disabilities assistance Abuse

[pasta]

They have the ability to set up DAS at an attraction? That's not what I've seen or read.

I do not believe you can get DAS set up at attractions. I believe it has to be done at guest service.

 

[Mamabun]

I agree with your observations also. If you read my entire post, you would see I clearly stated it could of been abuse. I also do not like to judge people, but whatever the reasons, there were more people getting returns than usual.

Sorry, didn’t mean to imply anything about your observations or experience. Just agreeing that waits for obtaining DAS return times were longer - I thought that was a good thing you pointed out. And I just wanted to add, surprisingly for me, it wasn’t because of lots other people getting return times - it was the ‘other’ things. Also, just a heads for folks like us who try to not let the person with disability see or think about the ride too much until you’re ready and able to ride, that obtaining the return time may need more time than previously.

 

[pasta]

Sorry, didn’t mean to imply anything about your observations or experience. Just agreeing that waits for obtaining DAS return times were longer - I thought that was a good thing you pointed out. And I just wanted to add, surprisingly for me, it wasn’t because of lots other people getting return times - it was the ‘other’ things. Also, just a heads for folks like us who try to not let the person with disability see or think about the ride too much until you’re ready and able to ride, that obtaining the return time may need more time than previously.

I didn’t like the way my response sounded, and I edited my original post. No apology necessary, but thank you

Yes, lots of variables at play. Hopefully the new system will work, and people that can, will do returns on their phone.

 

[SueM in MN]

That has never been my experience. They take 10 minutes off of the wait time and tell you to come back then. So you don't go right through if the wait is 30 minutes, you come back in 20 and get in the FP line. And if the wait is under 15 minutes, then you are able to just go into the regular line. I don't know where you are getting this information from.

What you have written about going directly into the line if the wait is 15 minutes or less is now written in the Disney website FAQs. Screenshot showing the info

 

[Evita_W]

What you have written about going directly into the line if the wait is 15 minutes or less is now written in the Disney website FAQs. Screenshot showing the info

View attachment 598997

Right and sometimes, depending on the exact set of circumstances, they do the same when the standby is longer, you ahold never expect this, but you should always be prepared for this to happen, as it has caught us unaware a couple of times and we had to get the rest of our party over to the attraction. Now unless we know it is a longer line (usually over 30 minutes), our entire party goes to get the return time as a result

 

[Claudia1]

The DAS, in the US at least, doesn't provide that immediate access...the DAS holder must get a return time that is equal to the standby wait time minus 10 minutes. After waiting, they come back and enter the FP line. While it still provides an advantage, it doesn't provide nearly the incentive for the non-disabled to abuse it as they did the GAC. It also prevents valid users from overusing it to the extent that ride operations for all guests are negatively impacted.
**edited to correct "was" to "wasn't"

Except the DAS doesn’t work like a fast pass. With the DAS you get a return time that’s equivalent to the standby wait time. It only gives the DAS holder an alternative place to wait.

Our recent experience has been that the wait times for DAS is nearly always equal to the standby time or even more. (Standby lines are sometimes inflated.) I talked to a DAS CM a couple of weeks ago and said that I've noticed the return times are closer to standby lines and she stiffened up a bit, as if expecting me to be upset. I simple added that I understand it's not go-to-the-head-of-the-line but just to avoid any trauma or issues from waiting in line. She then relaxed and said, "yes, everyone is still waiting the same amount of time but DAS just lets you wait in a different area".

I'm fine with that and I think that those of us who aren't trying to trick the system are OK with it, too.

 

[MS_Warrior]

I'm fine with that and I think that those of us who aren't trying to trick the system are OK with it, too.

I agree.

 

[DisneyByMarriage]

Just my two cents, from someone battling with inquiring about DAS for our next trip. I have three kids. One has a clinical diagnosis which he takes expensive medicine for. There are cheaper generics, but of course they aren’t easy for a child to take. So let’s say we get DAS, and we have him take the medicine right before we go to the park. The max amount of time the medicine works is 5 hours. Some days he gets sick from the medicine (sleep, food, heat all affect it). After that, it’s a crap shoot. He may be the model citizen or he may touch everyone he sees. We may or may not be approved for it - but it would make a huge difference in our day. We still wouldn’t stay at the park the entire day, and I would venture to say MOST people who have a need for a DAS are not rope drop to wishes people. So it’s not fair to say that “everyone with a DAS is making standby lines longer” - because in most cases the reason for needing the DAS itself probably means there are some rides you won’t even attempt. You can never tell what’s going on, and what does “normal” look like these days?

