I always say- It seems like Disney thinks of everything! Thinking of those with disabilities is no exception. There are many things at each Disney location that makes the parks accessible to those of all abilities. The Disability Access Service at Disney World is just one of those things! Follow along below where I explain who the system is for, and how it works!
Disability Access Service at Walt Disney World!
Mickey Mouse, Cinderella’s Castle, Figment, Avatar, and Star Wars- are just a few of my favorite things I experience when I travel to WDW. Fainting, heart trouble, and seizures, among other things- are my least favorite things to experience when I travel to WDW. Many think, “I have so many medical or other disabilities, how could I ever go to Disney?” Or “ How does anyone with medical challenges or special needs navigate WDW?” Thankfully Disney has thought of it all for us! Walt Disney World has many different programs and accommodations in place for people of all abilities. From specific maps with accommodations listed, to ASL interpreters, as well as today’s topic- the DAS, or Disability Access Service.
What is the Disability Access Service, and how does it work?
Disability Access Service (DAS) is a program offered by Walt Disney World to assist Guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in the typical queue due to a disability. This accessibility pass is not designed for those with a mobility-related disability that can be assisted through a wheelchair or ECV. The service allows Guests to schedule a return time that is equal to the current wait for that given attraction. It does not provide immediate access. Once a return time is scheduled, you are free to wait in an area that is comfortable for you/your party. The Guest that has applied for the DAS, and has a selected return time, must ride that attraction. The DAS can cover the applicant, and 5 other guests in your party. The return times do not expire, however, you will not be able to book another DAS attraction until the first one is used or canceled. Virtual Queues or Genie + reservations do not affect DAS availability. However, if you are looking to ride a ride that currently offers a Virtual Queue- you will need to establish a Virtual Queue spot before being able to utilize the DAS. When your group is called it will be treated like a DAS start time – you can check in any time until the ride closes for the day.
How to apply for DAS?
There are 2 ways to apply for a Disability Access Pass. New to the DAS system is Advanced Registration. Between 2 and 30 days before your WDW trip you can chat with a Cast Member virtually on the WDW website chat feature. Or once you are in the park during your first day, you can find Guest Relations to apply. Cast Members will ask a few questions where you will need to explain why you are unable to wait in a conventional queue, and why a wheelchair or ECV would not help solve that issue. Again, the DAS is not designed to be used with strictly mobility-related challenges. DAS Advance does allow you to choose 2 DAS advance attractions selections. These selections are limited and subject to availability. Those return times are an hour window return time and do not impact your other DAS selections once in the park.
Genie + and DAS?
It depends on how much you plan to do, what park you are in, and what the crowd levels are. When we last went in October 2022, during a holiday week with sold-out parks. We utilized Genie + and DAS during that trip in each park. Our party was able to alternate reservations and were able to ride everything on our “must-do” list. With Genie + now having a sliding scale of prices based on crowd levels, that may make an impact on my choice to stack Genie +, and DAS for future visits.
How to reserve a return time and other DAS-related services:
If you have been to Disney before you may be familiar with the My Disney Experience App. That will be your best friend to use the DAS as easily as possible. If you are unfamiliar with the app, you will want to be! That will be your lifeline during your time in any WDW park. There you can check ride times, mobile order food, find bathroom locations, reserve Genie + times (extra cost) and, reserve your DAS return times. Any member of a DAS party can reserve a time from their app for the party, but the registered Guest that has applied for the DAS must be present when the pass is redeemed at the attraction. Other services include in-person assistance with itinerary planning at Guest Relations. Disney Genie (not to be confused with Genie +) is a digital planning service available complimentary. That can be found in your My Disney Experience App.
*Where to find the DAS selections in the My Disney Experience App- You must be IN the park you have selected as your park reservation for the day. Make sure you are signed in to the app, and tap “more” at the bottom right of your Welcome screen. You will see the “DAS” square, and from there you can access the list of attractions with their return times available to you.*
The DAS is my lifeline in helping me enjoy the park as much as other Guests without limitations or disabilities. I do not find it hard to use at the park, as I made sure I was familiar with the My Disney Experience App before our first park day. When confused or needed help, finding the Guest Services umbrellas around the park was always my go-to for troubleshooting with DAS or general questions. Cast Members are always willing to help, and your enjoyment and accessibility in the park is their top priority!
For more tips, tricks, and help with planning your next Disney Vacation when traveling with disabilities contact me! Travel Ease Advisor Alyssa Johnson- alyssa@teplanners.com