Change in DAS at Disneyland

[Dis Dragon]

My whole issue is if it comes to me having to leave the line, most likely I'm not going to return because it's a hassle to those already in line. I've experienced being in lines before and being passed by several people trying to catch up with the rest of their party (total BS), but it really doesn't matter what the reason is those people are moving up past you in the line, there is always that feeling of being slighted. I don't want to be "that guy".

But I think you're 100% right, the bathroom issues aren't black and white, some definitely need different accommodations than others. How they get specific with that type of designation though... It's already embarrassing to explain these issues to begin with.

 

[starlite_]

My whole issue is if it comes to me having to leave the line, most likely I'm not going to return because it's a hassle to those already in line. I've experienced being in lines before and being passed by several people trying to catch up with the rest of their party (total BS), but it really doesn't matter what the reason is those people are moving up past you in the line, there is always that feeling of being slighted. I don't want to be "that guy".

But I think you're 100% right, the bathroom issues aren't black and white, some definitely need different accommodations than others. How they get specific with that type of designation though... It's already embarrassing to explain these issues to begin with.

I think the point is that the person doesn't join the line until the very end and meets with the family then. If there is gonna be a specific card/pass for that that folks need to show then they will probably be moved thru the exit and don't need to pass anyone in line at all.

 

[OurBigTrip]

Wouldn't it be the same thing if Dad has an issue and is in the bathroom for those 50 minutes? What is the family doing in the mean time?

Do you mean the 50 minute line with all of the cool stuff that they were planning to skip using the DAS anyway?

If Disney is going this way, then they are obviously looking at cutting back on the number of people in the LL while still accommodating the guest who actually has the disability. There are any number of disabilities for which people are getting the DAS as a “just in case”. While I understand why that would be people’s preference, it does lead to more people in the LL that might not actually need it at any given time. This process offers an accommodation should it actually be needed, but not if it’s not.

 

[TwoMisfits]

Do you mean the 50 minute line with all of the cool stuff that they were planning to skip using the DAS anyway?

If Disney is going this way, then they are obviously looking at cutting back on the number of people in the LL while still accommodating the guest who actually has the disability. There are any number of disabilities for which people are getting the DAS as a “just in case”. While I understand why that would be people’s preference, it does lead to more people in the LL that might not actually need it at any given time. This process offers an accommodation should it actually be needed, but not if it’s not.

They could actually be looking to do this for a whole host of "just in case" disabilities, and testing it with the bathroom issues.

Seeing that the state of VA just put out a press release where they said they had 25% of adults in the state officially disabled, I would not be surprised if that move was a trend that continues.

 

[OurBigTrip]

They could actually be looking to do this for a whole host of "just in case" disabilities, and testing it with the bathroom issues.

Seeing that the state of VA just put out a press release where they said they had 25% of adults in the state officially disabled, I would not be surprised if that move was a trend that continues.

My sister goes twice a year and has been getting a DAS for years due to Krohn’s, although she only actually utilizes it if she’s having a flare. I texted her about this to see what she thought, and she said she would prefer it to a DAS, as even during a flare, it’s a toss up as to whether she will actually need it or not.

I realize that no two people experience a disability in exactly the same way, but this does seem to be at least a start to looking at providing what’s actually necessary rather than giving the top accommodation to all.

 

[honeymo78]

I really hope someone reports back on how this works out. I'm fearful that something like this will be implemented for Florida. Sometimes I need assistance from another party member depending on what I'm experiencing (or sometimes someone to just check on me). I can also imagine not being ready/able to join the line right when the rest of my party gets to the merge point. I guess they'll just have to wait even longer if I need more time? I already feel like a burden with my need for frequent stops on many days or making my family wait a bit more once we get to an attraction before I'm ready to get in line.

 

[churrogeargirlie]

I would highly recommend calling back. My husband has a variety of autoimmune conditions including UC and Crohn's and was denied his first request last year but granted after we called back. I really think they are just trying to cut down on people who are abusing the system by making it more difficult to obtain the DAS. I would imagine fakers aren't up for multiple awkward phone calls, but those of us who really need the accommodations are willing to do whatever it takes. The idea of having to leave the line and come back is ridiculous. A bathroom visit for my husband can be 5 minutes or 50 minutes. Outside of a line, that's fine. I can stroll around, go in shops, whatever. But having to awkwardly try to hold my place in line and explain to everyone my husband has digestive issues for an hour?! No, thank you. Not to mention the toll it takes on HIM to have to worry about that and how the heck he is supposed to get back in. Does he have to fight his way back to the front and explain to everyone on the way his very personal medical condition? I understand that Disney needs to dissuade bad actors from taking advantage of the system, but I hope they don't forget the people with the conditions who are the whole reason this program exists in the first place. Please keep us updated on if you are able to get a DAS/how the "bathroom pass" is supposed to work.

 

[starlite_]

Do you mean the 50 minute line with all of the cool stuff that they were planning to skip using the DAS anyway?

If Disney is going this way, then they are obviously looking at cutting back on the number of people in the LL while still accommodating the guest who actually has the disability. There are any number of disabilities for which people are getting the DAS as a “just in case”. While I understand why that would be people’s preference, it does lead to more people in the LL that might not actually need it at any given time. This process offers an accommodation should it actually be needed, but not if it’s not.

