DAS Disability Access System for those with Developmental Disorders Such as Autism
First: Recent changes to the DAS and the effect on guests
As of May 20th, 2024, the DAS system was changed so that only those guests with developmental disorders such as autism may qualify for the DAS. This is extremely disappointing because many people with other disabilities that make it difficult to wait in line for long periods are falling through the cracks, so to speak. We are also seeing that some of those with these developmental disabilities are being denied the DAS.
Sadly, many who qualified before will not qualify now.
In 2007, we released our book called Walt Disney World with Disabilities. Since that time, we have been dedicated to sharing the many ways that Disney worked to include those with special needs and disabilities. Now, although Disney claims to provide “an unwavering commitment to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment and accessible experiences for our Guests.”, we feel that they’ve excluded a lot of people who relied on the DAS for good, legitimate reasons.
While we recognize that some people were cheating the system, we feel this solution goes too far, and that Disney has stopped caring about some of their devoted guests. Although they are claiming to have provided alternative solutions for various disabilities, we are seeing that the “solutions” are not solutions at all for many disabled or special needs people.
For example, there’s a new “Attraction Queue Re-Entry” policy to allow guests to leave the line to use the restroom while someone else in their party stays in line. For so many reasons, not everyone can do this. Additionally, we are getting feedback that Cast Members often don’t know how to deal with this.
That all said, we hope things will change for the better as time moves on. And, we encourage those who legitimately need the support the DAS provides to try for it, even if you’re not dealing with a developmental illness. Apparently, Disney will decide on a case by case basis, and may make some exceptions. If you get denied, you can request to speak to a supervisor.
The DAS system itself is fantastic and can make Disney a much more comfortable and happy experience for those who qualify.
DAS INFO AND RULES
Disney World offers support to some of their guests with disabilities or special needs in the form of the DAS, or Disability Access Service. We’ll go into depth to answer all your questions and to give you tips.
Keep in mind that the DAS is not a part of the Lightning Lane program. That is a separate plan that you can purchase. They can both be accessed using the My Disney Experience app. They can be used at the same time, and we’ll go into that in more detail below.
What does a DAS do for you?
The DAS allows you to wait for a ride or attraction outside of the queue for most of the wait. While you will still need to wait about the same amount of time that you would have if you waited in the regular Standby queue, you can wait anywhere that you’re comfortable. You can even go on another ride or attraction if you have time. This is great for those who have difficulty staying inside a queue.
The DAS can be used on rides, attractions and character meet & greets that offer both a Lightning Lane queue and a regular Standby queue.
The DAS can also be used on any ride or attraction that has a posted wait time and an alternative way into the attraction (usually the Lightning Lane line).
Finally, the DAS can be used at attractions as long as the Cast Member at the attraction has a way to determine the expected wait time, as long as there is a way to get you into the attraction by bypassing the standard queue. For example, we’ve heard that they’re allowing the DAS to be used for Astro Orbiter in Magic Kingdom. This ride does not have a Lightning Lane, but you can bypass the line at your return time and go right up the elevator to the ride.
What does a DAS NOT do for you?
– A DAS does not get you shorter wait times for attractions and rides. It does not get you to the front of the line.
– A DAS does not Provide a place to sit inside the attractions/queues.
– A DAS does not tell Cast Members what other assistance you might need such as sitting up close, avoiding stairs, etc. You will need to explain your needs to the Cast Member at the attractions. A DAS is NOT required for those accommodations.
– A DAS is not usable on rides, attractions, meet & greets, parades and fireworks shows that don’t offer both a Standby queue and a Lightning Lane queue.
– A DAS is NOT used at the water parks, for buses or at restaurants.
– A DAS does not give you a Lightning Lane pass.
Who is a DAS NOT meant for?
For those with mobility problems, if your issue can be solved by getting a wheelchair or mobility scooter, Disney will not give you a DAS. You will need to have a wheelchair, ECV or another mobility device if you have difficulty standing or walking in lines. Keep in mind that most guests walk at least 5 miles per day at Disney, and many queues are over 1/4 to 1/2 mile long.
