Judgment, verbal attacks, foul language--this current transition phase from FP+ to Disney Genie--Genie +/IAS is especially difficult for
DAS users in this regard due to the fact that they are pretty much the only ones using the "Lightning Lanes". For some reason, guests in the Standby lines feel it's open season to freely express themselves (and their ignorance). Traveling with friends on my most recent trip for the 50th, we did not use a DAS but when I travel with my family, we've used one since DAS was established. I have no issue with the ridiculous comments I hear as I walk through the line--they roll right off--however, whenever an adult directs their frustration, rage, impatience at a child--I have no tolerance. Adults know, or should know better, than to verbally accost a child. People see others moving quickly through the line and either forget or don't realize: A) that you still had to check in and wait the same time that they have; B) often times it is a collective effort to engage, distract, calm a loved one (and sometimes those idle time periods can create some of the most difficult challenges--so yes, often times these "waiting periods" are spent doing something different--maintaining structure, focus, and attention is the goal); C) they are seeing a brief, passing moment in time--they did not see what just happened when someone just brushed up against my family member as we were walking up to the attraction cue; D) they have no idea what others go through or struggle with or battle to overcome both inside and outside of DisneyWorld everyday; and E) realize how many return times go unused--because, frankly, it just wasn't meant to be that day.
In our particular situation, we did seek out a DAS. A wonderful CM at Animal Kingdom noticed what I'll call "some commotion" one morning and upon further investigation and communication--was able to expertly assist in de-escalating a situation--he then instructed us to go to Guest Services to register. I'm hopeful that once others are using the lightning lanes again--DAS users and their families will encounter much less of the aggressive behavior from other guests.
In terms of DAS abuse--does it happen? Oh, definitely--I'm not naive--it's also not just a DAS specific issue--I've seen a family show up at a bus stop at HS with one family member in a scooter. They complained and threatened the driver until he emptied the already loaded bus. At this point, their entire party of 18 people got on board--no joking--18 people. Then back at the resort--I witnessed that same family playing tackle football 15 minutes later, including the person who was in the scooter. There will always be those who cut corners, cheat a little here and there, and do what they can to get theirs. I can waste my energy getting frustrated and angry or I can just let it go--that's my choice. So, when I see a seemingly neurotypical child or an adult with no obvious physical impairment walking by in the cue next to me and it's easy to question if this individual truly needs this accommodation or if it is just someone scamming the system--I choose to be empathetic and thankful--grateful that I don't have those struggles.
In terms of Disney researching and investigating those who lie and scam the system--Disney knows a lot more about what we do than most people think--look at the last DAS legal case--they knew where the parties were, their movements throughout the park, how much time they could spend in the park at one time, etc.--remember, no matter what media one uses--we all still have to scan in at attractions--your ticket is always your ticket (well, once it's activated with its first use)--maybe they are going to become a lot more aggressive and intensive about using this data--this may be what they have in mind going forward--who knows? Their verbiage is definitely much stronger than its ever been before--
"What happens if any of the statements made by a Guest in the process of registering for DAS are found to be not true?
If Disney determines that any of the statements a Guest made in the process of obtaining DAS are not true, the Guest will be permanently barred from entering Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort, and any previously purchased annual passes, Magic Key passes, tickets and other park products and services will be forfeited and not refunded."