I mean, true hahaha.

I don't know. The comment I responded to was a lil bit weird cause it read to me that the biggest issue was missed family time when in reality the person that needed the accommodation was probably gonna be in the bathroom anyways since that is the reason they would need the accommodation. So they would be missing family time regardless, unless the family was waiting outside the bathroom the whole time.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I mean, true hahaha.

I don't know. The comment I responded to was a lil bit weird cause it read to me that the biggest issue was missed family time when in reality the person that needed the accommodation was probably gonna be in the bathroom anyways since that is the reason they would need the accommodation. So they would be missing family time regardless, unless the family was waiting outside the bathroom the whole time.

Agree 100%

 

[bambialways4ever]

You will not be pushing through any line, as you will be out of the queue using the bathroom, and then you will join up with your family after, at the loading area. Most likely, you will show the card to the CM at the line queue, and they will bring you in another way so that you are at the loading area. Then you will wait there until your family gets there. You can keep in touch with your family by cell phone, and have a general idea when they are getting close to the front.

Wouldn't you have to push through to exit the line? Maybe I'm misunderstanding but it sounded like this pass would be if OP was already in line and then had to leave due to a bathroom emergency, they could exit the line, then show this pass to a CM to meet their family at the ride loading point or something. As a frequenter of land, I can tell you many of the lines are very tight and not easy to exit, and would definitely require me to push back through to exit if I was in OPs situation.

 

[DisneyOma]

Wouldn't you have to push through to exit the line? Maybe I'm misunderstanding but it sounded like this pass would be if OP was already in line and then had to leave due to a bathroom emergency, they could exit the line, then show this pass to a CM to meet their family at the ride loading point or something. As a frequenter of land, I can tell you many of the lines are very tight and not easy to exit, and would definitely require me to push back through to exit if I was in OPs situation.

I think people are much likely to let someone pass leaving the queue, and there are switchback areas that make it a bit easier to get through as well. I had to do that at Buzz Lightyear at WDW.

 

[ttintagel]

The idea of breaking up families and making them wait separately at a park which was created specifically so that the entire family could have fun together, just because one family member has a disability, is very disheartening to me.

I would absolutely go to Guest Services when you actually get to the park, have a chat with them, and make double sure that this is the only accommodation they can offer.

 

[DisneyOma]

The idea of breaking up families and making them wait separately at a park which was created specifically so that the entire family could have fun together, just because one family member has a disability, is very disheartening to me.

I would absolutely go to Guest Services when you actually get to the park, have a chat with them, and make double sure that this is the only accommodation they can offer.

I think Disneyland is letting them queue together, and if a guest needs to leave for a bathroom issue they can meet up at the loading area. The entire family wouldn't be going into the bathroom, would they? The only time they would be apart would be if the guest needed to leave the queue to go the bathroom.

 

[onlyholly]

So if someone has, let’s say, an Inflammatory Bowel Disease like Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis which is a chronic disease/disability which has a number of physical (and mental) issues to be considered by a professional. (Not to be mistaken for IBS, not at all related). A classic symptom of IBD is having to visit the bathroom at a moments notice, sometimes without warning. A debilitating disease both physically and mentally.

Am I right in thinking that the person with IBD has to wait in a holding area away from their family for the duration until their family are about to go on the ride? Is there a bathroom, air conditioning, shelter from all weathers etc in this holding area? Who keeps track of the wait time? Is it a medical clinician that decides the severity of the disability?

If this is the “New DAS” system then Disney are discriminating in areas they know nothing about. Surely they cannot discriminate or make decisions on complex Medical issues without a qualified doctors knowledge, expertise and say so.

How embarrassing to be put in a holding area like cattle, with everyone knowing you have “bathroom issues”. Having this dreadful disease is bad enough without having to deal with discrimination, separation from family, shoved aside and being made to feel you’re a burden to everyone. Where is discretion or empathy? Disney are loosing the plot if this goes ahead and will loose loyal customers.

Disney would have to have a room/holding area at every ride, extra cast members to co-ordinate, a “bathroom” etc. …………. This is just not feasible!

Would be interested to see written terms and conditions of this new ‘DAS’ pass from Disney.

So sorry that you have been treated so unsympathetically by an unqualified medic, I’d call again and ask to speak to someone more qualified and proof of their reasons for rejection.

 

[lanejudy]

Am I right in thinking that the person with IBD has to wait in a holding area away from their family for the duration until their family are about to go on the ride?

No. What's been reported is that the person enters the queue with their family. IF need arises that they need to use the restroom, they leave the queue and then will rejoin the family at the boarding location. There is no designated waiting area, other than near the exit or boarding should they happen to arrive there before the family. Just a guess but I would think it's more likely the family may need to wait for the person who left the queue, though I suppose that may depend how far along the queue they were when the person left.

Is it a medical clinician that decides the severity of the disability?

My understanding is that no medical personnel is involved in any decision about in-park accommodations for any disability. Accommodations are at the discretion of the business (theme park) and may not be the "preferred" accommodation as long as it's accommodated.

