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Disney has just announced major changes coming to their popular Disability Access Service (or DAS) for guests with disabilities as part of their upcoming Disney Genie service.
Beginning this fall, Disney is introducing a new option to register virtually with a Cast Member via live video chat as early as 30 days in advance of a park visit. During your chat with a Cast Member, you’ll also have the opportunity to select up to 2 experiences per day (subject to availability) using the new DAS Advance planning option. Please keep in mind that DAS Advance selections must be booked at least 2 days prior to the day you plan to redeem them, and you will not be able to make selections on the day of your visit. If the experience you want 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.This does not replace the existing walk-up availablity, in fact, it makes it even easier, read on!
A new way to request return times is also debuting this fall. 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) will be able to make return time selections right from the My Disney Experience app during the day of a park visit. Making the park even easier to navigate.
*Please note: at this time, live chat will be offered in English only.
We also have a list of frequently asked questions provided by Disney about the updated service. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please reach out to me using the “Contact Me” page on this site. I personally read and reply to every message.
What is Disability Access Service (DAS), and how does it work?
Disability Access Service (DAS) is designed to accommodate Guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). The service allows Guests to schedule a return time that is comparable to the current queue wait for the given attraction. It does not provide immediate attraction access.
Once a return time is issued, Guests are free to enjoy other theme park offerings while they wait virtually for the return time to arrive, as opposed to waiting in the queue. As soon as the Guest redeems a return time, they can book another return time for the same or a different attraction.
To maximize the benefits of DAS, Guests should plan ahead using available information to develop a tentative plan for their visit. Starting this fall, current and forecasted future wait times can be found in the Disney Genie service app tool, in addition to ride locations and attraction access options. DAS can also be used in addition to Disney’s Genie+ service and individual paid attraction selections (coming this fall).
How do Guests register for DAS?
Starting this fall, there will be 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.
What is DAS Advance and how does it work?
DAS Advance is a new, enhanced feature coming to the popular DAS program this fall. 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, modified or cancelled. 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.
How long is DAS valid?
DAS is valid for up to 60 days. Once the service has elapsed, Guests need to re-register for the program.
Is DAS issued at one Disney theme park valid at other Disney theme parks?
DAS is valid throughout the Resort at which it was issued. DAS issued at Walt Disney World Resort is not, for example, 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 Disney determines 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 Return Times
Where do Guests utilizing DAS go to receive return times?
Starting this fall, Guests utilizing DAS and members of their party will be able to obtain return times in 3 different ways: (1) use the My Disney Experience app to select a return time; (2) visit an attraction at Walt Disney World to obtain a return time from a Cast Member; or (3) ask a Cast Member at any Guest Relations location.
Can Guests now book DAS return times in the app? How does it work?
As technology has evolved, we are excited to announce that there will be new enhancements coming to the DAS program this fall. These enhancements will be available to registered Guests using DAS and members of their party, and will include a new feature in the My Disney Experience app. This feature will allow Guests utilizing DAS to book, redeem, change or cancel DAS return times using the My Disney Experience app via a smart phone or other smart device.
What can Guests do during their DAS virtual wait?
Guests utilizing DAS can experience many other attractions 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, get something to eat or shop.
Do Guests have to obtain a DAS return time for an attraction if the posted wait time is 15 minutes or less?
No. As was done in the past, if the posted wait time for an attraction is 15 minutes or less, the Guest utilizing DAS and their party typically are given access to the attraction right away. The Guest simply needs to inform the Cast Member they are registered for DAS at the entrance to the attraction queue.
Does the Guest utilizing DAS have to be present to obtain a return time at an attraction or Guest Relations location?
No. Another member of the DAS-eligible Guest’s travel party may obtain a return time, but the Guest utilizing DAS must board the attraction with his or her 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.
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. As soon as the Guest redeems a return time, they may obtain another return time for the same or different attraction.
Can a Guest with an active DAS return time receive a return time for one of the virtual queue attractions?
Yes. A Guest can hold one active DAS return time and one virtual queue return time at the same time. When a Guest utilizing DAS goes to the attraction with a virtual queue to redeem the return time, they, along with their party, will be able to access that attraction through a shorter line as they did previously with virtual queue attractions such as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Other Services
Is DAS the only service available to Guests with disabilities?
No. Disney Parks offer a variety of services to Guests with disabilities, such as Disney’s Handheld Device that offers assistive listening, captioning and audio description. Additionally, Disney Parks will be updating its Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities which contains tips and tools designed to enhance the theme park experience for everyone involved. Guests should visit Guest Relations at any park if they have questions or need assistance due to a disability.
In addition to DAS return times and DAS Advance selections, what other options will be available to Guests utilizing DAS to access attractions?
Starting this fall, DAS return times and DAS Advance selections (for those who pre-register for DAS) can be used in combination with Disney’s Genie+ service, individual paid attraction selections, and the standby lines.
Does Disney’s Guest Relations still offer help with itinerary planning?
Yes. Guests with disabilities, including Guests utilizing DAS, can still receive in-person assistance with itinerary planning at Guest Relations. In addition, Disney Genie service—coming this fall—is a new complimentary digital planning service that will offer personalized itineraries, time-saving tips and other features that can help Guests make the most of their day.
Where can I find more information about pre-planning?
Guests can reach out to Guest Relations before their visit to learn about pre-planning. Starting this fall, Guests utilizing DAS will also be able to speak with a Cast Member during the DAS Advance video conference. Guests will also be able to use the My Disney Experience app to look at current and forecasted future wait times available via Disney Genie service, as well as attraction locations to develop a tentative plan for their visit.
Disney Parks is in the process of updating its Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities, which provides more detailed information and tips for Guests utilizing DAS to use in planning their visit. This updated Guide will help Guests take advantage of all of the new and enhanced products and services.
If a Guest’s disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter, are they eligible to receive DAS?
No. A Guest whose disability requires them to use a wheelchair or scooter does not need DAS. Depending on the experience, the Guest will either wait in the standard queue or receive a return time at the attraction based on the current wait time. If a Guest requires additional assistance, they should go to Guest Relations.
Great reading all this information regarding the DAS program. Two things- first Animal Kingdom customer service said they do not have DAS passes last time I visited(08/05/2021)
Second- my disability is a lifetime disability. Why not just upload that info to my profile through the interview process(renewable when annual passes are renewed) in My Disney app so it’s recognized whenever I go to the parks? Seems a much more efficient option. We often go three times a week.
Hey Camille!
1. That Cast Member was mistaken, next time I’d ask to speak to a Lead, and when you sign up ask to sign up for the maximum amount of time if you’re a local.
2. That would be a much better way to do things, and I’m hoping that’s what they’ll do when they implement this new system.
I am registered for DAS. I registered in October. Do I need to re register when I arrive in September? In May I just needed to stop into guest services and they looked me up in the computer. Thanks for your help.
As far as I’m aware, at the moment your registration lasts for 30 days and until the new system launches in the Fall, you’ll need to register at Guest Relations every 30 days. So it wouldn’t hurt to check in there. Usually, they’ll re-up your status no questions asked.
It would be nice if this showed up for your hotel room too if you had a disability placard. That way I wouldn’t have to go to the front desk to get parking fees taken off. I do like what I am reading though (I think things like this confuse me). We are going mid September and October 1 (of course) I wonder if that is Fall.
The last paragraph of the article should have been at the beginning!
[…] As a reminder, DAS is still available for use and remains unchanged, you can read more about DAS here and read our tutorial on booking DAS return times […]