Did you know that there is a specific service at Disney World to help guests with a variety of disabilities? Everyone deserves to have a great time at the Happiest Place on Earth, and that is where DAS, the Disability Access Service, comes into play.
DAS helps guests or family members who can’t stay in line for too long, and it works in a similar way to a Lightning Lane Multi-Pass. There isn’t a single type of disability that meets the criteria for DAS. It can range from autistic guests who can’t remain in the same place for too long, to people with sensory disabilities, and even individuals with non-apparent disabilities that make staying still or being in an enclosed space a major challenge.
It’s actually not easy to find clear information about DAS online, even on the official Disney website. That’s why we are creating this guide, to help you understand how guests with disabilities can enjoy an even more magical time at Disney World without a single worry in the world.
Do keep in mind that you can always contact us by clicking the Request a Quote button. You can use it not only to plan your vacation with us without spending any extra money, but also to send us any questions. We will be more than happy to give you a hand with everything related to DAS, Disney, theme parks and, well, pretty much anything connected to travel around the world.
The Disney Disability Access Service (DAS) Quick Handbook
In this section, we will give you a quick heads up on what DAS is before diving into more details
- What is DAS? DAS is a service created to help guests with disabilities, or family members who cannot stay in traditional standby lines for a variety of reasons.
- How do I get access to DAS? You can register for DAS up to 60 days before your visit to Disney World through a live video chat with a Disney representative.
- Does DAS work forever on my account? No, DAS is valid for one year or until you use your Disney World ticket, whichever comes first.
- After registering, how do I use DAS? Your My Disney Experience app will be updated with DAS access. You can click on the DAS section or select eligible attractions on the park map to choose the ride where you want to use DAS.
- Is DAS available for every attraction at Disney World? Yes, DAS can be used for basically every ride at Disney World, including attractions with virtual queues (you do need to queue up for the virtual queue first) and even character meet and greets.
What is DAS?
Here is a (not so) huge surprise about Disney World: queues can be long. Yeah, mindblowing, right? Considering that attractions like Slinky Dog Dash, Rise of the Resistance and Peter Pan’s Flight can have waits from 50 minutes all the way to 2 hours, staying in line can be quite a task.
Staying still in the same place for too long can be an even bigger challenge for guests with a variety of disabilities. Some guests might be autistic and feel distressed if they are standing still for extended periods, enclosed spaces might trigger certain reactions in others and some guests may experience panic attacks when confined in a queue for too long. We at Famvia are not medical experts, but we do know there are many reasons why waiting in these lines can be extremely difficult for some guests.
DAS exists to help these guests so they do not have to face the standard lines. It works very similarly to a Lightning Lane Multi Pass. After registering for DAS, you will use your My Disney Experience app to select the ride you want to visit. The system will then give you a return time based on the current standby wait.
So, let’s say Peter Pan’s Flight has a 50 minute standby queue and you request DAS for that attraction at 1pm. You will receive a return window starting at 1:50pm that lasts until the park closes. This way, you still “wait” the same amount of time as guests in the regular line, which keeps things fair, but you are free to walk around the park, grab a snack or enjoy other activities while you wait.
When your time arrives, just head to the Lightning Lane, scan your ticket or Magic Band and you and your family are ready to fly off to Neverland. Do keep in mind that you need to use your current DAS ride to be eligible to set up another ride.
One important thing to note is that return times cannot be booked during Early Theme Park Entry (when you are staying in a Disney World resort and can enter a theme park 30 minutes before the gates officially open).
Who can register for DAS?
There is no strict checklist for who can use DAS. Disney is clear that DAS is available to any guest who has significant difficulty staying in a traditional standby line. DAS is valid for up to 4 guests/family members.
This can include guests with autism, sensory disabilities or other non-specific conditions that make waiting in a queue a major challenge. If you believe that you or a family member visiting Disney World fit that criteria, then you should register for DAS.
Who should not register for DAS?
DAS is not for everyone. For example, guests using wheelchairs or scooters usually do not need DAS, since many attractions allow mobility devices inside the queue. DAS also should not be used by guests who simply get bored waiting in long lines or do not want to stand in line for too long.
