Disney DAS

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:With DAS, you are still waiting the full standby time to get back into the line. It's not anything like a VIP pass.

It's very much like a VIP pass to be able to put yourself on a waitlist for a ride and then get to do other fun things while you wait, like go to a show, shop, watch a parade or go eat lunch. You can get on the standby list for Tower of Terror and then go see the Beauty and the Beast show while you wait. Or tap in for Micky and Minnie RR and go see the Indiana Jones stunt show or watch the parade. Then get on the list for Rise of the Resistance while you do Star Wars land. It's a huge advantage.

If my kid with autism could actually do all this, I wouldn't need a Das, now would i? Like what planet are you posting from? It doesn't seem to be a planet that has any special needs people on it.

This is exactly how the program is being used.

If your kid can't do all these things, then they wouldn't be impacted by a cap or other limits placed on the program that would stop it from being used by some as an advantage over Genie+.

Agreed. The people with actual real limitations, using DAS to get on 3-4 things a day are NOT the problem. Its everyone else who is still using DAS to ride more than a "typical" Disney visitor. That does affect everyone negatively.

Agree. This is why I think the answer is to just give them two pre-scheduled rides a day. Then if they want they can get Genie+ on top of that.

They will claim this is unfair because then Jude can't right Toy Story Mania 15 times in a row if he wants to.

[Anonymous]

We've never done Disney even though our 5 year-old kid would qualify for DAS under both the current and new system BECAUSE we know it would be such a big waste of money due to the uncertainty of his developmental and neuro issues.

We did LegoLand last year for the first time on a very empty day and got to do about 3 rides + enjoying the Lego playrooms before he had a complete and total emotional breakdown.

So even if we go to Disney with a DAS, the odds are high that we probably wouldn't do more than 4-5 rides total in a day. And that's if he's having a "good day."

My suspicion is that the people who really need a DAS have issues (physical or mental) that prevent them from going on too many rides. They need constant breaks, either to physically rest or - in our case - de-stimulate and reset.

So yeah, do a DAS and set a cap. There's so many non-ride attractions to keep DAS users entertained. If anything, we need more arears for them to rest and de-stimulate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We've never done Disney even though our 5 year-old kid would qualify for DAS under both the current and new system BECAUSE we know it would be such a big waste of money due to the uncertainty of his developmental and neuro issues.

We did LegoLand last year for the first time on a very empty day and got to do about 3 rides + enjoying the Lego playrooms before he had a complete and total emotional breakdown.

So even if we go to Disney with a DAS, the odds are high that we probably wouldn't do more than 4-5 rides total in a day. And that's if he's having a "good day."

My suspicion is that the people who really need a DAS have issues (physical or mental) that prevent them from going on too many rides. They need constant breaks, either to physically rest or - in our case - de-stimulate and reset.

So yeah, do a DAS and set a cap. There's so many non-ride attractions to keep DAS users entertained. If anything, we need more arears for them to rest and de-stimulate.

Except the data said a portion of DAS users were averaging many more rides than those without DAS, so they weren't prevented at all. Both things can be true, people do actually need DAS and other people have abused the previous system. Changes are going into place to address the latter which should help the former.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We've never done Disney even though our 5 year-old kid would qualify for DAS under both the current and new system BECAUSE we know it would be such a big waste of money due to the uncertainty of his developmental and neuro issues.

We did LegoLand last year for the first time on a very empty day and got to do about 3 rides + enjoying the Lego playrooms before he had a complete and total emotional breakdown.

So even if we go to Disney with a DAS, the odds are high that we probably wouldn't do more than 4-5 rides total in a day. And that's if he's having a "good day."

My suspicion is that the people who really need a DAS have issues (physical or mental) that prevent them from going on too many rides. They need constant breaks, either to physically rest or - in our case - de-stimulate and reset.

So yeah, do a DAS and set a cap. There's so many non-ride attractions to keep DAS users entertained. If anything, we need more arears for them to rest and de-stimulate.

Except the data said a portion of DAS users were averaging many more rides than those without DAS, so they weren't prevented at all. Both things can be true, people do actually need DAS and other people have abused the previous system. Changes are going into place to address the latter which should help the former.

PP here:

Yes, "super users" will skew the data to show a higher median for all DAS users. Which is why setting a cap on rides for DAS users + tightening proof of eligibility requirements makes the most sense.

It's a privilege afforded by Disney, not a right.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We've never done Disney even though our 5 year-old kid would qualify for DAS under both the current and new system BECAUSE we know it would be such a big waste of money due to the uncertainty of his developmental and neuro issues.

We did LegoLand last year for the first time on a very empty day and got to do about 3 rides + enjoying the Lego playrooms before he had a complete and total emotional breakdown.

So even if we go to Disney with a DAS, the odds are high that we probably wouldn't do more than 4-5 rides total in a day. And that's if he's having a "good day."

My suspicion is that the people who really need a DAS have issues (physical or mental) that prevent them from going on too many rides. They need constant breaks, either to physically rest or - in our case - de-stimulate and reset.

