Guide to Disability Access Service (DAS) at Disney World

Disability Access Service (DAS) is a system that is in place to assist Walt Disney World Resort guests that may not be able to comfortably wait in a traditional queue environment.

The DAS is not a “front of the line” pass, but rather a tool to provide the maximum amount of flexibility to guests with disabilities.

Here’s how it works…

Updates Coming to the Disability Access System (DAS)

On April 9, Disney announced updates to the Disability Access System (DAS) policies and processes and while we don’t have all the info quite yet, they have provided a few details via changes they’ve made on the official Walt Disney World Disability Access Service website.

Clarifying Eligibility

Unlike the current policy which doesn’t specifically list out what qualifies for DAS, Disney has refined the criteria to specifically include “Guests with developmental disabilities, such as autism, who find it challenging to wait in traditional lines.” According to Disney, this change aims to ensure that the service reaches those for whom it’s most intended.

DAS Registration Updates

Starting May 20 at Disney World and June 17 at Disneyland, the registration process will see significant changes. If you’re planning to visit before these dates, the current process remains in effect, with both in-person and pre-registration video chats available.

However, starting May 20, your only option will be a video registration for both pre-arrival and in-park registration. We can only assume that guests attempting same day registration at one of the parks will have access to something there (computer/iPad, etc.) that will allow them to complete the in-person video chat for enrollment, but that is only a guess. From the sound of it, your best bet to avoid long waits will be to plan on pre-registering.

Other Important Things to Know

In addition to the elimination of in-person enrollment, the eligibility window for DAS has been doubled from 60 to 120 days, giving guests more time to plan and prepare.

Another current piece of DAS, the DAS Advance pre-selection option, after May 20 may not be automatic or even available for all guests. We are still waiting to hear more about what Disney plans for this particular feature.

And moving forward on that May 20 date, DAS groups are limited to immediate family or a maximum of four people, ensuring that the service remains focused and efficient for those using it.

Impact on Guests

Disney says that “we are also taking steps to preserve our existing accessibility services to ensure that the guests who truly need these services continue to receive them,” and while we don’t know everything that they plan to do, here’s what they have said so far:

• Disney is enhancing its team by bringing on more Cast Members and offering them specialized training on both coasts, aiming to assist guests in understanding and selecting the appropriate services and tools based on their individual needs.
• The Accessibility Services teams at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort will stand ready to help guests with any inquiries about the services offered. Disney encourages guests to connect with them before arriving, through their website and virtual video chats.
• Disney is partnering with Inspire Health Alliance to provide its Cast Members with access to health professionals. This partnership is designed to ensure that accommodations are accurately assigned to guests who truly need them, maintaining the integrity of the service.
• Disney is dedicated to preserving the Disability Access Service (DAS) for those it’s meant to serve — specifically, guests with developmental disabilities like autism, who find it challenging to wait in standard queues for long periods. To support this, Disney is extending the DAS enrollment period to 120 days and limiting DAS party sizes to no more than four, with exceptions for immediate family members.
• These updates are scheduled to take effect on May 20 at Walt Disney World Resort and June 18 at Disneyland Resort.

How will Disney Accommodate Guests Who No Longer Qualify for DAS

This is the area where we have the least amount of info. We’ve seen reports of Disney referring to a “Return to Queue” option for guests who previously used DAS due to a need to have the option to leave the queue and return; however, there isn’t much more information than that at this time.

In addition, when looking at the Accessing Attraction Queues page, it appears as if Disney has clarified that Rider Switch does not have to be used only when kids do not meet height requirements, suggesting that Disney plans to push Rider Switch as a viable replacement for some guests. Here’s what they say:

As of right now, that’s all we know but we anticipate that we will hear more information as we get closer to that May 20 date.

Important note: Some of the information below will be changing when the new DAS processes go into effect on May 20. We will be updating this post further after we receive additional information from Disney.

How to get a Disability Access Service Pass (DAS) at Disney World Via Pre-Arrival video chat (recommended method)

1. When you are between 2-30 days before your trip, you can request a Live Video Chat to pre-register for DAS. Things to know about the video chat:
   * Live chat is only available between 7:00 am and 11:00 pm Eastern Time
   * You will need a Disney account to chat, and if you don’t already have one, you’ll be prompted to register for one.
   * The guest requesting DAS OR their parent/guardian must be 18 years old to register.
   * The guest requesting to use DAS mustbe present during the video call.
   * The chat is screen reader friendly.
   * At this time, live chat is only available in English.
   
2. If the DAS is approved, the person receiving the Disability Access Pass will need to have their photo taken during the chat.
   
