Walt Disney World Extends Disability Access Service (DAS) Validity Period

19 days ago in "Magic Kingdom"

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Posted: Tuesday September 24, 2024 7:00am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

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.

A major change is now in effect for the Walt Disney World's Disability Access Service (DAS)

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.

Discuss on the Forums

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thegoatfeeder10 days ago

Oh I’m with you 100%, no matter what I’m dealing with, I’d never take it out on a CM, they deserve all the credit in the world for the work they do!

Purduevian10 days ago

Unfortunately, even if you know/want #3. You may not be offered that at all or even any attractions. I think someone said that CMs are tracked on the number of return passes they give out and are told to keep it to a minimum. You will most likely only be offered 1 of the 4 above and its up to them, not you. Regarding #4, I think that only happens if they were planning to give you #3, but the LL has fluctuated to a low point at the moment. It actually might be better for ride operations for you to enter the LL immediately then return later when the LL might be spilling out onto the pathway. Sounds like you aren't the type of person to be mean, but just remember to be nice to the CMs. They are juggling doing what they can/want to do for you, what is best for the park/ride, and what management is telling them to do all while usually dealing with upset guests. Hope you have a great vacation, and please come back here afterwards and post your experience! We get a lot of "what ifs" and 3rd hand social media information, but a firsthand account is always interesting and useful!

thegoatfeeder11 days ago

Thanks so much for this. To be honest, I wouldn’t expect or even want 4, that is probably too much of an accommodation and not necessary for me. I have no issue with the waiting, it’s just something that I really need to do out of line. If it’s just a matter of just asking a CM for a return time and coming back 45 minutes later, that would be fine! That’s how it works in most European parks and obviously how DAS works. So 3 is what I know works for me. But yeah, I guess we’ll still apply. Thought long and hard about renewing my APs yesterday, because the accommodations on our next trip are really going to be make or break. If we have to do 1 or 2 for the majority of rides, Disney is no longer somewhere we can easily go.

TrainsOfDisney11 days ago

Something definitely got misinterpreted- what I find laughable is caring so much about the use of the term “ADA” and how it is used as though it were some type of holy word that can only be mentioned in certain circumstances. I certainly don’t find any safety concerns laughable.

Purduevian11 days ago

I think we got way off topic and I feel for you with this post as it is a tough situation. I don't have the answer, but what I do know is that they will tell you to go to the attraction entrance, explain your situation, and the CM there should help you. I'm guessing one of the following 4 things will happen at each attraction Told to stand in standby and leave the line if needed (I know this isn't very practical for you, but this might be what you are told) Your partner may be asked to stand in the standby line alone and if you need assistance, you can contact them to leave the line. Then both you and your partner enter the LL once done. If you do not need assistance, you will meet them at the LL merge (you going through the LL) You and your partner may get a LL return time similar to a 1 time use DAS (this is rare) You and your partner may get sent immediately through the LL with no delay (seems like this happens based on how backed up the LL is) Personally, I hope you get 3 or 4 for most attractions, but I expect 1 and 2 will be more common for you. I know this isn't what you want to hear, but I would consider buying LLMP/LLSP on some of the days. EDIT: I should also mention, I still think you should apply for DAS once you are able to. I do not think you will get it, but with the triple issue of restroom problems, being in an ECV, and occasionally needing assistance with the restroom, maybe you will get it.

larryz11 days ago

I care so much because it's a life-and-death issue. Key concern to me is emergency egress in the event of an accident. It's one thing to help someone with mobility issues out of a malfunctioning roller coaster. Disney and other parks routinely practice this. It's something else entirely when the emergency involves a crashed aircraft loaded with jet fuel and up to 350 other anxious, screaming, panicked passengers, many of whom could die a horribly painful death if one person can't be swiftly evacuated and where attempts at doing so block an already very limited escape route. You find that "laughable"?

larryz11 days ago

WIthout all this "arguing," we wouldn't have a thread.

The Mom11 days ago

Perhaps instead of arguing about what DAS should or should not be, we should concentrate on whether it is or is not working - with posts from actual users, if possible.

Angel Ariel11 days ago

The concept is the disability rights movement. It's not unique to America as the ADA is.

flynnibus11 days ago

Or.. maybe people could you know.. take the info and not go backwards...

Chi8411 days ago

We’re not correcting “each other.” It seems odd to complain about the corrections instead of the misstatements.

MickeyLuv'r11 days ago

Sure, but this thread is mostly the same 5 people restating the same thing over and over, and nitpicking each other over and over. They aren't telling each other anything new. Nor are they telling any lurkers anything new. Please, can everyone resist the temptation to correct each other over topics that have already been covered in this thread.

Chi8411 days ago

The ADA is a law, not a concept. Disability access is a concept. I believe it's important for people to accurately understand the extent of their legal protections, especially in areas of life where they are impacted on a daily basis.

flynnibus11 days ago

No - this is how people generate misinformation and generate confusion when they treat cites and facts as something that generally fits their narrative, but isn't actually true itself. Then the next guy regurgitates it as fact... and then people overstate everything in their mission of supporting their belief. Details matter. Especially when you are talking about something being legal, or REQUIRED... and not just 'Its my belief that...'