I wound up doing the video chat this morning…
Local AP - no “trip” planned until July, but have a smattering of random park reservations in mid- and late-June. Previously renewed
DAS is still active until May 19. Non-DD, but also not physical/mobility - symptoms/issues with lines are similar to those of ASD/DD.
Virtually NO wait: by the time I finished answering a few questions in the chat box, the CM was asking if they could start the video call.
CM said they could see my previous DAS use, asked about my needs. They did ask one clarifying question that I don’t want to include here, but it wasn’t something I’d been asked before - I wish I felt comfortable about including it here because for the life of me I can’t figure out how the answer would matter in terms of approval! It wasn’t offensive or especially intrusive, though, and I had no problem answering it. I gave my explanation, which TBH is always easier to explain if I do include my disorder, and the CM said it was fine if *I* want to disclose it for ease of explanation, but that it isn’t required and will not be noted anywhere in their system. After maybe 2-3 mins of explanation, I was told I “definitely qualify for DAS” based on what I offered and did not need to provide any additional details.
This round of DAS will begin with the June 14 park reservation and expire 30 days later, July 13. I didn't think to ask if it goes away if I wind up not going on June 14.
I did ask if the CM knew anything yet about how adding/removing/changing a DAS party will be managed after the May 20 changeover, as I have 6 friends who will sometimes join me, though almost never at the same time/same day. They said it will be handled via the DAS video chat request, but can be done day-of from the park or from home before I head out - just type in the chat box that I already have DAS and just need to alter my party. It sounds like they
may be able to handle that through chat alone, or if video is needed it may be expedited to go through quickly, since registration wouldn’t be needed.
Overall, it was a VERY pleasant video call, it sure felt like the CM had more DAS-specific training than some blue umbrellas CMs I’ve encountered, and there was no negativity, pushback, or indication that I wouldn’t qualify under the new program. Whether or not that’s true remains to be seen, of course.
ETA: Yes, I DID write down my expiration date this time, lol!