Disney Changing Its Disability Access Service (DAS)

Changes are coming to Disney’s Disability Access Service, also known as DAS, starting this summer.

The updates come in response to apparent misuse of the program originally designed for guests who have physical or mental conditions that make queues difficult or dangerous.

Disney has updated its accessibility planning guide for both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World with new guidelines for navigating the parks.

Let’s take a look at the details.

What Is DAS?

For those who aren’t familiar, Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS) is a complimentary service for guests who are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.

Under its original design, there was no specified list of disabilities, and no proof was required. Guests would need to complete an interview and would be granted access to the service if the staff felt that the guest qualified.

DAS allows guests to return at specific times for attractions instead of having them wait in line, almost like a Genie+ or a Fastpass reservation.

However, Disney has seen a huge increase in the number of guests using (and abusing) DAS, so they are making adjustments to the program to ensure that guests with disabilities can continue to experience the parks fully.

What Is Changing?

Starting May 20, 2024, guests visiting Walt Disney World who want to apply for DAS must do so via a virtual video call (in-person will no longer be available) with a trained cast member and/or experts from 3rd partner Inspire Health Alliance.

Beginning on June 18, 2024, guests visiting Disneyland Resort who want to apply for DAS are strongly encouraged to complete a virtual video call before their trip, however, there will be registration available outside the parks.

Under the previous guidelines, guests could apply for DAS if they felt that waiting in line could be dangerous for them or other guests.

Moving forward, Disability Access Service is only intended to support 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.”

While this may eliminate the DAS option for some guests, Disney says it will introduce a “return-to-queue,” which may offer a middle ground for guests who no longer qualify for DAS but still require extra assistance to enjoy the parks.

Other changes to DAS include:

• DAS party sizes dropping from 6 to 4, except for immediate family members
• Preselected attractions will no longer be available
• DAS service is extended from 60 to 120 days before the need to reapply

Disney has also updated its Guests with Disabilities page to help make visits more enjoyable by knowing what to expect and understanding options before arrival.

Guests can find information online about various disabilities, including mobility, neurodivergent, service animals, deaf & hearing loss, blind & low vision, and more.

Final Thoughts

Disney is making big changes in an attempt to crack down on guests abusing the current Disability Access Service program. After seeing a huge spike in the popularity of DAS, Disney wants to make sure that it is being used by its intended guests.

While we can all appreciate trying to eliminate the abuse of the system, there is no doubt that DAS became so popular because it also made trips possible for many in the disabled community who might not have considered a theme park vacation.

With park attendance still at all-time highs and Lightning Lanes still incurring long waits, its no surprise that changes needed to be made. Hopefully, these changes will have their intended effect without completely alienating guests who depended on the previous version of the service.