Due to quite a few circumstances, Disney has created a brand new system for guests with special needs to navigate the parks called the Disability Assistance Service (DAS) that debuted today. This system will replace the Guest Assistance Card. (GAC).
Guests who will be using this new system will need to head to Guest Relations to register for and pick up the card. The card is green and will include the guest's name, the date range the card is good for, which park it was issued from, the number of guests in your party, and your photo.
In a nutshell, this pass is designed for guests who are unable to tolerate extended waits due to a disability. It then allows the guest to schedule a return time that will be comparable to the current wait time for the attraction the guest is wanting to experience. A guest's scheduled return time doesn't provide immediate access to the attraction when you return and sometimes, waits may actually be greater than the posted wait time. Guests will only be allowed one active attraction return time at a time, but guests can use FASTPASS in conjunction with this pass. (This is the perhaps the biggest change, being only allowed one attraction at a time.)
The pass works by guests showing the card to the Cast Member at the entrance of each attraction, where they will then assign a return time for the guest to come back to the attraction, based on the current wait. So, for example, say the wait of Peter Pan's Flight is 60 minutes at 4:00 pm, the Cast Member will write a return time that's 50 minutes later (or 4:50 pm). If the wait is less than 10 minutes, than the entire party will be granted immediate access to the attraction.
Once you return to the attraction, the Cast Member will void it by crossing it out. In order for your party to ride the attraction, the DAS holder must board the attraction as well. The card has spots for 30 attractions visited. Once the card has been filled, a guest will need to get a new card, which can be done by returning to Guest Relations, where they will scan the QR code that can be found on the card and your data will be transferred to the new card. Keep in mind that return times are valid until redeemed by the DAS cardholder.
The cards are good for up to 14 days and will depend on the number of days of a guest's ticket.
For guests whose disability is based on the use a wheelchair, a DAS card is not needed. Depending on the attraction, the guest will either wait in the regular queue or they will receive a return time card at the attraction based on the current wait time.
Guests with any concerns should make sure to stop by Guest Relations. Please make sure when visiting Guest Relations, to be respectful of the Cast Members. This is a very stressful time for all involved and getting angry at them about the situation isn't going to help anyone.
In addition, if you have any praise or advice on what could be changed, please let Disney know. I would suggest sending an actual letter over email, as actual letters seem to get taken a bit more seriously.
Walt Disney World Guest Relations
P.O. Box 10000
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
P.O. Box 10000
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney Guest Relations - 407-824-4321
Walt Disney World Guest Communications
PO Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040
wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com
What are your thoughts on this new system? Is it fair or do you have another idea of what could work. (It's obvious the old system was not working.)
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