So yeah, do a DAS and set a cap. There's so many non-ride attractions to keep DAS users entertained. If anything, we need more arears for them to rest and de-stimulate.

Except the data said a portion of DAS users were averaging many more rides than those without DAS, so they weren't prevented at all. Both things can be true, people do actually need DAS and other people have abused the previous system. Changes are going into place to address the latter which should help the former.

PP here:

Yes, "super users" will skew the data to show a higher median for all DAS users. Which is why setting a cap on rides for DAS users + tightening proof of eligibility requirements makes the most sense.

It's a privilege afforded by Disney, not a right.

It would be curious to know the data, but I would probably expect DAS ride usage distribution to look like a barbell distribution.

On the left side, you have people who really need the DAS and are taking frequent breaks from attractions. On the right side, you have the DAS phonies who are getting the pass to cram in as many rides as possible.

The normal Disney ticketholder ride usage looks like a Normal distribution.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:With DAS, you are still waiting the full standby time to get back into the line. It's not anything like a VIP pass.

It's very much like a VIP pass to be able to put yourself on a waitlist for a ride and then get to do other fun things while you wait, like go to a show, shop, watch a parade or go eat lunch. You can get on the standby list for Tower of Terror and then go see the Beauty and the Beast show while you wait. Or tap in for Micky and Minnie RR and go see the Indiana Jones stunt show or watch the parade. Then get on the list for Rise of the Resistance while you do Star Wars land. It's a huge advantage.

If my kid with autism could actually do all this, I wouldn't need a Das, now would i? Like what planet are you posting from? It doesn't seem to be a planet that has any special needs people on it.

This is exactly how the program is being used.

If your kid can't do all these things, then they wouldn't be impacted by a cap or other limits placed on the program that would stop it from being used by some as an advantage over Genie+.

Agreed. The people with actual real limitations, using DAS to get on 3-4 things a day are NOT the problem. Its everyone else who is still using DAS to ride more than a "typical" Disney visitor. That does affect everyone negatively.

Agree. This is why I think the answer is to just give them two pre-scheduled rides a day. Then if they want they can get Genie+ on top of that.

They will claim this is unfair because then Jude can't right Toy Story Mania 15 times in a row if he wants to.

Jude can't do that now. There is not enough hours in the day, because Jude still has to wait the standby time, and then wait in the LL line. Unless the park is unusually empty and the standby time is extremely short-nobody is riding 15 times.

But you knew that when you posted this false scenario.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We've never done Disney even though our 5 year-old kid would qualify for DAS under both the current and new system BECAUSE we know it would be such a big waste of money due to the uncertainty of his developmental and neuro issues.

We did LegoLand last year for the first time on a very empty day and got to do about 3 rides + enjoying the Lego playrooms before he had a complete and total emotional breakdown.

So even if we go to Disney with a DAS, the odds are high that we probably wouldn't do more than 4-5 rides total in a day. And that's if he's having a "good day."

My suspicion is that the people who really need a DAS have issues (physical or mental) that prevent them from going on too many rides. They need constant breaks, either to physically rest or - in our case - de-stimulate and reset.

So yeah, do a DAS and set a cap. There's so many non-ride attractions to keep DAS users entertained. If anything, we need more arears for them to rest and de-stimulate.

Except the data said a portion of DAS users were averaging many more rides than those without DAS, so they weren't prevented at all. Both things can be true, people do actually need DAS and other people have abused the previous system. Changes are going into place to address the latter which should help the former.

PP here:

Yes, "super users" will skew the data to show a higher median for all DAS users. Which is why setting a cap on rides for DAS users + tightening proof of eligibility requirements makes the most sense.

It's a privilege afforded by Disney, not a right.

I think the problem was worse than a few bad apples skewing the median. 60% of people in the Lightning Lane were DAS users. That's a LOT of people using the service, not just a few super users doing it again and again. But I agree with your solution.

[Anonymous]

Since everyone pays the same price to enter or to get season passes, people try to get the most they can for their money since it is so expensive for most families to go visit Disneyland / Disneyworld.

When you go and see a family of 6 cutting into the line and they have (or not have a family member) with an invisible disability then you start to think well someone in our family has ADHD, IBS, back issues, eye issues, heart issues, anxiety, etc. so if they don't have to wait in line why should I?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People really took advantage of the DAS program. I don’t blame Disney for changing it.

I do. People taking advantage of it is no reason to completely take away DAS from physically disabled people. It’s crazy to me that someone with like cerebral palsy or cancer or MS or whatever can’t use this service anymore because they don’t also have autism.

It doesn't sound like the new policy removes all access to physical disabilities. DAS is just excluding people whose issues can be solved with a pass to leave the line and return or a mobility device (e.g., scooter or wheelchair) so they don't have to stand.

Part of the problem is forcing people to use mobility devices when they don't need them under normal circumstances. I've seen several stories about amputees who are perfectly "mobile" but who have difficulty waiting in long lines, especially in heat, as the day progresses because their prosthesis becomes less comfortable and more painful being denied DAS because they could just get a wheelchair. That seems wrong to me.