A DAS is NOT required to use mobility devices in lines or on attractions. Those using ECVs, wheelchairs and other mobility devices will usually wait in the regular Standby line (or Lightning Lane line if they have a Lightning Lane for that attraction). For a few attractions those guests will be given a Return Time ticket because the entrance and/or line is not accessible. A DAS is not required to get a return time.
Who CAN get a DAS?
Anyone with a developmental disability such as autism that makes waiting in a traditional line difficult. To qualify you can have a visible or invisible disability.
Unfortunately, we are seeing that even some of those with developmental disabilities who have difficulty waiting in line are getting denied. If you’re denied and feel you have a valid issue, request to speak with a supervisor.
If you do use a wheelchair or ECV but you have other developmental disabilities that are not mobility related and make it difficult to wait in a traditional line, you still may be able to get a DAS.
Where do you go to get a DAS?
Pre-Arrival Registration and Planning Live Video Chat feature for the DAS.
Guests will be able to chat via live video chat (English only), as much as 30 days in advance of their park visit. The guest who needs the DAS pass must be present during the live video call.
We’re hearing that there are usually long waits to connect with a live chat Cast Member. When we say long, we mean very long! As much as a 5 hour wait, or even more. I’ve actually seen a report of a 12 hour wait. On the other hand, I’ve seen some reports of short wait times.
Live video chat is available in English only.
When you’re ready to register, you can go to this page on Disney’s site to “Request Live Video Chat“.
Registering for a DAS in the Park
There is no in-person option to register for a DAS. If you are unable to register in advance, you can go to Guest Services at the park and register, but you’ll have to go through the same process you would have at home. A Cast Member will help you virtually meet with another Cast Member using live video conferencing. We don’t recommend this because of the time it will take away from your park day.
You’ll need to get your DAS at a Guest Relations Main Entrance locations inside of any of the four parks. However we have gotten it in the past at Guest Relations just outside the entrances. With the new process, we don’t know if the outside entrance Guest Services locations can help, but if there’s not a long line, it may be worth a try.
Here are the Guest Relations locations:
Animal Kingdom:
- Before you enter the park, just outside the park entrance, on the left hand side.
- Just after you enter the park, to the left.
Magic Kingdom:
- Outside the park, there’s a window just before the park entrance on the right side.
- Inside the park, in the City Hall lobby, to the left of the park entrance.
Hollywood Studios:
- Outside the park, there’s a window just outside the park entrance, on the left.
- Inside the park, near the park entrance, in the Guest Relations lobby near the turnstiles on the far left.
Epcot:
- Outside the front of the park to the far right of the main entrance.
- Near Spaceship Earth on the left side after entering the park.
- Outside the park , at the entrance to the International Gateway – World Showcase entrance.
Can you get your DAS before your visit?
Yes. You can get a DAS before your visit using the Live Video Chat feature. See details above. If you didn’t use Pre-Arrival Registration, you can get a DAS during your visit, when your tickets are active and you’re inside one of the four main parks. However, you’ll have to go through the same process you would have gone through at home.
Can you get a DAS at Disney Springs Guest Relations?
No. You can not get a DAS at Disney Springs.
How do you get a DAS?
During your live video chat, you’ll speak with a Cast Member to request a DAS. The person needing the DAS must be there, but they are not required to make the request. Someone in your party such as a guardian can make the request.
We are currently hearing that guests are having to go through the full process even if they’ve had a DAS in the past. This includes needing to answer questions about why you need the DAS.
What will you be asked when applying for the DAS?
You’ll be asked why you need it. All the Cast Member will want to know is why a DAS will help. Be prepared to briefly discuss your concerns with the Cast Member.
What will you NOT be asked when applying for the DAS?
You do not need proof of your disability. You will not need to give a diagnosis, and doctor’s notes will not be looked at because of legal issues. Remember, even though you won’t be sharing a diagnosis, you will need to sign the terms and conditions agreement document, confirming that there is a true disability.
More about how to answer when you’re asked why you need a DAS at Disney World:
Here are some sentences you may want to finish to think about how to present your needs to the Cast Member in Guest Relations:
- Waiting in line is hard for me because …
- When I’m in line waiting I experience …
- Waiting outside the line helps me because …
Still, if the Cast Member feels that the issue can be handled in some way other than through the DAS, they may decline to give you one. Again, if you feel you have a legitimate need, ask for a supervisor.
