How the new Disney Genie will change Disability Access Service

When the new Disney Genie service arrives it is being touted as a service designed to make planning easier and help guide guests through the theme parks with tips that can help you reduce time in lines, discover magic around every corner and take the guesswork out of “what’s next.”

Those who use the Disability Access Service (DAS) there will be some additional benefits by using the Disney Genie, Disney has announced.

For those unfamiliar with the program, 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, in essence, a virtual queue. As soon as the guest redeems a return time, they can book another return time for the same or a different attraction.

The DAS will be able to be used with the Disney Genie service app tool, in addition to Disney’s Genie+ service and individual paid attraction selections that is coming.

Here’s how the DAS will work with the new Disney Genie.

How to register for Disability Access Service?

There will be two ways to register. 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. 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.

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.

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.