Walt Disney World has introduced significant changes to its Disability Access Service (DAS) program. These updates aim to improve accessibility and provide a better experience for guests with disabilities. This article outlines the key changes to the DAS program and how they will impact guests.
Key Changes to DAS Program
- No In-Person Registration: In-person registration for DAS is no longer available; guests used to register by speaking with Guest Relations Cast Members.
- Video Chat Registration: Guests can now discuss their needs with a Cast Member via live video chat up to 30 days before their park visit. This service is available from 7am to 8pm Eastern Time, and the guest requesting DAS must be present during the call.
- Party Size Limits: The DAS registration now accommodates the registered guest and up to three additional party members.
- Extended Validity Period: DAS validity has been extended to 120 days or the length of ticket validity, whichever is shorter, compared to the previous 30-day validity.
- Removal of Advance Planning: The option for DAS Advance planning, which allowed guests to select up to 2 attractions before arrival, has been removed.
- Clarification on Eligibility: Disney clarified that DAS is designed for guests with developmental disabilities like autism who cannot wait in a conventional queue for extended periods.
- Collaboration with Health Professionals: Disney is collaborating with Inspire Health Alliance health professionals to help Cast Members determine eligibility for accommodations and ensure they are provided to those who truly need them.
- Increased Cast Member Support: Disney has added more Cast Members and invested in specialized training to help guests understand and utilize available tools and options based on their needs.
- Shortened Registration Hours: The hours to speak with a Cast Member for DAS registration have been reduced from 7am-10pm to 7am-8pm.
Applying For Disability Access Service
Guests can discuss their needs with a Cast Member via live video chat up to 30 days before their park visit. Cast Members will assist guests individually, addressing specific requests and providing necessary support.
Before speaking with a Cast Member to determine eligibility, please ensure the following:
- Sign in to the Walt Disney World website or your My Disney Experience account.
- Link valid theme park admission for each member of your party.
- Ensure that the guest requesting to use DAS is present during the registration via live video chat.
Live video chat is available from 7am to 8pm Eastern Time and is currently offered in English only.
If DAS is approved after the conversation with a Cast Member, the guest with a disability (or a parent/guardian) will participate in the registration process, including having a photo taken of the DAS-registered guest.
The maximum party size for DAS registration is four people: the registered DAS guest and up to three additional party members. To speak with a Cast Member and complete the DAS registration process, click the following link: Register for DAS
Using DAS at the Parks
- First Return Time: Guests approved for DAS can request their first return time after entering the theme park. Return times can be selected through the My Disney Experience (MDE) app or obtained from a Cast Member at Guest Relations or Guest Experience Team locations.
- DAS Button in MDE: To get started, simply tap the menu button, then the DAS button to choose your attraction and set a return time. This tool is also available on the attraction detail screens.
- DAS Guest Must Be Present: Any member of a DAS party can secure a return time for the entire group, but the guest registered for DAS must be present and participate in the attraction when the return time is redeemed.
- Redeeming Your DAS Return Window: To redeem your DAS return window, go to the Lightning Lane entrance for the attraction and have the DAS-registered guest tap in first.
Final Thoughts
The recent updates to the Disability Access Service at Walt Disney World aims to provide a more efficient experience for guests with disabilities, but time will tell how guests find the changes affects their park visits. By introducing live video chat registration, altering the types of disabilities offered this service, extending the validity to 120 days, and by limiting the number of party size allowed to be assigned, there are quite a few meaningful changes being made.
As these updates are implemented, guest feedback will be crucial in assessing their effectiveness. Ultimately, Disney’s goal is to enhance legitimate use of these accessibility services and ensure that all guests have a magical and enjoyable experience in the parks. Whether these changes meet that goal will depend on continuous evaluation and adjustment based on guest needs and experiences.
Stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog for all the latest developments for Disney fans, whether that’s what’s happening in the Disney theme parks or around Disney Vacation Club resorts!
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
