Walt Disney World has made another change to its Disability Access Service (DAS) program. While not nearly as potentially consequential as the earlier policy wording change, this latest change allows guests to begin the registration process sooner. Here’s a look at what’s changed.
DAS Registration Now Available 60 Days Prior to Visit
Walt Disney World has extended the DAS registration window to 60 days prior to your visit. Previously, the process could begin 30 days prior to your visit. Disney has not provided a reason for the change, but while the last change was likely driven by lawyers, this appears to be more driven by guest satisfaction.
Guests may discuss their needs with a Cast Member via live video chat as soon as 30 days prior to their park visit.
Guests may discuss their needs with a Cast Member via live video chat as soon as 60 days prior to their park visit.
The thinking is that guests would want to know as early as possible in the planning process if they’ll qualify for the DAS program so they can make adjustments or cancel their vacation entirely if they so choose. By doubling the lead time for the registration process, guests will be able to make necessary adjustments earlier in the vacation planning process.
As a reminder, the DAS program was significantly changed back in May 2024 when Disney rolled out a new policy that narrowed the scope of who qualifies for the program. Essentially, Disney said that only guests who had a developmental disability like autism or similar disorder would be eligible. Recently, Disney walked back the policy language to remove “only” from the wording, perhaps expanding the number of guests who may qualify for the program.
The list of changes to the Disney Disability Access Service back in May 2024 was significant. Here’s a list of what 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.
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!
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