DAS Approval/Denial with New DAS Guidelines START 5/20 WDW & 6/18 DL

[Masterbetatesta]

Tron no longer has a virtual queue, so it will be an ILL no matter what or wait in the standby line. Guardians will still be a virtual queue...technically you would have to purchase ILL to get into that line.

Actually, you just made me realize that there are more rides that are not on the LLMP, like Mine Train.

From what I remember, I was able to queue up for Mine Train on DAS pass and go to the LL upon arrival, same as when I VQed at 1PM for Tron and Guardians with around a 6 or 7PM time. So basically LLMP is technically worse than DAS pass.

 

[lanejudy]

Actually, you just made me realize that there are more rides that are not on the LLMP, like Mine Train.

From what I remember, I was able to queue up for Mine Train on DAS pass and go to the LL upon arrival, same as when I VQed at 1PM for Tron and Guardians with around a 6 or 7PM time. So basically LLMP is technically worse than DAS pass.

7DMT is a LLSP attraction, a separate purchase from LLMP.

 

[Masterbetatesta]

7DMT is a LLSP attraction, a separate purchase from LLMP.

Yep, that's my point. There are rides where I won't have access to LL with LLMP that I used to have access with DAS.

 

[lanejudy]

Yep, that's my point. There are rides where I won't have access to LL with LLMP that I used to have access with DAS.

Right. That pretty much puts you on par with most other guests in the park who also don't have access to LL without paying extra, which appears to be Disney's goal -- at least in part -- by providing alternative accommodations instead of access to LLs. If you find you need to leave a queue to deal with the diabetes, your party can remain in the queue and you can meet up with them (most likely via LL).

 

[Lfsdromero]

Can confirm. We just got off the chat a few minutes ago. DD was approved again. This time for 240 days. This is her 2nd approval since changes went into effect.

Was this questions the same as the 1st time she applied? I was just wondering if it is any less stressful for the 2nd approval.

 

[dizneedoll]

I posted this on the DAS discussion thread because this one was having tech issues. But it's working so I'll post it here too.

I just did my DAS chat. Had a super nice and kind CM. I expained my issues and did go into more detail than I have before under the previous DAS. She asked the follow up question on how I deal with lines in everyday life, I expained about that and then she approved me. It was pretty quick and painless. I had no wait at all for the chat to start either (joined chat at 1pm PST) I don’t have an AP but we have two trips coming up, one later this month and another in December. I got approved for 240 days. I was surprised about that. I thought that was only for AP’s and that I would need to call again for the December trip. Im very grateful and relieved I won’t have to do that.

For reference I am an adult female with developmental disability. And have used DAS, GAC and even SAP (that really dates me!)

 

[Jperiod]

Had a short wait for DL chat today, apparently sunday mornings are better than other days. My HFA son was denied and they suggested return to queue which is disappointing on a family vacation to be separated. I'm also not sure how it actually helps on rides with no cell service like indiana jones. How would we know when to return? She said we could just wait for our party at the merge point but that defeats the purpose of avoiding the sensory experience of the environment that's over-whelming him.

I really don't know why he didn't qualify. They wanted to know school accommodations, but not sure how those relate to lines at all? And they wanted to know how he deals with other lines but that's the thing - he doesn't. We avoid him waiting as much as possible because the situation quickly degrades and that's not an episode we want to deal with on vacation (which is why we've continued to vacation at disney. We know how to make it work for him).

Anyone know if we can try re-applying for this trip? My son is very worried now. We haven't done disney without DAS since we learned about it after he was diagnosed, so maybe it'll be better than he thinks. I'm willing to try and trying to convince him too. But if he's going downhill while we're there, can we ask again there?

 

[dizneedoll]

Had a short wait for DL chat today, apparently sunday mornings are better than other days. My HFA son was denied and they suggested return to queue which is disappointing on a family vacation to be separated. I'm also not sure how it actually helps on rides with no cell service like indiana jones. How would we know when to return? She said we could just wait for our party at the merge point but that defeats the purpose of avoiding the sensory experience of the environment that's over-whelming him.

