Uh oh! We don't support IE due to its failure to integrate new web standards.
For the best browsing experience, please use

More Info →

  • Podcast
  • Become a WDW Prep Patron
  • About
  • Get a Quote
  • Things We Recommend
  • Contact
  • Search
MENUMENU
  • Crowd Calendars
        • January Crowd Calendar
        • February Crowd Calendar
        • March Crowd Calendar
        • April Crowd Calendar
        • May Crowd Calendar
        • June Crowd Calendar
        • July Crowd Calendar
        • August Crowd Calendar
        • September Crowd Calendar
        • October Crowd Calendar
        • November Crowd Calendar
        • December Crowd Calendar
  • Parks
        • Magic Kingdom
        • Epcot
        • Disney World Tickets
        • Hollywood Studios
        • Slinky Dog Dash
        • Animal Kingdom
        • Typhoon Lagoon
        • Blizzard Beach
        • Disney Springs
        • Featured: Planning Tips for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
  • Resorts
        • On-Site
        • Off-Site
        • Disney World Value Resorts
        • Disney World Moderate Resorts
        • Disney World Deluxe Resorts
        • Disney World Villa Resorts
  • Dining
        • Dining Basics
        • Disney World Dining Plan Satuli Canteen
        • Disney Dining Plan
        • Animal Kingdom Disney World Dining Plan
        • Our top Table Service restaurants
        • Our top Quick Service restaurants
        • Guide to all Disney World character meals
        • Best restaurants for fireworks views
  • Planning and Tips
        • 6 Step Planning Process
        • Disney binder planning workskeet
        • Planning Basics
        • Big Thunder Mountain exterior
        • What is coming to Walt Disney World in 2021 (and beyond!)
        • Disney Movie Magic
        • Trip Planning for Families
        • Special Needs
        • Money and Shopping
        • Downloadables
  • 2021 Planner
        • Mask tips for Disney World trips
        • Cast Member with a mask
        • Step-by-step guide to the Disney Park Pass System
        • Disney Park Pass choose day
        • Where to find characters right now
        • Joy
        • 13 ways Disney World planning has changed
        • How to tour Disney World right now
        • Budgeting for food (without using the Disney Dining Plan)
        • Mask-Free Relaxation Stations (w/maps & comparisons)
        • Choosing when to visit in 2021
        • Where to dine outdoors at Walt Disney World
        • How transportation works now
  • Mobile
      • Podcast
      • Become a WDW Prep Patron
      • About
      • Get a Quote
      • Things We Recommend
      • Contact
      • Search

Guide to Disability Access Service (DAS) at Disney World

Share on pinterest
PIN
Share on facebook
FB
WDW Prep School → Planning and Tips → Special Needs → Featured → Guide to Disability Access Service (DAS) at Disney World
  • Shannon Albert
  • July 30, 2015
  • June 12, 2019
its a small world FastPass

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.

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

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.

Read this next

Popular Related Articles

Related Posts:

  • Disney Dining Plan (cost, best credits, and is it worth it?)
  • Walt Disney World is reopening, here's what you need to know
  • Complete Guide to MaxPass and FastPass at Disneyland
  • Where to dine outdoors at Walt Disney World
  • 100+ tips for your Disney World trip
  • Disney World FastPass+ Strategy for 2021 (FastPass+ currently unavailable)
  • Disneyland Park Attractions
  • Privacy Policy

In this category

More Tips and Tricks

  • Planning and Tips
    • Basics
    • Families
    • Money and Shopping
    • Projects and Downloadables
    • Special Needs

Ready to book a trip for 2021?

The team at Small World Vacations is ready to help get you started.

Get a quote now

86 Comments

  1. Dimitri Bennett June 28, 2019 Reply

    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.

    • Ashley Corinne Shaw Bai July 26, 2019

      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.

  2. Renee October 28, 2018 Reply

    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

  3. Gillian Wylie October 25, 2018 Reply

    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

  4. Katie October 11, 2018 Reply

    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.

