
JustMe
The parks are raking in money for Disney. Losing some people because they can no longer have their preferred accommodation is not going to hurt Disney.
All About Me
@Minda
No they won’t, they will just accept that the game is up and start queuing like they should have been doing in the first place
Debbie Parks
My family goes still, but mostly without me, as I cannot be in line and because I use a scooter I “don’t need DAS” even though I used it for years and when I didn’t I was completely miserable. I refuse to support their discriminatory practices.
All About Me
@DebbieParks,
Why were you miserable waiting in line with your family, on your scooter? What was the difference between that and having a das pass? I genuinely don’t get it
JustMe
That’s what I don’t get either, All About Me…why is it so hard to wait in the line with a wheelchair?
So many people with legitimate disabilities seem to think that a disability alone entitles them to DAS.
Wrong – no one is entitled to their preferred accommodation.
Disney can (and does) offer alternate accommodations; just because those accommodations aren’t as favorable as DAS doesn’t mean that people should be able to demand DAS because they prefer it.
Diana
When my children where young we visited Disney parks yearly and I figured out how to use the fast pass, my daughter had random seizures so standing in the hot sun and lines was not an option, but she wanted to do everything, including have supper in the castle, which we did. Breakfast with Micky and friends was even better. Anyway I brought a mini clip board and would go to 3 rides in an area and get fast pass times schedule each one at 45 minutes to an hour apart and then hunt down character’s schedule (where they are out giving autographs and taking photos), it was a thing to get as many as possible and fill her autograph book to add the photos later. We waited for nothing in-between rides, having the clip board made planning easier, and filling in time gaps by a character hunt became a challenge they enjoyed. We missed nothing, did it all, every year while they where young, including performing as AllStar Cheerleaders at Disney.
Clare
I’m from the UK and my son and I have visited Walt Disney World five times. He has ASD and ADHD and cannot safely wait in a conventional line. We had used DAS in the past which worked brilliantly, but I was told he was not eligible when we applied for our last visit in October. I couldn’t cancel our trip so ended up spending significantly more on Lightning Lanes to try to make it more bearable. The trip was awful, he couldn’t cope with the lines and ended up completely overwhelmed, eloping and leaving the park on a number of occasions. We didn’t manage to get on some of his favourite rides at all. I was devastated as we’d had such amazing holidays at Disney but the whole experience was ruined. Sadly I don’t plan to return unless policies are reviewed. In theory we are the people who DAS is designed for 😢
Joni
I am so sorry this happened to you. I agree 100% – you are the family this program was designed for. Shame on Disney for denying you. The pass was the only way our family was able to visit DW, too.
Denise
I dropped my Disney annual passes due to their changes. Use IBCCES like Universal does. They require documentation from a physician regarding your diagnosis. My ASD son was absolutely terror struck when he was going to be interviewed by non-medical cast members, so we didn’t end up going that route. Universal has a much better system that doesn’t cause him discomfort and the pass (which is now online in their app) is good for an entire year! I’d much rather give them my money. Do better Disney!
Rox
The new policy recognizes only autism and not the other conditions they used to accommodate. It needs to be reviewed.
Walt
Well I hate to be the naysayer and I am NOT saying accommodations should not be made BUT BUT BUT…. I have seen the “special cases” increase to infinity and beyond over 30 years. I used to plan and take persons with mental illnesses and severe physical disabilities on vacations to the parks. There were ALWAYS attractions that were not appropriate for people due to their needs and we did not demand Disney provide them to us. And by the way, we did not push our way to the front of the line to gain faster access. We waited in line as people could. If someone could not wait in the normal queue – then they and only they (plus attendant) used special access. This system is grossly abused. Everyone now has a disability EVERYONE (diagnosed or not). I have seen HUGE groups abuse the quick access for the “accommodation of ONE person in their group, Yet another actually had a FAKE CAST – HE TOLD ME! Everyone thinks their special accommodation is the most important! This is not a Disney Problem only it is an entitlement attitude – me me me I I I. Perhaps not every attraction is for every person and that is the beauty of Disney – they have enough to do to provide opportunities for all. If someone cannot handle a long line or heavy crowds and you can accommodate them GREAT! – but if it is too much for them why would you want to subject them to that? I am POSITIVE it has more to do with the person demanding access than the person who has the issue.
Angry
This is one reason I refuse to renew an annual pass. The only people that get DAS are those with Autism and those kids should be learning to act appropriately in public and not tantrum. Who is Disney to decide that one disability is worse than another. Years ago when fast pass was free there were no issues! Can we also address people bringing in their emotional support pets! Leave them home if you need that much help maybe you should not be in a crowded park. Your pet does not like walking on the hot surface in 100 degree heat waiting for you in a cage because your being selfish. Those pets need to stay HOME. Especially those of you that bring the dogs with no shoes. Here in fl. It’s animal abuse letting your dog burn their paws. In case you haven’t noticed, just thoroughly disgusted with Disney and they were the reason we moved here. I’ve been coming here for 30 years and have watched the decline.
