Jenna SaxtonPlanning a trip to Walt Disney World can be exciting—but if you or someone in your party has a disability that makes waiting in traditional lines difficult, understanding how the Disney Disability Access Service works is essential. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the DAS program, from who qualifies and how to apply to what to expect in the parks once you’re approved. Whether you’re navigating Disney with a developmental disability like autism or supporting a loved one who needs accommodations, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your visit!
What Is Disney Disability Access Service?
Disney Disability Access Service (DAS) is a program available to those vacationing at Disney World theme parks that is meant to help guests who have difficulty waiting in traditional standby lines due to “developmental disability such as autism or similar.” The goal is to make the park more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, especially those who cannot wait long periods of time in line.
If you qualify for DAS, you do not wait in the regular standby line for attractions. Instead, you receive a return time similar to the current wait, allowing you to wait elsewhere in the park and then return to the attraction and bypass the standby line. This alternate waiting option doesn’t eliminate the wait time, it just allows you to avoid physically standing in the queue and wait in a way that better suits your needs.
To use DAS, you need to request it and make arrangements through Disney’s website prior to your trip. You must make a virtual chat appointment with the Accessibility Services Team to determine your eligibility, after which they will provide details on how to access your Disney DAS Pass when you arrive.
Disney currently allows up to three immediate family members to accompany the individual with the Disney DAS Pass, and they determine eligibility for pre-entitlements (a.k.a. rides you can book return times for before your trip) on an individual basis.
Disney Disability Access Service Qualifications
To qualify for Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS), you or your party member must have a condition that prevents waiting in a traditional queue. Disney typically includes certain developmental disabilities, such as autism or similar, but does not limit eligibility to a specific list of conditions. Instead, they focus on why the guest needs the accommodation.
Disney’s Accessibility Services Team determines eligibility on a case-by-case basis. Keep in mind that not all disabilities will qualify, and qualifying became a bit harder in Disney’s update to the system back in 2024.
If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, we recommend registering through Disney’s website and live chatting with Disney’s team.
Disney Disability Access Service Requirements
To use the Disability Access Service (DAS) at Disney World, you must demonstrate a need related to a disability or medical condition that makes waiting in a traditional queue difficult. Disney notes that this service is intended for guests who, “due to developmental disabilities like autism or similar conditions, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.”
As previously mentioned, there is no specific list of qualifying disabilities and anyone interested in accessing a Disney DAS Pass must schedule a virtual appointment with Disney’s team. You can schedule the live video chat as soon as 60 days in advance of your park visit. Note that live chats are only available in English currently and the individual with the disability (or a parent/guardian) must participate int he registration process and have their photo taken.
How to Apply for Disability Access Service
If you think you qualify for Disney’s DAS Pass, you must complete the Disability Access Service (DAS) application process before your visit to Disney World (as soon as 60 days in advance of your scheduled park visit). Here is the step-by-step registration process:
- Pre-Registration Online: Sign into your My Disney Experience account on the Walt Disney World website and ensure that your park tickets are linked to each member of your party for your travel dates.
- Live Interview: Visit Disney World’s Disability Access Service page between 7AM to 8PM EST as soon as 60 days in advance of your park visit and use the live video chat feature to connect with a Cast Member. Make sure the guest with a qualifying disability is present, and get ready to have your photo taken if Disney approves your request!
- Receive DAS Approval: Once approved, DAS is linked to your My Disney Experience account. If you’ve been provided pre-entitlements, you’ll be able to schedule these through the My Disney Experience app. Otherwise, you’ll be able to request your first return time on the day of your park visit.
Required Documentation
You do not need to provide written medical proof or doctor’s notes to qualify for DAS. However, you should be ready to clearly describe the reason for your request and how your disability affects your ability to wait in standard lines.
Have your valid park admission and My Disney Experience account details ready. You must have these to enroll in and manage DAS online. Any family or group members who want to use DAS with you must also have park tickets linked to your account.
You must be present during the call, and Disney conducts all interviews and registrations in English. Prepare supporting details or examples of accommodations needed, if asked, but remember that Disney focuses on needs, not diagnosis.
Using Disney DAS Pass at the Parks
Once Disney approves your DAS Pass, you don’t need to do anything else until the day of your park visit! Then, once you’ve entered the theme park, you can go into the My Disney Experience app and request your first return time. To do this, you’ll need to have downloaded the My Disney Experience app and linked all of your party members and DAS pass to your account.
With everyone linked, all you need to do is scroll through the attractions on the app and select your return time. Note that your return time will be comparable to the current standby wait time. If you have difficulty with this, you can also get a return time directly from a Cast Member at any Guest Relations or Guest Experience Team location.
Unlike traditional standby lines, you do not physically wait in line. Instead, you can enjoy other experiences around the park and return to the attraction during your assigned window. Disney allows you to have one active return time at a time.
For each return time selection, you’ll wait until the designated time and then head to the Lightning Lane entrance at the correct attraction. Your DAS pass can be redeemed by scanning your MagicBand, ticket, or app to confirm your return window. If you end up deciding not to ride, it’s easy to cancel or modify your return time in the app.
Recent Disney DAS Changes To Know About
Disney updated its Disability Access Service (DAS) policies in 2024 with important changes you should know before you start the registration process.
As of May 20th, 2024, the eligibility guidelines are now a bit tighter, focusing on only those who have a developmental disability like autism or similar. Additionally, all guests who want to use the Disney Disability Access Service must complete a virtual chat with the Accessibility Services Team to determine eligibility.
Once approved, Disney now allows only up to three immediate family members to accompany the guest with the pass (previously six), and they distribute pre-entitlements for attractions based on the individual’s needs (rather than guaranteeing them, as before).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can guests with anxiety disorders receive a Disability Access Service pass?
Disney considers Disability Access Service requests for anxiety on a case-by-case basis. Their policy states that DAS is intended for individuals who cannot tolerate extended waits due to a developmental disability like autism or similar. While Disney may still approve DAS for anxiety, it can be more difficult to qualify. They evaluate each situation individually during the registration process, so if you believe you may qualify for accommodations, we recommend scheduling a live video chat.
How many guests can accompany a holder of a Disney Disability Access Pass?
A DAS passholder can include up to three additional guests on their pass, making a group limit of four. Disney reserves the right to adjust this number for larger families or groups at their discretion, but approval for more than four people is not typical.
What are the steps to take if a Disability Access Service pass is denied?
If you are denied a DAS pass, you can ask for further clarification from Disney’s Accessibility Services Team. It may help to provide additional documentation or explain your specific needs in more detail. If you still disagree with the decision, you can request to speak with a supervisor for further review.
Are there special ticket prices for guests with disabilities visiting Disney World?
There are no special discounts or separate ticket prices for guests with disabilities at Disney World. All guests, regardless of ability, pay the same admission price. Disney provides accessible services and accommodations at no extra cost, but you must purchase valid tickets at standard prices.
How long is a Disney DAS Pass valid for?
Once you’ve completed the DAS registration process and been approved for a Disney DAS Pass, it is good for the length of your ticket or up to one year. When you purchase a new ticket or once a year has passed, you will need to re-register with Disney.
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