If you’re dreaming of a Disney adventure, you might be excited and a little worried at the same time. What if the crowds prove extra overwhelming? What if the wait times dampen the spirits of fellow travelers who aren’t able to stand for long periods of time?
Luckily, Disney parks have introduced the Disabled Accessibility Service (DAS) to create magical experiences for all guests, including those with disabilities. Read on to learn all about this program, its benefits, and how you can apply for it.
What is Disney’s Disability Access Service System?
Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS) is a well-thought-out program designed to accommodate guests who, due to certain disabilities, cannot wait in the long conventional queue lines at Disney Parks.
This allows you to feel the spine-tingling rush of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, take to the skies with Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and experience royal encounters at Princess Fairytale Hall without enduring long waits or feeling overwhelmed by crowds.
How Does Disney DAS Work?
Once you’ve registered for DAS, you essentially receive scheduled return times for various attractions and rides, quite similar to a FastPass. This way, rather than waiting in longer standby queues, you can use this time to catch a parade, shop theme park merchandise and souvenirs, or even grab that delicious Mickey pretzel. When your DAS return time rolls around, you return to the attraction and board with minimal wait.
Some people mistakenly believe that DAS grants immediate access to all rides, but that isn’t the case. DAS return times are based on the current wait times, so there is still a waiting period. The difference is that you’re free to enjoy other parts of the park until it’s time to experience your chosen attraction. It also doesn’t provide specific spots to sit within queues or attractions.
Another misapprehension is that DAS is valid for all the experiences inside the park. The truth is that there are some limitations. You can’t use it for events like meet & greets, parades, or fireworks shows, but it’s not applicable at water parks, for buses, or when dining at restaurants within Disney parks. However, Disney has recently changed its policy and has allowed guests to use DAS at special ticketed events like after-hour parties.
Eligibility Criteria for DAS
To be eligible for Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS), guests must have a disability that prevents them from waiting in conventional standby queues. This includes, but is not limited to, physical impairments and hidden disabilities, such as sensory disorders, cognitive disabilities, and mobility issues, such as arthritis and muscular dystrophy, that do not confine the person to a wheelchair or scooter but still make it difficult to stand for prolonged periods.
Who Does Not Qualify for?
Guests needing wheelchair or scooter accommodation may not qualify for DAS, as Disney’s queue lines are designed to be accessible to guests using mobility aids. Furthermore, temporary conditions such as broken bones or guests recovering from recent surgeries, though undoubtedly uncomfortable, typically do not qualify for DAS.
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How to Register for DAS
Disney has made it relatively easy for guests to enroll in the DAS program. You can either register at the park or undergo advanced registration before your visit. Here’s how to go about it:
DAS Registration Locations
You can sign up for DAS in person at each of the four Walt Disney World theme parks and the two Disneyland parks. Just head to Guest Relations (typically located near the park entrance) to begin the process. The accessible locations include:
- City Hall at The Magic Kingdom
- Guest Relations at Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Guest Relations at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure
Advance DAS Registration Options
If you’d rather skip the in-park signup and sort everything out ahead of your trip, the advanced DAS pre-arrival registration via video call might be just the ticket. You can begin the process up to 30 days in advance if you have valid theme park admission for your upcoming visit. It is worth mentioning that this method requires that you initiate the pre-registration process no less than 2 days before your scheduled visit to ensure a seamless process.
Steps to Acquire a DAS at Disney World
Following are some steps to get DAS at Disney World:
- Speak with a Cast Member: Whether you’re registering in advance or in person, the process starts with speaking to a Cast Member at Guest Services or through a video call. They’ll ask questions regarding your needs to decide whether you qualify for it or not.
- Registration: If you and the Cast Member agree that Disney DAS fits your needs, they’ll take a quick photo for your profile and link it to your valid park admission, MagicBand, or card. This photo helps with identification when issuing return times for attractions.
- DAS Return Times: Once registered, the guest can get a return time for an attraction based on the current wait time. In case of advance registration, you’ll also have the option to choose and book up to 2 DAS Advance selections per day that can be redeemed during your visit.
How to Efficiently Manage Your Disney DAS Access
Previously, when visiting Disney, you had to go to the Cast Member at the entrance of each attraction and request your DAS return time in person. But not anymore! Now, you can download the My Disney Experience app to pick attractions, secure return times, and even get reminders when it’s time to head over to your selected ride.
Additionally, you can link up to 5 friends and family members to your DAS in the app, as long as they’ve got a valid theme park admission or reservation. This allows them to obtain DAS return times on behalf of the DAS-eligible member, but the eligible member must board the attraction with the group to use this perk.
If you encounter an issue with your DAS, you can easily find a Guest Experience Team Member under blue umbrellas stationed throughout the park. They will answer all your questions and adjust your DAS selections if needed.
FAQs About DAS
How long is DAS valid once it’s issued?
DAS is typically valid for up to 60 days when issued at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Once DAS expires, you may have to reapply and renew the service at Guest Relations for continued access.
Can I repeat DAS rides at Disney Park?
Yes, you can repeat rides using DAS, but you’ll need to schedule a new return time after redeeming your first ride.
Does DAS replace FastPass or Genie+ service?
DAS doesn’t replace FastPass or Genie+ services. However, you can use it in conjunction with Genie+ service and other paid a la carte attractions for optimal park experience.
Are there any costs associated with DAS?
No. There is no additional cost for DAS; it is a complimentary program for guests with disabilities.
Visiting Disney With Wheelchair Getaways
Now that you’ve got all the information regarding Disney’s Disability Access Service system, you might be wondering: how will I get there? That’s where Wheelchair Getaways comes in.
We offer wheelchair-accessible rental vans outfitted with ramps, spacious interiors, secure tie-downs, easy-to-use controls, and other accessibility features so you can focus on the fun, not the logistics. For booking information or rental quotes, visit our website or call us at 866-224-1750.