NP What?! Someone upthread told me that if my toddler can't wait in 30-60 minute lines I shouldn't go to Disney either.

They can get a scooter. There is nothing “wrong” about that.

Huh. You don't think someone with a genuine physical disability that causes significant pain deserves some accommodation? By the way, ECVs cost $65 per day to rent, but I guess those slacker amputees should just deal.

If they’re walking around a park all day on a prosthesis, there’s no reason they can’t stand in line with the same prosthesis. Or sit on the chair/cane. Or lean on the ropes like the rest of us. If they can’t walk around the park all day and can’t stand in line at all, they get a scooter or a wheelchair.
Quit playing the victim here. There are options. You just don’t like them.

NP. By that logic, people with zero physical disabilities who have autism can also just stand in line for hours.

I don’t think that’s true. If an autistic kid can’t stand in line for an hour they may act out or scream or get physical or cause a disturbance to others waiting in line. It’s a completely different scenario.

This. My kid has to eat in a lunch bunch because he cannot even handle the noise and commotion of the cafeteria at school. If he gets overstimulated/dysregulated he may throw himself on the ground and kick. That doesn’t happen often thankfully, but it does on occasion.

In order for our family to go to Disney, we had to pick a less crowded time, select a few must do rides, and basically have a straight forward itinerary to avoid crossing all over the park and having downtime built in. We bought Genie + in conjunction to using DAS and were able to minimize crowd/line time, take meal breaks while waiting for our return time, and get in and out of the park in a shorter time.

I know people pay a lot of money to go to Disney and I appreciate not having to risk a) my kid losing it 80 minutes into a 90 minute wait and then having to give up on the ride and b) disturbing other guests if my kid flails and is upset.

Why are you taking a kid who can't cope in crowded places to Disney? Goodness. Choose a different vacation.

What’s wrong with you? Disney makes an effort to be inclusive. Kids with disabilities deserve to experience the magic of seeing their favorite characters come to life. My son also needed to eat in a lunch bunch during camp, where he gets dysregulated, but loves Disney world. He was obsessed with Toy Story the first time we went, and the castle. He was mesmerized by the fireworks. And all the entertainment was great for his adhd needs - we just have to know when to take breaks from all the stimulation, which we can do in our small family setting. We modify our vacation to meet his needs, but I can’t imagine having him miss out on Disney altogether. I’ve seen autistic people waiting in lines for cosmic rewind, wearing sensory friendly headphones. This is such a spectacularly out of touch comment.

NP What?! Someone upthread told me that if my toddler can't wait in 30-60 minute lines I shouldn't go to Disney either. Don't all kids deserve the magic of Disney? Their lines are untenable for all.

Yes, if you don’t want to wait in long lines you pay for genie+. The same way you pay for premium economy on an airplane. It’s a different than children with disabilities.

We did pay for genie+... the lightning lanes are still 20-30 min long and then you have to wait in other long lines between your genie + rides.

And if your toddler cannot handle that then they cannot handle Disney.

Not really, you can call that ADHD, autism, or anxiety and boom, get a DAS pass. It's apparently very easy. What you can't do is rent a scooter anymore and have it be a disability that qualifies. You don't need a doctor's note or diagnosis to qualify you just have to register for the process and have a video chat.

Also, this is lying. I would never lie about my child’s condition. I am completely honest with Disney about his conditions and behaviors, and they can tell me if that qualifies or not. Shame on people who lie.

And one more point- I wish my son didn’t have the difficulties that make him eligible for a DAS pass. One accommodation on a five day trip to Disney world does not make up for how much harder he needs to work on a daily basis to function in his everyday life. It does not compensate for the impact it has on our family and other child. I wish people understood this and had empathy for families of children with special needs.

This! People are upset over a child with disabilities getting a perceived “perk” over their family. But I’m willing to bet they wouldn’t trade places if they realized the trade offs this accommodation comes with. Want to drop 5k on a neuropsych, out of pocket therapies, calls from the school, IEP meetings, etc. Like my goodness, let the families of special needs kids have something to help them so they can take their neurodiverse child (and siblings growing up with a special needs family member) on a somewhat normal vacation.

What is next, is the PP going to be upset that amputees get to park closer to the store? That is an unfair advantage while others have to walk farther back in the lot. I mean maybe my feet are hurting too that day, so why should the person with a prosthetic get special treatment. Perhaps they should just stay home and order online groceries instead.

(Obviously this last paragraph is sarcasm).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People really took advantage of the DAS program. I don’t blame Disney for changing it.

I do. People taking advantage of it is no reason to completely take away DAS from physically disabled people. It’s crazy to me that someone with like cerebral palsy or cancer or MS or whatever can’t use this service anymore because they don’t also have autism.

It doesn't sound like the new policy removes all access to physical disabilities. DAS is just excluding people whose issues can be solved with a pass to leave the line and return or a mobility device (e.g., scooter or wheelchair) so they don't have to stand.

