DAS is getting an Upgrade!

[ttintagel]

I am very pleased about the video call option and being able to apply for the DAS before arriving at the park. But the wording about how many times you’re able to use the DAS is super confusing. And if it’s not clear to those of us who are in the habit of studying these things, it’s going to be even more confusing to the casual guest.

And I’m assuming that requests for accommodations not covered by the DAS are still going to be handled the same way (ask whatever CM happens to be stationed at each attraction at the moment and hope they feel in the mood to grant it)? As long as they’re overhauling systems anyway, I kind of wish they had taken the time to refine this process while they were at it.

 

[mamabunny]

I'm wondering...

What will happen if a Guest tries to use the "Video visit" to get a DAS, but gets denied - and then goes on to try again once they are in the Parks? (Perhaps with a more "compelling" version of their issues)

Will they be turned away summarily? (i.e. "You have already been denied a DAS for this visit, thanks for stopping in and asking...") or will they have a secondary opportunity to request a DAS?

What if during the time between your first video refusal and within 2 days of arriving, your condition changes? Can you call in again, or will you be required to visit GR in the Parks?

Until Disney actually starts using the video calls, it's all academic, right? In the meantime, I feel really lucky to be part of this community, where I know we will have lots of good reporting on how it actually winds up working, and where we can see accurate results from folks we all know and trust.

I will add this - I believe that the "stricter" language regarding "imposters" accessing the DAS system on Disney's site is there to allow Disney to deal with those folks who (for example) get a DAS, and then go on to YouTube or TikTok and post content about "Try this one great Disney hack!" I don't think it's there to punish the average person who posts on this forum on a regular basis.

Regardless of how you get your DAS - with a video call, or an in-person visit to GR - I have a feeling that the questions may not change much, but they may be more evenly applied across the board to all who request a DAS or the renewal of a DAS, and that may (initially) result in it *appearing* that fewer DAS are being given to Guests who request them. (although again, I doubt we will see a difference here within our group of regulars).

 

[Kbrb]

I’m confused, so I’m booked for 14 nights when this person calls I have to give them 28 rides I want to das during that trIp?

Then once these 2 per day have been used it’s back to the normal das all be it I can select without having to go to ride entrance?

 

[Ember]

I really hope Disney gets to a place where they heavily monitor people using DAS passes. If someone claims they can’t wait in line, and data shows they did, BAM that’s your pass gone and you are banned. It wouldn’t affect people who genuinely need and use DAS but it would take away at least some incentive to misuse it. Because I predict this will be heavily abused, particularly as it is the only way to pre-book attractions now. This will be a “hack” in no time.

Without DAS = Genie+ gets you ~4 lightening lane rides, maybe you pay for 2 headliners. That’s ~6 rides in a day.

With DAS = pre-book 2 rides, hold 1 DAS reservation at a time for ~3 rides a day, Genie+ for ~4 rides, pay for two headliners. That’s ~12 rides in a day.

I’m sorry, you will never convince me this won’t be rampantly abused once people work out how to game the system.

 

[TwoMisfits]

I really hope Disney gets to a place where they heavily monitor people using DAS passes. If someone claims they can’t wait in line, and data shows they did, BAM that’s your pass gone and you are banned. It wouldn’t affect people who genuinely need and use DAS but it would take away at least some incentive to misuse it. Because I predict this will be heavily abused, particularly as it is the only way to pre-book attractions now. This will be a “hack” in no time.

Without DAS = Genie+ gets you ~4 lightening lane rides, maybe you pay for 2 headliners. That’s ~6 rides in a day.

With DAS = pre-book 2 rides, hold 1 DAS reservation at a time for ~3 rides a day, Genie+ for ~4 rides, pay for two headliners. That’s ~12 rides in a day.

I’m sorry, you will never convince me this won’t be rampantly abused once people work out how to game the system.

