The Disneyland Resort continues to analyze and adjust its Disability Access Service. Since being updated last year with a new focus, the program has continued to be modified to make it more effective. The Disability Access Service, or 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.”
Since the most recent iteration of DAS has been rolled out, it has had different lengths of time for how long it remained valid. At one point, it was 60 days, then 120. Now, guests who visit the Disneyland website will see that it is valid for a year or the length of their ticket. This update means that DAS will match the length of a purchased ticket, presumably. If it is a multi-day stay, the DAS will match that. If it is a Magic Key, it will last the length of the Magic Key (basically an annual pass).
Here is the specific verbiage regarding the length of DAS:
DAS is valid for the length of the ticket or up to 1 year, whichever is shorter. Once the service has elapsed, Guests need to re-register for the program.
These are specific details about what DAS is, according to Disney:
- DAS is intended to accommodate 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.
- 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 for which DAS is being requested must be present during registration and must experience the attraction when redeeming a DAS return time at the Disneyland theme parks.
How DAS Works:
Registration
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 the Accessibility Services Kiosk.
Speak with a Cast Member via live video chat to determine eligibility as soon as 60 days in advance of a park visit.
In-person registration is available on the day of your visit at the Accessibility Services Kiosk.
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 1 year, whichever comes sooner. Once the service has elapsed or when a new ticket is required, Guests will need to re-register.
Request a Return Time While Visiting the Parks
After you’ve registered and entered the theme park, you can request your first attraction return time.
On the Day of Your Park Visit
Guests registered in DAS can make attraction 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 the Accessibility Services Kiosk.
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.
In the Park
On the day of your visit, have fun exploring the park until you can redeem your attraction return time.
Ten minutes 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 the Accessibility Services Kiosk.
Other specifics about DAS can be found on the Disneyland website. Cast members are also found at the Disneyland Resort that can assist with any questions that might be had. What do you think about this extension for the length of the DAS for up to a year? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
