Overview of Disney’s DAS Program Changes
Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS) was designed to assist guests with disabilities and allow them to skip long lines at Disney World and Disneyland. Initially created to foster inclusion, the program has undergone significant changes recently.
Following numerous abuse complaints, Disney adapted the DAS program to ensure it served the intended audience and maintained fairness for all guests. This shift reflected a growing demand to address the concerns while ensuring that those needing assistance are accommodated.
Over the years, complaints have emerged that some individuals are misusing the DAS, leading to overcrowded services and delays for those genuinely in need. In response to these complaints, Disney implemented stricter eligibility requirements for its DAS program, which affected the level of access provided to various groups of guests.
Eligibility Criteria for DAS
Currently, the criteria for accessing DAS focus primarily on guests with developmental disabilities, such as autism, who struggle to wait in conventional lines. This limitation significantly narrows the scope of those eligible for the service, leaving out many individuals with other types of disabilities who may also find it challenging to stand in long queues.
The process to qualify for DAS requires guests to attend a virtual meeting with a Disney cast member, who assesses their eligibility. This meeting must be scheduled in advance, affecting the spontaneity and natural flow of visits. The earlier system allowed some flexibility in accessing DAS upon arrival, but changes have tightened those provisions further.
Recent Modifications to DAS Rules
In a recent update, Disney announced an extension of DAS validity to one year from the date of approval. Previously, DAS was only available for 240 days, making it necessary for eligible guests to reapply frequently. This extension aims to improve convenience for those who meet the qualifications.
Furthermore, Disney has adjusted the time frame for scheduling approval meetings, now allowing guests to set appointments up to 60 days before their visits to the parks. Such modifications aim to enhance the guest experience, although they have received mixed reactions from the community.
Other minor language adjustments were made to the program description, including removing restrictive terms. Despite these changes, the program’s fundamental aspects remain intact, and the group of individuals who qualify for DAS has not expanded.
Ongoing Challenges for Potential Users
Despite the positive changes, ongoing challenges persist for many potential users of the DAS program. There are still limitations in place that prevent numerous guests with legitimate disabilities from receiving the access they require. Particularly, the focus on developmental disabilities has raised concerns among advocates and families that individuals with other diagnoses are overlooked.
Community reactions have highlighted dissatisfaction with the exclusion of deserving guests, leading to calls for further reevaluation of DAS policies. Many former users have expressed their disappointment with the current framework on various social media platforms, illustrating the emotional impact of such exclusions on families looking to enjoy Disney experiences together.
Calls for future improvements include broader eligibility criteria that encompass a wider range of disabilities, enabling more guests to benefit from the DAS program without compromising the integrity of the system. While Disney has made strides in updating the DAS rules, discussions should center around the need to balance access and fairness for all guests visiting Disney World and Disneyland.
I am very disappointed in the changes for DAS and won’t be renewing my annual pass because by not having the DAS access I have not been able to go on any rides. I visit the parks by myself (I am 71 years old) and use a mobility scooter. Therefore, I do not have anyone to wait on the line to save my place in line if I need to go to the restroom. I have had 2 knee replacements and a hip replacement which are still healing along with herniated discs in my lower spine. It is difficult for me to sit or stand for long periods of time so I do get up from the mobility scooter to stretch my legs when the lines were very long. Disney parks have not allowed me to have fun for a few hours (usually only 3-4 hours before I’m worn out and have to go home) by removing my DAS. The answer I’ve been given is to purchase the lighting lane. I already spend a lot for my Annual Pass but I’ve felt it was worth it to be in my “Happy” place for a few hours. I haven’t been on any rides since the change to DAS. When my pass expires in November, I will be going to SeaWorld and Universal because they use a Disability IBCCES Certificate Program. My doctor has approved that I am disabled and the access has to be renewed every year. The doctor is the correct way to prove disability. Disney is losing the disabled to SeaWorld and Universal parks because they confirm the disability with the doctor. Annual passholders are the ‘backbone’ that ensures money is being collected by passholders.
I think it is awful. They gather all your private information and grill the person and then deny. War heroes denied. By young women that evidently dont understand anything about disabilities.
So true I feel the same these young people have no idea what real pain is. I ask some cast members at the ride as I was told to do on phone interview the cast members are standing there talking they say sorry and continue talking they don’t care
I agree I am 67 and i love Disney it is also my Happy Place i live Roller Coasters. I also have disability’s that can be verified with a doctors note. I was denied DAS they tell you in interview to ask a cast member if they can give you a return time what a joke they are young kids and they have no idea what it id to need help the entire trip stressed me out and o come to Disney to get relief from stress. I have been annual pass holder for about 15 years and I let my pass expire it was very hard to do but I felt I couldn’t do this. Disney doesn’t care about us I guess they have enough people they don’t need us but it’s very sad. And you are right about paying for lightning lane I’m not wealthy I live on social security pay enough for room and pass
I have congestive heart failure and lung cancer – I have my permanent disability papers from my cardiologist and a paper for our state that says I am permanently disabled for the past 5 years and will be for the rest of my life – I made the phone calls twice and each time I was told because I was born with the disability I was not qualified for the DAS pass. I was also told that I would have just ask the cast member at each attraction to get a pass for that attraction and trust me I have begged several time as was told NO! We have been a pass member for many years and our passes expire in November. Unless Disney treats the Disabled with RESPECT again, it will time for us to buy Universal Pass.
Our family comes from out of state to joins us each year staying at their resorts and we have wonderful time with our family. If we change to Universal – so will the entire family.
For 10 years I was able to receive DAS & it worked very well. Now I know longer qualify. I’m a AP holder & just returned from WDW. I utilized Early Morning Entry & Lightening Lane. it wasn’t perfect but was able to ride everything I wanted.