The Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts have long been recognized as among the most inclusive and accessible vacation destinations in the world, largely because of the high standards of hospitality and customer service set by their namesake in the 1950’s.
Tradition notwithstanding, times do change and in many ways for the better. Improvements in health care and pharmacology are enabling adults to live longer. Advances in technology allow those with mobility challenges to maintain active lives within the community. Increased social awareness and acceptance of people with differing levels of functional ability provide greater opportunities for everyone to access and participate in travel and recreational activity.
Given all this, it would be difficult to imagine a travel party that does not have at least one member with some sort of special need. This is especially true for our military members and their families.
Updated 10 April 2024 – to describe upcoming changes to the program
In October 2021, Disney completely overhauled its system for accommodating Guests with disabilities to coincide with the new Genie+ System of reservations for attractions.
And in April of 2024 announced that they would be implementing changes to make it harder for unscrupulous people to game the system.
So, what does this mean for you as you plan your Disney vacation with extra challenges? Let’s look at what the parks offer for differently-abled Guests with special needs.
NOTE: The current DAS procedures will end at Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort after these dates:
- Walt Disney World – May 19, 2024
- Disneyland Resort – June 17, 2024
Read on for current and upcoming procedures.
Disney’s DAS
Disney calls their system for guests with disabilities the Disability Access System or DAS.
Top Things to Know About DAS
- DAS is not for those with mobility issues! Disney ride queues can accommodate scooters, wheelchairs, etc. The few attractions that can’t will have individual procedures.
- DAS is intended to accommodate a small percentage of Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.
- DAS doesn’t provide immediate access to experiences, but rather allows Guests to request a return time for a specific experience that is comparable to the current standby wait. This allows the Guest using DAS to enjoy other experiences in the park instead of physically waiting in the standby line.
- The Guest who is requesting to use DAS must be present during registration (in person or live video call) and when redeeming a DAS return time at Walt Disney World theme parks. The Guest using DAS doesn’t need to be present when a return time is requested at an attraction or any Guest Relations location.
- Once registered, DAS is valid for the length of the ticket or up to 30 days from the start of registration, whichever is shorter. Once the service has elapsed or when a new ticket is issued, you will need to re-register.
- Two exciting new features were added in 2021 to the DAS program: (1) the opportunity to pre-register via live video call and use DAS Advance pre-arrival planning and (2) a convenient way to receive DAS return times through the My Disney Experience app.
DAS Registration
There are 2 ways for eligible Guests to register for the DAS program:
- The pre-arrival via live video chat
- In person at Guest Relations during a park visit.
You can book up to 2 one-hour return windows for select experiences using our DAS Advance planning option.
Pre-Registration and DAS Advance Planning
Eligible Guests can now pre-register for DAS Advance virtually with a Cast Member, using live video chat. Please note that you may pre-register as soon as 30 days in advance of a park visit, but no less than 2 days before arrival.
THis is the recommended method!
During the registration chat, you will be able to work with a Cast Member to book up to 2 one-hour return windows for select experiences using the new DAS Advance planning option (you may also make additional DAS selections on the day of your visit). Please note that all park visits must be within 30 to 2 days of the live chat.
Cast Members will work with Guests individually to discuss specific requests and offer assistance.Before you register, make sure to:
- Add your travel party to your Family & Friends list, so they can be included in DAS plans
- Link valid theme park admission for each member of your party
- Ensure that the Guest who is requesting to use DAS is present at the time of registration, either via live video chat or at one of the Guest Relations Main Entrance locations
Pre-Arrival via Live Video Chat
Eligible Guests now have the option to pre-register virtually with a Cast Member via live video chat between 2 to 30 days in advance of a park visit. If DAS is provided, you (or a parent/guardian if under 18 years of age) will participate in the registration process, which requires having a photo taken.
DAS is valid for up to 60 days. After this time period, you’ll need to re-register.
When you’re ready to chat with a Cast Member to register for DAS, you can engage in a live video chat using the “Request Live Video Chat” button on this page.
Other Important Things to Note
- Live chat is available from 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Eastern Time.
- The recording of this video chat is not permitted.
- The Guest requesting DAS (or their parent/guardian) must be 18 years of age or older to register. The Guest requesting to use DAS must be present during the video call.
- If you’ve not logged in to your Disney account, you’ll be prompted to log in. If you don’t have a Disney account, you’ll need to create one before continuing.
- Video chat is screen reader-friendly for Guests with visual disabilities and available with text chat for Guests with hearing disabilities.
- At this time, live chat is offered in English only.
Disney has information for Guests with Disabilities available for review on the official website. This should be your first stop when seeking information because it comes “straight from the Mouse’s mouth!”
In Person Registration
You may also register in person at Guest Relations during a park visit.
