Changes to Disability Access Service - DAS Advance Video Chat + book 2 rides per day in advance & book return times in MDE - all available NOW!

[mamamia2005]

I'm hoping that somewhere in the depths of my MDE file, it will be listed that we have used DAS for our last few trips, and therefore the video chat will just be a formality to check that my husbands needs are still the same.

 

[pasta]

I'm hoping that somewhere in the depths of my MDE file, it will be listed that we have used DAS for our last few trips, and therefore the video chat will just be a formality to check that my husbands needs are still the same.

I think it will. When I renewed my pass in July, my family and I didn‘t get another picture. It was on file. Even though it was a renewal, I was asked a few questions. I didn’t mind the questions at all. I think people‘s disabilities can change from year to year in some situations. I’m assuming the lines of questions will remain the same whether at GS, or video chat. Anyone that is nervous with a video chat can have someone by their side for support, or they can go to GS in person. I guess one question I have not thought of is getting a picture, if needed, during a video chat. Any thoughts?

 

[mamamia2005]

I think it will. When I renewed my pass in July, my family and I didn‘t get another picture. It was on file. Even though it was a renewal, I was asked a few questions. I didn’t mind the questions at all. I think people‘s disabilities can change from year to year in some situations. I’m assuming the lines of questions will remain the same whether at GS, or video chat. Anyone that is nervous with a video chat can have someone by their side for support, or they can go to GS in person. I guess one question I have not thought of is getting a picture, if needed, during a video chat. Any thoughts?

Maybe you will be asked to email a photo over to a certain email address?
Or maybe they will pull up a previous memory maker pic? I know you have a 30 day time limit to download your photos but maybe they are never truly gone?

 

[Disneyliscious]

I have a wheelchair I need to use because I have legs that don't work right, but if I needed to bring a doctor's note saying "This is what Fabfemmeboy has that entitles him to a DAS," I literally couldn't do it.

You don't need a diagnosis. They could simply require proof from your doctor, diagnosis or not, that you are disabled or need DAS. Since they are going to be on a video call with you anyway, they could take 2 minutes to get your doctors number and call them right there while on the video call with you. Your doctors office could easily confirm that you needed the DAS. This, of course, would be an ideal situation imo. No ones HIPPA is violated, no one has to have physical proof, and its so easily done with a simple phone call AND it wouldnt take any additional work/time from CM's because they are already going to be in a video call with you.

 

[ZellyB]

You don't need a diagnosis. They could simply require proof from your doctor, diagnosis or not, that you are disabled or need DAS. Since they are going to be on a video call with you anyway, they could take 2 minutes to get your doctors number and call them right there while on the video call with you. Your doctors office could easily confirm that you needed the DAS. This, of course, would be an ideal situation imo. No ones HIPPA is violated, no one has to have physical proof, and its so easily done with a simple phone call AND it wouldnt take any additional work/time from CM's because they are already going to be in a video call with you.

This would likely not work well. I'm just thinking about when I call my oncologist's office that you usually get a front office person and even if you call the nurses line, often you can't speak to anyone live and have to leave a message. And I'm not sure they would divulge information over the phone like that. Usually when a patient wants to allow for HIPAA protected information to be released to someone it requires you to come in and sign something so they can confirm your identity. I mean maybe other people have different experiences with their doctor's office but that's been my experience in general. Now if they wanted something in writing that you submit before or after the call that would be doable, but also easily faked.

 

[Liquidice]

You don't need a diagnosis. They could simply require proof from your doctor, diagnosis or not, that you are disabled or need DAS. Since they are going to be on a video call with you anyway, they could take 2 minutes to get your doctors number and call them right there while on the video call with you. Your doctors office could easily confirm that you needed the DAS. This, of course, would be an ideal situation imo. No ones HIPPA is violated, no one has to have physical proof, and its so easily done with a simple phone call AND it wouldnt take any additional work/time from CM's because they are already going to be in a video call with you.

You must have an awesome doctor's office. I wait on hold sometimes for 20-30 minutes just to make an appointment. Sometimes the answering system even says to call back later.

If I want to talk to the doctor or a nurse it is always a callback and it may take 24 hours to get a call back. If it is an emergency they say to call 911.

 

[tobikaye]

You don't need a diagnosis. They could simply require proof from your doctor, diagnosis or not, that you are disabled or need DAS. Since they are going to be on a video call with you anyway, they could take 2 minutes to get your doctors number and call them right there while on the video call with you. Your doctors office could easily confirm that you needed the DAS...

