The Disneyland Resort is updating its Disability Access Service (DAS). This comes as Disney continues to try and create a better experience that is accessible to all who come to the Disneyland Resort. Walt Disney World Resort is also updating its DAS. Verbiage on both websites have been updated to reflect the upcoming change. This starts with the definition of what DAS is for. The Disneyland Resort website now says that DAS is “intended to accommodate only those 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.”
These are specific details about what DAS is according to Disney:
- 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 or 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.
- The Guest who is requesting to use DAS must be present during registration and when redeeming a DAS return time.
Moving forward, Disney will be working with Inspire Health Alliance’s health professionals to help Cast Members (when necessary) determine the eligibility for DAS by guests. Starting on June 18th, guests will meet virtually with a Cast Member to register for DAS. This can be done up to 30 days ahead of their visit to the Disneyland Resort. Guests will also be able to visit the Accessibility Services window on the day of their arrival. The new system will include the following updates:
- Current DAS guests will need to re-register/re-apply.
- DAS will have a max party size of 4 (there will be exceptions for larger families).
- DAS registration will last for 120 days (currently 60 days).
- DAS advanced pre-arrival attraction selections will no longer be a default offering for every DAS guest/
- Disney will have a new “return to queue” process for guests who need to leave the queue and then return. This will be shared closer to the program’s launch.
Disney officials shared that “Disney is dedicated to providing a great experience for all Guests, including those with disabilities, which is why we are so committed to delivering a wide range of innovative support services aimed at helping our Guests with disabilities have a wonderful time when visiting our theme parks.”
Here are the specifics about how DAS works moving forward:
Register for DAS
There are 2 ways for Guests to have a conversation with a Cast Member to determine eligibility for DAS: (1) live video chat or (2) on-site at an Accessibility Services window.
Speak with a Cast Member via live video chat to determine eligibility as soon as 30 days in advance of a park visit.
In-person registration is available on day of your visit at the Accessibility Services window.
If DAS is provided after a conversation with a Cast Member to determine eligibility, you (or a parent/guardian) will participate in a 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 the length of the ticket or up to 120 days—whichever is shorter. Once the service has elapsed or when a new ticket is required, Guests will need to re-register.
Please note: Guests visit from April 9 through June 17, 2024 will continue to visit Guest Relations locations and DAS is valid for up to 30 days, or when a new ticket is required.
Request a Return Time
After you’ve registered and entered the theme park, you can request your first return time.
On the Day of Your Park Visit
Guests registered in DAS can make return time selections right from the Disneyland mobile app on the day of their visit.
If additional assistance is required, Guests can also obtain return times directly from a Cast Member at any Guest Relations location or Accessibility Services window.
The return time will be comparable to the current standby wait.
Keep in mind that DAS return times are valid until the park closes or an attraction closes for the day. A party can only hold one active DAS return time at once.
Please note: Guests visiting from April 9 through June 17, 2024 will continue to visit Guest Relations locations
Enjoy the Park
On the day of your visit, have fun exploring the park until you can redeem your return time.
After a return time has been redeemed, your party can request another one by using the Disneyland mobile app or returning to a Guest Relations location or an Accessibility Services window.
It should also be noted that guests who aren’t sure if DAS is the best option for them can speak with a Cast Member up to 30 days in advance of their visit as well. Guests who do not have a pre-arrival conversation virtually will be able to speak with a Cast Member in person at the Accessibility Services window to determine what services may be appropriate to support their visit.
Using DAS Return Time Self-Selection on Visit Day
On the day of a Guest’s visit, the Disneyland app can be used to self-select attractions with DAS. This works after Guests have been registered for DAS. Here are the details:
- Any member of the DAS party can get an attraction return time.
- After entering a park, open the Disneyland Mobile app and log in to your Disney account.
- Tap on the menu ( ≡ ) at the bottom of the screen.
- Select the Disability Access Service (DAS) button to redeem your return time.
- The tool can also be accessed from attraction detail screens.
- The DAS-registered Guest must be present and experience the attraction when the return time is redeemed.
- Only one DAS return time can be held at a time.
- DAS return times are valid until the park closes or an attraction closes for the day.
- Guests without mobile devices may visit Guest Relations or Accessibility Services to receive return times.
False Statements Regarding DAS
Disney does have a policy for those who make false statements when registering for DAS. This is the policy:
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 the 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.
Disneyland Resort has multiple resources for guests visiting with disabilities. The guide page for guests with disabilities can be found here on the Disneyland website.
