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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67 Comments on "Guide to Disability Access Service (DAS) at Disney World"
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.
It’s not considered special services as DAS provides equal access, no more than that. Therefore, they can’t require proof. Since they can’t require it, some people won’t have it and they can’t give more consideration to anyone who brings it. That would be essentially requiring it.
My daughter is a Type I Diabetic. We didn’t bring any proof (she does wear an insulin pump, but they didn’t even ask), and we had no problem. I just said she was a Type I, and long, hot lines are a problem. They were very accommodating. They don’t ask for proof, and I’ve never heard of anyone denied. In addition, our son is Autistic, which is “invisible”. They were wonderful, and we have never been denied a pass. I would take this off your worry list! Last visit January 2017, 12 visits total.
Instead of focusing on diagnosis focus on why your daughter can’t wait in lines and you’ll be fine. If someone tried to deny you the pass just ask to speak to a manager. Also a group on fb has a ton of tips about this… tips for special needs at Disney. 🙂
We will have 7 together with 4 adults and 3 children needing to use the DAS. Will they make the exception to allow all of us to use the DAS or is it a hard 6?
Can two people in the same party both get DAS? or is it limited to one per party?
I have a severe bladder disease where I can urinate around 50-60 times a day. Would I qualify for a bathroom pass to use the restroom asap ahead of people? I will spasm myself to peeing myself with horrible pain causes me to double over and vomitZ 🙁 I’m going to be post op total hysterectomy and cyctocele repair during this trip with my toddler.
There’s no accommodation for restroom lines, no.
What about kids with type 1 diabetes, insulin dependent, still using shots? the long wait time may affect BG levels.
As a T1 of 29years I would not use a DAS pass for this. You can carry both insulin(if not on the pump) and snacks to treat lows while waiting in line.
I have a sprained ankle and will be in a walking boot for the entirety of our disney trip next week, will they permit a DAS pass for me and my family, or will they simply tell me to rent a wheel chair?
Wheelchair.
A wheelchair or stroller as wheelchair would be the appropriate accommodation. Anything mobility or stamina related does not qualify for DAS as the lines are accessible. It doesn’t eliminate waiting.
NO ONE gets this pass for Obesity. And Sciatica? How dare you! I have seen my best friend in the ER screaming with Pain. You have no idea what you are talking about! And you need to “convince your daughter to sit in a chair”. Please her bad leg has nothing to do with bad behavior accepted by less then adequate parenting. You have some nerve!!!!!
The DAS works for my family when timed perfectly (as close to perfect as possible) with fast pass+ times. But I can see how it could be a problem for some families, especially those who aren’t tech savvy or elderly. I also don’t see how this cuts down on abuse. There is nothing stopping the same type of people from getting this pass as well.
you do not need the pass. You need a couple of scooters or wheelchairs. They do not have a waiting problem they have a mobility problem.
We are traveling with a 5yr old hearing impaired little girl that clearly wears hearing aides. What kind of documentation do we need to bring?
I have IBS -D. When I went to WDW in August I did get a DAS pass. Of the 7 days that me and my family were there, we actually only used it on our last day there.
My daughter doesn’t do well with loud noises or darkness would this help us for her to still appreciate the experience.
We are going to WDW in November with my husband, 6 YO, and my retired parents. I think this is the last of this kind of trip my parents will every do. My mother has had 2 knee surgeries & her mobility is impacted if walking a great deal. She has received a letter from her doctor.
My question is, who can tell me with experience if they think Disney will accommodate her?
They dont issue the DAC for issues walking/standing. They will just tell you to rent a wheelchair.
Cheryl I have the knee problems and severe spinal issues. I can not walk or stand for more then maybe 10 minutes. I go to WDW every year. I rent a scooter and have a great time. You do not need a pass. I think a lot of folks have this pass confused. It is not for mobility issues.
Does anyone know if there is a place to store a cane while riding rollercoasters?
im also not sure i could stand and explain her without turning into a sobbing mess, its still very new for us 😀
My son also has Tourette syndrome, OCD, anxiety, ADHD. I’ve never been to Disneyworld but Disneyland is very accommodating with the DAC
I have a child that has DS & Autism. She hates to be touched by strangers and to be measured all the time. I heard you can go to guest services and get your child measured there just once so you do not have to have them measured at each ride. Is this true?
My dad is 90% disabled army veteran. He has major issues with crowds (PTSD) and standing too long. Does he qualify for DAS?
What part of it is illegal to require proof of disability for Providing EQUAL Access under the ADA do you not seem to understand?? This service is providing equal access, therefore they CANNOT require proof of disability. Please do your research.
your method of education is neither considerate nor necessary. a point can be made simply by stating the facts.
As a morbidly obese person, you’ve got to be kidding me. I had the disability BEFORE the weight. The disability caused the weight. I also have a child with autism and would never suggest one disability needs an accommodation more than another disability.
I am a Dvc memeber and have a child with autism. I am not content with the DAS system. People with disabilities are being punish for other people’s abuse of the system. Even this system is not great at all. Example: I go ask for a time we could come back to test track (come back in 40 mins) and meanwhile I go to another ride say mission space and the wait is also 40 mins . It doesn’take sense.
The system is not designed so that one can ride more rides in a day it is designed to enable you to wait in a more comfortable location (depending on your disability) until your ride time. Disability or not everyone has the same wait.
That’s awesome! I’m so glad it went well. All my families had a wonderful experience and said the DAS pass made their trip so much better. One family really wanted to encourage families with autism to go to Disney because the pass really helped them have a good trip.
Can we get a DAS for a chronic achilles heel issue?
I doubt that you would qualify for DAS, what your describing, a chronic Achilles heel, could be resolved with a wheelchair or ECV, this is a mobility issue, not cognitive.
A mobility problem is a disability. Why do you think it should be just a cognitive one. I have severe arthritis and prolonged standing is very painful. I think I deserve a pass
It’s not that you “deserve” anything over someone else. It’s that Disney has lines that are wheelchair accessible which would accommodate your issue.
I would go ahead and get the DAS pass! I used the example in the post more to illustrate that it wasn’t meant to give everyone on a scooter or a broken leg a pass. I think it’s completely reasonable to ask for one if you have a spinal cord injury. I know my husband’s best friend who has a spinal cord injury gets tired very quickly and a pass would help him enjoy more of the park.
Thank you Elizabeth!!! for both writing the article and for the information! We will then be getting the DAS and having me and my son and the other Father and his 2 kids on the pass so we can do the characters!
Your article is wrong you do not tell cm what your disability is. You tell them what kind of accomendations you need. I can not walk up and say my 12 year old is autistic. But explain his sensory issues and waiting in crowds for long periods makes him melt down etc.
Several changes to the original version of this post have been updated to improve accuracy and clarify some of the details. Appreciate your feedback.
Do you think Disney would work with you to design something individualized to meet your families needs? I know their website says they will work with you but I haven’t ever had anyone ask. It must be so hard to manage! I’d be happy to try to help if I can – maybe if we put our heads together we could figure something out! You can reach me at [email protected]
I sent a reply but it posted below another commenter – sorry! See below (or above – the reply button isn’t liking me today!)
Were you able to ask them to design something different for your family? I’m hoping they could accommodate your family’s needs. That wanting to ride over and over is a tough one!
Our family of five, including my 16 year old daughter with cerebral palsy who is wheelchair bound, made our first trip to Disney in May of this year. I had read many bad things about the system and was very apprehensive as to what to expect. I am happy to say that it went very smoothly and every cast member we encountered was very nice and made our trip very special. I can’t wait to take her back in a few years. She loved it!