A couple of issues:

1. Many people are not going to be able do do the calls with Disney during doctor's hours. Most likely to sign my sister up via video conference, we will have to do it in the evening or weekend.
2. The person answering the phone at the doctor's office is usually not qualified to say the person is disabled or not.
3. Long waits for even getting through to a person and rarely do the nurse/doctor answer the questions left with the receptionist/scheduler the same day, if not 2-3 days later.
4. Just asking if someone is disabled and getting an answer of "yes" does not always mean the person needs the DAS. I know many people that are disabled by many standards, but would not need the DAS.
5. Many doctors will do things to make their patients lives easier. Broken ankle that will heal fine in 2-3 months and the doctor will issue the paperwork for the blue multi-year parking placard instead of the red 6 month parking placard.

My sister qualifies for the DAS for a number of reasons and basically all of her doctor's would label her disabled and needing the DAS. My mom is also disabled, but until recently the main disability was mobility and she would not have needed the DAS, but if you had just asked if she was disabled to her doctors, the would probably have just said yes she would need the DAS.

 

[Disneyliscious]

1. Many people are not going to be able do do the calls with Disney during doctor's hours. Most likely to sign my sister up via video conference, we will have to do it in the evening or weekend.
2. The person answering the phone at the doctor's office is usually not qualified to say the person is disabled or not.
3. Long waits for even getting through to a person and rarely do the nurse/doctor answer the questions left with the receptionist/scheduler the same day, if not 2-3 days later.
4. Just asking if someone is disabled and getting an answer of "yes" does not always mean the person needs the DAS. I know many people that are disabled by many standards, but would not need the DAS.
5. Many doctors will do things to make their patients lives easier. Broken ankle that will heal fine in 2-3 months and the doctor will issue the paperwork for the blue multi-year parking placard instead of the red 6 month parking placard.

Certainly there are kinks that would need to be worked out. Since the pass is requested 30 days in advance, Disney could have proof (a letter) faxed or emailed from a doctor office if the phone call couldn't be made. We live in an electronic world now where things can be done in an instant but with 30 days to spare, there would be plenty of time to get sufficient proof and attach it to someones MDE account. Maybe it only has to be renewed once ever 3 years or something. Just ideas. But there is definitely a better way to verify someones need for DAS than the current "honor system".

 

[CJN]

I guess one question I have not thought of is getting a picture, if needed, during a video chat. Any thoughts?

I would just assume a screenshot. Everybody comb your hair before making that video call. Lol.

 

[Disneyliscious]

You must have an awesome doctor's office. I wait on hold sometimes for 20-30 minutes just to make an appointment. Sometimes the answering system even says to call back later.

If I want to talk to the doctor or a nurse it is always a callback and it may take 24 hours to get a call back. If it is an emergency they say to call 911.

I live in a small town and have never had to experience anything like that. Heck, even in Nashville when seeing a specialist I've never experienced anything like that. I would personally change doctors if I had to wait on hold for a simple appointment. That tells me they have too many patients and cant give me the one on one time I want with my doctor. I'm not saying YOU should change doctors. Just saying me personally. But even with that, its a 30 day window. They can fax/email proof as well. It would all be very simple to do. Once proof is submitted from the dr office it could be attached to MDE and good for 3 years or something like that. I'd imagine people who truly need DAS would be happy to have their doctor provide this info (doesnt have to state the actual diagnosis) in order to keep the frauds out of the DAS lines.

 

[Sandisw]

I live in a small town and have never had to experience anything like that. Heck, even in Nashville when seeing a specialist I've never experienced anything like that. I would personally change doctors if I had to wait on hold for a simple appointment. That tells me they have too many patients and cant give me the one on one time I want with my doctor. I'm not saying YOU should change doctors. Just saying me personally. But even with that, its a 30 day window. They can fax/email proof as well. It would all be very simple to do. Once proof is submitted from the dr office it could be attached to MDE and good for 3 years or something like that. I'd imagine people who truly need DAS would be happy to have their doctor provide this info (doesnt have to state the actual diagnosis) in order to keep the frauds out of the DAS lines.

When I first applied for mine, I had the doctors note and they informed me that were not allowed to look at it. I simply needed to share my concerns with waiting in lines and go from there.

I know there are people who will abuse the system, but even a doctors note won’t get around that for these people as it would be easy to get one.

Today there are pretty strict rules regarding AdA and providing accommodations and I just do not see Disney getting themselves into an area that could cause them issues.

I mean how hard is it for any of us to get something that says “is under my care”.

Personally, I hope Disney continues with its current policy and doesn’t begin to require medical documentation that forces someone share personal issues simply to get what they need to manage the parks.

