A Guide to Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS): Making Magic Accessible

Disney parks are known as the “Happiest and Most Magical Places on Earth,” and their commitment to inclusivity ensures that every guest can enjoy the magic. The Disability Access Service (DAS) is a program designed to accommodate guests with cognitive disabilities who cannot tolerate extended waits in a conventional queue due to their condition.

Planning a Disney trip and wondering about the Disability Access Service (DAS)? This guide breaks down how it works, who qualifies, and how to use it so every guest can experience the magic with ease!

Whether you’re planning a trip to Disneyland, Walt Disney World, or another Disney property, understanding how DAS works and if you or your family member could qualify for it can help make your visit smoother and more enjoyable.

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What is the Disney Disability Access Service (DAS)?

The DAS is a program specifically designed for guests with disabilities who face challenges waiting in standard lines, mostly due to cognitive and sensory issues. Rather than waiting physically in the queue, DAS allows eligible guests to request a return time for attractions, equivalent to the current wait time. This enables them to enjoy other parts of the park while waiting.

It’s important to note that DAS is not a “skip the line” pass; it’s a system created to ensure fair and equal access for all guests.

DAS Recent changes to the program

Disney updated their DAS system back in May of 2024 and the changes are meant to limit its abuse. It seems that a lot of people were previously taking advantage of the system when perhaps they shouldn’t have. I have read somewhere that DAS scans constituted more than 60% of Lightning Lanes scans at one point, and that Disney had done the analysis and there were a higher percentage of people using DAS than the percentage of disabled people in the general population.

One of the features that Disney took out is the DAS Advanced planning – which is the possibility of selecting 2 advanced ride selections per-day which seems completely fair to me.

They also hired external consultants to conduct the interviews. I can speak from experience when I say that the interview was definitely more thorough this time around, and lasted a good 15-20 minutes. On the plus side, the wait to speak to a cast member was a lot shorter than before (almost instantaneous, as it could take hours before the changes took effect).

Another change (which also seems extremely reasonable to me) is the fact that where before the DAS holder could have 5 other guests accompanying him, it is now limited to the immediate family (no more than 3 other people, unless the family is bigger – for example, 2 parents and 3 kids).

Who is Eligible for DAS?

DAS is determined and approved on a case-by-case basis during a video registration call with a cast member. It’s intended for guests with non-apparent disabilities like sensory and cognitive issues that could impact their park experience such as autism or similar. DAS covers both the impacted guest and those in their group (up to four people total, including the DAS holder — exceptions can be made for immediate family members)

Mobility challenges or wheelchair use alone typically do not qualify, as Disney offers separate accommodations for those needs, such as accessible queues. If you’re worried about getting through the line queue or accessing a ride with a scooter, you can simply head to your chosen attraction. Cast members are well-trained and will be able to help you navigate.

How Does DAS Work?

Registration

Guests can pre-register for DAS through Disney’s website via a live video chat up to 30 days before their visit. Guests will need to have valid theme park tickets and a My Disney Experience account before initiating the video call.Make sure everyone in your party is linked in the My Disney App.
Interviews are conducted everyday between 7am and 8pm EST.
Guests are no longer able to register at Guest Services in the parks since May 2024, but Guest Services can help you set up that video call.
During registration, a consultant staff will ask questions to understand the guest’s specific needs.
You won’t be asked to show proof of the disability or a diagnosis, but be ready to explain how the disability affects the person from waiting in line, and be ready to provide concrete examples and mitigation measures you yourself try to put in place.
The person for whom the DAS is for will have to be present during the call as the cast member will have to take his/her picture if approved.
Interviews are only available in English at this time.
Once approved, DAS will be linked to the guest’s ticket or MagicBand.
You won’t see it in your My Disney Experience app until after you enter your first park.
DAS is valid for the length of your ticket or up to 240 days.

Using DAS

After DAS is set up, guests can request return times for attractions using the My Disney Experience app or by visiting Guest Relations kiosks in the park.
The return time is based on the current standby line wait time, but the guest does not need to stay at the attraction during this period.

Once the return time arrives, the guest and their party can enter the Lightning Lane for the attraction. A DAS pass does not expire until its use, meaning if the waiting time posted is an hour (and your DAS returned time is an hour too) but you have dining plans, you can go anytime after an hour wait.

Tips for Maximizing DAS

Plan Ahead: Use DAS Advance if eligible, and familiarize yourself with the Disney Genie app before your visit.
Leverage Other Accommodations: Disney offers many services for guests with disabilities, including wheelchair rentals, companion restrooms, and dietary accommodations.
Stay Flexible: Even with DAS, some attractions may still involve brief waiting periods. Have a backup plan and take breaks as needed.
Don’t skip the Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass if you can – those can still be great options to use WITH the DAS pass.
Communicate: If you have questions or additional needs, don’t hesitate to speak with Cast Members.

Why DAS is Important

Disney’s DAS program is an example of thoughtful inclusivity, ensuring that everyone can experience the joy of Disney parks. By accommodating the unique needs of guests with disabilities, Disney creates a magical environment where accessibility is part of the magic.

It’s also important not to request it unless absolutely necessary. Disney is quite serious about DAS abuse and will ban anyone from the park who is caught abusing the system.

If you need additional information, you can click here: Disability Access Service (DAS) | Walt Disney World Resort

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