This is some fantastic perspective - and it's really important. The real and legitimate concerns people have about their own lives and well as the abuse of the system as designed unfortunately requires more scrutiny of those who need to access the system. And that system should be as easily access and should maximize accommodations as much as possible. This is an inherent tension here.Interesting perspective from a former CM on Reddit:
The Issue with DAS from a former CM
The main issue that comes with the current DAS system and why Disney needs to revamp it is that everybody deals with something. Most people at some point in their lives will have a physical, or mental need for a DAS pass.
We are all the main characters of our stories so we all see the needs that we, as individuals, have.
For example, over 19% of adults, about 40 million people in the United States suffer from a diagnosed anxiety disorder (National Alliance on Mental Health). Another (and theres definitely some people with both or all three) 9 million adults suffer from ADHD, 1 in 36 children are being disgnosed with autism (statista.org). These are some reasons I see everyday of people needing the DAS pass.
Further, 4.7-5.3% of adults have IBS/IBD, those people also need the DAS pass. Not to mention heart conditions, pots, sun allergies, overheating, PTSD, claustrophobic people, and those who have panic attacks. We're approaching near 3/5 of the population.
All in all, almost every person deals with something and everybodys case is unique, and most people feel that they need/are entitled to a DAS pass. And I here the stories and most of everyone has valid reasons to themselves on why they need the pass.
So where should Disney draw the line? This isn't even mentioning everyone who has mobility issues with only standing, but does not feel the need for a wheelchair.
The system is broken- because a large majority of the population need/feel entitled to the system.
Signed- a former cast member who used das for her crohns, pots, and heart condition. (And anxiety but I'm not counting that one).
I genuinely want peoples thoughts for a solution.
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But as Disney has said, use of the system has tripled in the last 5 years, attendance is down over the last 5 years. While some here have suggested this crackdown wont impact wait times / experiences for others, I'd argue differently.
Anyone who has spent time on forums, social media, etc has seen others, or seen reports of, people abusing and actively encouraging the abuse of the system. I've seen people telling others to "just get DAS" to avoid paying for G+, people discussing just getting a doctor to write a note so they can get DAS, we've seen reports of people hiring folks to be a part of their groups to use DAS. Hell we overheard someone in the parks telling a friend their very young child "gets bipolar when he's tired" so they got their doctor to write a note and got DAS, we watched and overheard a gentleman and his family get on Astro Orb with his arm in a sling and said he broke his arm so he got DAS. I can't tell you the number of times I've overheard people talking about / booking a ride with DAS while waiting in line for another ride. Unfortunately for many - it appears at least - DAS has become fastpass - and in the end this is going to harm those with legitimate needs.
On the flip side - as we've heard here, there are many people with genuine and legitimate disabilities that are already don't use DAS, because they are afraid of the system, or the stigma, or think other people need it more than them, or downplay their own needs. How people with visible and invisible diabilities fear this will take away their safe place, or they will not have their needs met - and I really hope no one wants that. I don't want my trip to get better because someone else is no longer able to enjoy a trip.
I do worry, and hate the thought, that much of this has been brought on by the ending of FP+, and the introduction of G+, and that indeed the result of this is that many people with legitimate needs will see the only solution is to buy G+. Disney will save money by outsourcing this, and bring in more revenue by pushing people to G+. Having to pay extra because you have a disability is just so wrong.