Which I why I agree that the "can't wait in line" will now be monitored to see if folks can...it's why they want 60 day renewals...there's really no other reason to make it that often, except to get a handle on an issue that is happening and give an opportunity to handle it in a less confrontational way (no DAS renewal) vs the stated "we will permanently bar you"...especially if they think the issue is not fraud per se, but a misunderstanding of who and what DAS is for.

 

[Disneylvr]

Which I why I agree that the "can't wait in line" will now be monitored to see if folks can...it's why they want 60 day renewals...there's really no other reason to make it that often, except to get a handle on an issue that is happening and give an opportunity to handle it in a less confrontational way (no DAS renewal) vs the stated "we will permanently bar you"...especially if they think the issue is not fraud per se, but a misunderstanding of who and what DAS is for.

The "can't wait in line" needs to be followed by why. I prefer starting with "difficult to wait in queues for long periods of time because................"
I have a concern about the video pre-registration for DAS. My daughter is now legally an adult, we have legal guardianship of her. She is also non-verbal. I do hope Disney will allow us to speak for her.
This is quoted from the Disney World DAS page: "If deemed eligible for DAS, the Guest (or a parent/guardian if the Guest is under 18 years of age) will participate in a virtual registration process."

 

[4Hawks]

I really hope Disney gets to a place where they heavily monitor people using DAS passes. If someone claims they can’t wait in line, and data shows they did, BAM that’s your pass gone and you are banned. It wouldn’t affect people who genuinely need and use DAS but it would take away at least some incentive to misuse it. Because I predict this will be heavily abused, particularly as it is the only way to pre-book attractions now. This will be a “hack” in no time.

Without DAS = Genie+ gets you ~4 lightening lane rides, maybe you pay for 2 headliners. That’s ~6 rides in a day.

With DAS = pre-book 2 rides, hold 1 DAS reservation at a time for ~3 rides a day, Genie+ for ~4 rides, pay for two headliners. That’s ~12 rides in a day.

I’m sorry, you will never convince me this won’t be rampantly abused once people work out how to game the system.

I think most people with a DAS do some waiting in line. For us, it depends on a lot of things like crowd/noise levels and the time of day. My DD can manage short lines, especially if they're outside where it's not as noisy/confining, e.g. her favorite ride is the alien saucers and we don't bother getting a DAS when the wait time is under 20 min. We've waited longer than that in the DAS lane a couple of times. Should we be banned according to your logic?

 

[Evita_W]

I’m confused, so I’m booked for 14 nights when this person calls I have to give them 28 rides I want to das during that trIp?

Then once these 2 per day have been used it’s back to the normal das all be it I can select without having to go to ride entrance?

It says you can book 2 per day while on the call, but doesn't say you have to book 2 per day.

 

[Evita_W]

I really hope Disney gets to a place where they heavily monitor people using DAS passes. If someone claims they can’t wait in line, and data shows they did, BAM that’s your pass gone and you are banned. It wouldn’t affect people who genuinely need and use DAS but it would take away at least some incentive to misuse it. Because I predict this will be heavily abused, particularly as it is the only way to pre-book attractions now. This will be a “hack” in no time.

Without DAS = Genie+ gets you ~4 lightening lane rides, maybe you pay for 2 headliners. That’s ~6 rides in a day.

With DAS = pre-book 2 rides, hold 1 DAS reservation at a time for ~3 rides a day, Genie+ for ~4 rides, pay for two headliners. That’s ~12 rides in a day.

I’m sorry, you will never convince me this won’t be rampantly abused once people work out how to game the system.

The problem with this approach is there are times where DH can wait in line, for example a line is only 20 minutes and the ride is relatively short, he might be able to wait in that line if it is a good day and not if it is a bad day.

But I do agree that this has the potential to be heavily abused and that will cause issues for those that need the DAS.

 

[Disneylvr]

I think most people with a DAS do some waiting in line. For us, it depends on a lot of things like crowd/noise levels and the time of day. My DD can manage short lines, especially if they're outside where it's not as noisy/confining, e.g. her favorite ride is the alien saucers and we don't bother getting a DAS when the wait time is under 20 min. We've waited longer than that in the DAS lane a couple of times. Should we be banned according to your logic?

