5 Things To Know About Disney World’s Disability Access Service

We absolutely love Walt Disney World’s ability to continuously be aware of and accommodating to guests that have disabilities. One program Disney World has available is called the Disability Access Service – also known as “DAS”. Check out these five things to know about DAS.

1 – All Little Background

Chances are if you haven’t heard of Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS), you may have heard of the Guest Assistance Card program. The DAS program replaced the Guest Assistance Card program in 2013. The original DAS program is a modification of the Guest Assistance Card program with an effort to control abuse of the old program. It’s sad to think that people would falsely use a disability program when they in fact don’t need it – but unfortunately, it was happening at an increasing rate! Hence – DAS took over in October 2013. The service was updated in October 2021 with new pre-registration and advanced planning tools to better guest experience.

2 – What Is DAS?

The Disability Access Service (DAS) provides guests in need with a special pass. This pass allows guests to visit an attraction at a set time. The service now allows guests to schedule a return time that is comparable to the current wait time for the attraction. Immediate access is not given.

3 – Pre-Registration is Now Encouraged

Some disabilities (such as Down Syndrome for example) make standing in a conventional attraction queue extremely difficult. The Disability Access Service (DAS) program is for guests who aren’t able to wait in a queue environment due to a disability. This includes apparent and non-apparent disabilities. There are now two ways to register for the service, according to the Walt Disney World website:

There are 2 ways Guests can register for DAS. The recommended option is to register in advance via live video chat between 2 and 30 days prior to a park visit. If deemed eligible for DAS, the Guest (or a parent/guardian if the Guest is under 18 years of age) will participate in a virtual registration process. The Guest utilizing DAS must be introduced on the video call, and a photo will be taken of them. At the end of that process, the Guest will be able to select up to 2 DAS Advance selections for select attractions (subject to availability).

Guests who do not pre-register for DAS can register in person with a Cast Member at Guest Relations on the day of their visit.

Keep in mind the DAS pass is not provided to those in a wheelchair or scooter if their disability does not prevent them from being able to wait in a conventional queue for an attraction.

4 – Understanding DAS Advance

With the update, there is a new DAS Advance feature with the program. Learn more below:

DAS Advance is a new, enhanced feature of the popular DAS program. During the DAS Advance video conference, Guests will be able to select and book up to 2 DAS Advance selections for each day of their visit (subject to availability).

If a selection is available, the Guest will be given a one-hour time period during the day of the visit to redeem the selection. Selections are valid for use only on the date and during the one-hour time period chosen and cannot be transferred. Guests who do not pre-register for DAS will not be eligible to receive the DAS Advance selections.

Guests who pre-register for DAS will be able to proceed to the booked attraction to confirm their identity before being able to use DAS, including DAS Advance selections. Guests who pre-register for DAS and use DAS Advance selections will also be able to participate in the existing DAS program, including the option of booking DAS selections using the app.

5 – In the Know

A few helpful points to be mindful of…

• DAS is valid for up to 60 days. After that, you’ll need to re-register for the program.
• You’ll now make your selections right from the My Disney Experience app during the day of your visit using what Disney calls the “Same-Day DAS Return Time Self-Selection Tool.” You no longer need to visit the attraction and see a Cast Member to get a return time. However, 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.
• A DAS passholder does not have to ride the attraction at the exact return time. Return times are valid until redeemed by the guest or until the park closes.
• With the DAS passholder present, other people can be added to your DAS pass throughout your stay if they aren’t with you when the pass is first issued at Guest Relations (up to six guests total).
• Disney also offers a Handheld Device for assistive listening, captioning, and audio description. Guests may additionally ask for a “Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities.”

Questions about your eligibility for the Disability Access Service? A helpful contact at Disney is Disability.services@disneyparks.com or 407-560-2547.