 

[CBMom01]

It’s funny. I’m worried about the perception of abuse this trip because of the announcements. Used to be DS and I. Now with a bigger family but more need - 2 kids on the spectrum, one adult with cognitive challenges, and one with a not immediately obvious physical disability. I worry people will see 6 healthy looking people and assume we’re *those* people.


Or worse, they assume we’re abusing and think, “hell, i should do that too!”

 

[CBMom01]

Just my two cents, from someone battling with inquiring about DAS for our next trip. I have three kids. One has a clinical diagnosis which he takes expensive medicine for. There are cheaper generics, but of course they aren’t easy for a child to take. So let’s say we get DAS, and we have him take the medicine right before we go to the park. The max amount of time the medicine works is 5 hours. Some days he gets sick from the medicine (sleep, food, heat all affect it). After that, it’s a crap shoot. He may be the model citizen or he may touch everyone he sees. We may or may not be approved for it - but it would make a huge difference in our day. We still wouldn’t stay at the park the entire day, and I would venture to say MOST people who have a need for a DAS are not rope drop to wishes people. So it’s not fair to say that “everyone with a DAS is making standby lines longer” - because in most cases the reason for needing the DAS itself probably means there are some rides you won’t even attempt. You can never tell what’s going on, and what does “normal” look like these days?

thats a great point. We don’t clog up the system because we don't do tons of rides in a day. And many of the super popular thrill rides are off the table for us anyway

 

[mamabunny]

...and what does “normal” look like these days?

At my house, "normal" looks like a setting on the washing machine, and nothing more...

 

[Hoodie]

Just back and it seems like they are tightening the DAS process. Saw someone with a scooter get denied at Hollywood Studios. Interestingly, the CM told the group that they would not be eligible at DHS, AK, or Epcot as all lines are capable of handling a scooter, but to ask at MK as those lines were older and not all accessible. We were also told they are no longer overriding the 6 person limit. In the past I think Disney was more lax but with the implementation of Genie and paid FP, I think we are going to see DAS issuance more mirror Universal where it is a bit more difficult to get. That said, I love the proposed changes to DAS with pre-screening and most importantly the ability to book your return times from your phone. I'd just be prepared for a more thorough discussion.

 

[Lilsia]

Just back and it seems like they are tightening the DAS process. Saw someone with a scooter get denied at Hollywood Studios. Interestingly, the CM told the group that they would not be eligible at DHS, AK, or Epcot as all lines are capable of handling a scooter, but to ask at MK as those lines were older and not all accessible. We were also told they are no longer overriding the 6 person limit. In the past I think Disney was more lax but with the implementation of Genie and paid FP, I think we are going to see DAS issuance more mirror Universal where it is a bit more difficult to get. That said, I love the proposed changes to DAS with pre-screening and most importantly the ability to book your return times from your phone. I'd just be prepared for a more thorough discussion.

But if the person gets a DAS at MK, it is good for all of the parks, so I don't understand that. Are they able to make it park specific and don't they already have a work around at MK for those rides that the queue is not accessible, plus having a DAS does not help with getting a chair through the line. This does not make any sense.

 

[SueM in MN]

But if the person gets a DAS at MK, it is good for all of the parks, so I don't understand that. Are they able to make it park specific and don't they already have a work around at MK for those rides that the queue is not accessible, plus having a DAS does not help with getting a chair through the line. This does not make any sense.

Exactly.
MK does have work around for all the attractions where the regular line is not accessible. Even if it was able to be made park specific, issuing it to only be active at MK would still allow it to be used at other MK attractions that are Mainstream accessible - unless they will also have a way to make it only ‘valid’ at certain attractions at MK.