My daughter LOVES Alien Swirling Saucers! She craves anything that will give her vestibular input. And I agree with you, we don't use the DAS when standby waits are short. Should that collected data be used to banned?!!!! NO! We have always tried our best to limit DAS use, but use it when necessary, and also rely on FP+ and standby whenever possible. I assume now we will be paying for Genie+ and possibly even paying for individual attractions like ROTR and Test Track (also one of my daughter's faves!)

 

[Evita_W]

I think most people with a DAS do some waiting in line. For us, it depends on a lot of things like crowd/noise levels and the time of day. My DD can manage short lines, especially if they're outside where it's not as noisy/confining, e.g. her favorite ride is the alien saucers and we don't bother getting a DAS when the wait time is under 20 min. We've waited longer than that in the DAS lane a couple of times. Should we be banned according to your logic?

Exactly my point.

 

[Selket]

I really hope Disney gets to a place where they heavily monitor people using DAS passes. If someone claims they can’t wait in line, and data shows they did, BAM that’s your pass gone and you are banned.

I think there are many who use the DAS as a way to access the longest lines - not just "any" line". Or some people have a condition that - for lack of a better description - the issue is not on full force 24/7 - so they may have a bad morning and a good afternoon or a good day and a bad day. I can see some people could wait 45 minutes or an hour but not two hours, etc.

I thought the purpose of the DAS was to use it at times you cannot access that ride (wait too long, disabling condition is asserting itself) and then good for you if it's not acting up and everything is great and you can wait so you choose to wait. Why should a person be penalized for "not" using a DAS return time every single time? Even holding a DAS doesn't eliminate the wait all the time.

I agree with @mamabunny that the language is there to ban you from the parks if you are obviously misusing the DAS (make aa video on how to get one when you don't have a disability for example). Just like Disney says if you are an AP holder and you're buying up merchandise to resell on your eBay store - using your AP discount to make more money, etc. I know there are many, many you tubers and personal shoppers who very obviously still do this and Disney hasn't stopped them....or at least not many of them!

 

[tjmw2727]

I really hope Disney gets to a place where they heavily monitor people using DAS passes. If someone claims they can’t wait in line, and data shows they did, BAM that’s your pass gone and you are banned. It wouldn’t affect people who genuinely need and use DAS but it would take away at least some incentive to misuse it. Because I predict this will be heavily abused, particularly as it is the only way to pre-book attractions now. This will be a “hack” in no time.
Without DAS = Genie+ gets you ~4 lightening lane rides, maybe you pay for 2 headliners. That’s ~6 rides in a day.

With DAS = pre-book 2 rides, hold 1 DAS reservation at a time for ~3 rides a day, Genie+ for ~4 rides, pay for two headliners. That’s ~12 rides in a day.

I’m sorry, you will never convince me this won’t be rampantly abused once people work out how to game the system.

I hope that isn't the case - honestly I prefer not to have to use the DAS and try and use it responsibly. If there is a situation where we can handle the line we do, on a good day this happens more frequently than on a bad day.

Why should I be punished for trying to use the accommodation sparingly and responsibly?

 

[Belle1962]

My DGS came over for lunch yesterday so we could try to figure out how we would manage for our Sept 27 - Oct 2 trip. He pointed out that while someone might get a DAS for an hour long wait but then go to another hour long wait attraction it’s possible they might not have actually waited in line if they are part of a family using baby swap. Our big concern is that they’ll pop this system out so close to our trip we will never get through on the phone or we’ll be within the 2 day window already. My biggest concern is that my needs fluctuate, especially depending on if I’m solo or with others and the make up of the others with me. But it could also be good day/bad day.
We’re still not sure if I’m going on the trip or just he and his girlfriend. All depends on the covid situation, if I get my third shot by the end of the first week in September and what Disney’s protocols are. It’s not looking good for me.