Part of the problem is forcing people to use mobility devices when they don't need them under normal circumstances. I've seen several stories about amputees who are perfectly "mobile" but who have difficulty waiting in long lines, especially in heat, as the day progresses because their prosthesis becomes less comfortable and more painful being denied DAS because they could just get a wheelchair. That seems wrong to me.

NP What?! Someone upthread told me that if my toddler can't wait in 30-60 minute lines I shouldn't go to Disney either.

They can get a scooter. There is nothing “wrong” about that.

Huh. You don't think someone with a genuine physical disability that causes significant pain deserves some accommodation? By the way, ECVs cost $65 per day to rent, but I guess those slacker amputees should just deal.

If they’re walking around a park all day on a prosthesis, there’s no reason they can’t stand in line with the same prosthesis. Or sit on the chair/cane. Or lean on the ropes like the rest of us. If they can’t walk around the park all day and can’t stand in line at all, they get a scooter or a wheelchair.
Quit playing the victim here. There are options. You just don’t like them.

NP. By that logic, people with zero physical disabilities who have autism can also just stand in line for hours.

I don’t think that’s true. If an autistic kid can’t stand in line for an hour they may act out or scream or get physical or cause a disturbance to others waiting in line. It’s a completely different scenario.

This. My kid has to eat in a lunch bunch because he cannot even handle the noise and commotion of the cafeteria at school. If he gets overstimulated/dysregulated he may throw himself on the ground and kick. That doesn’t happen often thankfully, but it does on occasion.

In order for our family to go to Disney, we had to pick a less crowded time, select a few must do rides, and basically have a straight forward itinerary to avoid crossing all over the park and having downtime built in. We bought Genie + in conjunction to using DAS and were able to minimize crowd/line time, take meal breaks while waiting for our return time, and get in and out of the park in a shorter time.

I know people pay a lot of money to go to Disney and I appreciate not having to risk a) my kid losing it 80 minutes into a 90 minute wait and then having to give up on the ride and b) disturbing other guests if my kid flails and is upset.

Why are you taking a kid who can't cope in crowded places to Disney? Goodness. Choose a different vacation.

What’s wrong with you? Disney makes an effort to be inclusive. Kids with disabilities deserve to experience the magic of seeing their favorite characters come to life. My son also needed to eat in a lunch bunch during camp, where he gets dysregulated, but loves Disney world. He was obsessed with Toy Story the first time we went, and the castle. He was mesmerized by the fireworks. And all the entertainment was great for his adhd needs - we just have to know when to take breaks from all the stimulation, which we can do in our small family setting. We modify our vacation to meet his needs, but I can’t imagine having him miss out on Disney altogether. I’ve seen autistic people waiting in lines for cosmic rewind, wearing sensory friendly headphones. This is such a spectacularly out of touch comment.

NP What?! Someone upthread told me that if my toddler can't wait in 30-60 minute lines I shouldn't go to Disney either. Don't all kids deserve the magic of Disney? Their lines are untenable for all.

Yes, if you don’t want to wait in long lines you pay for genie+. The same way you pay for premium economy on an airplane. It’s a different than children with disabilities.

We did pay for genie+... the lightning lanes are still 20-30 min long and then you have to wait in other long lines between your genie + rides.

And if your toddler cannot handle that then they cannot handle Disney.

Not really, you can call that ADHD, autism, or anxiety and boom, get a DAS pass. It's apparently very easy. What you can't do is rent a scooter anymore and have it be a disability that qualifies. You don't need a doctor's note or diagnosis to qualify you just have to register for the process and have a video chat.

Also, this is lying. I would never lie about my child’s condition. I am completely honest with Disney about his conditions and behaviors, and they can tell me if that qualifies or not. Shame on people who lie.

And one more point- I wish my son didn’t have the difficulties that make him eligible for a DAS pass. One accommodation on a five day trip to Disney world does not make up for how much harder he needs to work on a daily basis to function in his everyday life. It does not compensate for the impact it has on our family and other child. I wish people understood this and had empathy for families of children with special needs.

This! People are upset over a child with disabilities getting a perceived “perk” over their family. But I’m willing to bet they wouldn’t trade places if they realized the trade offs this accommodation comes with. Want to drop 5k on a neuropsych, out of pocket therapies, calls from the school, IEP meetings, etc. Like my goodness, let the families of special needs kids have something to help them so they can take their neurodiverse child (and siblings growing up with a special needs family member) on a somewhat normal vacation.

What is next, is the PP going to be upset that amputees get to park closer to the store? That is an unfair advantage while others have to walk farther back in the lot. I mean maybe my feet are hurting too that day, so why should the person with a prosthetic get special treatment. Perhaps they should just stay home and order online groceries instead.

(Obviously this last paragraph is sarcasm).

Umm no one is complaining over people with REAL disabilities getting DAS. There were whole websites that told you how to fake DAS. Lots of blog posts and facebook groups too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People really took advantage of the DAS program. I don’t blame Disney for changing it.

