Everything You Need to Know About Disney’s Updated DAS Pass Requirements

Disney is updating its Disability Access Services (DAS) Pass. In fact, the new changes have already taken affect at Walt DIsney World and go into effect on June 18th in Disneyland. In this post, you’ll learn how this service supports Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar disorder, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time. Plus, find out the details about the registration process and usage guidelines.

DAS has become the most requested accommodation in its theme parks with usage tripling in the past five years. The steep rise in people using the service prompted executives to look at the policy and make changes to avoid misuse of the program.

Previously, customers could request the service in person at the park or online through a videoconference. Now, Disney says people must apply through videoconference — either two to 30 days before their visit, or by meeting on the day of their visit with a Disney staff member. The staff member will then set up a videoconference on a computer tablet outside the entrance. During video chats, the person applying for DAS will meet with a trained Disney employee with the assistance of health professionals from an outside group, Inspire Health Alliance.

According to the Disney Parks, here are some key points for what you need to know about DAS:

• DAS is intended to accommodate only those Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar disorder, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.
• DAS doesn’t provide immediate access to experiences, but rather allows Guests to request a return time for a specific experience that is comparable to the current standby wait.
• The Guest for which DAS is being requested must be present during registration and must experience the attraction when redeeming a DAS return time at Walt Disney World theme parks.

Here’s how DAS works in 3 simple steps:

Step 1: Register

Registration is available via live video chat. Guests will speak with a Cast Member via live video chat to determine eligibility as soon as 30 days in advance of a park visit. Please note: at this time, live chat is offered in English only. If DAS is provided after a conversation with a Cast Member to determine eligibility, the Guest with a disability (or a parent/guardian) will participate in the registration process. This requires having a photo taken of the DAS-registered Guest.

DAS registration maximum party size is the registered DAS Guest and up to 3 additional party members, for a total of 4 people. This change is very important to know, as the previous DAS policy allowed for you to have more guests registered to the pass.

Keep in mind, DAS is valid for the length of the ticket or up to 120 days. Once the service has elapsed or when a new ticket is required, Guests will need to re-register.

Step 2: Request a Return Time

After you’ve registered and entered the theme park, you can request your first return time. On the day of your park visit, guests registered in DAS can make return time selections right in the My Disney Experience mobile app on the day of their visit. This is by far, my favorite update. As guests are able to request return times via the My Disney Experience App. Not so long ago, you had to speak to a CM at the entrance to each attraction and it was nowhere near as efficient as using the mobile app.

If additional assistance is required, Guests can also obtain return times directly from a Cast Member at any Guest Relations or Guest Experience Team location.

The return time will be comparable to the current standby wait. Please keep in mind that DAS return times are valid until the park closes or an attraction closes for the day. A party can only hold one active DAS return time at once.

Step 3: Enjoy the Park

On the day of your visit, have fun exploring the park until you can redeem your return time.

Ten minutes after a return time has been redeemed, your party can request another one by using the My Disney Experience mobile app or returning to a Guest Relations or Guest Experience Team location.

Same-Day DAS Return Time Self-Selection

Regarding same-day DAS return time self-selection, guests registered in the DAS program can make return time selections in the My Disney Experience mobile app on the day of their park visit.

Any member of a DAS party can obtain a return time for the whole party, but the Guest registered for DAS must be present and experience the attraction when the DAS return time is redeemed. DAS return times are valid until the park closes or an attraction closes for the day. A party can only hold one DAS return time at once. Guests without a mobile device can also visit Guest Relations or a Guest Experience Team location to receive return times.

How to Access the DAS Return Time Self-Selection Tool

To access the DAS return time self-selection tool once entering a park, guests will open the My Disney Experience mobile app and log in to their account. Tap on the menu ( ≡ ) at the bottom of the screen. Then, tap the DAS button to select the attraction to make your return time. The tool can also be accessed from attraction detail screens.

Frequently asked questions regarding DAS:

Q: Can a guest with an active DAS return time, still be eligible to receive a spot in a virtual queue?

A: Yes! A Guest can hold one active DAS return time and one virtual queue boarding group at the same time. When a Guest utilizing DAS goes to the attraction with a virtual queue, they, along with their party, will speak to a Cast Member at the attraction about accessing the queue.

Q: Does a guest utilizing DAS have to ride the attraction at the exact return time listed?

A: No. DAS return times are not limited to a specific window and are valid until the park closes or an attraction closes for the day.

Q: If I’m issued a DAS at Walt Disney World, will it be valid at Disneyland?

A: DAS is valid only throughout the Resort at which it was issued. DAS issued at Walt Disney World Resort, for example, is not valid at the Disneyland Resort, and vice versa.

Q: What happens if Disney finds out a guest made false claims in order to obtain a Das pass?

A: If it is determined that any of the statements a Guest made in the process of obtaining DAS are not true, the Guest will be permanently barred from entering Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort, and any previously purchased Annual Passes , Magic Key passes, tickets and other park products and services will be forfeited and not refunded.

For additional assistance send an email to disability.services@disneyparks.com.