Photos will be taken
Once you’re approved, the Cast Member will take your photo and put you in the system. If for any reason you don’t want a photo of your child taken, you can have another person in the party have their photo taken. If you do this, that person will need to be present whenever the DAS is used.
How long will the DAS be valid for at Disney World?
The DAS will be good for use in all four parks. It will last for the length of your ticket or up to 120 days.
How many people can I have attached to my DAS?
In addition to the person getting the DAS, you can have up to 3 people added to your account.
What if more than one person in your party needs a DAS?
Each person that needs a DAS can have one. The others in your party can be linked to each DAS holder. There’s no limit to how many DAS holders they can be linked to. This way the non-DAS using members of your party can go on rides and attractions with any of the DAS holders. However a person with a DAS can not be linked to another person with a DAS. Also a person linked to a DAS holder can only be included in one return time at a time.
How do you use your DAS at Disney World?
Get a return time for your DAS pass.
After entering the park, DAS holders can use the DAS Return Time Self-Selection tool using the My Disney Experience app. Guests can make their DAS selection right on their mobile devices during the day of their park visit. When you first arrive at the park, your DAS should become available on the My Disney Experience app. Here’s what yo do:
– Log into the My Disney Experience app.
– Tap on the menu ( ≡ ) at the bottom of the screen.
– Then, tap the DAS button to select the attraction to make your return time.
– The tool can also be accessed from attraction detail screens.
Guests without a mobile device can also visit Guest Relations or a Guest Experience Team location to receive return times. The DAS holder does not have to be present to get the return time.
If there’s more than one person in your party with a DAS and you both want to go on the same ride, you’ll both need to get a Return Time. Or if each DAS holder wants to go on different attractions, they can. However the members of your party must only be listed in one return time at a time.
You can have one DAS at a time. You can register for your next DAS 10 minutes after redeeming a return time.
Can you have a DAS return time and receive a boarding group for a virtual queue attraction?
Yes. A Guest can hold one active DAS return time and one virtual queue boarding group at the same time. When a Guest utilizing DAS goes to the attraction with a virtual queue, they, along with their party, will speak to a Cast Member at the attraction about accessing the queue.
How are DAS return times determined?
How is the return time determined exactly? It should be comparable to the amount of time you’d wait if you were waiting in the regular Standby queue. The app considers the current wait time for that ride. So if you were waiting in the regular queue and the current wait time would be around 1 hour, your return time might be anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour later.
Is the return time set in stone?
Your return time represents the earliest you can get in, but it’s good any time from the return time forward, until the park closes.
Waiting for your return time.
What you do with your time is up to you. Rather than waiting the entire time in a queue, you can wait wherever you want. You can grab a bite to eat, go on another ride, explore the stores, or just people watch! You can even use a Lightning Lane if you have purchased it.
Going to the ride/attraction.
You’ll return to the ride after your return time arrives. If an attraction has a Lightning Lane queue, you’ll be able to use it. If there’s an alternative entrance for those who are handicapped, you should be able to use that.
The DAS holder will have their Magic Band or park ticket scanned first. Then the others in the party connected to the DAS can go in.
Often you’ll still have to wait in a queue once you go back, but it will be a much shorter wait than if you were in the regular Standby queue. It’s usually no more than 15 minutes, but that’s not set in stone. It can be shorter or longer.
The DAS cardholder has to be going on the ride. This means that the party associated with the DAS holder can not use the DAS without the DAS holder being there.
Getting a new return time.
After you have used the DAS Return Time you can get another Return Time for the same attraction you just went on, or you can get one for a different attraction.
Here’s a tip from one of our Facebook group members: “The DAS can also be cancelled in the app. This is very helpful when the wait time is dropping. I modified (by cancelling and rebooking) one DAS 3 times because I booked it with a 90 minute listed wait, but it immediately dropped to 80, then 70, then 60. All within about 10 minutes. So a few clicks saved 20 minutes of wait time.” – Cricket Penny
How many DAS return times can I have at once?