How do I register for DAS?
DAS has gone through major changes over the years. Nowadays, it can only be done online. You cannot register in person at Guest Relations anymore, although Cast Members there can still help answer questions about it.
You can register for DAS up to 60 days before your visit to Disney World. That means you first need a Disney World ticket linked to your account with your visit date. Then, starting 60 days before your trip, or even on the day of your visit, you can access the official DAS website and join a live video call with a Disney Cast Member. The DAS video chat is available from 7am to 8pm. Depending on the day, you may need to wait up to 45 minutes to get into the call.
The DAS Live Video Call
The DAS video call isn’t long and usually takes no more than 10-15 minutes. The Disney Cast Member will ask the single most important question: why can’t you or someone in your group use a regular queue? Then you explain the situation. The DAS agent will never ask for medical documents or any kind of proof, just your word.
They will, however, ask for a photo of the individual who needs DAS. It doesn’t have to be you, by the way, it can be a family member in your Disney party, like your son or daughter.
After Registration
Once you are registered, DAS is valid for the duration of your ticket or up to 365 days, whichever comes first. After that period, you will need to re-register, which means completing a new live video call.
With DAS approved, you’ll notice a few changes in your My Disney Experience app. A DAS tab will now appear once you’re inside the theme park, where you can select rides, similar to a Lightning Lane Multi-Pass. You can also sign up for rides directly through the theme park maps that show wait times in the app. Just click the attraction and sign up for the ride or meet and greet from there.
Keep in mind that the person who registered for DAS is the one who must scan their ticket or Magic Band first at the designated attractions before the rest of the party can enter.
How do I use the DAS Service once inside the theme park?
Once inside the theme park, a special DAS section will appear in your My Disney Experience app. Remember, up to four guests can be linked to the same DAS account, and all four can select the rides they want to visit, similar to a lightning lane multi pass.
You can start selecting your first DAS ride from the moment you step inside the theme park. The DAS return time reflects the current standby wait for the attraction you choose. For example, if you arrive at Magic Kingdom at 10am and want to set up Big Thunder Mountain as your first ride, and Big Thunder currently has a 30-minute standby line, your DAS return time will be around 10:30am.
DAS mirrors the current standby time, so it’s like you’re waiting in line while actually walking around the park. In our example, once it’s 10:30am, you can head to the Lightning Lane entrance of Big Thunder. The person who signed up for DAS must scan their ticket or Magic Band first before the rest of the party joins. You will still go through a queue, but it’s the Lightning Lane queue, which moves much faster than the regular standby line. There is a 10-minute cooldown before you can select another ride with DAS, starting when the first guest scans their ticket.
You must use your current DAS ride before setting up another one. If you need to change your DAS time, you can use the My Disney Experience app to modify or cancel your current ride. If a ride breaks down, you can still make changes through the app, or you can contact a Cast Member for assistance.
The Disability Access Service (DAS) FAQ
Do I need to pay for DAS?
No, you do not need to pay for DAS, as this is a free service offered by Disney.
Once I get registered for DAS, is it available forever in my account?
No, DAS is valid for the duration of your ticket or up to 365 days, whichever comes first. After that, you will need to complete a new video call to register again.
What rides are available for DAS?
Basically, every attraction is available for DAS. This includes not only regular rides, but also rides that use Virtual Queues (requires you to join the Virtual Queue first) and even meet and greets. DAS can’t be used for the fireworks show or parades, though.
Can I cancel or modify my current DAS selection?
Yes! You can cancel or modify your current attraction selection directly through the My Disney Experience app.
Can I still use the Lightning Lane service even if I have DAS?
Yes! Both services work independently. You can still purchase a Lightning Lane and make the most of your time at Disney. Keep in mind that DAS uses the current standby wait times for attractions, while return times for Lightning Lane may vary.
Can I book a ride more than once using DAS?
Yes! With DAS, you can book the same ride multiple times throughout the day.
Can I book another DAS ride immediately after using it?
No, there is a short 10-minute cooldown before you can book your next DAS ride.
Can I use DAS during Early Entry?
No, DAS cannot be used during the Early Entry period for Disney World hotel guests.
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