UPCOMING CHANGES:
- Walt Disney World – May 19, 2024 – Pre-registration remains the same. In person registration will be conducted via an iPad that you will be directed to by Guest Relations in each of the parks.
- Disneyland Resort – June 17, 2024 – Pre-registration remains the same. In person registration will move from Guest Relations in each of the parks to a central location in the Esplanade between the parks.
- Both Locations – DAS Registration will be valid for the length of your ticket or 120 days which ever is shorter.
- Both Locations – Cast Members at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland will work with a team of specially trained health professionals from Inspire Health Alliance in conversations needed to determine a guest’s eligibility for DAS. The expertise of Inspire Health Alliance will help make sure that DAS is provided only to the small percentage of guests for whom it is intended and who require it.
Walt Disney World
Disneyland Resort
Planning with DAS
Making Experience Selections with the DAS Advance Planning Option
Guests registered in the DAS program can make return time selections in the My Disney Experience mobile app on the day of their park visit.
Any member of a DAS party can obtain a return time for the whole party, but the Guest registered for DAS must be present and experience the attraction when the DAS return time is redeemed. DAS return times are valid until the park closes or an attraction closes for the day. A party can only hold one DAS return time at once.
Guests without a mobile device can also visit Guest Relations or a Guest Experience Team location to receive return times.
During your initial registration call, you were able to work with a Cast Member to pre-select up to 2 experiences per day of your visit (subject to availability). These selections are in addition to the return times you can request throughout the day of your actual park visit. View experiences that may be eligible for DAS Advance planning.
Please keep in mind that DAS Advance selections must be made at least 2 days prior to the day you plan to redeem them.
If an experience is available, you’ll be given a one-hour return window to redeem during the day of your visit. Any selections you make will appear as plans on the My Disney Experience app or on this website.
If you’re a returning Guest registered for DAS and simply need to plan additional selections, you can chat with a Cast Member via the link on this page.
Important Details
- Before you make plans, ensure that every member of your party has valid park admission as well as a valid theme park reservation via the Disney Park Pass system.
- DAS Advance selections must be made between 2 and 30 days prior to the park visit. If you’re scheduling for multiple days, please note that all days must fall within the 2-to-30-day planning period.
- DAS Advance experience access is subject to available inventory and is not guaranteed.
- There is a maximum of 2 DAS Advance selections permitted per day and specific experiences are subject to availability.
- DAS Advance selections are valid for use only on the date chosen.
- DAS Advance selections cannot be transferred.
- The registered Guest utilizing DAS needs to be present at the time of a DAS Advance selection redemption.
- Guests who do not register pre-arrival will not be able to make attraction selections in advance of the first day of their visit.
- DAS is valid for up to 60 days. After this time period, Guests will need to re-register for the program.
After You Arrive
On-Site at Guest Relations
If you prefer to register in person, you may stop by a Guest Relations Main Entrance location during a park visit. Guest Relations Main Entrance Locations at Walt Disney World Resort:
- City Hall at Magic Kingdom park
- The Guest Relations lobby (near the Main Entrance) at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park
- The Guest Relations lobby (near the Main Entrance) at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- The Guest Relations lobby (near Spaceship Earth) at EPCOT
- If DAS is provided, you (or a parent/guardian) will participate in the registration process, which requires having a photo taken.
DAS is valid for up to 60 days. After this time period, you’ll need to re-register.
Same-Day DAS Return Time Self-Selection Tool
In lieu of having to physically go to an experience or to a kiosk to obtain a return time from a Cast Member, Guests registered in the DAS program (and their party members) can now make return time selections right from the My Disney Experience app during the day of a park visit.
Any member of a DAS party can obtain a return time for the whole party, but the registered Guest using DAS must be present when the DAS return time is redeemed. Return times do not expire, but a party can only hold one active return time.
Guests can also visit Guest Relations or speak with a member of the Guest Experience Team to receive return times when using a mobile device is not possible.
How to Access the DAS Return Time Self-Selection Tool
After entering a park, open the My Disney Experience app and sign in to your Disney account. Tap the “More” option at the bottom right of the welcome screen. Then, tap on the Disability Access Service (DAS) button to enter the self-selection flow. The tool can also be accessed from attraction detail screens.
How to Redeem Your Experience Selections
On the day of your visit, you can redeem your selections by scanning your MagicBand or barcode at the entrance of the experience.
Note: if you did not register pre-arrival, you won’t be eligible to make DAS Advance selections on the day of your visit. But, once you’ve registered for DAS at Guest Relations, you’ll be able to request a return time in the My Disney Experience app.
