Just speculating here--but I think all these changes are truly just trying to achieve 1 sole desired result and that is to shorten LLs and wait times. Growing wait times are not fair to anyone--those on a DAS, those with
Genie+, those who pay outright for LL access, and those waiting standby--Every guest benefits from shorter lines. I personally believe that we will actually see very little change in terms of who qualifies--if you've qualified for a DAS for the past 5 years, I highly doubt that you will be denied assistance. I do think that we will see drastic differences in how the resultant accommodations apply though. Just as Disney states on the website, I do think the "DAS Pass" will be used primarily for young families with children with developmental disabilities--I believe they will attempt to limit the number of guests to 4 however I think frequent changes/allowances will be made depending on the situation. (ex: Grammy may accompany mom and dad in line to keep an eye on 1 or 2 neurotypical children as the parents see to their other child). I think other guests who qualify, mainly adults who can not manage the cue but whose limitations are not due to a developmental or cognitive issue, will still be granted "access", however they may be asked to utilize other tools to address their issues with waiting in line. For small groups of 2 or 3, things will most likely continue in the same manner as before. But for groups of 5 or greater, alternative solutions will be utilized. Disney specifically mentions Rider Switch and Single Rider on the website. I think Disney will slightly modify or revamp these areas to allow for the accommodation. Remember, with the ultimate goal being to minimize LL length and wait times--Rider Switch can easily be modified to allow for half the party to wait in line, while the guest with the accommodation waits with other members of their group in a more appropriate location (wherever that may be)--there will be no more "parties of 10" being granted access. I know it's not optimal to separate families/groups but the goal is to provide a solution for the difficulty waiting in the cue, not to keep all members together. This is also the reason why the traditional "DAS Pass" will be reserved for children with developmental disabilities and their families--Disney is not going to separate young children from their siblings and they will not ask for 1 adult to provide all the care, attention, coaxing, soothing, supervision, etc. that may be required when multiple adults could provide care by keeping the party together. The changes would significantly cut LL length and wait times, thus; allowing for an improved experience FOR ALL THEME PARK GUESTS. There will be exceptions of course (ex: 1 adult tending to 5 or 6 children)--but these situations will be few and far between, thus; easily managed by CMs). I'm not saying that I agree with the possible changes I've outlined--but I do believe that as adults, we must recognize that changes are necessary and imminent and that it's on all of us individually to assess these changes, and to decide if this is still the place where we want to spend our time, money, and energy.