I do. People taking advantage of it is no reason to completely take away DAS from physically disabled people. It’s crazy to me that someone with like cerebral palsy or cancer or MS or whatever can’t use this service anymore because they don’t also have autism.

It doesn't sound like the new policy removes all access to physical disabilities. DAS is just excluding people whose issues can be solved with a pass to leave the line and return or a mobility device (e.g., scooter or wheelchair) so they don't have to stand.

Part of the problem is forcing people to use mobility devices when they don't need them under normal circumstances. I've seen several stories about amputees who are perfectly "mobile" but who have difficulty waiting in long lines, especially in heat, as the day progresses because their prosthesis becomes less comfortable and more painful being denied DAS because they could just get a wheelchair. That seems wrong to me.

They can get a scooter. There is nothing “wrong” about that.

Huh. You don't think someone with a genuine physical disability that causes significant pain deserves some accommodation? By the way, ECVs cost $65 per day to rent, but I guess those slacker amputees should just deal.

If they’re walking around a park all day on a prosthesis, there’s no reason they can’t stand in line with the same prosthesis. Or sit on the chair/cane. Or lean on the ropes like the rest of us. If they can’t walk around the park all day and can’t stand in line at all, they get a scooter or a wheelchair.
Quit playing the victim here. There are options. You just don’t like them.

NP. By that logic, people with zero physical disabilities who have autism can also just stand in line for hours.

I don’t think that’s true. If an autistic kid can’t stand in line for an hour they may act out or scream or get physical or cause a disturbance to others waiting in line. It’s a completely different scenario.

This. My kid has to eat in a lunch bunch because he cannot even handle the noise and commotion of the cafeteria at school. If he gets overstimulated/dysregulated he may throw himself on the ground and kick. That doesn’t happen often thankfully, but it does on occasion.

In order for our family to go to Disney, we had to pick a less crowded time, select a few must do rides, and basically have a straight forward itinerary to avoid crossing all over the park and having downtime built in. We bought Genie + in conjunction to using DAS and were able to minimize crowd/line time, take meal breaks while waiting for our return time, and get in and out of the park in a shorter time.

I know people pay a lot of money to go to Disney and I appreciate not having to risk a) my kid losing it 80 minutes into a 90 minute wait and then having to give up on the ride and b) disturbing other guests if my kid flails and is upset.

Why are you taking a kid who can't cope in crowded places to Disney? Goodness. Choose a different vacation.

So, first we're told our kids are fine and they don't need the DAS, and then when we explain why they do, we're told to pick a different vacation? Wow.

No. That's not the conversation at all. PP said their kid can't even handle a lunchroom at school. Disney, with or without DAS, is a million times more stimulating and crowded. You are in mobs of people all day, including for 30 minutes at a time when using a LL with DAS. I can't imagine taking a kid with that sensitivity to Disney. It seems like a totally inappropriate choice of vacation.

I took my 5 yo, who is undiagnosed but has similar sensivities, to Disney and watched her melt down over and over and over. It was awful. Would DAS have helped if she qualified? Possibly but we aren't going back. It's not magical when it's stressing out your kid. We choose different vacations that are a better fit. DAS doesn't get rid of the issues for a kid who can't cope with crowds, noise and stimulation. And I have a kid who is fine in a busy lunchroom.

I’m the PP whose kid is in a lunch bunch (lots of neurodivergent kids do this at some point in time). A cafeteria is a loud, enclosed environment with a lot of kids and few adults. It is rushed and can be chaotic.

He did fine at Disney. We had plenty of fresh air outdoors. Were able to move quickly enough through the LL lines. Built in breaks. He had his mom and dad with him. He had a great time and we made it through the day without meltdowns.

But we also topped out around 5 hours (went from lunch until 5 pm) and left without riding a couple of our Genie+ return times because we realized it was becoming too much. So that was sort of a waste of $, but oh well.

The Disney hotels are also beautiful so we also enjoyed exploring the resort property and swimming in the pool.

But way to stereotype kids with SNs and assume you know better than their parents about what they should be able to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People really took advantage of the DAS program. I don’t blame Disney for changing it.

I do. People taking advantage of it is no reason to completely take away DAS from physically disabled people. It’s crazy to me that someone with like cerebral palsy or cancer or MS or whatever can’t use this service anymore because they don’t also have autism.

It doesn't sound like the new policy removes all access to physical disabilities. DAS is just excluding people whose issues can be solved with a pass to leave the line and return or a mobility device (e.g., scooter or wheelchair) so they don't have to stand.

Part of the problem is forcing people to use mobility devices when they don't need them under normal circumstances. I've seen several stories about amputees who are perfectly "mobile" but who have difficulty waiting in long lines, especially in heat, as the day progresses because their prosthesis becomes less comfortable and more painful being denied DAS because they could just get a wheelchair. That seems wrong to me.

NP What?! Someone upthread told me that if my toddler can't wait in 30-60 minute lines I shouldn't go to Disney either.

They can get a scooter. There is nothing “wrong” about that.