3. Once approved, guests can then pre-select up to 2 experiences per day as part of the complimentary DAS Advance planning option. These are in addition to the return times you can request throughout the day of your actual park visit.
   
4. After registration is complete, up to 6 additional guests can then be linked to the pass.
   
5. When in the parks, you can make your return time selections inside of the My Disney Experience app.
   
   Important note: If additional assistance is needed, you can obtain return times directly from a Cast Member at any theme park Guest Relations or Guest Experience team location. You do not need to go to the individual attraction for return times.
   
   How to Access the DAS Return Time Self-Selection:
   Once you are in the park, open up the My Disney Experience app, select the “More” option at the bottom right of the screen, then select the Disability Access Service (DAS) button. You can also access the self-selection tool from attraction detail screens.
   
   
6. Return times available will be equivalent to roughly the current standby wait minus 10-15.
   
7. While you wait, you can rest, dine, visit other attractions, etc.
   
8. When it is your return time, proceed to the Lightning Lane entrance (formerly called FastPass+ line). The person with the DAS must be the first person to scan their MagicBand or ticket, and everyone from the group – including the person with the DAS – must all enter the ride together.
   
9. After you have used that DAS pass, you are eligible to request the next one, so you’ll simply need to repeat steps 5-8.

How to get a Disability Access Service Pass (DAS) On-Site at Guest Relations (Only available until May 19, 2024)

Important note: guests that register on-site at Guest Relations are not eligible for DAS Advance Selections. To receive those, you must register via video chat before your visit and make your selections at least 2 days, but no more than 30 days before your arrival.

1. Visit one of the Guest Relations locations inside the 4 main theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom). The person receiving the DAS must be present.
   
2. If the DAS is approved, the person receiving the Disability Access Pass will need to have their photo taken.
   
3. Up to 6 additional guests can then be linked to the pass.
   
4. When in the parks, you can make your return time selections inside of the My Disney Experience app.
   Important note: If additional assistance is needed, you can obtain return times directly from a Cast Member at any theme park Guest Relations or Guest Experience team location. You do not need to go to the individual attraction for return times.
   
   How to Access the DAS Return Time Self-Selection:
   Once you are in the park, open up the My Disney Experience app, select the “More” option at the bottom right of the screen, then select the Disability Access Service (DAS) button. You can also access the self-selection tool from attraction detail screens.
   
5. While you wait, you can rest, dine, visit other attractions, etc.
   
6. When it is your return time, proceed to the Lightning Lane (formerly FastPass+) Entrance. The person with the DAS must be the first person to scan their MagicBand or ticket, and everyone from the group – including the person with the DAS – must all enter the ride together.
   
7. After you have used that DAS pass, you are eligible to request the next one.

Guest Relations Locations

Although it may be possible to obtain your DAS at one of the Guest Relation locations located directly outside the entrances of the four parks, there are numerous reports of guests being told to get their pass at the Guest Relations locations inside the parks, and those are the locations officially listed on the WDW website. This is especially true if the locations outside the park are busy.

All 4 theme parks have Guest Relations locations both inside and directly outside their entrances:

Magic Kingdom

• Inside the park (recommended): As you go under the train station, Guest Relations is inside the City Hall building to your left.
• Outside the park: As you are facing the train station, Guest Relations will be to your right.

Epcot

• Inside the park (recommended): Across from Spaceship Earth to your left as you are walking into the park.
• Outside the park (International Gateway): As you are walking towards Epcot, Guest Relations is off to your left near the bathrooms.
• Outside the park (front): As you are walking towards Epcot at the front of the park, Guest Relations is to your right.

Hollywood Studios

• Inside the park (recommended): As you enter the park, Guest Relations is directly to your left.
• Outside the park: As you face the entrance, Guest Relations is to your left.

Animal Kingdom

• Inside the park (recommended): As you enter the park, Guest Relations is directly to your left.
• Outside the park: As you face the entrance, Guest Relations is to your left.

DAS Overview

Eligibility for a DAS pass is based upon a guest’s need, not their diagnosis

Cast Members will not ask for proof of a disability, but will inquire about the types of accommodations you are requesting because of your disability or condition.

The person with the disability must be present to obtain the pass and will have their picture taken. This is true whether you are pre-registering from home via video chat or video registering at Guest Relations.

The DAS will be added to your My Disney Experience account, and you will be able to access it through the same app you use for Mobile Order and dinner reservations.

You will only need to do this process once as it’s good across parks for the length of your stay, up to 60 days. 60 days of eligibility is also the length for Annual Passholders. NOTE: The length doubles to 120 days on May 20.