 

[JenLT]

I agree, and unfortunately Disney is making decisions that will make abuse enticing to some. When fastpasses didn't have a monetary value; the average guest wouldn't find value in abusing the DAS program;

Now that there is the monetary value it is t just a matter of being immoral and lying - it’s theft. So yes there will be who will seek to steal and get the DAS instead of lying for genie + just as there will be those who shoplift from the stores. But anyone considering this should realize that once something has a monetary value it is a crime - fraud - to steal it through deception.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Does a DAS pass help with someone who has a problem waiting in line in the Florida sunshine/heat but has no problem waiting in an air- conditioned/ cooler area?. Hoping that we can find a way to make a trip happen in the future but not sure if it will be possible. I know a lot of queues are in the shade but just thinking out loud really for the days when it might be in full sun. Thanks for any advice

 

[luv2cheer92]

Because, by asking a disabled person to provide something they’re not asking able bodies guests for … They ARE discriminating.

if Disney ask for proof of disability (Dr’s note or otherwise) they will end up in court and, despite all the stupid Corporate greed stuff going on right now, they’re not stupid enough to go there IMO.

if they do, though, it’ll make real interesting viewing.

There are several amusement parks out there that require a note. Six Flags parks being the big one, you have to go through a full system of uploading documents to an online portal through a third party. I don't see any reason why that would be out of the question. It can definitely be done legally.

 

[Pookie9922]

How detailed are the interviews at Guest services usually? I have both IBS and a bladder condition that are intermittent enough that I may not make use of the DAS, but have potential to derail our trip if things go south so I'd like to have it in case. It's a bit awkward to discuss though! Do they ask awkward questions or are they fairly general? I'd rather write them a letter than discuss it live!

 

[Roxyfire]

How detailed are the interviews at Guest services usually? I have both IBS and a bladder condition that are intermittent enough that I may not make use of the DAS, but have potential to derail our trip if things go south so I'd like to have it in case. It's a bit awkward to discuss though! Do they ask awkward questions or are they fairly general? I'd rather write them a letter than discuss it live!

No, really the focus is on what impacts you have, and I feel like in a video call setting that is easier and less embarrassing than in person. I think you could get the point across by saying something to the effect of you have a condition which requires access to a bathroom with little notice. Because of the perception of leaving a line and returning, looking like you are cutting or possibly losing the opportunity to ride, you would like an accommodation to wait in an alternate area.

 

[SueM in MN]

I think they've made it more complex than it needs to be. I think it would be easier with a form application and then if it's accepted you do the photo and confirmation. The last two DAS passes I've gotten (for myself and for my mother) didn't even require us answering questions we just asked for one and they have it to us.

Some people have reported they were basically asked no questions when they asked for DAS a first time or renewed. CMs were supposed to be asking questions, but some don’t - whether it’s because it’s busy and they are trying to hurry, cutting corners or not properly trained.
I think one of the big reasons the advance video option was added was to get consistency in how the process is done. Right now it’s inconsistent- some guests got a lot of question, some got none.

What about MAW/GKTW?

MAW/GKTW passes have a special pass that is issued directly thru the wish organization; this is not likely to change.
Before the disability service changed to DAS in October 2013, the stamp used on Guest Assistance Cards for kids on MAW cards was available at park Guest Relations (a green arrow indicating to give immediate access). Because it was available, it was used by some CMs for some guests who were not on Wish trips. That was one of the reasons MAW/WISH organizations handle it directly since 2013

Yes they can not require a disclosure of diagnosis, but they can require a note from a physician stating that "in my professional opinion guest X needs the following accommodations..." Of course, someone could fake a doctors note, but less people are willing to do that than to just lie to a park employee to gain the benefits especially now that it costs money to get fastpasses.

That would still be requiring proof that the person is disabled, which is not allowed under the ADA.
Besides a ‘basic level’ of disability access, some parks have an additional level of access that actually gives full access to their paid system to avoid waits. They can require proof for that kind of access.

People were doing fake notes under the system previous to DAS (GAC = Guest Assistance Cards) before Disney CMs started refusing to look at them.
Besides fake letter, there were doctors writing letters for patients they knew were not disabled. I’ve seen multiple reports online over the years where people’s doctors gave letters for people with uncomplicated pregnancies or just because they had several preschool children. So, there are also unscrupulous doctors.

I don't think they can legally require Dr notes and those that have brought them have been told by the CMs that they cannot look at them.

true.
I‘ve also been in Guest Relations when people brought letters and were arguing with the CM that their doctor had written a letter that ‘required’ WDW to give them immediate access to all attractions because the doctor wrote ‘my patient can’t wait in lines’.

I wonder if those of us who have DAS already will need to do the live chat to activate even if we don’t want ones done ahead of time?

Or will it be the same as before…go to GS and have them activate it for me and the guests with me for the trip?