 

[SueM in MN]

I am very pleased about the video call option and being able to apply for the DAS before arriving at the park. But the wording about how many times you’re able to use the DAS is super confusing. And if it’s not clear to those of us who are in the habit of studying these things, it’s going to be even more confusing to the casual guest.

And I’m assuming that requests for accommodations not covered by the DAS are still going to be handled the same way(ask whatever CM happens to be stationed at each attraction at the moment and hope they feel in the mood to grant it)? As long as they’re overhauling systems anyway, I kind of wish they had taken the time to refine this process while they were at it.

The wording about using DAS RETURN TIMES is the same as currently.
One DAS Return Time can be obtained at a time. The Return Time will be determined based on the Standby wait time for that attraction.
Only one Return Time can be active at a time, so you can’t get another until the active one is used, cancelled or modified. Guests can keep getting one DAS Return Time at a time until they leave the park, so there is no set number of times of times DAS can be used a day. Someone using it for attractions with short waits will use it more times than someone using it for attractions with long waits.

I have not seen anything specific about how accommodations at attractions will be handled. I assume it will be the same as now - requested at the attraction since they are not connected with waiting in line.

I’m confused, so I’m booked for 14 nights when this person calls I have to give them 28 rides I want to das during that trIp?

Then once these 2 per day have been used it’s back to the normal das all be it I can select without having to go to ride entrance?

The 2 DAS Advance selections are new and are separate from DAS Return Times. From what is published, guests can get DAS Return Times regardless of whether or not the DAS Advance selection has been used yet.

 

[Ember]

I think most people with a DAS do some waiting in line. For us, it depends on a lot of things like crowd/noise levels and the time of day. My DD can manage short lines, especially if they're outside where it's not as noisy/confining, e.g. her favorite ride is the alien saucers and we don't bother getting a DAS when the wait time is under 20 min. We've waited longer than that in the DAS lane a couple of times. Should we be banned according to your logic?

Of course not. But if someone has claimed they can’t wait in lines and the data shows they have waited for hours in multiple other lines while using their DAS privileges, there should have consequences.

I don’t want anyone who needs access to be denied anything. But this is very clearly is capable of providing an advantage over regular guests when used incorrectly. While in a perfect world, those privileges would be for the people who actually need them (Which I have NO issues with, just to be clear!), I just don’t believe for a second that will be the case. The chance to pre-book attractions and have access to double the rides will be a huge temptation and will be wildly abused.

My faith in humanity is just too low, I’m afraid… Even on this thread someone pointed out not giving too much information in case it gives people a script to cheat with. I would be surprised if the pre-booking thing sticks around long.

 

[HopperFan]

I really hope Disney gets to a place where they heavily monitor people using DAS passes. If someone claims they can’t wait in line, and data shows they did, BAM that’s your pass gone and you are banned. It wouldn’t affect people who genuinely need and use DAS but it would take away at least some incentive to misuse it. Because I predict this will be heavily abused, particularly as it is the only way to pre-book attractions now. This will be a “hack” in no time.

Without DAS = Genie+ gets you ~4 lightening lane rides, maybe you pay for 2 headliners. That’s ~6 rides in a day.

With DAS = pre-book 2 rides, hold 1 DAS reservation at a time for ~3 rides a day, Genie+ for ~4 rides, pay for two headliners. That’s ~12 rides in a day.

I’m sorry, you will never convince me this won’t be rampantly abused once people work out how to game the system.

While I agree they need to make it more strict and less attractive to abuse I in no way believe that monitoring in this way could be interpreted other than black and white. I would venture for most with DAS it's never black and white, especially for those who it was primarily designed for.

We have gotten DAS since it started and had GAC before that once he had an episode in a line (for 18 years we managed without) .... but we highly rely on FP+ because it actually worked better for us since I could do on my phone and pick times that worked for us. One thing that is always in our equation and would never show up in your scenario is the structure of each queue. My DS has become very patient in lines but it is the structure of the line and our proximity to other guests that create the issue. If it is a primarily outdoor queue where sound isn't trapped or a large indoor line with no switchbacks he does okay. But if we are always smack up against other guests in a situation where you are sardines like BTMR or Frozen or FOP, and it is difficult to escape - then he can't be trapped that long. It's not he can't wait, it's he can't handle the environment - and that is what DAS is for.

