Disney Park's Disability Access Service (DAS) Explained
Way back in 2006 my wife Jenny and I had met while working at Walt Disney World through the Disney College Program. This was a fantastic opportunity to learn and grow from the unique experience of working for such a great company such as Disney. I recall to our initial training with Disney where we were taught to look at all guests with the upmost level of respect and attention. Guests who have a disability in any way are never referred to as "Disabled Guests" - they are referred to as Guests with disabilities. They are a guest first and their disability does not define them as a person. With that being said, we're going to look at the amazing commitment Disney Parks has to providing a extremely welcoming and inclusive environment that is accessible for any and all guests.
Just about every attraction is wheelchair accessible and each attraction has protocol for loading anyone that may need additional assistance. All cast members are well trained to assist and make each guests experience as smooth and easy as possible.
Some guests will have a disability that is not conducive for waiting in a queue for an extended time frame. The last thing Disney wants is for guests to be fearing a extended wait due to their disabilities circumstances. What Disney and your TMTC agent want is for your party to be able to enjoy all attractions and if assistance is needed for waiting in the queue, we can provide a solution. Disney has recently released the DAS pass which stands for "Disability Access Service". The DAS pass will allow guests with disabilities at Walt Disney World and Disneyland to receive a time to return for attractions based on the current wait time. This service can be used in conjunction with Disney's Fastpass Service and Fastpass+.
Who is eligible? Below is the exact verbiage from Disney Parks:
"Disney Parks’ goal is to accommodate guests who aren’t able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). Guests should visit Guest Relations to discuss their assistance needs."
How to get a DAS pass? Guests can visit Guest Relations in the front of each park on the left side after the main gate. From there a cast member will able to assist in adding the DAS pass with your Magic Bands. This will be a registration process that will include all guests in the party and pictures will be taken of each member of your party.
Below are a few frequently asked questions that are explained directly from Disney Parks:
Does the guest utilizing DAS have to be present to obtain a return time at an attraction? No. Another member of the DAS Cardholder’s travel party may obtain a return time but the DAS Cardholder must board the attraction with his or her party.
Where do guests utilizing DAS go to receive return times? At Disneyland Resort, guests will go to Guest Relations kiosks located throughout the parks to receive a return time. At Walt Disney World Resort, guests will go to the attraction to receive a return time.
Does a guest utilizing DAS have to ride the attraction at the exact return time listed? No. Return times are valid until redeemed by the guest utilizing DAS.
How long is DAS valid? DAS card is valid for up to 14 days depending on a guest’s ticket entitlement.
Is DAS issued at one Disney theme park valid at other Disney theme parks? Yes, DAS will be valid throughout the resort at which it was issued.
Why doesn’t Disney Parks ask for proof of disability, such as a doctor’s note? Disney Parks takes Guests at their word and there are legal restrictions around asking for proof.
Is this the only service available to Guests with disabilities? Disney Parks offer a variety of services to guests with disabilities, such as Disney’s Handheld Device that offers assistive listening, captioning and audio description. Additionally, Disney Parks has developed a “Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities.” This serves as a tool on how best to experience its theme parks and is expected to be available online by mid-October.
Disney Parks will continue to provide excellent guest service and accessible experiences. Guests should visit Guest Relations at any park should they feel they need assistance due to a disability.
Does a Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter need DAS? No, a Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter does not need DAS. Depending on the attraction, the Guest will either wait in the standard queue or receive a return time at the attraction based on the current wait time. For some attractions at Disneyland Resort, these guests will go directly to an alternate entrance. Guests with additional needs should discuss them with Guest Relations.
Will Disney Parks continue to provide a service to wish-granting organizations? The change will not affect those who are visiting on trips organized by wish granting organizations. There is a separate program for children with life-threatening illnesses.
Please never hesitate to reach out to your travel agent from The Magical Traveling Company - we are here to help every step of the way with any questions you may have. Our goal is for everyone to feel comfortable and included on your magical vacation at any Disney Park.