    • Andy G January 13, 2019

      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! 🙂

    • Shana Morris September 8, 2019

      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.

  5. Michelle September 22, 2018 Reply

    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.

    • Kim S September 27, 2018

      Likely not. You can be accommodated with mobility help. DAS is not for that.

  6. Janet September 12, 2018 Reply

    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?

  7. Sandra August 20, 2018 Reply

    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?

    • Brittany September 9, 2018

      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.

  8. RJ August 12, 2018 Reply

    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.

    • Brittany September 9, 2018

      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!

    • Adrienne Stacy June 27, 2019

      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

  9. Lynn June 19, 2018 Reply

    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?

    • Shannon Albert June 20, 2018

      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.

  10. Val June 17, 2018 Reply

    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?

    • Sheena June 19, 2018

      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.

  11. PJ Hoff May 15, 2018 Reply

    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.

    • Amanda Hayes June 10, 2018

      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.

Leave a Reply

Cancel reply

Start here

  • Crowd Calendars
    • January Crowd Calendar
    • February Crowd Calendar
    • March Crowd Calendar
    • April Crowd Calendar
    • May Crowd Calendar
    • June Crowd Calendar
    • July Crowd Calendar
    • August Crowd Calendar
    • September Crowd Calendar
    • October Crowd Calendar
    • November Crowd Calendar
    • December Crowd Calendar
  • Parks
    • Magic Kingdom
    • Epcot
    • Hollywood Studios
    • Animal Kingdom
    • Typhoon Lagoon
    • Blizzard Beach
    • Disney Springs
    • Featured: Planning Tips for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
  • Resorts
    • On-Site
    • Off-Site
    • Disney World Value Resorts
    • Disney World Moderate Resorts
    • Disney World Deluxe Resorts
    • Disney World Villa Resorts
  • Dining
    • Dining Basics
    • Disney Dining Plan
    • Our top Table Service restaurants
    • Our top Quick Service restaurants
    • Guide to all Disney World character meals
    • Best restaurants for fireworks views
  • Planning and Tips
    • 6 Step Planning Process
    • Planning Basics
    • What is coming to Walt Disney World in 2021 (and beyond!)
    • Trip Planning for Families
    • Special Needs
    • Money and Shopping
    • Downloadables
  • 2021 Planner
    • 13 ways Disney World planning has changed
    • Mask tips for Disney World trips
    • Budgeting for food (without using the Disney Dining Plan)
    • Step-by-step guide to the Disney Park Pass System
    • Choosing when to visit in 2021
    • How to tour Disney World right now
    • Mask-Free Relaxation Stations (w/maps & comparisons)
    • Where to dine outdoors at Walt Disney World
    • Where to find characters right now
    • How transportation works now
  • Mobile

More Goodies

  • Podcast
  • Become a WDW Prep Patron
  • About
  • Get a Quote
  • Things We Recommend
  • Contact
  • Search

I just got back from a five night stay at Coronado Springs and had the best time! Even though I went during the busy season I barely waited in any lines and was able to do everything I wanted!

Jonathan C.

Meet us there


IG

FB

PI

TW

YT

EM

WDWprepschool.com is not affiliated with, authorized or endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with, the Walt Disney Company.

PRIVACY POLICY

© 2021 PREP SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS, INC.

WDW PREP SCHOOL ON INSTAGRAM​

This super zoom pic is available near the Milk Sta This super zoom pic is available near the Milk Stand in Galaxy’s Edge. 📸 Look for the Cast Member holding an iPad to take yours.
Hello from Flower and Garden Festival! 🌸 Follow Hello from Flower and Garden Festival! 🌸 Follow our stories on this beautiful day at Epcot.
Last day of Festival of the Arts. Bring on Flower Last day of Festival of the Arts. Bring on Flower and Garden! Starts March 3.
It's not goodbye, it's see ya real soon. 📸 @kat It's not goodbye, it's see ya real soon. 📸 @katiedidlynn
Load More... Follow on Instagram