Joni
You, sir or ma’am, need to educate yourself. Your comments regarding people with ASD are highly offensive and hurtful.
And you should remember that it is Disney who made this policy, not the people with ASD.
Choose kindness.
All About Me
@Angry
Who in gods name do you think you are!!
You clearly know nothing about ASD so are not even entitled to open your mouth about it.
Thank goodness you haven’t renewed your AP’s, one less bigot to worry about!
TheVoiceOfX
I think that the fact there are even discussions like this, reveals the high level of entitlement in our society.
Amanda
I think they need to focus a little more on the heat they are currently in …no more men in the women’s bathroom.
3210911@Disney🙏amen
Mike
It been abused for years. I doubt it will go away they will just tighten who can use the program.
People with real disabilities need the program. If you haven’t officially been given a medical disability then you don’t get it at the parks.
Grey
OK so I am disabled. I am a double ak amputee. I’m in a wheelchair.
First of all, Twitter is not going to be like for once in their lives can people who run companies and investors surrounding that company not use social media interactions as a way to know if the policy is going well or not because that’s not a good way to actually gauge that and all you have to do is look at tech to figure that out. They shoved AI into everything and everybody wants them out as soon as possible from everything that it was put into cause it’s so irritating and it doesn’t work, but all they looked at was social media and all they saw was tech bros and other investors hyping it up instead of listening to the actual people.
Anyway, the park is relatively accessible. No one who is disabled. No one should ever in their life, be given the impression that they will be able to have an identical experience to able bodied people.
I don’t think most disabled people are delusional enough to think that they will. Because each of us is quite aware of our limitations and how it’s going to affect us and whatever like I don’t need you to tear down like like 70-year-old things at Disneyland to shove a ramp in an elevator into it. It’s like I just don’t need to do everything and that’s fine.
I will say that this program the point of it like it was initially implemented because the wheelchairs themselves were being abused by people who were just paying to rent them and then using them to skip lines
And I totally get needing some way to try to curve that to force them to stand in front of you and then like lie to your face at the very least if they want to do that which most people will not do
But ultimately, it became more confusing because like sometimes the policy was that if you’re in a wheelchair on certain rides, you do go through the exit and on the other ones you don’t because they were overhauled or whatever and like if you went to the wrong one they would just literally make you go to the correct ones. You’d like end up packing to go through line twice because if you don’t know how the ride works yet you don’t necessarily know which way you’re supposed to be going and the exits are not necessarily near to the entrance entrances so that could actually be extremely irritating.
That was the one policy that kind of seemed to flip-flop a lot, and the cast members ability to manage these groups of people is also not necessarily there.
Essentially, the percentage of people who are disabled is so minuscule and comparison to the percentage of other people that a lot less effort should be put into micromanaging the ways they get onto rides as long as the way that they go is literally safe
Like I’m Pirates of the Caribbean if you’re on a wheelchair, you cannot go in the front way. It’s not safe to do that. You have to go through the exit but on Buzz Lightyear, I’m pretty sure even if you’re disabled, you can go through the whole line and it doesn’t matter, but if someone goes through the exit who cares like that line is incredibly well designed, you’re never gonna be in it for more than 30 or 40 minutes. If someone goes through intend because they went to the exit I don’t I don’t care nobody cares and anybody who does care can eat a dik.
JT
FREE BRITNEY!!!
Jeremyhall2727
Pretty heartless, I wouldn’t go there. A slap in the face to all their disabled customers
Dawn
Too many XL Karen’s taking advantage, too many adults with no kids, acting like kids, Disney went WOKE and themagi is gone. Now, Disney is cutting corners to compensate. I’ve spent lots of money at Disney but unless they turn back to what they once were, they will never see another dime from me.
Charles Forsyth
Oh the screams of the overweight loud mouth entitled Karen’s and their special needs child. Disney has been nothing but accommodating when possible.
Mr D
When I was younger my mother needed a wheel chair due to physical and surgical problems. We could go up the exit and get on a ride in a few minutes, it was limited to 3-4 people.
Now myself and my wife would love to go see Disney in Florida. But from what I’ve been told with my situation I’m disabled civilian wise and have disability from military service issues, over 30 surgeries including 7 on my back with a totally numb left leg and vein issues that don’t allow me to stand or even sit very long I’m not afforded their DAS program even though I need a wheel chair or my mobility scooter for long term things like amusement parks, fairs or anything where I’d need to be on my feet for hours or go distances between things.
So I guess I can forget about seeing Disney florida
David
I too used to use das I had a heart attack n kidney failure im on dialysis it makes it very difficult to stand in lines i get. Dizzy n feel as if i will pass out im 61 it was embarrassing enough to explain to an 18 year old my issues but das made it worth it
I’ve been going to Disney parks since before I was born I’m heartbroken how Disney is treating disability don’t give a three month pass unless ur a pass holder show more mercy to those already cursed with disability
peggy
please do the right thing for my nonverbal, not potty trained 13 year old grandson so we can obtinue to experience the wonder of disney as a family.
