Huge Changes To The Disability Access Service (DAS) In Walt Disney World & Disneyland Resort - Mummy Of Four

Beginning May 20 at Walt Disney World and June 18 at Disneyland Resort, Disney Parks are making huge changes to their Disability Access Service. What is the Disability Access Service? Who qualifies for DAS? What are these changes and how will they impact guests with disabilities?

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What is The Disability Access Service (DAS) in Walt Disney World & Disneyland Resort?

DAS supports 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. Plus, find details about the registration process and usage guidelines.

“Disney Parks have an unwavering commitment to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment and accessible experiences for our Guests. DAS is one of the programs offered at Walt Disney World Resort theme parks intended to accommodate only those 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 Parks

Which Changes Are Coming To DAS?

Who Qualifies For DAS Is Changing

The previous qualifying statement was “Guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to a disability.”

The new qualifying statement is “DAS is intended to accommodate only those 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”

DAS Party Size

The DAS party size is changing from a party of 6 to cover “immediate family only” as a party of 4.

Registration Is Moving Online

Whereas previously there were both online and in person registration options, all registration will now be moving online.

Previously the only way to pre register for DAS from outside the US was via a VPN. Will this cage under the new system? This is not yet clear.

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Disability Access Service (DAS) at Walt Disney World Registration Vlog

In this vlog I take you step by step through the registration process. Although the elements I have discussed will be changing (how long DAS lasts, 4 not 6 people in a group and eligibility criteria), the process itself should remain pretty similar.

Disability Access Service (DAS) at Walt Disney World

DAS Period Extensions

DAS was previously issues for a 60 day period which will change to a 120 day period, meaning guests will not have to register as frequently.

For Guests visiting from April 9 through May 19, 2024, please note:

Pre-arrival conversations to determine eligibility for DAS are available 2-30 days prior to your park visit.
In-person conversations to determine eligibility for DAS will continue to be at Guest Relations locations.
You can book up to 2 one-hour return windows for select experiences using our DAS Advance planning option.
DAS is valid for up to 30 days from the start of the registration. Once the service has elapsed, Guests will need to re-register.

What Disney Wants You To Know About DAS

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.
DAS doesn’t provide immediate access to experiences, but rather allows Guests to request a return time for a specific experience that is comparable to the current standby wait.
The Guest who is requesting to use DAS must be present during registration and experience the attraction when redeeming a DAS return time at Walt Disney World theme parks.

How Does DAS Work?

Speak with a Cast Member

Guests can meet virtually with a Cast Member using live video chat to determine what services may be appropriate to support their visit to the theme parks, including DAS.

Please note that you may have a pre-arrival conversation as soon as 30 days in advance of a park visit.

Speak with a Cast Member.

Please note: Guests visiting now through May 19 may visit a theme park Guest Relations location to speak with a Cast Member. In-person registration will no longer be available at theme park Guest Relations locations starting May 20, 2024.

Same-Day DAS Return Time Self-Selection

Guests registered in the DAS program can make return time selections in the My Disney Experience mobile app on the day of their park visit.

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.

Guests without a mobile device can also visit Guest Relations or a Guest Experience Team location to receive return times.

How to Access the DAS Return Time Self-Selection Tool

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.

Frequently Asked DAS Questions

Disney Parks have an unwavering commitment to providing a welcoming, inclusive and accessible environment for Guests. Disability Access Service (DAS) is one of our programs offered at Walt Disney World Resort theme parks intended to accommodate 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 Parks

How long is DAS valid?

DAS is valid for the length of the ticket or up to 120 days, whichever is shorter. Once the service has elapsed, Guests need to re-register for the program.

Please note: for Guests visit from April 9 through May 19, 2024, DAS is valid for up to 30 days, or when a new ticket is required.

Is DAS Issued at Walt Disney World valid at Disneyland Resort?

DAS is valid only throughout the Resort at which it was issued. DAS issued at Walt Disney World Resort, for example, is not valid at the Disneyland Resort, and vice versa.

What happens when a statement made by a guest applying for DAS is found not to be true?

If it is determined that any of the statements a Guest made in the process of obtaining DAS are not true, the Guest will be permanently barred from entering Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort, and any previously purchased Annual Passes , Magic Key passes, tickets and other park products and services will be forfeited and not refunded.

Where do guests using DAS go to utilise return times?

We encourage Guests utilising DAS (and their party members) to make return time selections right from the My Disney Experience app during the day of their park visit. Registered Guests using DAS and members of their party will be able to book, redeem, change or cancel DAS return times using the My Disney Experience app via a smart phone or other smart device. 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.

What can guests utilising DAS do during their virtual wait?

Guests utilising DAS can enjoy many other experiences throughout Walt Disney World Resort during a DAS virtual wait, such as other rides, shows, concerts, parades and Character Greetings. They can also take a rest in a break area, get something to eat or go shopping.

Does a guest using DAS have to be available to obtain a return time from guest services?

No. Any member of the DAS-eligible Guest’s travel party may obtain a return time, but the Guest registered for DAS must be present and experience the attraction with their party.

Does a guest using DAS have to ride the attraction at the exact time listed?

No. DAS return times are not limited to a specific window and are valid until the park closes or an attraction closes for the day.

Can a guest using DAS have more than one return time?

No. A Guest may only have one DAS return time at a time. The Guest may obtain another return time for the same or different attraction 10 minutes after they redeem a return time.

Can a guest using DAS receive a boarding group for one of the virtual queue attractions?

Yes. A Guest can hold one active DAS return time and one virtual queue boarding group at the same time. When a Guest utilising DAS goes to the attraction with a virtual queue, they, along with their party, will speak to a Cast Member at the attraction about accessing the queue.

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