You can only have one at a time, and it’s good until you use it (that same day only). Once you redeem your active return time, you can get another one. There is no limit to how many times in a day you can use the DAS system.
What if I change my mind and want a DAS at a different ride or attraction?
You’ll be able to change or cancel your DAS in the app on your device.
How many times can I use the DAS for any one ride? Can I repeat rides?
You can use the DAS to go on any one ride as many times as you’d like.
You can also use Lightning Lane for shorter wait times
Lightning Lane is not included in a DAS. However, if you have purchased Lightning Lane passes, you can make use of the Lightning Lane system at the same time that you’re making use of the DAS. This is a strategy for cutting down on wait times and getting more rides in in a shorter time frame.
Feedback from the parks is that some people love having Lightning Lanes and the DAS all together. They feel you can really get more rides in, especially in Animal Kingdom and Epcot. At Magic Kingdom it seems to be almost as helpful, and some people find it the most helpful because it has the most Lightning Lane included rides.
However some people find that it’s not necessary to use both the DAS and Lightning Lane. Here’s what one of our Facebook group members who used both together had to say:
“We had Genie+(now Lightning Lane) and DAS. We found DAS much more convenient as it said “Any time after … ” while the Genie+ said a more specific “between __ and __.” If there is a need for rest, even leaving the park, the DAS is still good.” – Diane McDorman Dunn
One of our readers, Sherryl Williams also feels it’s unnecessary. She had this to say about the need for Lightning Lanes when you also have a DAS:
“…It was not necessary for me . I had no trouble riding everything I wanted with just the DAS. It might speed things up the the point you were rushing from ride to ride.The Genie+ (now Lightning Lane) is fine for families who do not have a DAS and do not care about the most popular rides. Individual Lightning Lanes (now Lightning Lane Single Pass) is for those who want headliners. But DAS gives you the headliners without paying extra for them. I think families may try genie plus once and then just return to using the DAS. Rides are not always available with Genie+ as the day proceeds. They are always available with DAS.”
Can I use a DAS at special ticketed event parties?
Sometimes Disney closes down a park (usually Magic Kingdom) and throws a special ticketed event party, like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. They do not have Lightning Lane during these events, and during these parties, the official policy has been that guests can not use a DAS, but that’s recently been changed.
Now we’ve been getting feedback that Disney has been allowing the DAS to be used during these special ticketed event parties. We’ve even recently seen a note that someone received from Disney saying that the DAS would be available during the Halloween party (except for character meet & greets).
Another tip: Usually guests of the special ticketed events are allowed to arrive early. For parties that start at 7 PM guests may be allowed to enter at 4 PM. For after hours events that start at 9 pm or 9:30 guests have been reporting that they can enter at 7 PM. You can enjoy the park while the park is still open to the regular guests who are there for the day. When you go early, you’ll be able to get a DAS, and the DAS will be usable until the park closes down for the special ticketed event party.
What if I need additional accommodations?
Disney realizes that this DAS system may not be the complete answer for every guest. Whether or not you have a DAS, you can discuss your needs with a Cast Member at each attraction. We’ve found Disney World to be very accommodating in the past. Cast Members will try to help if they can. For example they may be able to slow down or stop a moving walkway, or help you get a seat in a certain location such as near the stage. Here’s an example:
“My wife has difficulty transferring into a manual wheelchair from her scooter because she finds it painful on her back. We really enjoy Buzz Lightyear in Magic Kingdom, but you’re required to transfer from the scooter to a wheelchair to enter the queue. The last several times we’ve gone we explained the problem. They’ve allowed her to park her scooter outside, right by an entrance that leads directly to the ride cars. She is then able to walk the short distance to the ride cars without having to transfer to the manual wheelchair.”
Be prepared to explain your additional needs briefly to the Cast Member at the individual attraction.
If you have any general questions you can contact Disney. If you have specific DAS questions related to your situation, you’ll need to have that addressed in person at Guest Relations in the park. Here’s the contact information:
email: Disability.services@disneyparks.com
You can view Disney’s DAS page for FAQs here.
Check out our articles for special needs, disabilities and extra challenges at Disney World.
These articles cover everything from pregnancy at Disney World to Diabetes, allergies, etc.
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