Disney is making changes to its Disability Access Service program offered at Disneyland and Walt Disney World 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.
“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,” a Disney spokesperson said in a statement.
Disney plans to introduce the new DAS system on May 20, 2024 at Walt Disney World, and June 18, 2024 at Disneyland Resort. Disney is teaming up with Inspire Health Alliance to help Cast Members determine eligibility.
The biggest change is that the current, in-park registration for the program will be eliminated. Starting May 20, it will only by done through a live virtual video chat. This can be done as soon as 30 days in advance of a park visit.
If DAS is provided after a conversation to determine eligibility, the Guest with a disability (or a parent/guardian) will participate in the 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. It will be valid for up to 120 days. Guests visiting now through May 19, 2024, the DAS is valid for up to 30 days.
Disney notes that 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 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.
Guests utilizing DAS (and their party members) can make their return time selections in their My Disney Experience app during the day of their park visit. Registered Guests using DAS and members of their party will be able to book, redeem, change or cancel DAS return times using the My Disney Experience app via a smart phone or other smart device. If additional assistance is required, Guests can also obtain return times directly from a Cast Member at any Guest Relations or Guest Experience Team location.
On the day of a park visit Guests registered in DAS can make return time selections in the My Disney Experience 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 or Guest Experience Team location. The return time will be comparable to the current standby wait. The 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. But a A Guest can hold one active DAS return time and one virtual queue boarding group at the same time. When a Guest utilizing DAS goes to the attraction with a virtual queue, they, along with their party, will speak to a Cast Member at the attraction about accessing the queue.
Disney does not require documentation proving disability or access needs, nor will they be required with these upcoming changes. So why the change?
The changes are designed to help ensure DAS reaches its intended audience. DAS has increased in use in recent years with the number of those being granted increasing thus impacting waits and experiences for those who need accommodations.
Disney is stressing that it is making the change to better identify those in need.
