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Disney Is Updating Its Disability Access Service (DAS): What You Need to Know

Find out what’s changing before you go

spinner image woman sitting behind a computer screen with disney logo on it
Disney is updating its Disability Access Service (DAS) program at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Here’s what you need to know.
Kiersten Essenpreis

If you or someone you’re traveling with has a disability, there are a few changes happening at Disney parks you may want to know.

Disney is updating its Disability Access Service (DAS) program on May 20 at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, and June 18 at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.

DAS provides special accommodations for people with developmental disorders, such as autism, who are unable to wait in long lines for rides. Visitors approved for DAS essentially skip waiting in the physical line and can explore other attractions at the park before returning to the ride at their designated time.

A Disney spokesperson says DAS has become the most requested accommodation in its theme parks with usage tripling in the past five years. The steep rise in people using the service prompted executives to look at the policy and make changes to avoid misuse of the program.

​Previously, customers could request the service in person at the park or online through a videoconference. Now, Disney says people must apply through videoconference — either two to 30 days before their visit, or by meeting on the day of their visit with a Disney staff member. The staff member will then set up a videoconference on a computer tablet outside the entrance. During video chats, the person applying for DAS will meet with a trained Disney employee with the assistance of health professionals from an outside group, Inspire Health Alliance.

In addition to DAS, Disney will continue to offer other services for people with other disabilities, including mobility problems, deafness and hearing loss, and blindness and low vision.

spinner image Dee Kolafa smiles as she at Mickey Mouse
Guests with disabilities including mobility problems can find accessible services at Disney parks.
Credit: Jeff Gritchen/Getty Images

​More than 1 in 10 travelers 50 and older require accommodations for a disability, according to the AARP 2024 Travel Trends report. If you think you qualify for DAS, apply early, says Becky Gandillon, coauthor of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2025. “Absolutely set up a call before you go to the park.” She anticipates those applying at the park will find long lines waiting for a videoconference to get approval.

Park experts say the DAS policy change is long overdue because it had been abused. “Things had to change,” says Len Testa, owner of Touring Plans and coauthor with Gandillon of the Unofficial guide.

He says he was recently visiting the park with family and overheard two parents talking about how to get access for their children even though they didn’t qualify. “When guests are telling guests how to game the system, the system is broken.”

Other theme parks offer similar programs tailored to people with disabilities. For example, before visiting the parks, Six Flags and Universal Studios require guests to register online for their special accommodations, Individual Accessibility Cards (IAC). Check park websites for details as they may vary per location. At Sea World, the Ride Accessibility Program (RAP) offers guests accommodations such as alternative entrances and options for guests who are unable to wait in lines.

Disney recently updated the websites for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort to include more information and planning tools for people with disabilities. For example, some park rides are designed to allow visitors with mobility problems to remain in a wheelchair to experience the attraction without transferring to another seat. The park sites have a list of these rides.

Disney says it’s also adding specialized training for employees at each park to help guests learn about options based on their needs.  

Travel agent Gina Akin, who specializes in Disney vacations, says she understands why some customers are concerned about the changes and are worried that the parks won’t accommodate their disability. But she’s optimistic the change will ensure that the DAS program is available to those who need it most. 

“This specific service is targeted toward helping guests with a cognitive disability. For people with physical disabilities, I trust Disney will be working on ways to help those guests as well.”

spinner image Line-up of people at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom amusement park
People may wait in long lines to experience attractions at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Credit: Roberto Machado/Getty Images

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Disability Access Service (DAS)?

It’s a special accommodation for Disney theme parks customers with developmental disabilities. It allows them to avoid waiting in long lines by giving them a return time when they can access a ride or a show with a minimal wait.

Who qualifies?

Park visitors with a developmental disability such as autism. The service is available to the person with the disability and up to four other people, or for immediate family members.

How do you apply?

Customers can request access two to 30 days before their visit, or when they arrive at Disney World or Disneyland. The request will be handled by video chat with a Disney employee with the assistance of a health care professional.

How long is DAS valid?

Visitors with a multiday pass will be able to use the service for the length of their ticket, up to 120 days. 

If you’re approved for disability access at Walt Disney World parks, does it also work at Disneyland properties?

No, you’ll have to apply separately for each.

What happens if you obtain access dishonestly?

Disney says it will have zero tolerance for customers who lie to get access. Anyone who does will be “permanently barred” from the parks and will lose any previously purchased passes, tickets or park products.

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