I really don't know why he didn't qualify. They wanted to know school accommodations, but not sure how those relate to lines at all? And they wanted to know how he deals with other lines but that's the thing - he doesn't. We avoid him waiting as much as possible because the situation quickly degrades and that's not an episode we want to deal with on vacation (which is why we've continued to vacation at disney. We know how to make it work for him).

Anyone know if we can try re-applying for this trip? My son is very worried now. We haven't done disney without DAS since we learned about it after he was diagnosed, so maybe it'll be better than he thinks. I'm willing to try and trying to convince him too. But if he's going downhill while we're there, can we ask again there?

You can try again once you are there and try the return to queue. If its not working, you can contact them again and explain how the offered accommodation wasn’t working and if they would reconsider.

 

[jennab]

Had a short wait for DL chat today, apparently sunday mornings are better than other days. My HFA son was denied and they suggested return to queue which is disappointing on a family vacation to be separated. I'm also not sure how it actually helps on rides with no cell service like indiana jones. How would we know when to return? She said we could just wait for our party at the merge point but that defeats the purpose of avoiding the sensory experience of the environment that's over-whelming him.

I really don't know why he didn't qualify. They wanted to know school accommodations, but not sure how those relate to lines at all? And they wanted to know how he deals with other lines but that's the thing - he doesn't. We avoid him waiting as much as possible because the situation quickly degrades and that's not an episode we want to deal with on vacation (which is why we've continued to vacation at disney. We know how to make it work for him).

Anyone know if we can try re-applying for this trip? My son is very worried now. We haven't done disney without DAS since we learned about it after he was diagnosed, so maybe it'll be better than he thinks. I'm willing to try and trying to convince him too. But if he's going downhill while we're there, can we ask again there?

Did you explain the school accommodations he does receive? Yes, I’d recommend trying the accommodations they offered to you and if those do not work, then connect with the DAS CMs again while at Disney. Explain that you tried the other accommodations you were offered and what happened.

 

[Jperiod]

Did you explain the school accommodations he does receive? Yes, I’d recommend trying the accommodations they offered to you and if those do not work, then connect with the DAS CMs again while at Disney. Explain that you tried the other accommodations you were offered and what happened.

I did explain his accommodations, but they're just for his learning disabilities. The only thing remotely related is he's allowed to test alone in a room away from others.

We'll give the RTQ a try! Thankfully we're only there for 2 days.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Had a short wait for DL chat today, apparently sunday mornings are better than other days. My HFA son was denied and they suggested return to queue which is disappointing on a family vacation to be separated. I'm also not sure how it actually helps on rides with no cell service like indiana jones. How would we know when to return? She said we could just wait for our party at the merge point but that defeats the purpose of avoiding the sensory experience of the environment that's over-whelming him.

I really don't know why he didn't qualify. They wanted to know school accommodations, but not sure how those relate to lines at all? And they wanted to know how he deals with other lines but that's the thing - he doesn't. We avoid him waiting as much as possible because the situation quickly degrades and that's not an episode we want to deal with on vacation (which is why we've continued to vacation at disney. We know how to make it work for him).

Recall that DAS is needs-based, not diagnosis-based, so merely being autistic doesn’t mean that your son qualifies for DAS. The CM you spoke with thought that other accommodations (eg AQR, waiting outside and rejoining your party) would be more appropriate based on the needs that you described - including the size of your party and how your son functions in his day to day life.

It may be disappointing, but there really isn’t much more to it than that.

 

[nalababybear]

Had a short wait for DL chat today, apparently sunday mornings are better than other days. My HFA son was denied and they suggested return to queue which is disappointing on a family vacation to be separated. I'm also not sure how it actually helps on rides with no cell service like indiana jones. How would we know when to return? She said we could just wait for our party at the merge point but that defeats the purpose of avoiding the sensory experience of the environment that's over-whelming him.