It’s important to note that you can have family members and others traveling with you on the pass as well (up to 6 people total through May 19, 4 people total with the exception of immediate family starting May 20, 2024). As long as your party does not exceed the limit, and you are linked together as “Friends and Family” in My Disney Experience, not everyone must be present in person when the pass is obtained.

What happens if you lie?

Disney doesn’t mess around with people that try to game the system by lying about their need for a DAS.

According to Disney:

If Disney determines 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.

DAS Return Times

In most instances, you’ll be able to request your return times inside the My Disney Expeience app. No need to go to the attraction until your return time has been called.

In some instances, like at the parties at Magic Kingdom, you may have to request your return time in person at your attraction. If this happens, you can send a family member to the entrance of the ride you’d like to visit and let the Cast Member know you need a return time using your DAS pass. The person issuing return times will typically be holding an iPad.

Any member of your party can obtain the ride pass; the person with a disability does not have to be present.

Continuing our example from above, at your 12:40 return time, go to Space Mountain and enter through the Lightning Lane (formerly FastPass+) line. The person with the disability must be with you; you may not use the DAS pass to ride without them.

Your MagicBand or ticket will be scanned when you enter the line.

You will need to wait with other riders in the shortened Lightning Lane line.

Once you are done riding, you may go to other attractions as many times as you wish throughout the day and repeat the procedure.

FAQ

Can I get my Disability Access Service Pass ahead of time?

Yes you can!

While this didn’t use to be the case, you can now pre-register before leaving home.

What is DAS Advance & Advance Selections?

Guests that pre-register get the added bonus of being able to pre-select up to 2 attractions to visit for each day of their trip.

Here’s how it works:

• When you pre-select an attraction, you’ll be provided a 1-hour return window to ride that attraction.
• When your return time opens up, you’ll proceed to the attraction and the person with the DAS will scan their ticket or MagicBand first.
• These selections are valid only on the date and time period chosen. They will expire if not used.

These pre-selected attractions are in addition to the same day attractions they can select.

Important note: Guests who do not pre-register for DAS will not be eligible to receive the DAS Advance selections. In addition, only guests that were included in the Pre-Selection attractions will be allowed to join the DAS recipient. You can’t add somebody later to those attractions, so make sure your guest list is complete when making your DAS Advance Selections.

Returning guest?

If you are a returning guest that with a valid DAS (meaning, you are planning to visit within that 60-day window that DAS is valid for), you can make your Advanced Selection by chatting with a Cast Member.

What experiences are available for DAS Advance Selections?

Although refurbishments and seasonal closures may affect availability, these are the typical attractions that are available for DAS Advance Selections. Please note that attractions that are eligible for Lightning Lane Individual Selections are NOT eligible for DAS Advance Selections.

Magic Kingdom

• The Barnstormer
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Haunted Mansion
• “it’s a small world”
• Jungle Cruise
• Mad Tea Party
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• See Mickey at Town Square Theater
• See Princess Tiana and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall
• See Cinderella and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall
• Splash Mountain
• Tomorrowland Speedway
• Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid

EPCOT

• Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
• Journey Into Imagination With Figment
• Living with the Land
• Mission: SPACE
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends
• Soarin’ Around the World
• Spaceship Earth
• Test Track
• Turtle Talk With Crush

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Alien Swirling Saucers
• Beauty & The Beast Live on Stage
• Disney Junior Play and Dance!
• For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
• Millennium Falcon : Smugglers Run
• Muppet*Vision 3D
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
• See Disney Stars at Red Carpet Dreams
• See Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight
• Slinky Dog Dash
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™
• Toy Story Mania!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

• The Animation Experience at Conservation Station
• DINOSAUR
• Feathered Friends in Flight!
• Festival of the Lion King
• It’s Tough to be a Bug!
• Kali River Rapids
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Na’vi River Journey

Can I use both Genie+ and DAS?

Yes, you can!

Disney has confirmed that families that wish to pay for the new Genie+ system and the individual paid attractions will be allowed to pair that with DAS.

But, don’t forget, DAS participants that pre-register can also pre-select up to 2 attractions per day.

The combination of those complimentary pre-selections and DAS may be enough to keep the pace of your trip moving for people that struggle with waits, all without having to shell out the extra cash for Genie+.

But, if you know you are in a situation where you are trying to get as much done as possible in the shortest amount of time, it may help to combine DAS with Genie+ and/or with an additional 1-2 paid attractions so that you can visit more attractions in less time.

This would be especially useful for those families that might tire more easily and need a shortened day at the parks.

Keep in mind, that while DAS and the DAS Advance selections are totally free, if you choose to add them, Genie + and additional Lightning Lane selections *will* cost extra.

