When Bob Iger Replied: Unpacking the New Disney DAS Rules
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- In this episode, I delve into the recent changes to Disney's Disability Access Service (DAS), sharing my personal experiences and frustrations. Despite facing a lack of empathy from a cast member during a Zoom interview and an unhelpful response from guest services, I remain resolute in advocating for change. I recount the surprising moment when Disney's President, Bob Iger, replied to me, underscoring the importance of speaking up. Tune in to hear my experience and my call to action for inclusivity and accessibility at Disney parks.
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One thing I'm thinking right now at around 19:40 is how dumb it is to try to say that having DAS before wasn't a way to tell CMs at the ride you are disabled? No other type of pass shows up blue 1st with a picture of the person when you scan in other than a DAS reservation. It was an instant easy tell that a person had gone through guest relations and was being accomadated for a disability.
That's the biggest problem with the current system is if we're denied we have to explain our disabilities in public spaces, to people without any medical knowledge and beg for accommodation at each ride with CMs that may or may not want to or be properly trained to know how to accommodate your disability. The mental strain alone in having to explain to multiple people in one day what you need and why is exhausting and can have a make effect on how long you can actually enjoy the parks compared to someone without a disability who is being mentally taxed now too.
The best part of the old DAS is you explained what you needed one time and after approval you didn't need to ask for help or explain your problems again until renewal time (and often at renewal you'd just get asked if anything had changed and if not it was renewed). This protected people's privacy as well as giving them peace of mind that they'd be accomadated without having to advocate and fight with others to be assisted multiple times a day.
Also just to add, I'm autistic and was denied because I "understand the concept of a line." My trips since the denial (3 of them since we're close and passholders) have been miserable. Accomadations at the rides are non-existant and CMs are rude and sometimes outright cruel. They will continue to tell you to go stand in line until you can't and when you can't and leave they won't help you.
I have MS as well so I'm happy someone addressed this issue since I'm a Disney adult also!
Its not just exhausting, it is dehumanizing to have to plead like Oliver Twist "Please, sir, may I have some access" at every ride after paying for the privilege of laying your struggles bare over and over and over again for anyone within earshot to overhear.
@@sharonarcher797 it’s deplorable and so traumatizing
He sounded hostile and rude. I can’t believe they are doing this.
The Democrats, historically, have advocated for those with disabilities and we can leverage the republicans, to make up ground, on this issue. Everyone should be against discrimination.
This guy gave me a migraine 🤦🏼♀️
It’s so disheartening. I have pots, bradycardia and vasovagal syncope. I’m a mess when it’s hot and when I’m standing in one place for too long. I pass out and sometimes my heart stops (my last tilt table test was terrifying) and I also can throw up when I come to. Tell me how if I am halfway through an hour long queue that I can get out fast enough to get someone’s attention? Screw riding the ride at that point, I just need to make sure I’m safe. The lightning lanes were so much safer.
Having DAS before was amazing. Not having to worry about getting back to the parks in time for a return time was so nice. Sometimes when I flare up, it can take hours for me to recover enough to get back out there.
I just hope we’re all heard and Disney changes.
@@MichelleNicoles it’s heartbreaking and I have so much trauma now from that castmember call. I’m praying Disney will do the right thing
Disney is not a hospital. If your heart is stopping, you're not fit enough to be on any rides. Do you know how ridiculous you sound? You will die if you have to wait in line like everyone else? Stay home then. Disney isn't forcing anyone to ride and die.
Oh sure 90 minutes in line sucks for EVERYBODY. My feet hurt, my back hurts, I'm hot and thirsty and bored, but I do it because I want to go on a ride. That's the price we all pay. Now everyone can say they can't do it and they're supposed to get a ten minute wait so they can eat or rest or shop or ride something else? Not fair. I'm glad the rules were changed.
