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

[pecanp13]

I finally had my call today and was denied right away, after qualifying for DAS since 2018. I was only asked one question - why I can’t wait in line and what problems arise. I went into full detail. I have as several cardiac conditions - including heart failure and autonomic dysfunctions.

At the end of the call she told me conditions like mine no longer qualify for DAS and it’s only for people with autism. I’ve read conflicting things about that, so a part of me wonders if it’s just the CM you speak to or not.

She talked about RTQ but didn’t explain it, she just sent me a link in the chat. I asked how does that work if I have to leave the park because usually when I have an episode, I go back to the hotel and rest. She said “try to have your party stay in line and speak to a CM at the attraction”. Not sure how that’ll work, but I guess I can give it a try.

Just to follow up my previous post. I tried for a second interview and was approved instantly. I was very honest and explained my needs and concerns, and how RTQ didn’t work for me as I called after my first park day - I am currently here now.

I’m not sure if it’s CM dependent or not. The first CM I knew off the bat I was going to be denied. This one seemed so much nicer and sympathetic. I don’t have autism and was approved, despite the first interview CM saying it’s “only for people with autism”. I could have been approved after proving the new accommodations didn’t work for me, as I was willing to try them out first. I could have been approved because I better advocated for myself than the first time. I’m not sure what it was. But it seems like there is still a massive grey area in regards to who gets approved or not.

 

[lexybear]

I'm here in wdw now and after the first park day I just couldn't do it and applied for Das. Was denied immediately. The cast member didn't even look me in the eyes once the entire call and was glued to her script in front of her the whole time. When I asked a question that she couldn't recite from the paper she couldn't really answer my questions. Very cold and curt.

 

[jennab]

I'm here in wdw now and after the first park day I just couldn't do it and applied for Das. Was denied immediately. The cast member didn't even look me in the eyes once the entire call and was glued to her script in front of her the whole time. When I asked a question that she couldn't recite from the paper she couldn't really answer my questions. Very cold and curt.

Have you tried any of the other accommodations they offered?

 

[lexybear]

Have you tried any of the other accommodations they offered?

I went to guest services and asked about their solo rider or plus 1 accommodations where you can't be left alone without your caretaker and they just told me to go to the lightning lane person and tell them. They've given me return times to come back. If my party was more than 2 I'd have one wait in line and I'd meet them I imagine.

 

[Jdavidm]

Approved this morning for Disneyland as a neurodivergent adult.

They let my husband handle the entire interview for me, I only had to come on for the photo.

Handled entirely by the cast member, never handed off to the medical team.

Connected instantly for video chat after purchasing the magic key this morning.

Heading to the parks now for a brief trip since we’re local. Been almost two years since we’ve last been, so we’ll need to re-adapt before attempting a longer day.

 

[foxybynature]

Approved just now. The process was pretty identical to my July 2024 experience. I explained what causes my disability to flare and what happens once I am in a flare. I did not give specifics on my type of disability and chronic illness. I was approved immediately. The CM was very patient and kind. I really wonder if I've just had a fortunate luck of the draw both times.

 

[ajsamett]

Popping on to say thanks for all the helpful tips this page has given me. My friend (adult) has AuDHD and we were worried about applying for DAS as an adult, but we were approved!! Sharing the questions that were most useful to think about in preparation for the interview:

How to describe issues being in line, both how it internally and externally manifests? And what does a bad line experience look like?
What accomodations do you need in day to day life?
How have your symptoms progressed over time?

 

[slo]

My friend's son was approved this past weekend, but the CM told her that the DAS will show up in her MDE once she enters the park. She is very unsettled that she has no proof of having the DAS. I told her I would ask all of you if this is normal, because you all are the best source for this

 

[Philsfan77]

My friend's son was approved this past weekend, but the CM told her that the DAS will show up in her MDE once she enters the park. She is very unsettled that she has no proof of having the DAS. I told her I would ask all of you if this is normal, because you all are the best source for this

That is correct and yes this is normal.

