Original post by guest writer Elizabeth Cox. Updates to the original version of this post have been made to improve accuracy.
Disability Access Service (DAS) is a system that is in place to assist Disney World 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 be used along with FastPass+ in order to provide the maximum amount of flexibility to guests with disabilities.
Here’s how it works…
DAS Overview
Guests wishing to inquire about DAS can do so at Guest Relations at any of the 4 main parks. 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 type 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. It will be added to your My Disney Experience account, and you will be able to access it through the same app you use for FastPass+ and dinner reservations. You will only need to do this process once as it’s good across parks for 14 days (60 days for Annual Passholders).
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) but they must be present in person when the pass is obtained. You can add others throughout your stay if they cannot be with you when it’s first issued.
Once you have your pass, you can send a family member to the ride you’d like to visit and let them know you need a return time using your DAS pass. Any member of your party can obtain the ride pass; the person with a disability does not have to be present.
The Cast Member will determine the current standby wait time and usually give you a return time for that attraction based on the current wait, minus 10 or 15 minutes (this is at the CM’s discretion and the return times can sometimes vary). For instance, if it’s noon and you’d like to ride Space Mountain and the current wait is 50 minutes, they will give you a return pass for 12:40. You can get a snack, visit another ride, or use your regular FastPass+ during the wait time to keep busy.
At 12:40, go to Space Mountain and enter through the FastPass+ line. The person with the disability must be with you; you may not use the DAS pass to ride without them. You will need to wait with other riders in the shortened FastPass+ 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 still use FastPass+?
Yes! Most families use their DAS pass in between their scheduled FastPass+ times to keep the pace of their trip moving for people that don’t wait well. It also helps to combine it with FastPass+ so that you can visit more attractions in less time, for those families that might tire more easily and need a shortened day at the parks.
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 FastPass+ 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 FastPass+ option. This includes the FastPass+ fireworks and parade viewing locations (since they only offer FastPass+ and no standby line options) and any character meet and greets that do not offer FastPass+.
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. For those needing a slightly less busy area for fireworks and parades, you might consider using a regular FastPass+ to ensure you have a reserved spot.
Who can use the DAS pass?
Anyone who has a disability or condition that necessitates waiting outside a traditional line environment may be eligible to use the DAS pass. This includes disabilities that are both seen and unseen.
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:
- 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 regular FastPass+ during that time. Get another one for a ride with a long wait time right before you break for lunch so meal time will fill up the wait.
- Remember that there will be at least a short wait even in the FastPass+ line. Be prepared with snacks, or diversions like an iPad. Waits are typically 5-10 minutes but can be up to 20 minutes.
- 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 child 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.
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The DAS system 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.
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88 Comments
My daughter (12) has epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and also has very poor circulation on one side of her body. Could this possibly be considered for a DAS Pass?
Three out of four of my family members qualify for DAS pass. I have two autistic family members and I have multiple sclerosis. We simple wouldn’t be able to enjoy Disney without this system, it really works for us. There have been a couple times I’ve tried to wait in the stand-by queue instead of using DAS and I have regretted it (and so have all the guests in line within ear shot of my ASD kiddo).
My advice is if you need DAS then you need DAS. Get it and use it and don’t feel guilty about it and don’t worry about what others think. Yes, there are still ignorant people in the world who don’t understand what a hidden disability is and yes, they may judge you. Those people have hate in their hearts and don’t let them get to you. My family may not look disabled but we most certainly are and believe me, any of us would trade our disabilities away and happily wait in the stand by queue if that were an option. I truly hope people don’t abuse the DAS system the way they abused the old system.
My next piece of advice is to families with multiple disabled individuals. Ask to have the DAS pass put on the person who will ride the most rides and not on the person with most severe disability. In other words, if your family like mine has a child and an adult who both qualify for DAS, the adult doesn’t have a height restriction and will likely ride attractions the littlest one will sit out… so ask for DAS for the adult not the child. Further note, yes, you can combine DAS and rider swap if needed.
Last thing I’ve found helpful is setting up DAS on arrival day at the Guest Relations outside of Hollywood Studios when I don’t have tickets/plans to go to a park. You don’t use a park ticket and there’s never been a line when I’ve gone. I’ve waited maximum 5 minutes even on sold out days. Animal Kingdom also has a guest relations just outside so you won’t need a ticket there either, but I find Animal Kingdom to be less conveniently located for this errand 🙂
My wife has Chrons Disease, and I’m just hesitant for her to request one. I know people abuse the system, and people are really ugly about being opinionated especially in line. So I think we may get one, but I just don’t want to encounter harassment from other people.
My husband and I are taking my parents to Disney world next week. My father was diagnosed with lewey body dementia and gets very confused and belligerent in large crowds. Do you think he would qualify for as das card? He sometimes falls but that can be handled with a wheelchair. My main concern is him handling the crowds and waiting for long periods of time.
