Starting today, the Disability Access Service has changed at Walt Disney World. In this article, we’ll go through all of the changes that have been implemented, along with a look at the step-by-step process for guests who need to utilize the service.
The most notable change is an update in the definition of who the Disability Access Service is intended for. Over the years, the definition and enforcement thereof has become lax, allowing more guests to access the system than Disney World likely intended. Today’s change is as much a reset as anything else. Here’s the new definition of who may qualify for DAS:
DAS is intended to accommodate only those Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar disorder, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.
We note that this definition is for those who may qualify. In another portion of the website, Disney World says that guests who are neurodivergent should practice waiting in lines ahead of their Walt Disney World visit. Disney says that “waiting in line is a regular part of the Walt Disney World Resort experience”, and that neurodivergent guests should “practice waiting with the Guest with a neurodivergent disability at home or in lines at places they might already frequent”.
While visiting the theme parks today, we were told that there is no new in-park information for guests and that guests with questions should check out the Walt Disney World website. Guests should be aware that starting today, there is no in-person registration at the theme parks. Here’s a list of everything you need to know!
Disney Disability Access Service Changes
The list of changes to the Disney Disability Access Service is significant. Here’s a list of what has changed:
- In-person registration is no longer available. Previously, guests could speak with Guest Relations Cast Members to register for DAS
- DAS will now be valid for 120 days or the length of the ticket validity, whichever is shorter. Previously, DAS was valid for 30 days or when a new ticket was required
- DAS Advance planning option to select up to 2 attractions before arriving has been removed
- Disney has clarified that DAS is intended to accommodate a small percentage of Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time
- Disney is teaming with Inspire Health Alliance’s health professionals, to help Cast Members, as needed, determine eligibility for appropriate accommodations and ensure that these accommodations are provided only for the guests for whom they are intended
- Disney is adding more Cast Members and investing in specialized training to help guests identify and better understand tools and options, based on their needs
- Hours to speak with a Cast Member for DAS registration have been shortened from 7am to 10pm down to 7am to 8pm.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply For Disney Disability Access Service
Guests may discuss their needs with a Cast Member via live video chat as soon as 30 days prior to their park visit. Cast Members will work with Guests individually to discuss specific requests and offer assistance.
Before you speak with a Cast Member to determine eligibility, make sure to:
- Sign in to the Walt Disney World website or your My Disney Experience
- Link valid theme park admission for each member of your party
- Ensure that the Guest who is requesting to use DAS is present at the time of registration via live video chat
Live video chat is available from 7am to 8pm Eastern Time. The Guest requesting to use DAS must be present during the video call. At this time, live chat is offered in English only.
If DAS is provided after a conversation with a Cast Member to determine eligibility, the Guest with a disability (or a parent/guardian) will participate in the registration process. This requires having a photo taken of the DAS-registered Guest.
DAS registration maximum party size is the registered DAS Guest and up to 3 additional party members, for a total of 4 people.
To speak with a Cast Member and proceed through the DAS registration process, click the following link: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/disability-access-service/register/
Step-by-Step: How to Use Disney Disability Access Service
If approved for the Disability Access Service, you can request your first return time after you’ve entered the theme park where you’ll be utilizing the service.
Guests registered in DAS can make return time selections right in the My Disney Experience mobile app on the day of their visit.
If additional assistance is required, Guests can also obtain return times directly from a Cast Member at any Guest Relations or Guest Experience Team location. The return time will be comparable to the current standby wait.
Any member of a DAS party can obtain a return time for the whole party, but the Guest registered for DAS must be present and experience the attraction when the DAS return time is redeemed. DAS return times are valid until the park closes or an attraction closes for the day. A party can only hold one DAS return time at once.
After entering a park, open the My Disney Experience mobile app and log in to your account. Tap on the menu ( ≡ ) at the bottom of the screen. Then, tap the DAS button to select the attraction to make your return time. The tool can also be accessed from attraction detail screens.
In order to redeem your DAS return window, head to the Lightning Lane entrance for the attraction and have the person who qualified for DAS tap in first.
Attraction Queue Re-Entry
Beyond the Disability Access Service, each attraction will support Attraction Queue Re-Entry. Here’s the process, as outlined by Disney World:
There may be times when a Guest must briefly step out of the standby line and then rejoin their party in the line. Every location has a defined process to support this option based on a person’s disability while the rest of the party remains in line.
How to Use Queue Re-entry
Speak to a Cast member at the location for directions on how to re-enter the queue.
- A Cast Member will provide details about how to exit the queue and how to navigate back to your party.
- While the Guest who must leave the line is briefly away, the rest of the party will remain in line.
- The Guest reunites with their party to ride the attraction.
To learn more about the Disney Disability Access Service, check out the refreshed website with updated information: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/disability-access-service/
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
Those whom will complain do not know the origin of the pass and not realize the pass was always meant for invisible disablity and wdw being nice let you go! Back in the day of 1 line it was an alt entrance line that got unmanageable became a pass that was taken advantage of! I am a friend of a manager whom said if you had das prior you can just renew it this is for those whom are brand new to the pass.
Your manager friend is incorrect. If you had DAS prior, you will need to go through the new process to renew
My understanding is that you can’t apply for a DAS pass until you have a valid park ticket. If you can’t go to WDW without a DAS, can you get a refund on your non refundable ticket if denied DAS? This seems a little backward to me, but maybe I don’t have correct info?