At the Theme Parks
The Guide for Guests with Disabilities is a brochure that provides a detailed overview of services and facilities available for Guests with disabilities. It is available at Guest Relations locations within all 4 Disney Theme Parks, 2 Disney Water Parks, vacation planners, front desk and concierge areas, and wheelchair rental locations.
This guide provides a detailed overview of the services and facilities available for Guests with disabilities, including information about:
- Parking
- Companion restroom locations
- Accessible drinking fountain locations
- Auxiliary aids
- Telephone assistance
- Transportation facilities
- Specific attraction entrance and boarding procedures, as some attractions allow Guests to remain in a wheelchair and some are transfer-accessible.
Additionally, Guests with specific disability concerns can visit Guest Relations at any of the Disney Theme Parks or Disney Water Parks for additional information and assistance.
Note the locations of the First Aid Station in each of the theme parks. First Aid Stations provide a place to store medications and spare oxygen tanks, or to receive assistance.
Disney offers several accommodations for Guests with visual and hearing challenges and for Guests who utilize trained service animals – for the most part, these have not changed.
Some examples of accommodations include:
- Assistive Listening systems
- Reflective Captioning
- Sign Language interpretation
- Text Typewriter telephones
- Handheld Captioning
- Video Captioning
- Audio Description devices
- Braille guidebooks
- Digital audio tour
Trained Service Animals
It is important for you to know that Cast Members are not permitted to take control of service animals. Guests with service animals should follow the same attraction entrance guidelines as Guests who use wheelchairs.
Each Theme Park allows Guests to use (backstage) locations for service animal relief areas. Please consult the Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities, for specific information.
Accommodation for Guests with Cognitive, Sensory and Mental Health Challenges
Disney has created a Resource for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities Including Autism Spectrum Disorder for both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, also available as pdf files. Some of the information is applicable to Guests with Anxiety Disorders and PTSD, so even if the need is unrelated to Autism, it is worth a review.
Walt Disney World: PDF Download
Disneyland: PDF Download
It is important for you to know that the American’s With Disabilities Act prohibits Disney from requesting “proof” of disability or even a specific diagnosis. You are, of course, free to divulge your diagnosis if you so choose. However, Cast Members are being discouraged from accepting “doctor’s notes” that in past years could support the Guest’s request for accommodation. This is to avoid the perception that Disney is requiring proof, which would be against Federal Law.
In addition, please be aware that Cast Members are not health care providers and most likely will not have a clear understanding of your needs if you simply provide them with a medical diagnosis. Therefore, it is important that the Guest or the Guest’s representative be able to clearly articulate the need.
While DAS is most commonly requested for use by Guests with cognitive, sensory, or mental health challenges, there are other invisible medical challenges for which a Guest may find the card useful. Again, it all depends upon the individual need. Some examples are:
- Medical conditions that may result in a rapid change in blood sugar, necessitating immediate treatment
- Medical conditions that may result in seizures, necessitating immediate treatment
- Medical conditions that make it difficult for a Guest to wait in a traditional queue, yet preclude the Guest from utilizing a wheelchair or ECV
If there is more than one Guest in a travel party with the need for accommodation with a Disability Access Service Card, it is highly recommended that each Guest obtain his or her own card. This allows the guests to “split up” if needed and still make use of the accommodations.
The process sounds overwhelming, but it is easier than you may think to obtain the accommodations you need.
Accommodations for Guests with Mobility and Endurance Challenges
Note: (Mar 2022) I’ve received 3 reports in the last week (one via email and 2 blog comments (see comments section below), that Disney has stopped issuing DAS for mobility issues. They instead advise the use of a wheelchair (their rental they hope) and the standby line or pay for Genie+ . See comments from from John and Bunnie below.
Wheelchairs and Electric Conveyance Vehicles (ECVs or “scooters”) are available for rent in all the theme parks. Quantities are limited and they are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Guests are permitted to bring their own mobility assistive devices.
Disney’s scooters are expensive to rent, MDT suggests Amusement Park Rentals who offer military discounts!
Guests using wheelchairs or ECVs are provided the accommodation of alternate entrance. It should be noted that, due to safety regulations concerning the number of mobility-impaired guests that may utilize an attraction at one time, the wait for a particular attraction may actually be longer when using this accommodation. Options for boarding procedures are posted at the entrance to each attraction and may vary.
Multiple Disabilities
If the Guest has both a cognitive and a mobility disability, the Guest should request both accommodations.
Physical Access
Most attractions, restaurants, shops and shows are accessible to all Guests. In some cases, however, Guests may need the assistance of a member of their party to fully utilize these areas. Also, at some attractions Guests using wheelchairs may need to transfer from their wheelchairs onto an attraction vehicle. Disney Cast Members are not permitted to physically lift Guests from wheelchairs. Disney recommends that Guests who need assistance plan to visit with someone who can physically assist them, when necessary.