Huh. You don't think someone with a genuine physical disability that causes significant pain deserves some accommodation? By the way, ECVs cost $65 per day to rent, but I guess those slacker amputees should just deal.

If they’re walking around a park all day on a prosthesis, there’s no reason they can’t stand in line with the same prosthesis. Or sit on the chair/cane. Or lean on the ropes like the rest of us. If they can’t walk around the park all day and can’t stand in line at all, they get a scooter or a wheelchair.
Quit playing the victim here. There are options. You just don’t like them.

NP. By that logic, people with zero physical disabilities who have autism can also just stand in line for hours.

I don’t think that’s true. If an autistic kid can’t stand in line for an hour they may act out or scream or get physical or cause a disturbance to others waiting in line. It’s a completely different scenario.

This. My kid has to eat in a lunch bunch because he cannot even handle the noise and commotion of the cafeteria at school. If he gets overstimulated/dysregulated he may throw himself on the ground and kick. That doesn’t happen often thankfully, but it does on occasion.

In order for our family to go to Disney, we had to pick a less crowded time, select a few must do rides, and basically have a straight forward itinerary to avoid crossing all over the park and having downtime built in. We bought Genie + in conjunction to using DAS and were able to minimize crowd/line time, take meal breaks while waiting for our return time, and get in and out of the park in a shorter time.

I know people pay a lot of money to go to Disney and I appreciate not having to risk a) my kid losing it 80 minutes into a 90 minute wait and then having to give up on the ride and b) disturbing other guests if my kid flails and is upset.

Why are you taking a kid who can't cope in crowded places to Disney? Goodness. Choose a different vacation.

What’s wrong with you? Disney makes an effort to be inclusive. Kids with disabilities deserve to experience the magic of seeing their favorite characters come to life. My son also needed to eat in a lunch bunch during camp, where he gets dysregulated, but loves Disney world. He was obsessed with Toy Story the first time we went, and the castle. He was mesmerized by the fireworks. And all the entertainment was great for his adhd needs - we just have to know when to take breaks from all the stimulation, which we can do in our small family setting. We modify our vacation to meet his needs, but I can’t imagine having him miss out on Disney altogether. I’ve seen autistic people waiting in lines for cosmic rewind, wearing sensory friendly headphones. This is such a spectacularly out of touch comment.

NP What?! Someone upthread told me that if my toddler can't wait in 30-60 minute lines I shouldn't go to Disney either. Don't all kids deserve the magic of Disney? Their lines are untenable for all.

Yes, if you don’t want to wait in long lines you pay for genie+. The same way you pay for premium economy on an airplane. It’s a different than children with disabilities.

We did pay for genie+... the lightning lanes are still 20-30 min long and then you have to wait in other long lines between your genie + rides.

And if your toddler cannot handle that then they cannot handle Disney.

Not really, you can call that ADHD, autism, or anxiety and boom, get a DAS pass. It's apparently very easy. What you can't do is rent a scooter anymore and have it be a disability that qualifies. You don't need a doctor's note or diagnosis to qualify you just have to register for the process and have a video chat.

Also, this is lying. I would never lie about my child’s condition. I am completely honest with Disney about his conditions and behaviors, and they can tell me if that qualifies or not. Shame on people who lie.

And one more point- I wish my son didn’t have the difficulties that make him eligible for a DAS pass. One accommodation on a five day trip to Disney world does not make up for how much harder he needs to work on a daily basis to function in his everyday life. It does not compensate for the impact it has on our family and other child. I wish people understood this and had empathy for families of children with special needs.

This! People are upset over a child with disabilities getting a perceived “perk” over their family. But I’m willing to bet they wouldn’t trade places if they realized the trade offs this accommodation comes with. Want to drop 5k on a neuropsych, out of pocket therapies, calls from the school, IEP meetings, etc. Like my goodness, let the families of special needs kids have something to help them so they can take their neurodiverse child (and siblings growing up with a special needs family member) on a somewhat normal vacation.

What is next, is the PP going to be upset that amputees get to park closer to the store? That is an unfair advantage while others have to walk farther back in the lot. I mean maybe my feet are hurting too that day, so why should the person with a prosthetic get special treatment. Perhaps they should just stay home and order online groceries instead.

(Obviously this last paragraph is sarcasm).

Umm no one is complaining over people with REAL disabilities getting DAS. There were whole websites that told you how to fake DAS. Lots of blog posts and facebook groups too.

Perhaps you missed the post from an active participant in this thread who say that amputees can use wheelchairs or ECVs or just wait in line like everyone else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:With DAS, you are still waiting the full standby time to get back into the line. It's not anything like a VIP pass.

It's very much like a VIP pass to be able to put yourself on a waitlist for a ride and then get to do other fun things while you wait, like go to a show, shop, watch a parade or go eat lunch. You can get on the standby list for Tower of Terror and then go see the Beauty and the Beast show while you wait. Or tap in for Micky and Minnie RR and go see the Indiana Jones stunt show or watch the parade. Then get on the list for Rise of the Resistance while you do Star Wars land. It's a huge advantage.

