Disney Announces Change to its Disability Access Service Policy

The Disability Access Service, or DAS, is Disney’s policy aimed at helping guests with specific disabilities enjoy the park. It does not mean that person waits in shorter lines, however. The guest in the DAS program can check in to a line virtually and return to the ride or attraction when it’s his or her turn. The program just minimizes the amount of time the guest physically has to stand in line.

“Disney Parks have an unwavering commitment to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment and accessible experiences for our Guests.”

Disney Website DAS Policy

The person designated to use the DAS program can book a return time for their entire group, however, the registered person must be present to use the return time option. Right now, guests can book up to two return times at once, but that is changing. Starting May 20, 2024, guests can only have one return time booked at any time. Once a return time is used for a ride or attraction, guests are able to book another return time for a different ride or attraction ten minutes later.

Disney’s Disability Access Service 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.”

Note the DAS program does not include those with mobility issues, because most often they can wait in lines using a wheelchair or other similar transportation devices. The policy is specifically for guests that may have issues standing in long lines. 

How to Get DAS Designation

There are several steps to obtaining a Disability Access Service designation. First, you must meet with a specially-trained cast member to discuss your specific needs and they will decide if the DAS program is right for you. If the person who is requesting the DAS designation is a minor, he or she will need a parent or guardian on the phone call, as well.

How you meet with a cast member is one of the aspects that’s changing about the program. Guests visiting Walt Disney World resort from now until May 19, 2024 may visit Guest Relations and speak with a cast member in person.

However, starting May 20, 2024, that option is going away. Instead of meeting in person, guests wishing to become part of the DAS program will have to have a virtual meeting with a cast member via video chat. Disney is urging guests to set up these meetings in advance of their trip, as wait times can sometimes be long. But, same-day virtual meetings will be available, as well.  

Anyone visiting Disneyland in California can still meet with cast members in person, however, the location is changing starting June 18, 2024. Instead of meeting at Guest Relations inside the park, the meetings will now take place outside the park in the area between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Disneyland guests may also schedule a video call up to 30 days prior to their visit.

After the call, if the cast member determines the Disability Access Service is right for the guest, a profile will be set up in the My Disney Experience mobile app. On there, guests can navigate to this section of the app to book their attraction or ride return time.

DAS Designation Duration

The length of the Disability Access Service pass is extending under the new rules. Up until May 19, the DAS registration lasts for 30 days, but starting on May 20, the pass will last 120 days. Once that time is up, the guest will need to re-register for the program.

It’s also important to note that the DAS registration is only good at the resort in which a guest received it. That means if a guest gets the pass at Disney World, he or she cannot use it at Disneyland. They would need to register for the DAS program there in order to use it at that theme park. 

If you are planning to utilize the Disability Access Service at either Walt Disney World or Disneyland, it’s best to review all of the policies before your trip and start the process as early as possible, so you can enjoy your trip hassle-free.