Walt Disney World endeavors to create an accessible and inclusive environment, striving to ensure that guests of all abilities can enjoy the magic of its theme parks and attractions. This commitment is reflected in a range of services and accommodations designed to assist guests with diverse needs, from cognitive disabilities to mobility challenges.
A key program offered is the Disability Access Service (DAS). Introduced to assist guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or a similar disorder, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period, DAS is a tool for providing accessibility, not a “front of the line” pass. The service allows eligible guests to receive a return time for an attraction that is comparable to the current standby wait time. While waiting for their return time, guests can utilize their time elsewhere, such as resting, dining, or visiting other attractions. When their return time arrives, the DAS user and their linked party proceed to the Lightning Lane entrance, where the person with DAS must be the first to scan before the group enters together. After using a DAS pass, guests are eligible to request their next one approximately 10 minutes after tapping into the ride. DAS return times do not expire until the park closes, but a new pass cannot be obtained until the active one is used or cancelled.
Recent Updates and Eligibility for DAS
On May 20, 2024, significant updates to the DAS policies and processes went into effect. The criteria for eligibility were refined to specifically include “Guests with developmental disabilities, such as autism, who find it challenging to wait in traditional lines”. This change aimed to direct the service to those for whom it was most intended. While there is no specific list of qualifying disabilities, any non-mobility-related condition that makes waiting in a standby queue difficult may be eligible, though the system’s primary intention is for cognitive/developmental considerations.
Under the updated policy, obtaining a DAS Pass requires pre-registration via a live video chat, which is available when guests are 60 days or less before their park visit, between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern Time. The guest requesting DAS, or their parent/guardian if they are a minor, must be 18 years old and the guest who will use the DAS must be present during the video call for a photo to be taken. This advanced registration must be completed at least 48 hours before the trip. In-person registration at Guest Relations on the first day of a visit is no longer offered as of May 20, 2024. Eligibility for a DAS pass is based on a guest’s need and their ability to wait in line, not their diagnosis or ability to stand in line. Cast Members inquire about the accommodations requested due to the disability or condition, but they do not ask for proof of disability. Guests simply need to explain why the condition makes waiting in line difficult. However, lying about the need for DAS can result in being permanently barred from Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort, with forfeiture of previously purchased passes, tickets, and other services without refund.
The DAS Pass is valid for the length of the guest’s ticket or up to 240 days, with the longer validity period typically applying to Annual Passholders. The DAS group is limited to the immediate family or a maximum of four people, including the DAS passholder. Guests traveling in larger groups should check with Guest Relations for accommodation.
While the updated policy focuses on cognitive/developmental conditions, comments from guests indicate confusion and frustration regarding eligibility for other conditions. Some guests who previously qualified for DAS due to conditions like Crohn’s disease, Type 1 Diabetes, severe balance issues, liver and kidney disease, Lupus, and breathing issues have reported being denied under the new rules. Disney’s stated position is that the service is now primarily intended for cognitive/developmental considerations. For physical conditions, Disney has introduced the Attraction Queue Re-entry (AQR) for guests who need to leave a queue to attend to a need, allowing them to reenter.
For attractions utilizing a Virtual Queue instead of a standby line, guests with DAS must still join the virtual queue. Once their boarding group is called, they should see a Cast Member at the attraction for DAS assistance, which may involve expedited entry.
Other Forms of Accessibility and Assistance
Beyond DAS, Walt Disney World offers various other accommodations. For guests with mobility restrictions or those using wheelchairs or scooters, DAS is generally not intended because most attraction lines are accessible. Information on how guests using mobility devices can experience each attraction is available at the attraction entrance. If a line is not wheelchair accessible, guests with mobility issues will receive a return time comparable to the standby wait time. Wheelchairs and ECVs can be rented in the theme parks and Disney Springs, or guests can bring their own or rent from a third-party vendor. Guests using strollers as wheelchairs can visit Guest Relations for a “stroller as wheelchair” tag.
Transportation options throughout the resort, including buses, monorails, ferryboats, and the Disney Skyliner, are designed to be accessible. Accessible Minnie Vans that can accommodate wheelchairs are also available by calling a dedicated number. Handicapped self-parking areas are available at all Walt Disney World venues, including theme parks, water parks, and resort hotels. However, theme park parking lot trams are not accessible to guests in wheelchairs or ECVs.
Some attractions may require guests to transfer from a wheelchair to a ride vehicle, either by themselves or with assistance from their party, as Cast Members are not permitted to physically assist with transfers. Some attractions also offer auxiliary entrances for guests with disabilities, intended for convenience or safety, not to bypass wait times. These entrances can be used by guests with disabilities and up to five members of their party. Designated viewing areas for guests with disabilities are available for some parade routes and show areas on a first-come, first-served basis.
Additional resources and services are available to enhance the guest experience. Guest Relations locations are available at the main entrances of all four theme parks and provide assistance with various needs, including information about accommodations. Cast Members throughout the parks are trained to assist guests, identifiable by their nametags. In case a party member gets lost, they should be taught to find a Cast Member for assistance, and a nametag with contact information is recommended for those unable to easily communicate. Quiet locations are available throughout the parks for guests needing a sensory break, and Cast Members can help locate the nearest one. Information on attraction details, including sensory experiences, is available on the Disney World website. Guests with specific dietary needs can make advance requests when booking dining reservations or speak with a chef or special diets-trained Cast Member at a restaurant. Guests are also permitted to bring their own food into the parks.
Planning is strongly recommended for all guests, especially those with cognitive disabilities. Reviewing resources like the Disney World website, park-specific guides, and utilizing the My Disney Experience app can aid in planning. The app provides real-time wait times, park maps, and show schedules. Pre-arrival planning can include discussing trip details with family members, watching videos of the parks and attractions, and studying park maps. Bringing items like reinforcers for good behavior and sensory toys can also be helpful.
Disney’s commitment to accessibility is ongoing, with continuous efforts to improve services and accommodations, ensuring a magical experience for guests of all abilities.
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