So if they see DS waited longer for Slinky, Haunted Mansion, Pirates but couldn't wait for Frozen, Buzz or BTMR ... you are suggesting a black and white decision to ban him?!?

It's not about length of time alone. It is more about the factors in the line that make it difficult. Punishing or banning a person because they are using the DAS where needed and not using the DAS where it is not needed is unacceptable. You aren't supposed to use your DAS unless you need it at any particular attraction.

 

[ttintagel]

The wording about using DAS is the same as currently.
One DAS Return Time can be obtained at a time. The Return Time will be determined based on the Standby wait time for that attraction.
Only one Return Time can be active at a time, so you can’t get another until the active one is used, cancelled or modified. Guests can keep getting one DAS Return Time at a time until they leave the park, so there is no set number of times of times DAS can be used a day. Someone using it for attractions with short waits will use it more times than someone using it for attractions with long waits.

I have not seen anything specific about how accommodations at attractions will be handled. I assume it will be the same as now - requested at the attraction since they are not connected with waiting in line.


The 2 DAS Advance selections are separate from DAS Return Times. From what is published, guests can get DAS Return Times regardless of whether or not the DAS Advance selection has been used yet.

The current wording about DAS allows you to choose two attractions ahead of time? Wasn’t there a conversation here just recently about how being given one wait time at GS when you’re issued the DAS is currently pixie dust?

 

[Thegoatfeeder]

I’m confused, so I’m booked for 14 nights when this person calls I have to give them 28 rides I want to das during that trIp?

Then once these 2 per day have been used it’s back to the normal das all be it I can select without having to go to ride entrance?

As I understand it, at 30 days you can book what is effectively 2 'fast passes' for each day of your trip, I really hesitate to use that term, but its the easiest comparison I think. These work in the same way as fast passes do now, you basically have an hour slot during which I assume you can access a ride via the lightning line.

On top of those pre booked passes, you can also get a DAS return time on the day much like you can now, and once you have used that, you can get another. The only difference being, you can now do this through the MDE app as well as at the ride entrance or guest experience stations.

 

[Ember]

While I agree they need to make it more strict and less attractive to abuse I in no way believe that monitoring in this way could be interpreted other than black and white. I would venture for most with DAS it's never black and white, especially for those who it was primarily designed for.

We have gotten DAS since it started and had GAC before that once he had an episode in a line (for 18 years we managed without) .... but we highly rely on FP+ because it actually worked better for us since I could do on my phone and pick times that worked for us. One thing that is always in our equation and would never show up in your scenario is the structure of each queue. My DS has become very patient in lines but it is the structure of the line and our proximity to other guests that create the issue. If it is a primarily outdoor queue where sound isn't trapped or a large indoor line with no switchbacks he does okay. But if we are always smack up against other guests in a situation where you are sardines like BTMR or Frozen or FOP, and it is difficult to escape - then he can't be trapped that long. It's not he can't wait, it's he can't handle the environment - and that is what DAS is for.

So if they see DS waited longer for Slinky, Haunted Mansion, Pirates but couldn't wait for Frozen, Buzz or BTMR ... you are suggesting a black and white decision to ban him?!?

It's not about length of time alone. It is more about the factors in the line that make it difficult. Punishing or banning a person because they are using the DAS where needed and not using the DAS where it is not needed is unacceptable. You aren't supposed to use your DAS unless you need it at any particular attraction.

You make very good points. And they are all very valid. I don’t want to argue against anyone who needs help accessing attractions. I want those systems in place. I just also believe this particular move on Disney’s part is going to heavily exploited, to the disadvantage of the very people it should help. A “stern warning” will be of very little help.