I really don't know why he didn't qualify. They wanted to know school accommodations, but not sure how those relate to lines at all? And they wanted to know how he deals with other lines but that's the thing - he doesn't. We avoid him waiting as much as possible because the situation quickly degrades and that's not an episode we want to deal with on vacation (which is why we've continued to vacation at disney. We know how to make it work for him).

Anyone know if we can try re-applying for this trip? My son is very worried now. We haven't done disney without DAS since we learned about it after he was diagnosed, so maybe it'll be better than he thinks. I'm willing to try and trying to convince him too. But if he's going downhill while we're there, can we ask again there?

Sorry he wasn't approved for it. It's hard for the HFA group especially imho.

The good news for Indiana Jones is the cell service and wifi has been upgraded. It used to only reach the assisted queue merge point which is always staffed, but now it's all the way through the loading zone.

Same for soarin. Where previously it would cut out right at the merge.

 

[Jperiod]

Recall that DAS is needs-based, not diagnosis-based, so merely being autistic doesn’t mean that your son qualifies for DAS. The CM you spoke with thought that other accommodations (eg AQR, waiting outside and rejoining your party) would be more appropriate based on the needs that you described - including the size of your party and how your son functions in his day to day life.

It may be disappointing, but there really isn’t much more to it than that.

totally understand that, but I described his challenges and what results the same as I have for many years and trips and it was a no this time. RTQ wouldn't be so bad, since it's essentially waiting outside the line like the DAS, but it sadly separates families, so it's odd to offer it as an accommodation in cases like my son's where it would be needed on a large portion of rides. I would think it would be utilized for other challenges like sudden/random bathroom breaks or something. If that's their point, DAS could be reserved for families of 2 or single adults with minors since there's no one able to hold their place in line. Come to think of it, they did ask how many more were traveling with us and how many minors, so maybe that's what they're doing?

 

[Philsfan77]

Had a short wait for DL chat today, apparently sunday mornings are better than other days. My HFA son was denied and they suggested return to queue which is disappointing on a family vacation to be separated. I'm also not sure how it actually helps on rides with no cell service like indiana jones. How would we know when to return? She said we could just wait for our party at the merge point but that defeats the purpose of avoiding the sensory experience of the environment that's over-whelming him.

I really don't know why he didn't qualify. They wanted to know school accommodations, but not sure how those relate to lines at all? And they wanted to know how he deals with other lines but that's the thing - he doesn't. We avoid him waiting as much as possible because the situation quickly degrades and that's not an episode we want to deal with on vacation (which is why we've continued to vacation at disney. We know how to make it work for him).

Anyone know if we can try re-applying for this trip? My son is very worried now. We haven't done disney without DAS since we learned about it after he was diagnosed, so maybe it'll be better than he thinks. I'm willing to try and trying to convince him too. But if he's going downhill while we're there, can we ask again there?

If you re-apply in advance and are denied again (typicaly 2 denials is a 120-day lock-out from applying again). If you were to get locked-out before arriving, you more than likely would be out of luck to try again after attempting RTQ. Your best bet at this stage would be to wait and apply in person at Disneyland (which you can still do). I personally would try to use the RTQ feature, document your attempts, what happened (if anything) that caused your son to go downhill, and if he isn't able to handle it, re-apply in person with that information. I understand the frustration of possibly having to wait separately, but ultimately you will still get to ride the ride together.

 

[OurBigTrip]

totally understand that, but I described his challenges and what results the same as I have for many years and trips and it was a no this time. RTQ wouldn't be so bad, since it's essentially waiting outside the line like the DAS, but it sadly separates families, so it's odd to offer it as an accommodation in cases like my son's where it would be needed on a large portion of rides. I would think it would be utilized for other challenges like sudden/random bathroom breaks or something. If that's their point, DAS could be reserved for families of 2 or single adults with minors since there's no one able to hold their place in line. Come to think of it, they did ask how many more were traveling with us and how many minors, so maybe that's what they're doing?

Most of the people denied are people who had DAS before, explained their issues the same, and were still denied. As Disney is trying to cut back on DAS use, it’s to be expected that many will e denied now.

And as you said, since RTQ will wok for you, DAS isn’t really necessary.