I too WAS a Disney adult. Growing up in southwest Florrida, I have been a frequent Disney World attendee since it's opening. My children grew up on Disney. My grandchildren are also Disney fans. However, recently, things have changed. In February of this year, I took my daughter's entire family (husband and children) to EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. As usual, I applied for my DAS pass and was approved. We had a fine time but I found we spent more time on the app than socializing and enjoying each other's company. Imagine my surprise when trying to plan a 4th of July couple's trip that I was denied DAS even though I had previously used it on a regular basis. I have several neurological issues, any of which should have, and previously had, allowed me access. Not to mention that I'm also on an organ transplant recipient list. I was told to "practice" waiting in line at home or buy Genie+. Needless to say, Disney has proven beyond the shadow of a doubt that they no longer deserve my business. How sad. Walt would cry if he could see what Bob Iger has done to his company.
He really argued with you about your disability while saying he “totally understands” in the most condescending tone imaginable. How is there no class action lawsuit at this point
The first time I went to Walt Disney world was for America’s bicentennial in 1976. I was there every time they opened a new park. I couldn’t remember all the times I want there with family, fiends or just by myself. We live in michigan so it so not a fast cheap trip. We went every year as a family of 4 2007 staying at 7 different disney resorts until 2023. Disney was my happy place. I was diagnosed with MS in 2010 and ironically had one of my major relapses during a Disney trip. I rented a scooter for my first couple years, then bought on because going every year, it was cheaper. We had different issues with hotels or rides but Disney cast members were always wonderful and helped fix the issue from replacing my 5 years olds water spritzer after someone stole it, to upgrading us when our hotel beds looked like the defensive line of a football team used it for practice. My husbands proposed to me in front of Cinderella’s castle. We were planning on doing a huge Disney trip for our 25th anniversary. Now that’s not going to happen. Without a DAS, I can’t do Disney. Disney changed the guest assistance pass a while ago to add spectrum. With the new changes they are excluding everyone except people on the spectrum. How is that inclusive? I’ve never been as disappointed in anything as I am with the current Disney. I thought I was going to go to disney until they put me in the ground, I thought I would go with my grandkids like my grandmas did.
Thank you for letting me rant. I know you understand what I’m feeling.
I hope you get a happy ending to your Disney story!
It just so disheartening I am hopeful they are going to get back on the right track soon!! Sending you love
So I’m curious you sent the record of the conversation how did you do that when you were on the phone with him? Were you on your iPhone with him and recording it at the same time or were you on the other computer with him and then recording with your iPhone I’m just trying to figure out how and also did you get that notice in the beginning where it states that you can’t record that it’s illegal to record I’m wondering how you’re sharing this without getting in trouble I just hope that you don’t because these kind of calls need to be shared far and wide
Great video I also have a physical disability and no longer get the DAS pass. I no longer go to Disney until they fix this problem. I have sent emails to the general email but after your video I am going to send some email to upper management like you did cause this is a fight worth having and the more voices they here from the better.
Accommodating people with autism and developmental disorders was never the sole intent. That's simply gaslighting from Disney
@@AmieWeber I agree!!
@@MartisMSLife in my next group email I plan on attaching a screenshot of the original DAS information page. Nowhere does it say anything about autism or developmental disabilities. I'm sticking around for this fight and I won't back down until they make it right
@@AmieWeber I will be at Epcot tomorrow for the demonstration wearing blue! We are not giving up
@@MartisMSLife I wish I could be there!
Please tell me what NUMBER YOU CALLED that is specifically for DAS? I’ve tried to talk to someone and have had zero luck speaking with anyone! 😢
Unfortunately you have to keep emailing guest services for a call to happen. A friend of mine was able to connect me with Bob directly so that was unique. I am praying for a change soon!
@@MartisMSLifethat is amazing! I wish! My husband has an ostomy and hernia the size of a baseball! His autoimmune disease has become life threatening and almost died from it three times this past year… the DAS prevents his ostomy from leaking in the queue line and creating a biohazard and shutting down the attraction to clean it up. It’s disheartening to know that DAS is not an option for him and HE needs it. The return to queue isn’t an option because it still has him running to the restroom for an ostomy issue and a biohazard.
A wheelchair isn’t an option because it’s not a mobility issue.
I don’t know what we’re going to do. It’s so sad
I've sent 4 emails to a group of 32 people. I got a call back after the 3rd. I'm sending weekly emails until this nonsense is fixed. Keep sending emails, request a call and add your phone number