This is what the Disney website FAQs says about the new process (my bold)

”Is DAS issued at one Disney theme park valid at other Disney theme parks?
DAS is valid throughout the Resort at which it was issued. DAS issued at Walt Disney World Resort is not, for example, valid at the Disneyland Resort, and vice versa.”

 

[lanejudy]

the CM told the group that they would not be eligible at DHS, AK, or Epcot as all lines are capable of handling a scooter, but to ask at MK as those lines were older and not all accessible

Unfortunately, I think this sounds like a case of a poorly-trained CM. Or partially-trained. Right answer regarding DHS, AK and Epcot but apparently confused about MK. Maybe they were thinking of the "wheelchair return times" that are used at some MK attractions but confused it with DAS return times. Hopefully a CM at MK will clarify for them. (And hopefully that DHS CM will get more training.)

 

[ttintagel]

Right - if there is a different entrance for wheelchairs at an attraction, you’re not supposed to need DAS to use it.

 

[Groot]

Just back and it seems like they are tightening the DAS process. Saw someone with a scooter get denied at Hollywood Studios. Interestingly, the CM told the group that they would not be eligible at DHS, AK, or Epcot as all lines are capable of handling a scooter, but to ask at MK as those lines were older and not all accessible. We were also told they are no longer overriding the 6 person limit. In the past I think Disney was more lax but with the implementation of Genie and paid FP, I think we are going to see DAS issuance more mirror Universal where it is a bit more difficult to get. That said, I love the proposed changes to DAS with pre-screening and most importantly the ability to book your return times from your phone. I'd just be prepared for a more thorough discussion.

One time I went to Kilamanjaro Safaris, there was 5 of us, including me in the scooter, so we went to the separate loading area halfway through. Behind us though was a PARTY OF 20 PEOPLE, ALL ACCOMPANYING 1 PERSON IN A SCOOTER!

The person in charge of loading the handicap platform was going to let me and my family through, but someone in the afforementioned group through a fit as I was getting my cane out of the scooter basket in order to get up. They screamed “FAKER!”, “YOU DON’T NEED THAT SCOOTER!”, and “HOW BOUT YOU WALK NORMAL FOR A CHANGE!”. The CM saw that they were getting ready to fight and promptly called for security to escort them out of the park.

 

[iloveftwilderness]

The FASTPASS lane is not just used by DAS. It is also used by Club 33 members and people getting passes due to rides breaking down, etc. Others just need to mind their business. For the ones using DAS, not all disabilities are seen. Be kind and be thankful you don't need a DAS pass.

 

[SueM in MN]

The FASTPASS lane is not just used by DAS. It is also used by Club 33 members and people getting passes due to rides breaking down, etc. Others just need to mind their business. For the ones using DAS, not all disabilities are seen. Be kind and be thankful you don't need a DAS pass.

Yes… people assume it’s all DAS users right now, but it’s not.
I was at WDW for 3 weeks in June 2021. Several attractions had long lines at the Fastpass entrance and as I got close to the area while waiting in the Standby line, I could hear a fair number of discussions. Some were people asking about or coming back for Rider Swap. Some didn’t know Fastpass was not being used and were asking how to get a Fastpass.
On my trips to Pandora in AK, I saw large groups of people at Flights of Passage. I later learned they were doing trials involving the Fastpass lines (maybe testing Genie somehow).

 

[Evita_W]

One time I went to Kilamanjaro Safaris, there was 5 of us, including me in the scooter, so we went to the separate loading area halfway through. Behind us though was a PARTY OF 20 PEOPLE, ALL ACCOMPANYING 1 PERSON IN A SCOOTER!

The person in charge of loading the handicap platform was going to let me and my family through, but someone in the afforementioned group through a fit as I was getting my cane out of the scooter basket in order to get up. They screamed “FAKER!”, “YOU DON’T NEED THAT SCOOTER!”, and “HOW BOUT YOU WALK NORMAL FOR A CHANGE!”. The CM saw that they were getting ready to fight and promptly called for security to escort them out of the park.

While that attraction could handle that number accompanying a single scooter, that is terrible, glad the CM was on top of it though. Sometimes, if they know it will take security a moment they will let them ride and have security waiting for them when they exit as well. Sometimes, its easier to keep things peaceful that way.