 

[SueM in MN]

My daughter was just approved for DAS for WDW. She does have developmental disability, not autism diagnosis, but some similar issues.
I only waited about a minute from the time I entered the text chat until the CM texted that she would be with us as soon as possible. I typed in answers to a few questions (name of person DAS was requested for, names of other people in our group, dates) and a few minutes after that, the CM sent a link to join Zoom video chat.
The first question was the same as we were used to ("what are your concerns or issues with waiting in the regular lines?") The CM asked a few other questions about accommodations for work/school and how we deal with waits in other places. The call took about 10 minutes. Daughter was approved for 240 days - CM verified that daughter has AP and she said, "with AP, I can approve for 240 days".
She sent some links (which I already had) and we were done

 

[DisneylandFreak2013]

Had a short wait for DL chat today, apparently sunday mornings are better than other days. My HFA son was denied and they suggested return to queue which is disappointing on a family vacation to be separated. I'm also not sure how it actually helps on rides with no cell service like indiana jones. How would we know when to return? She said we could just wait for our party at the merge point but that defeats the purpose of avoiding the sensory experience of the environment that's over-whelming him.

I really don't know why he didn't qualify. They wanted to know school accommodations, but not sure how those relate to lines at all? And they wanted to know how he deals with other lines but that's the thing - he doesn't. We avoid him waiting as much as possible because the situation quickly degrades and that's not an episode we want to deal with on vacation (which is why we've continued to vacation at disney. We know how to make it work for him).

Anyone know if we can try re-applying for this trip? My son is very worried now. We haven't done disney without DAS since we learned about it after he was diagnosed, so maybe it'll be better than he thinks. I'm willing to try and trying to convince him too. But if he's going downhill while we're there, can we ask again there?

You can try again once you are there and try the return to queue. If its not working, you can contact them again and explain how the offered accommodation wasn’t working and if they would reconsider.

Just as an FYI - my sister called for her child and was denied prior to their trip. They tried again once at the park when things were not working for the return to queue option (10-year-old waited in line while sister waited with 6-year-old just outside of the queue) and were denied again and told that since this was their second time of applying that they were barred from trying again for 120 days. Just be prepared, my sister felt really bad after they told her she was barred.

She said she felt like a fraud, even though their family was greatly helped by DAS for her son's autism and behavioral issues that are due to that. Disney trips are probably out of the question for a while for them, unfortunately.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

Just as an FYI - my sister called for her child and was denied prior to their trip. They tried again once at the park when things were not working for the return to queue option (10-year-old waited in line while sister waited with 6-year-old just outside of the queue) and were denied again and told that since this was their second time of applying that they were barred from trying again for 120 days. Just be prepared, my sister felt really bad after they told her she was barred.

She said she felt like a fraud, even though their family was greatly helped by DAS for her son's autism and behavioral issues that are due to that. Disney trips are probably out of the question for a while for them, unfortunately.

Is there a second adult that could wait with the 10 year old but chose not to for whatever reason? It seems highly strange that Disney would expect a 10 year old to wait alone for every line, and obviously the six year old cannot be left alone.

 

[Grim Grinning Ghostie]

Hi, all. I had to apply again as my 120-day approval window is coming up on its final day.

I was approved again for my neurodivergency. The process was the same: I entered the queue, waited approximately one minute for a cast member to join, and spoke with the designated cast member over Zoom video chat. A supervisor and/or medical professional was NOT called in for consultation. I was asked again about my difficulties with waiting in lines - no questions about my diagnoses or the like were asked, but I did provide them freely. They did not tell me keep that to myself as they did on previous calls. The process took about 5-10 minutes in total.

The only change I noticed is that approvals for passholders (WDW) now last 240 days.

 

[otg]

Just got approved for my son. She added all five of us to the Das. She explained that inly my son and 3 others could use it at one time but we could change the the 3 with every ride on our own. She said all five names would show and we just put a check mark next to 3 that are riding. Its good for 240 days. It took about 5 minutes to do. She only asked me one question. It was clear that my son needed it. She was very nice.