Hello
I’m wondering if my daughter would qualify for a DAS pass she is legally blind and has brain seizures…she doesn’t do well with large crowds being around loud noises …thanks
Hi I’m heading to Disney in the next few weeks, I’m currently either on crutches or a wheelchair but mostly in the wheelchair with nerve damage in both legs, I’m planning on getting a scooter for my trip and my mate said to apply for DAS My anxiety has got worse since the diagnosis. I can use a scooter ? but need assistance to the ride etc
Hi,
I have MS and have difficulty standing still for any period of time, this is something I have always had difficulty with. my nurse has agreed to put a recommendation forward, do I qualify for a pass and if so how do I apply and what would my nurse need to supply as evidence? I am very anxious that my disability could have an impact on my childrens experience and dont want to ruin it for them. I am a single mother.
Hello! I dont think you would qualify for the pass. I have read other blogs where people with a similar condition were told that they could rent a scooter because that served as the necessary accommodation. With the scooter they will either have you 1. wait in the line, 2. get a return time or 3. they will bring you in through an alternate entrance. Although I understand that everyone’s disability is different, so you can always contact Disney’s disability services, they are super helpful and will do their best to help ensure you have a wonderful time at the park! 🙂
I have recently been to the Disney park in orlando. It was not a good trip for my grandson. He has autism and the stress of waiting was terrible. We had the fast pass and the card that gave us a time. For instance. Our fast pass was spaced out so much that the time between rides was over an hour and one was in another area of the park then we get this card go up to the people working the fast pass line they give us a time. Like one was 40 mins difference. We are like okay go look around as if that is not stressful enough on a four year old that has autism. Come back to stand in line for another 30 minutes. People around are looking at me like why are you making this kid stand in line clearly he doeant want to be here. It sucked the life out of me. We wont do that again. All in all we waited in and out of lines for 4.5 hours and only rode 4 maybe 5 rides. Spent alot of money though because of all the waiting. But over all I wasnt a happy camper.
I torn my tendon in my foot last week. We are going to Disney this week. I am in a walking boot, but my doctor says I shouldn’t be walking for long periods of time. I’m going to have to rent a scooter. Would I get a DAS pass? I can’t stand for long periods of time on my foot. And I don’t recall being able to bring a big scooter through the lines.
Likely not. You can be accommodated with mobility help. DAS is not for that.
My husband and I will be visiting Disneywold in January 19. He is extremely claustrophobic. I know some of the rides you have to wait inside small areas with lots of people and it is cramped. Is there any way to avoid those close tight waiting areas?
My husband is 100 percent disabled vet he has a neuroplant stimulator implanted into his back. He can’t stand for long periods of time. Would he beable to utilize the DAC even though his disability isn’t visibly noticeable?
I have a spinal cord stimulator and an Intrathecal Pump because I have Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. The biggest concern with standing in line with those is the potential to get hit or kicked or knocked over while standing in such proximity to others, especially children- if that happens it has the potential to paralyze the person. Because of that, reducing the amount of time spent in line is best. Once I explain that to the CM, the are pretty understanding! I don’t know what his other disabilities are, but you want to focus on why he can’t stand in line. And while Disney cannot ask for documentation, you can offer it to them to help them better understand your situation.
I have ADD, migraine, Narcolepsy, Fibromyalgia and anxiety disorders. Waiting in line for long periods causes me so much stress (and a little uncomfortable for my body) but my family loves Disney so we’re going! If my anxiety peaks, I’ll fall asleep in line which is pretty dangerous. You would never guess that if you saw me- it’s hard to describe to people that I’m actually sick. How should I go about discussing my need? I used to get the pass at Disneyland but I read rules have changed? Thanks for your time.
You’ll want to explain why you aren’t able to stand in line. I have a similar condition to fibro (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) and standing in lines is difficult for me because of the risk of getting hit which could land me in the hospital. Plus I have other conditions related to the RSD that require I be close to a bathroom. I just explain why I can’t stsnd in the line. While Disney cannot require any documentation, it doesn’t hurt to have it to help explain your situation!
We usually get a das pass for my son. Will we be able to use it for star wars falcon ride if visiting in October
I have ptsd, since my fiance committed suicide and I came home and found he hung himself. I have difficulty being crowded in with people. Can I get re DAS pass?
Sorry you had to go through something so difficult. All you can do is let the Cast Member know your situation and they will let you know how they’re able to help.
If I have a party of 8 going( my family of 6 and two grandparents to help ) will DAS not work? We have a child with autism and are bringing my parents as extra help?
There is a group on fb “tips for special needs at Disney” you may want to join. According to many people on there, the policy is 6 People, but Disney will usually accommodate larger groups and add everyone onto the DAS pass as they know families like to stay together during a trip. You just have to be prepared that they could say no.
We are considering traveling to Disney World with my three nephews, their dad (my brother) and my parents. All three boys have Autism. Would we be able to get a separate DAS Pass for each? It’s likely they will not want to do the same thing most of the time.
You can have different passes. I have two kids with different disabilities, who are 8 years apart in age. We always get two passes, because often my hubs and I have to divide and conquer with their different interests! Last visit Jan 2017, and this was no problem.