If my kid with autism could actually do all this, I wouldn't need a Das, now would i? Like what planet are you posting from? It doesn't seem to be a planet that has any special needs people on it.

This is exactly how the program is being used.

If your kid can't do all these things, then they wouldn't be impacted by a cap or other limits placed on the program that would stop it from being used by some as an advantage over Genie+.

Agreed. The people with actual real limitations, using DAS to get on 3-4 things a day are NOT the problem. Its everyone else who is still using DAS to ride more than a "typical" Disney visitor. That does affect everyone negatively.

Agree. This is why I think the answer is to just give them two pre-scheduled rides a day. Then if they want they can get Genie+ on top of that.

They will claim this is unfair because then Jude can't right Toy Story Mania 15 times in a row if he wants to.

Jude can't do that now. There is not enough hours in the day, because Jude still has to wait the standby time, and then wait in the LL line. Unless the park is unusually empty and the standby time is extremely short-nobody is riding 15 times.

But you knew that when you posted this false scenario.

It was an exaggeration, but repeating the same ride is frequently given as a reason why “free” G+ or other limitations for DAS “isn’t fair.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree with the PP who said that DAS became necessary when they eliminated the FastPass. I have two children who benefit from waiting elsewhere (one autistic ADHD and one ADHD—we just get the DAS for the autistic family member), but we did fine with the FastPass system. Now that they’ve monetized the Lighting Lane even the DAS isn’t great because if it’s very busy that line can be quite long, too. We waited in Haunted Mansion Lighting Lane line in Disneyland for nearly an hour after waiting outside the line for an hour plus. Several times we almost bailed as our kids kept bumping into the people around us because the line was so congested. One could also argue that we are “taking advantage” of the DAS since we didn’t use it before, but honestly we didn’t need it with the old system. FastPass is never coming back though, since they’ve figured out how to charge people to wait in shorter lines. I don’t understand how people will leave the line either. There have been times when we wanted to leave the line and couldn’t.

ALSO I would add that I think standby lines became much more untenable when they started selling Genie+. For example we used to have no issue waiting in standby for rides like Buzz Lightyear because while there was a line, it moved along fairly quickly. Now people flood the Lighting Lane (I’m guessing because there’s nothing left more attractive) on even these rides. I counted the last time we went and they were letting like 20+ people in from the Lightning Lane for every 4-6 people in standby! That’s ridiculous.

Why is that ridiculous? To me, if I pay for the LL and I have a time to ride and wait for my turn, I want to go in before anyone in the stand-by line.

My point is that they are IMO overselling Genie+, and making the experience suck for other people who also paid hundreds or thousands of dollars to be there (or just don’t have a LL for that particular ride).

I’d like to see stats on how many people in lightning lanes are DAS vs genie +. I don’t think genie is the reason for the overcrowding.

Maybe to fix DAS, they should make it so you can’t enter any other rides while you’re in “line” for your ride.

According to this source 60% of the scans were from DAS and not Genie +. Demand for DAS exploded once the pay per use Genie + was introduced. I read somewhere else that with DAS you will have to wait 10 mins after scanning to book another return. With Genie + you can book another right away, if you can find one.

https://insidethemagic.net/2024/04/disney-ends-inclusivity-das-ad1/

Wow. 60%?

DP here. Yep, DAS use tripled once free FP went away and G+ came out. Gee, I wonder why. Hopefully severely limiting DAS will help the waits and availability of G+. It’s salt in the wound to have pay outrageous prices for Genie and still have to wait a long time. I’m so glad they cut DAD groups from 6 to 4 too and I wish they would cut it even further. It’s the extended families clogging up the lines, not the actual DAS users.

Honestly, I'm not sure you can cut it further down below four. I think it makes more sense to limit DAS users and their groups to using DAS to ride major attractions no more than one time per day. Even though my family has used DAS, it does seem unfair to allow unlimited rides on the attractions with the longest waits when people who pay for Genie + don't even get a chance to ride once.

As a DAS family I agree with the last part.

We never rode a ride more than once (we couldn’t even get through everything we wanted to do due to kid stamina). I would have felt bad riding the really popular rides multiple times. I’d be fine if DAS is tweaked some.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People really took advantage of the DAS program. I don’t blame Disney for changing it.

I do. People taking advantage of it is no reason to completely take away DAS from physically disabled people. It’s crazy to me that someone with like cerebral palsy or cancer or MS or whatever can’t use this service anymore because they don’t also have autism.

It doesn't sound like the new policy removes all access to physical disabilities. DAS is just excluding people whose issues can be solved with a pass to leave the line and return or a mobility device (e.g., scooter or wheelchair) so they don't have to stand.

Part of the problem is forcing people to use mobility devices when they don't need them under normal circumstances. I've seen several stories about amputees who are perfectly "mobile" but who have difficulty waiting in long lines, especially in heat, as the day progresses because their prosthesis becomes less comfortable and more painful being denied DAS because they could just get a wheelchair. That seems wrong to me.