Prosthetic Devices
A Prosthesis Information Sheet is available at Guest Services. It will detail the restrictions in place for attractions for different types of prosthesis. These restrictions are different for each theme park. Cast Members operating attractions reserve the right to determine Guest safety on an individual basis. The deciding factor appears to be whether or not the Guest is able to be adequately restrained (on thrill rides) or is able to properly brace him-or herself, with or without the prosthesis.
Cast Members / Lifeguards who are operating the attractions at the water parks should have a laminated copy of the information sheet with them, but it has been reported that many do not. It is recommended that you keep a copy of the information sheet in a waterproof envelope / Ziploc of some sort. This will help prevent any confusion.
Can I use both DAS and Genie+?
Yes absolutely!
You can use DAS and also choose to purchase Disney Genie+.
Using Genie+ in conjunction with DAS does allow you to continue to “pre-plan” since you can stack Lightning Lanes. But more importantly. Know that these two features are completely separate from each other and one has no effect on the other.
Conclusion
The Disney theme parks provide numerous accommodations for Guests with disabilities and special needs and Cast Members in Guest Relations are typically willing to discuss these needs on an individual basis.
If you require additional information about Services for Guests with disabilities at the Disney Resorts, please call:
Walt Disney World Disability Services at (407) 560-2547, or send an email to [email protected].
Disneyland Disability Services at (407) 560-2547, or send an email to [email protected].
This MDT Post By: Steve Bell Steve is the the Military Disney Tips Founder. He a retired U.S. Military Member who's been touring the Disney Parks since 1971! Steve's mission is to help military families with their Disney vacations in every way. Check out Steve's Bio. Subscribe to Steve's email newsletter to get website updates and news by clicking this link. |
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Karen James says
The link in the post Guide to requesting Disney’s DAS card is not working
Steve says
Hi Karen,
I’ve tried all the links in the post and they are working…
The official guide to the Disability Access Service Card = https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/media/wdpro-assets/dlr/help/guest-services/guests-with-disabilities/Disney-Parks-Disability-Access-Service-Card.pdf
John says
I was wounded down range and medically retired. I have a leg brace that covers most of my right leg ankle to upper thigh due to a spinal injury (no feeling at all in leg). Our 1st trip back after all that craziness of getting banged up, from the amount of walking the leg brace rubbed my skin raw in multiple spots on day 2 causing blood to cover my socks and a cast member saw blood coming out of my shoe and help me to the aid station.
The Magic Kingdom aid station told us about the DAS pass. Ive had one each year since then, about 9 years now. I did the pre-approval video Skype things few days ago (waited 3 hours) and was told it no longer covers mobility issues they have wheelchairs to transfer to ride vehicle. However she said “im sure you have some PTSD and cognitive issues so we’ll go ahead and get you squared away”.
So…. for those that have walking issues or get those nasty blisters from leg prosthetics…. Ya’ll need to come at them with something else. I was lucky and got either a military brat or prior service as a cast member.
That pass is great instead of constant 2-3 steps in line for 20-60 minutes you can sit. I usually have time to take the brace off or loosen it and get air flowing.
Steve says
Hi there John,
Thanks so much for your excellent intel report!
John says
Hi Steve, My pleasure. Its tough when you’ve worked with one set of rules only to find out they changed them. A good friend of mine that has 2 leg prosthetics was told the same thing and for years he had a DAS pass as well.
A note on the pre-selections. As noted in the above informative (and well rounded I might add) article, you can pick 2 pre-arrival DAS rides each day that WONT interfere with your day or making other DAS passes. The list is very short and is most of the classic rides. None of the specialty/new rides are on the list. Millennium Falcon IS on the list and is probably the newest ride on the entire list.
I was worried that making a pre-arrival selection would interfere with our day and not allow us to use DAS close to the time of the pre-selection. I was told thats not true and the pre-arrival selection is just an extra.
I do like that you no longer have to go up to the attraction to get a return time. Now you can use the My Disney Experience App and select from anywhere in park.
Our trip is the end of this month (April 2022) so if theres any issues I’ll update here.
Bunnie Cleland says
I can confirm that DAS is not for mobility issues. I waited 3 hours for a 5 minute video conference to find out that Genie plus was the way to go.
With two scooters in our party of 6, we felt that it was faster to pay for and use Genie plus than to wait the posted wait time for the ride, only to use the newly named Lightning Lane anyway.
We felt more in control of our schedule, could plan our day around the entry times, and not have to wait for the cast member at the entrance for return times.
Paying for Genie Plus may not be for everyone, but two adults of our party were first-timers, so we got in as much as we reasonably could.
Steve says
Hi Bunnie,
Thanks for the excellent intel and feedback!!!