Walt Disney World has announced a significant change to its Disability Access Service (DAS) policy, doubling the validity period from 120 days to 240 days. This change is expected to benefit guests who rely on DAS, especially frequent visitors or those planning extended stays.
DAS is designed for guests who cannot tolerate extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to developmental disabilities, such as autism. With the new 240-day validity period, registered guests will have more flexibility when planning multiple trips or extended vacations without the need to re-register as frequently.
The process of obtaining DAS remains the same, with registration only available via live video chat between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. In-person registration at the parks was discontinued as part of Disney’s efforts to streamline the process and reduce misuse of the system. The eligibility criteria for DAS have also been tightened, now focusing primarily on guests with developmental disabilities.
How to Register for DAS at Walt Disney World
- Registration is available via live video chat.
- Speak with a Cast Member via live video chat to determine eligibility as soon as 30 days in advance of a park visit.
- At this time, live chat is offered in English only.
- In-person registration is no longer be available at theme park Guest Relations locations.
- 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.
- DAS is valid for up to 240 days. Once the service has elapsed, Guests will need to re-register.
Disney says that, "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."
DAS FAQs
How long is DAS valid?
DAS is valid for the length of the ticket or up to 240 days, whichever is shorter. Once the service has elapsed, Guests need to re-register for the program.
Is DAS issued at the Walt Disney World Resort valid at the Disneyland Resort?
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.
What happens if any of the statements made by a Guest in the process of registering for DAS are found to be not true?
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.
Where do Guests utilizing DAS go to receive return times?
Guests utilizing DAS (and their party members) to make return time selections right from the My Disney Experience app during the day of their park visit. Registered Guests using DAS and members of their party will be able to book, redeem, change or cancel DAS return times using the My Disney Experience app via a smart phone or other smart device. 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.
What can Guests do during their DAS virtual wait?
Guests utilizing DAS can enjoy many other experiences throughout Walt Disney World Resort during a DAS virtual wait, such as other rides, shows, concerts, parades and Character Greetings. They can also take a rest in a break area, get something to eat or go shopping.
Does the Guest utilizing DAS have to be present to obtain a return time at a Guest Relations or Guest Experience Team location?
No. Any member of the DAS-eligible Guest’s travel party may obtain a return time, but the Guest registered for DAS must be present and experience the attraction with their party.
Does a Guest utilizing DAS have to ride the attraction at the exact return time listed?
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.
Can a Guest have more than one active DAS return time at one time?
No. A Guest may only have one DAS return time at a time. The Guest may obtain another return time for the same or different attraction 10 minutes after they redeem a return time.
Can a Guest with an active DAS return time receive a boarding group for one of the virtual queue attractions?
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.
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