According to what is on the Disney website regarding DAS, guests can choose to do the live chat OR go to Guest Relations at a theme park to register for DAS.
It also says
”DAS is valid for up to 60 days. Once the service has elapsed, Guests need to re-register for the program.”
No one knows for sure, but it implies guests would be going thru a similar process to re-register, not just renew without questions.
(when we’ve renewed our DD’s DAS we’ve sometimes gotten questions and other times not)

I think it will. When I renewed my pass in July, my family and I didn‘t get another picture. It was on file. Even though it was a renewal, I was asked a few questions. I didn’t mind the questions at all. I think people‘s disabilities can change from year to year in some situations. I’m assuming the lines of questions will remain the same whether at GS, or video chat. Anyone that is nervous with a video chat can have someone by their side for support, or they can go to GS in person. I guess one question I have not thought of is getting a picture, if needed, during a video chat. Any thoughts?

It‘s a video chat, so the CM could do a screenshot type picture or they could have a way for the guest to take a picture themself and download it. For example, on the chart our clinic uses, a special window opens up to take a screenshot of ID, insurance cards, etc.

You don't need a diagnosis. They could simply require proof from your doctor, diagnosis or not, that you are disabled or need DAS. Since they are going to be on a video call with you anyway, they could take 2 minutes to get your doctors number and call them right there while on the video call with you. Your doctors office could easily confirm that you needed the DAS. This, of course, would be an ideal situation imo. No ones HIPPA is violated, no one has to have physical proof, and its so easily done with a simple phone call AND it wouldnt take any additional work/time from CM's because they are already going to be in a video call with you.

That is still requiring proof of disability, which can’t be required according to the ADA.
You might think that would be available from your doctor, but would not be a reasonable expectation for most clinics. As other people posted, it’s also not reliable to give information that is pertinent or accurate as far as whether the guest has a disability that needs DAS.
Also, I’ve done multiple remote visits with my child’s medical team at various clinics in the past year. They are required to use a specific HIPAA compliant video platform. I doubt most clinics would be able to ‘jump onto’ a video or auditory call outside of that. There would also be opportunities for someone faking a doctor call.

 

[Flynn's Gal]

Does a DAS pass help with someone who has a problem waiting in line in the Florida sunshine/heat but has no problem waiting in an air- conditioned/ cooler area? Travelling possibly in 2022 with someone who developed PMLE for the first time this year. Hoping that we can find a way to make a trip happen in the future but not sure if it will be possible. I know a lot of queues are in the shade but just thinking out loud really for the days when it might be in full sun. Thanks for any advice

I think that might be one of the conditions.

Edited to remove specifics after seeing a warning on a different thread of how specific information could lead to dishonest people using the verbiage by seeing it on forums such as these.

 

[Flynn's Gal]

I wonder if the 2 selections ahead of time might include the Tier 1 rides, but with the average wait time so that DAS isn't getting a LL for free. For instance, if you chose 7DMT as your first one and the average wait is typically 60 min, then you couldn't show up until at least 60 min after park opening. I have no doubt that Disney will take steps to prevent what would be unfair to those who are paying for skip the line. Exactly what that will look like is anyone's guess.

However, I also wouldn't be surprised if it is limited to only Tier 2 rides in advance and Tier 1 once in the park like was mentioned earlier in the thread.

 

[SueM in MN]

I wonder if the 2 selections ahead of time might include the Tier 1 rides, but with the average wait time so that DAS isn't getting a LL for free. For instance, if you chose 7DMT as your first one and the average wait is typically 60 min, then you couldn't show up until at least 60 min after park opening. I have no doubt that Disney will take steps to prevent what would be unfair to those who are paying for skip the line. Exactly what that will look like is anyone's guess.

However, I also wouldn't be surprised if it is limited to only Tier 2 rides in advance and Tier 1 once in the park like was mentioned earlier in the thread.

I’ve seen a lot of posts where people are assuming Tier 1 rides will part of the DAS Advance selections. There is nothing in what Disney has put out about these DAS Advance selections that says what they will be, other than that they will be select attractions and will be subject to availability.
Quote from Disney website (my bold):

“Pre-Arrival Registration and Planning via Live Video Chat
This fall, we’re introducing a new option to register virtually with a Cast Member via live video chat as early as 30 days in advance of a park visit.

During your chat with a Cast Member, you’ll also have the opportunity to select up to 2 experiences per day (subject to availability) using our new DAS Advance planning option. Please keep in mind that DAS Advance selections must be booked at least 2 days prior to the day you plan to redeem them, and you will not be able to make selections on the day of your visit.

If the experience you want is available, you’ll be given a one-hour return window to redeem during the day of your visit. Any selections you make will appear as plans on the My Disney Experience app or on this website.”

Further on, it says:
”How do Guests register for DAS?
Starting this fall, there will be 2 ways Guests can register for DAS. The recommended option is to register in advance via live video chat between 2 and 30 days prior to a park visit. If deemed eligible for DAS, the Guest (or a parent/guardian if the Guest is under 18 years of age) will participate in a virtual registration process. The Guest utilizing DAS must be introduced on the video call, and a photo will be taken of them. At the end of that process, the Guest will be able to select up to 2 DAS Advance selections for select attractions (subject to availability).”