JustMe
Why does being non-verbal mean that he can’t wait in lines? Why does not being potty trained mean that he can’t wait in lines?
If you’re going as a family and you feel he can’t wait in the standby line, then someone else in the party can wait outside the line with him and join up at the merge and ride together.
D
I only became disabled 4 yrs ago. It was a cast member that informed me of the program after a person saw me struggling in the long line to Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railroad. I only has DAS for a year, until the policy changed and I no longer am eligible. So, I no longer go to the parks, except for the Halloween Party (only a few hours & shorter wait times). I didn’t renew my Annual Pass, either.
NJMOM
It’s unfortunate. My husband is handicap, but our kids do enjoy Disney. He enjoys going on vacation with them to see their smiling faces. He has his handicap, blacker and Card, but no longer is qualified for the DAS. We don’t get there often maybe once every few years because we live states away, but this is truly our kids favorite vacation and hopefully they’ll do some kind of accommodation in the future for people that are truly handicap in to have the validation legal documents to show it
NJMOM
If they would accept a handicap legal document, I think that that would work out a limit the abuse
JustMe
Proving they have a disability is meaningless because not every disability needs a DAS.
NJMOM
No, not every disability needs DAS but when you’re handicapped not everybody gets approved for it so that means there’s a major disability and you can go through and tell them that so I don’t know what your logic is
JustMe
My logic is that if I have a handicapped placard for my car because I’m paralyzed and must use a wheelchair, while that is indeed a major disability, it doesn’t mean that I need a DAS in order to access Disney. I do need accessible lines or alternative entrances, but I don’t need a DAS.
Under your logic, the fact that I have a handicapped placard means that I should get a DAS, even though I can be accommodated without one.
NJMOM
A handicap person would require a DAS if legally required and handicap this is way there are specific requirements criteria and parking for them
NJMOM
A handicap person would require a DAS if legally required they fall under a certain criteria
JustMe
Untrue.
Someone who has a handicapped placard because they use a wheelchair doesn’t need a DAS because they can use the wheelchair to access attractions through the standby line or through alternate entrances, if the standby line isn’t wheelchair accessible.
You seem to think that the DAS should be the accommodation for any and all disabilities, but Disney is well within their rights to offer different accommodations for different disabilities, or even different accommodations for different people with the same disability, depending on the needs of the individuals.
Dan
For me I know Disney is not needing the 8000 to 12000 spend for 5 days i would go to disney and they are okay with that because das is not allowed for me so I can not go we both have to accept that money issue is what disney sees
Chris B
Disney is an entertainmebt based company and just like the entertainment industry they are shallow. Disney doesnt care about those that in their eyes “arent normal” they dont like those that arent pretty or handsome. if you’re not said normal, pretty, and handsome then you are nothing to Disney and its unfortunate. If you want proof look at the majority of guests that are at all of the parks. They all look like models. Disney wants those people to be there to make their parks look good.
NJMOM
Justme is in denial that there are people with disabilities who require accommodations can you admit that justme?
JustMe
You’re wrong again @NJMOM…I absolutely acknowledge that there are many people who need accommodations.
But I understand that there are accommodations other than the DAS that can be offered and utilized to make Disney accessible, whereas you seem to believe that anyone with any kind of disability should be granted a DAS whether they really need it or not.
What you seem to miss is that DAS is meant for those who need it in order to make Disney possible…not easier, not faster, not more comfortable, not more magical – possible.
NJMOM
Justme your absolutely wrong we went to Disney without the DAS that was ok what isn’t ok is that there was zero accommodation gor my husband do you hit a nerve. There are many people who rely on accommodations. I glad that you’re aware that there are people who have disabilities and need accommodation. I stated my thoughts. You voiced yours. Thank you and I’m done. 😉
JustMe
Zero accommodations?
Highly doubtful.
Accommodations that you didn’t like?
Highly likely.
You have a good night.
JustMe
Zero accommodations?
Highly doubtful.
Accommodations that you didn’t like?
Highly likely.
You have a good night.
Cheryl
Honestly all of those without disabilities really can not have an opinion based on the facts, in the way those of us who do can. You can’t speak from experience. It’s quite selfish and callous to believe you can speak for any of us or judge a system that isn’t meant for you.
SK
W!ell said, Cheryl!
JustMe
Anyone is entitled to an opinion, whether you agree with that opinion or not.
Overuse and abuse of DAS affects everyone in the park, whether they are disabled people who actually need DAS, but can’t wait in LLs that are too long due to overuse and abuse, non-disabled people who pay for LL that is ineffective because too many people are in the LL, or people in standby who have to wait much, much longer because of too many people in the LL.