Updated 2024: All About the Disability Access Service

Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS) has long been a helpful resource for guests with disabilities, offering a way to experience the parks with fewer barriers. However, the changes introduced in 2024 have left many feeling frustrated. In this post, I’ll be sharing my personal experience with the updated DAS interview process, highlighting the challenges it presented. I’ll also cover the alternatives Disney is now offering for those who aren’t approved, and provide an overview of how the service works if you do qualify.

What is the  Disability Access Pass?

The first thing you need to know about being disabled at Disney is the Disability Access Service. The DAS allows those who cannot wait in the normal queue the chance to receive a return time based on the current wait time.

Where to Get a Disability Access Service Pass

Disney has recently changed the process of how to get the Disability Access Service Pass. You have 2 options you can either preregister via video chat with a Cast Member prior to your visit or register in the parks via an interview with a Cast Member through an iPad that Guest Services has.

Guest Relations Main Entrance Locations:

• The Guest Relations lobby (near the Main Entrance) at Disney’s Animal
  Kingdom theme park
• City Hall at Magic Kingdom park 
• The Guest Relations lobby (near the turnstiles) at Disney’s Hollywood
  Studios
• The Guest Relations Lobby (near Spaceship Earth) at Epcot

Eligible Guests now pre-register for DAS Advance virtually with a Cast Member, using live video chat. If the service is for a child, the child must be present.

Please note that you may pre-register as soon as 30 days in advance of a park visit.
During the registration chat, you will be able to work with a Cast Member to book up to 2 one-hour return windows for select experiences using our new DAS Advance planning option (you may also make additional DAS selections on the day of your visit). Please note that all park visits must be within 30 to 2 days of the live chat.

Who Can Get a Disability Access Pass?

The Disability Access pass is available to anyone who would have difficulty standing in a queue for an extended period of time. The DAS allows people who have anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, and other invisible disabilities to enjoy attractions while avoiding triggers that long queues might cause as well as those who physically cannot stand in a line for an extended period of time. 

A Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter does not need DAS. Depending on the experience, Guests utilizing a wheelchair or scooter will either wait in the standard queue or through an accessible entrance.

• The person with the DAS must be part of the party experiencing the attraction.
• The DAS return time works similar to a Multipass Lightning Lane return time and you go to the Lightning Lane entrance. 
• You can return anytime after your designated return time but you cannot get another return time until the first one is used. 
• DAS is valid for the length of the ticket or up to 120 days, whichever is shorter. Once the service has elapsed, Guests need to re-register for the program.

My Experience With the Applying for a DAS Using the Live Video Chat

First, I want I want to share a little background of my experience using the DAS. While I am plus-size, I am physically able to stand in lines at Walt Disney World. I know my physical limits. I go for shorter periods of time and/or utiilize an electric scooter on longer days. I do have invisible disabilities though that prevent me from being able to wait in certain Walt Disney World queue lines.

I have severe c-ptsd, panic disorder, and also suffer from IBS. My c-ptsd gets triggered when I am unable to see an exit or clear way out of a situation. Some many queues at Walt Disney World are winding or circles of people where leaving the line is nearly impossible. Once I am triggered, I have panic attacks which combined with the heat usually progress into a migraine or passing out. I have been taken out of Disney Parks by ambulance several times due to this.

I had been hearing stories of guests getting denied but needed to go through the interview process myself shortly after the changes. I was so nervous.

Registration for the live video chat was easy and I was quickly connected with a Cast Member. I explained my situation like I did above and she asked me several questions. Some I understood, like what happens to me during a panic attack. Other questions, I found weird like what do I do at the grocery store. Honestly, I use Instacart or my husband goes in or at most I know the quickest route out.

At first I was denied, as they wanted me to go with my husband and then if I had a panic attack, my ptsd was triggered, or I had a bathroom emergency that I could leave the line and then get back in line when my husband reached the front. Oh, my gosh, that would never happen! I am not walking past hundreds of people to leave and re-enter a line. That is triggering in itself. When I mentioned that I usually go to the parks alone since my husband is a Cast Member and I play while he works, they approved me but only when I go alone. If my husband is with me, then I do not get to use the service. Another thing that bothered me is that if they found out I was being untruthful, they can fire my husband. That is a scary thought, especially when they don’t accept any proof of need. I have medical professionals that would be willing to submit documentation.

How to Use Disney’s Disability Access Service

If you have preregistered you will already have 2 selections picked per park day that will be listed in your My Disney Experience App. After those initial two selections, you just select your next attraction via the app.

When you are in the park, tap on the Disability Access Service (DAS button)to enter the self-selection flow. This tool can also be accessed from the attraction detail screen.

You go to the Lightning Lane and scan your MagicBand or ticket and wait in the shorter line. Once you scan into your ride you can start another selection.

DAS Tips

Wait Times. The DAS pass does not eliminate wait times completely. The Lightning Lane can still be up to 20 minutes long. Check out this list of things to do while waiting in line to help bypass the time. 

Choose Rides Nearby. I suggest selecting the rides that are in close proximity to each other so you are not crisscrossing the park all day. There are lots of things to see and do during the wait times. One of the services a concierge vacation planner like Favorite Grampy Travels provides is helping you craft the perfect touring plan for your family.

Waiting for the Return Time. During your wait, you are free to do anything you like. The best options are to ride a close ride with a low wait time, rest in the AC, or grab something to eat. 

Wait Times are Forgiving. Unlike the Lightning Lane service, you do not have to worry about getting to your DAS return time. It is good until the end of the day. Just remember that you may only have one DAS return time at a time. 

Use Multipass Lightning Lanes and Single Pass Lightning Lanes. The DAS is supposed to be used alongside the Genie+ Service. So please make sure to grab your Lightning Lanes in the morning when planning out your day. 

Disabled at Disney: Reminders

The most important things to remember about enjoying the magic when you’re disabled at Disney are: 

• Pick up a Disability Map of the park you’re in
• Plan your day to allow extra time
• Stay aware of the people around you
• And have fun! 

Thank You for Spreading the Pixie Dust!