NP What?! Someone upthread told me that if my toddler can't wait in 30-60 minute lines I shouldn't go to Disney either.

They can get a scooter. There is nothing “wrong” about that.

Huh. You don't think someone with a genuine physical disability that causes significant pain deserves some accommodation? By the way, ECVs cost $65 per day to rent, but I guess those slacker amputees should just deal.

If they’re walking around a park all day on a prosthesis, there’s no reason they can’t stand in line with the same prosthesis. Or sit on the chair/cane. Or lean on the ropes like the rest of us. If they can’t walk around the park all day and can’t stand in line at all, they get a scooter or a wheelchair.
Quit playing the victim here. There are options. You just don’t like them.

NP. By that logic, people with zero physical disabilities who have autism can also just stand in line for hours.

I don’t think that’s true. If an autistic kid can’t stand in line for an hour they may act out or scream or get physical or cause a disturbance to others waiting in line. It’s a completely different scenario.

This. My kid has to eat in a lunch bunch because he cannot even handle the noise and commotion of the cafeteria at school. If he gets overstimulated/dysregulated he may throw himself on the ground and kick. That doesn’t happen often thankfully, but it does on occasion.

In order for our family to go to Disney, we had to pick a less crowded time, select a few must do rides, and basically have a straight forward itinerary to avoid crossing all over the park and having downtime built in. We bought Genie + in conjunction to using DAS and were able to minimize crowd/line time, take meal breaks while waiting for our return time, and get in and out of the park in a shorter time.

I know people pay a lot of money to go to Disney and I appreciate not having to risk a) my kid losing it 80 minutes into a 90 minute wait and then having to give up on the ride and b) disturbing other guests if my kid flails and is upset.

Why are you taking a kid who can't cope in crowded places to Disney? Goodness. Choose a different vacation.

What’s wrong with you? Disney makes an effort to be inclusive. Kids with disabilities deserve to experience the magic of seeing their favorite characters come to life. My son also needed to eat in a lunch bunch during camp, where he gets dysregulated, but loves Disney world. He was obsessed with Toy Story the first time we went, and the castle. He was mesmerized by the fireworks. And all the entertainment was great for his adhd needs - we just have to know when to take breaks from all the stimulation, which we can do in our small family setting. We modify our vacation to meet his needs, but I can’t imagine having him miss out on Disney altogether. I’ve seen autistic people waiting in lines for cosmic rewind, wearing sensory friendly headphones. This is such a spectacularly out of touch comment.

NP What?! Someone upthread told me that if my toddler can't wait in 30-60 minute lines I shouldn't go to Disney either. Don't all kids deserve the magic of Disney? Their lines are untenable for all.

Yes, if you don’t want to wait in long lines you pay for genie+. The same way you pay for premium economy on an airplane. It’s a different than children with disabilities.

We did pay for genie+... the lightning lanes are still 20-30 min long and then you have to wait in other long lines between your genie + rides.

And if your toddler cannot handle that then they cannot handle Disney.

Not really, you can call that ADHD, autism, or anxiety and boom, get a DAS pass. It's apparently very easy. What you can't do is rent a scooter anymore and have it be a disability that qualifies. You don't need a doctor's note or diagnosis to qualify you just have to register for the process and have a video chat.

Also, this is lying. I would never lie about my child’s condition. I am completely honest with Disney about his conditions and behaviors, and they can tell me if that qualifies or not. Shame on people who lie.

And one more point- I wish my son didn’t have the difficulties that make him eligible for a DAS pass. One accommodation on a five day trip to Disney world does not make up for how much harder he needs to work on a daily basis to function in his everyday life. It does not compensate for the impact it has on our family and other child. I wish people understood this and had empathy for families of children with special needs.

This! People are upset over a child with disabilities getting a perceived “perk” over their family. But I’m willing to bet they wouldn’t trade places if they realized the trade offs this accommodation comes with. Want to drop 5k on a neuropsych, out of pocket therapies, calls from the school, IEP meetings, etc. Like my goodness, let the families of special needs kids have something to help them so they can take their neurodiverse child (and siblings growing up with a special needs family member) on a somewhat normal vacation.

What is next, is the PP going to be upset that amputees get to park closer to the store? That is an unfair advantage while others have to walk farther back in the lot. I mean maybe my feet are hurting too that day, so why should the person with a prosthetic get special treatment. Perhaps they should just stay home and order online groceries instead.

(Obviously this last paragraph is sarcasm).

Umm no one is complaining over people with REAL disabilities getting DAS. There were whole websites that told you how to fake DAS. Lots of blog posts and facebook groups too.

No there was absolutely a poster I was referring to (hopefully only one, but maybe more) saying kids with developmental disabilities shouldn’t be going on Disney vacations and that every kid under 10 could benefit from not waiting in line so why should these kids get a benefit.

As a person who a kid who has SNs and cannot cram in a gazillion rides from sun up to sun down, I’d be fine with a cap or limits on popular rides. I’m just disgusted by certain people saying disabled kids should basically not go at all.