 

[lanejudy]

My friend's son was approved this past weekend, but the CM told her that the DAS will show up in her MDE once she enters the park. She is very unsettled that she has no proof of having the DAS. I told her I would ask all of you if this is normal, because you all are the best source for this

If she re-opens the Chat in her app, it is probably still there. The CM usually makes note of the dates.

 

[HopperFan]

If she re-opens the Chat in her app, it is probably still there. The CM usually makes note of the dates.

THIS ^

Here is mine showing 5 mos later.

 

[TioAdis78]

If she re-opens the Chat in her app, it is probably still there. The CM usually makes note of the dates.

Furthermore, the CM tells the truth! (Shocking, I know) but once you scan in the park, the DAS square magically appears on your MDE, and so it also disappears unceremoniously once your trip ends

 

[DWVol]

I was approved in May under the new rules for issues from combat PTSD. Just did the video chat to request it for an upcoming trip and was denied. Discussed all the same issues/concerns, but this cast member said that the policy only allows her to approve people who don't understand the concept of waiting in line.

I had the same issue today?? I'm not sure what is going on that they felt like I was able to use the service in July, but today I no longer qualify. This is really frustrating, and I wish I had asked why there was a change from July to now under the same rules as before.

 

[jennab]

I had the same issue today?? I'm not sure what is going on that they felt like I was able to use the service in July, but today I no longer qualify. This is really frustrating, and I wish I had asked why there was a change from July to now under the same rules as before.

My guess is the policy was still newer in July and now they have had more training and policies on who is and isn’t eligible.

 

[jlundeen]

To me (opinion) their claim that "the policy only allows her to approve people who don't understand the concept of waiting in line" is NOT what the DAS description page says... there are a whole lot of folks with issues who can easily understand the concept of waiting in line, but for numerous reasons, are not capable of doing it. The website says

this service supports Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time​

 

[jennab]

To me (opinion) their claim that "the policy only allows her to approve people who don't understand the concept of waiting in line" is NOT what the DAS description page says... there are a whole lot of folks with issues who can easily understand the concept of waiting in line, but for numerous reasons, are not capable of doing it.

I find the statement to mean something different. Many kids understand what a line is and may believe they can wait in it, however, they really can’t once they are there. If that makes any sense…

 

[Sheree]

very frustrating. I have had das in the past. i can't wait in line because of bladder issues (MS) and also overheating, standing still. this trip I will be using CM guest passes and was told each day I have to call AN CHAT FROM THE cm'S ACCOUNT TO GET das. WHAT A PAIN. iF YOU'RE APPROVED, WHY ISN'T IT JUST GOOD FOR A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME (OOPS SORRY, i HIT THE CAPS L

 

[OurBigTrip]

very frustrating. I have had das in the past. i can't wait in line because of bladder issues (MS) and also overheating, standing still. this trip I will be using CM guest passes and was told each day I have to call AN CHAT FROM THE cm'S ACCOUNT TO GET das. WHAT A PAIN. iF YOU'RE APPROVED, WHY ISN'T IT JUST GOOD FOR A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME (OOPS SORRY, i HIT THE CAPS L

You should be glad you’re getting it all, I’ve not seen anyone else with the issues you describe getting a DAS under the new rules.

 

[lanejudy]

I will be using CM guest passes … WHY ISN'T IT JUST GOOD FOR A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME

DAS is usually valid for length of ticket (or 240 days for AP). Unfortunately CM guest passes are viewed as single day entries and must remain in the CMs account. I guess you could view it as a trade off to using the free passes; alternatively you could buy a regular ticket.

 

[HopperFan]

You should be glad you’re getting it all, I’ve not seen anyone else with the issues you describe getting a DAS under the new rules.

They said they "will be using" so I don't think they are there yet, so have not yet been approved.