What about attractions with a Virtual Queue?

If you are interested in riding an attraction like Guardians of the Galaxy or TRON, you must join the virtual queue. Once your boarding group is called, you will need to see a Cast Member at the attraction for DAS assistance.

What happens if I miss my DAS return time?

Although you can’t be early, your DAS return time does not expire. It will remain active until you use it or until the park closes. However, keep in mind that as long as you have an unused DAS pass on your account, you won’t be able to get a new one.

If you decide that you no longer wish to ride, you will need to ask a Cast Member at an attraction to cancel it for you.

What happened to the old system of going to the front of the line?

There was quite a bit of press in the last few years about abuse of the system so Disney consulted with many different advocacy groups to come up with a new system to continue to assist guests with disabilities and reduce abuse.

Will I be able to use the DAS pass for character meet & greets or for reserved seating for fireworks?

You can definitely use the pass for character meet & greets if they offer a Lightning Lane option. However, the DAS pass can not be used for attractions, entertainment and character meet and greets that do not offer both a standby line AND a Lightning Lane.

There are limited handicap areas to view the parades that are available on a first come, first served basis for those using wheelchairs or scooters.

Who can use the DAS pass?

Disney has clarified who can use the DAS and updated their website with the following verbiage:

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.

If your family member needs a scooter or wheelchair or has needs that can be met by using a mobility device, and they do not have any other disability that might hinder them waiting, they are NOT eligible for a DAS pass as the ride lines are handicapped accessible.

So if grandma just had knee surgery or Johnny just broke his arm in a baseball game, the DAS pass is not for you.

Tips for using DAS

Try these to get the most of your DAS pass:

• Make sure you pre-register. Doing that gets you the 2 DAS Advance selections. You won’t get those if you register at the parks.
• Get a pass as soon as you enter the park for the ride with the longest wait. You can then fill the time with rides with shorter waits or use your DAS Advance selection (or Genie+ selection) during that time. Get another one for a ride with a long wait time right before you break for lunch or dinner so meal time will fill up the wait.
• Remember that there will be at least a short wait even in Lightning Lane line. Be prepared with snacks, or diversions like an iPad. Waits are typically 5-10 minutes, but can be up to 20 minutes.
• Until the changes go into effect, send someone from your party who is on the DAS pass to the ride to get the return time and have someone else remain with the person with the disability. Going up to the ride with the person with a disability to get the return pass and then having to walk away to wait can be really tough, particularly for a child with autism.

DAS trip reports

************************

The Disability Access Service isn’t without its critics, but many find that it works well for them.

Have additional thoughts or comments? Feel free to share in the comments.

The following products and services give us a commission on sales.

• 📚 Want to learn more?
• ✈️ Ready to book a trip?
• 🚘 Need a car, stroller, or wheelchair?
• 🛍 Want to shop?

Get our free Quick Start Guide

Have our guide delivered right to your inbox with our 6-step Disney World planning process to make it less overwhelming. Snag our free guide ➡️

Take our course

Check out our course that will help you learn all about Walt Disney World planning with dozens of videos and downloadables for each step along the way. Get access now ➡️

Our recommend travel agency

We partner with Small World Vacations, Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacations Planners in business since 1996. Get a quote now ➡️

Want to stay deluxe on a moderate budget?

It’s 1 of our top fave ways to save! By renting DVC points, you can stay in deluxe accommodations for a fraction of the price. Check availability ➡️

Private car service

Quicksilver Tours will transport you in style. They assist with luggage at the airport, provide car seats, and include a free grocery stop. Book your car ➡️

Need a stroller, wheelchair, or scooter?

Buena Vista Scooters is a company with a great reputation who offers in-person resort drop off and pick up of strollers, scooters, and wheelchairs. Book your rental ➡️

Amazon recommendations

Check out our Amazon shop with trip essentials we love. Start shopping ➡️

WDW Prep merch

Get WDW Prep merch to show off your Disney knowledge (especially fun for spotting others during your trip!). Check out the WDW Prep merch shop ➡️

• Author
• Recent Posts

Heather Thomas

With 15+ years planning Disney World trips, Heather joined WDW Prep in 2014 to help others plan for their own families. As the WDW Prep Editor, she travels monthly to stay current and has helped propel the site to millions of views per year. Email Heather

Latest posts by Heather Thomas (see all)

• Where to meet Mickey Mouse at Disney World - April 16, 2024
• Disney World Annual Pass (Are They Worth it in 2024?) - April 12, 2024
• 2024 Complete Guide to Disney Refillable Mugs (FAQs answered) - April 11, 2024