Welcome to planDisney Richard, and thank you for bringing your question to us! I’m so glad you stopped by to learn more about Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS). Planning a
Walt Disney World Resort visit is such an exciting experience, and it’s wonderful that you’re thinking ahead to make sure everyone in your travel party has a comfortable and enjoyable time. I’d be happy to explain how DAS works, who it’s designed for, and how you can use it to make the most of your visit.
Disney’s
Disability Access Service, or DAS, is a program designed to assist guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a traditional queue environment due to a developmental disability or similar condition, such as autism. The service allows eligible guests to request a return time for attractions rather than waiting in the physical line. The return time is comparable to the posted wait time, but the guest can spend that waiting period elsewhere in the park. When it is time, the guest and their party return through the Lightning Lane entrance to experience the attraction.
To apply for Disability Access Service (DAS), you’ll need to complete a registration via a live video chat with a Disney Cast Member, available up to 60 days before your theme park visit. Before starting your call, make sure your theme park tickets are linked to your My Disney Experience account. It’s best to register as soon as your booking window opens, as wait times to connect with a Cast Member and complete the interview can be lengthy. The guest requesting DAS must be present during the virtual interview. Once approved, DAS is valid for the length of the ticket or up to 1 year, whichever is shorter. If you plan to visit both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort within that period, you’ll need to complete a separate DAS registration for each location.
In the parks, guests use the My Disney Experience app to request DAS return times. Only one DAS return time can be held at a time, though guests may still use Lightning Lane Passes separately if they choose to purchase them. After using or canceling a DAS return time, another can be scheduled.
DAS does not provide front-of-line access and should not be confused with paid Lightning Lane services. It provides equal access by allowing guests to wait outside of the physical queue, not by reducing the overall wait time. It is intended for guests whose disabilities make conventional waiting environments challenging. Mobility issues alone, such as those requiring a wheelchair or scooter, are typically accommodated through standard or alternate queues rather than DAS.
Richard, it sounds like your upcoming visit to Walt Disney World will be a truly magical experience, and I’m so glad you’re taking the time to explore the options that help make the parks enjoyable for everyone in your party. With DAS in place, you can look forward to a more relaxed, flexible day. Thank you for visiting planDisney with your question, and I hope your trip is filled with smooth planning, joyful moments, and all the pixie dust that makes a Disney vacation so special!
Kay