 

[onlyholly]

No. What's been reported is that the person enters the queue with their family. IF need arises that they need to use the restroom, they leave the queue and then will rejoin the family at the boarding location. There is no designated waiting area, other than near the exit or boarding should they happen to arrive there before the family. Just a guess but I would think it's more likely the family may need to wait for the person who left the queue, though I suppose that may depend how far along the queue they were when the person left.


My understanding is that no medical personnel is involved in any decision about in-park accommodations for any disability. Accommodations are at the discretion of the business (theme park) and may not be the "preferred" accommodation as long as it's accommodated.

Thanks for the clarification. I didn’t think Disney would or could discriminate on someones medical needs without the intervention from a qualified doctor.

Universal Studios have just brought in a third party to deal with their Accessibility Card (IBCCES) who are medically qualified to approve/disapprove someone’s medical condition by asking for a doctors letter or diagnosis/proof of disability and reasons for not being able to stand in line. A very fair system that will hopefully cut the abuse. Hopefully Disney will go down this route.

 

[lanejudy]

I didn’t think Disney would or could discriminate on someones medical needs without the intervention from a qualified doctor.

Again, just to clarify... there is no medical personnel involved in determining accommodations -- whether that's the DAS at WDW or an AAP at Universal or other theme parks. The individual has to be able to explain their needs. Medical personnel is not required to determine that for the parks; accommodations can/do vary and accommodation may be based on operational needs.

Some theme parks have put in a step to require documentation of a disability such as Universal's new procedure. However to my knowledge that is not medically reviewed in any fashion, it is simply a check that the documentation is from a medical provider, school or government entity and includes a diagnosis of a disability. No verification of fact or logic of how that stated disability should/could/would be accommodated.

 

[voxparse]

This is not an attack but a genuine question; what would be the right accommodation for bathroom issues? What should the parks do and how can it be something that scales? I ask because I have been disabled for a very long time and the accommodations available now are incredible compared to what we dealt with in the old days. I don’t totally understand what more can be done. The programs have to evolve and they have over time but if I worked for the parks I don’t know that I could do better.

 

[Evita_W]

DH and I went over Labor Day weekend and while he has some other issues that need accommodations, the easiest in the past has always been to explain the bathroom issue, as he also uses an ECV, so for most queues leaving the line if the issue occurs is impossible. Not to mention, sometimes there isn't enough time to stop and talk to a CM and make it to the bathroom.

First it should be noted that the guest relations CM insisted that he would be able to leave any queue and that all queues in both Disneyland and DCA were fully accessible (we all know that isn't true, but no one could convince the CM otherwise), so he did end up going into his other issues, which I won't detail here, but suffice it to say he did get a DAS.
That being said, I only went on one ride due to leg pain and I decided to try to transfer on web slingers, rather than remain in the ECV that I had for the day. In hindsight I should have asked for the ADA vehicle, but I noticed the CMs were way more helpful and accommodating than in the past, which was greatly appreciated. I mean they definitely went way above and beyond for me.

DH rode a few more rides and he said he noticed that this seemed to be the trend, he and the other two people in our party went on Haunted Mansion Holiday and they needed to take their ECVs (two, his and one other) down since it was the end of the day, this meant they had to wait for a bit before being able to go in and the CMs made it clear that if they needed to leave the line for ANY reason, bathroom, get food, drink, etc. to just let them know and they would make sure they didn't loose their place in line.

He did notice some people asking for bathroom passes (note this is not something guest services issues, instead it is given at the attraction and is available to anyone) and they were indeed given them and came back to meet up with the rest of their party. Of course each attraction seemed to handle it a little differently, he noticed at Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway a CM escorted them to where the lobby before the preshow is via a backstage door when they returned and then waited for the rest of their party. Haunted Mansion escorted them to where the wheelchairs wait to go in and said to merge in when the rest of their party arrived at the front of the line.

For most people with bathroom issues, this accommodation would be fine, but again when dealing with ECVs and/or urgent issues, there needs to be more thought put into the new process. The DAS worked before, but admittedly if too many people get them, then it becomes a useless tool as you can be waiting just as long as everyone else again, so not saying that it should be an all or nothing solution, just that there does need to be a little more thought put into it.

 

[Evita_W]

This is not an attack but a genuine question; what would be the right accommodation for bathroom issues? What should the parks do and how can it be something that scales? I ask because I have been disabled for a very long time and the accommodations available now are incredible compared to what we dealt with in the old days. I don’t totally understand what more can be done. The programs have to evolve and they have over time but if I worked for the parks I don’t know that I could do better.

Well as I said in my last post, issuing a DAS works, but there are issues with just blindly doing that for anyone with bathroom issues, as it can back up the alternate entrances.

But the all or nothing approach doesn't work either, because the new solution doesn't work in every situation and it may need to be a pass that is attraction dependent, for example if you go to get on Haunted Mansion, you are going to be directed to an alternate waiting area no matter what if you have a mobility device, but if you are going on Monsters Inc, there is no way to get an ECV out of that queue midway if there is an issue. So there needs to be some leeway here.