DAS Changes & LA Times Interview

I won't lie, blogging is something I will have to get used to. I'm so used to putting my thoughts in small fragments in Instagram and TikTok, having this extra platform to put out my thoughts is pretty intimidating!

With the news of the Disney Disability Access Service (DAS), there has been a lot of comments and concerns. Knowing so many visit Disney, especially some of my clients, go for their accessibility, it makes sense that large scale changes are concerning.

For those that haven't heard the news, the DAS Pass is getting a large overhaul to the program to help cut down on abuse. Disney has said they have seen 3 times more guests in the past 5 years register and get approved for the service, and social media has confirmed on more than one occasion, people lying about a disability or condition to gain access.

Here are the main changes coming to DAS starting on May 20 at Walt Disney World, and June 18 a Disneyland Resort in California:

• Walt Disney World will now only enroll those in DAS with a virtual video meeting at least 48 hours prior to the trip, not in person at the park. (Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure will still allow same day enrollment.)

• The biggest change is who now qualifies for DAS. The Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort websites now states it is, “intended to accommodate a small percentage of Guests who, due to a developmental disability such as autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for a long period of time.” Previously, the eligibility only stated for those, “Guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to a disability.”

• Total amount of guests that can join the DAS holder are now limited to 4, or their immediate family.

• DAS Advance is not available for all those who qualify.

• DAS users will have a longer eligibility period of 120 days.

• Disney is partnering with Inspire Health Alliance to assist in eligibility.

PHEW! That's a lot of changes.

What am I most concerned for? Probably all those that have a physical disability that may no longer be eligible (looking at you, Multiple Sclerosis, Cystic Fibrosis, and POTS), those who have GI disability and conditions (like Crohn's, IBD, Colitis), and those with sensory and psychological conditions (PTSD, for example). However, I do have trust that the Mouse will take card of their guests--they will not create a purposeful unpleasant environment for those with extra needs.

I'm also concerned for those going to WDW and not learning about it until they get there. While rumors are going around that they will have an in-person option, they will still make it virtual, and on an iPad. I'm not going to even think about how long like is going to get. There are also still a number (albeit, small), that don't have access to a computer with a camera, or who aren't very internet savvy.

What am I most excited for? The abusers not getting to renew. This service is extremely near and dear to my heart, has helped so many of my clients, and thousands more (including my own mom), and I hate how the bad apples make it worse for others.

My TikTok video got some traction on the video I made about the changes, and even got the attention of Mr. Andrew Campa with the LA Times. We chatted a bit about the changes, my concerns, and he highlighted them in his article, "Disneyland touts a lifetime ban for disability cheats. That’s not what’s worrying some park-goers" I'm so grateful for writers like Mr. Campa and others who are writing about these changes, as I feel like Disney will ultimately listen to their needs.

Like I said before, I'm sure Disney will take care of their parkgoers. But until we hear official statements, if you feel any kind of concern, I suggest reaching out to them on the Disneyland Guest Comment or Walt Disney World Guest Comment page. Make sure you select Guest Services as the category, and Disability Access Service as the sub-category.

Until this rolls out, registering in the park is the easiest way, in my opinion, to register for DAS. Do not go to Guest Relations, head to the nearest Guest Experience umbrella (you'll see the bright blue umbrella) and they can help. Here's my Instagram Post that talks all about it!