The Disney Parks are constantly changing.
Whether that is a new ride or attraction, changes to the skip-the-line service Genie+, or new rules in place, your trip will look different each time you go. Now, there’s been an important update to some Disney policies that you need to know about.
Disney World and Disneyland Resort are making changes to the Disability Access Service (DAS) system. Disney says they are “dedicated to providing a great experience for all Guests, including those with disabilities, which is why we are so committed to delivering a wide range of innovative support services aimed at helping our Guests with disabilities have a wonderful time when visiting our theme parks.”
We’re going to go over what DAS is and how it’s changing.
What is DAS?
Disability Access Service is a system that accommodates visitors who have difficulty in the parks due to a disability. Disney World visitors who are eligible are those who have a developmental disability and are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.
The service does not provide immediate access to all rides, however, visitors can request a return time for a specific attraction that reflects the standby wait. Instead of physically waiting in line, that person can experience other things in the park until their DAS window is called.
However, later this year, the way parkgoers use this system will change.
What’s different?
Over the past five years, DAS usage has tripled and is the most requested service. The goal with these updates is to preserve DAS for those it is designed to accommodate and make sure these services are going to appropriate visitors.
There are some new changes to be aware of. This includes the fact that Disney will partner with Inspire Health Alliance — the same company that handled COVID-19 vaccination confirmation for Disney Cruise Line (when cruisers had to be vaccinated to sail).
Additionally, the party size for DAS will change from six people to immediate family members or a limit of four people. For example, if there are six people in your immediate family, they can be in your party. If you bring six friends, your party will be limited to four.
Currently, DAS comes with two pre-entitlements. However, when the new system goes into effect, pre-entitlements and DAS will not be coupled together but will be used as separate options depending on the person’s needs. For the most part, people who are eligible for DAS will not receive those entitlements. Pre-entitlements mean that you get two rides per day you could pre-book.
Another change coming to the DAS system is that enrollment will extend to 120 days instead of 60 days.
On top of that, the “return to queue” process will remain in place for guests. This is for people who may need to leave queue lines for a bit to make it through the entire queue. Disney is working on providing further training to Cast Members so that there is more consistency throughout the process.
The changes will go into effect at Disney World on May 20th, 2024, and at Disneyland on June 18th, 2024.
More Details
If you qualify and need to enroll in DAS, use the pre-planning website before you get to the parks. This will make your in-park experience much easier. Once you are familiar with Disney’s options, if you feel a conversation with the Disney team would be helpful, you can initiate that connection with Cast Members through the website.
At Disneyland Resort, visitors can use the virtual video chat system to have a conversation with the Accessibility Services team about their unique needs and the services they may need. It is recommended to do this ahead of the trip, but in-person is still an option. The conversation will move from Guest Relations inside the parks to designated windows at the esplanade between the main entrances. Learn more about the options available at Disneyland Resort here.
Over at Disney World, visitors will have a virtual video chat with the Accessibility Services team before their visit about their needs and the services they might require. It is also strongly recommended to take care of this pre-arrival, but guests can do this the day of their visit through a virtual chat on-site. Learn more about the options available at Disney World here.
These conversations at Disneyland and Disney World will be with Cast Members assisted by the health professionals at Inspire Health Alliance when necessary, as we mentioned above.
According to Disney’s website, if statements around the DAS process are not true, Disney plans to take action. It says if found 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.”
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As current user of DAS I welcome this change. I’ve used various versions from the “Guest Assistance Card” to the “Return Passport” to the current DAS. I saw abuse first hand with people claiming they had a bad knee and then running out of guest services at city hall jumping over all the steps yelling “I got one!”. I heard people in line say things like “I just said I have panic attacks. The never question it.” I have no problem going with a 3rd party verification system. I will provide all the documentation from my doctors or whatever else they need. It’s about time.
What is immediate family?
Hi Gerald. In general, immediate family would be parents, children, and possibly grandparents. Disney has not specifically stated which members of a family unit they consider immediate family, however.