concern over the photo aspect of the new DAS system About This Page:

[ceason30]

while I admit I have many concerns over the new DAS system they plan to replace the GAC with. The number one concern I have is the picture on the card. While I understand that they are trying to cut down on abuse, I think it discriminates against those with special needs by singling them out and forcing them to have a picture put on a card that clearly states they have a 'Disability' and also lists the persons full name. How is it fair (or legal) to make those with special needs complete more steps to gain equal access to the attractions ? Is disney going to ask every able bodied visitor to allow them to create a card with their children's picture and name on it? Aside from being an extra burden on those with needs, it is also a safety issue. I would be frantic if I lost the card and then any stranger who may come across it would now have a photo of my child, his full name, and know that he is vulnerable (based on the fact that the card will state it is a " Disability Access Card"? I am hopeful to hear from others how they feel about the aspect of a forced picture on a card that also contains some very sensitive info?

[CinderAbby]

The picture on the card actually doesn't bother me. Of course too, I treat the card like I would cash or a credit card anyway - or even my license which has my picture, an ID numbe, my home address. The reason that I've read Disney is going to the picture is so they know exactly who the card is for. That way - using us as an example - I can't show up at a ride saying the GAC is for me and gain access. With the picture, if that person is not part of the party trying to get in line, you will be denied access to it. I go to Disney to enjoy it with Abby so I have no reason to use her GAC without her but I have read of people doing just that - saying the GAC is for them but the person it's for isn't even with them for whatever reason.

[DopeyGirl]

As of right now, the only definite thing that has been released about the new DAS Card is that it is being rolled out on October 9th. Other than that, the ins and outs of the system are not known and are mostly being speculated upon at this point. There is no definite knowledge as to whether or not there will even be a photo required for the DASC.

I know that, at Disneyland, holders of Annual Passports, both children and adults, are required to have a photo on their APs (so the only folks there that they'd really be singling out are the "day guests"). However, it would be the same concern if you were to lose it . . . full name and photo on the card. But, like Darlene said, it would need to be treated just like you would a driver's license (which DH and I both always carry on us anyway because you never know when you may need photo ID) which has a lot more personal information on it than the AP does or the DASC may.

I can see it from both sides though. There was a genuine need to make the system more secure for those who really and truly are in need of extra assistance for the rides and attractions. Having a photo ID with the name ensures that the person who needs it is the one who's using it. I have heard of folks getting the old GAC and trading it off. Meaning, they got it for one particular member of their family who might have really needed it but when that member didn't want to ride something, someone else in the family said "Just take their pass and say you're them. They won't know." It's reasons like those that the system needed more security.

DH has panic disorder and panic attacks sneak up on him at random times, especially in crowds, so there are times where we may need a quiet, non-crowded place to wait. We may get the DASC a time or two on our WDW next trip because of that. He is absolutely fine with having his photo taken for the card to identify that it really is him who needs it. Same goes for either of our kids if they were ever to need it.

[HiddenMickey]

If it turns out that they do take photos, I don't think getting a photo taken will take up any more time (or not much more) than it took to previously ask for and obtain a GAC card. As CinderAbby says above, you would handle this the same as any identity card you have. (And will they have names on them? I don't remember if I read that)

In the case of the new DAS card, you're getting the same 'singled out' treatment that you got with a GAC card. I assume you didn't have a problem with getting a GAC previously and having to show it at the attractions you needed it for. I see this as the same thing. If that bothers you then you have the option of not getting one and just touring the parks without it. WDW isn't telling you that you have to get one, just that you have that option if needed.

[yalibrarian]

How is it fair (or legal) to make those with special needs complete more steps to gain equal access to the attractions ?

Well, you do have "equal" access in that you can go stand in line with everyone else. The GAC was intended to provide reasonable accommodations (what is required under the law) to allow guests with disabilities to enjoy various attractions. That might include waiting in a seated area until it is your turn. It was never intended to provide special benefits over other guests, like skipping lines. For that purpose, they offer Fast Pass.

I have a son with autism who is now 25 and who has been going to WDW every year since age 13. We have not used a GAC because the only accommodation I could think of to ask for was waiting off to the side. I decided was my responsibility to work out how we would do our visits, using the tools provided (like FP and Companion Restrooms). We got him used to the lines, and he has developed patience, the ability to take his turn, and to understand that we will come back later (after lunch, for example) to do a particular ride. We make good use of Fast Pass (thank you for getting one for Dumbo!) and try to time things to minimize waiting at attractions. His father has mobility issues, so we often have to use alternative entrances. Some of those actually have imposed a longer wait than if we went through the regular line.

I understand that everybody has different challenges, so what works for me might not work for you. But we really don't have any details yet on how the new plan will work. If it requires a photo to get whatever the new program offers, then I'll get him a photo. Otherwise we'll probably just stick with what's working and hope others have success with their various strategies too.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Interesting views. Isn't a photo required for a multi-day pass? I think it shows up right before the bird tweet that lets you pass by.

[I Love Pluto]

The photo - as I understand it - is to make sure that I am using my card, not someone else. (If I had a twin, maybe that wouldn't work!)