As a parent with nearly two decades of experience planning a Walt Disney World vacation for someone with a disability, the DAS has been a life saver. Autism is hard enough to navigate alone without adding in the stress of vacationing.
For parents of children with cognitive disabilities, this pass allows us a little relief.
What is it?
The Disney Disability Access Service or DAS was developed to accommodate people with certain types of cognitive and physical disabilities who have trouble waiting in traditional queue lines in the parks. It is a free service. It does not apply to guests who are using mobility devices only as Disney has widen the queue lines to allow for wheelchairs.
What is the purpose for it?
The Disney DAS was designed for guests to “wait” in the queue line virtually or in other words, a different location in the park.
Despite what you read online, it is not a front of the line pass nor can you skip the lines all together. Disney has been very careful crafting this accommodation to avoid abuse of the system.
Who qualifies for it?
That is up to Disney. They have different accommodations depending on the needs of the park goer. I will say that we have used it for our son, Logan, who has severe Autism.
How do I get it for my disabled child or disabled adult?
There are 2 different ways you can get the pass for the disabled guest.
Advanced Registration -
30 days out from your vacation, you can make an advanced registration via live video chat at here
A cast member will greet you in a chat box and ask you for the name of the guests needing the DAS, what your first park day is and who will be traveling with disabled person.
When a cast member is available they will ask you if you are ready to do a live chat and then they will ask you why you think a member of your party is eligible. Then the cast member will make a decision if accommodations are necessary.
In Park Registration -
Upon arriving in the park your first day, go to the nearest guest services location with the person who is seeking the DAS. They will ask you questions about the type of accommodations you are seeking and then determine what type of accommodations will work best for your party.
How does it work?
Once approved for the Disney DAS, it will be added to your My Disney Experience Account. It is valid for 14 days for regular park admissions and 60 days for Disney Annual Passholders.
Using The DAS In The Parks
Upon entering the park, open your My Disney Experience app. There should be a pop-up window on your home screen that says DAS. When you click that button, it will open a screen with all of the park attraction wait times. Select an attraction and you will be added to a virtual queue. You will be provided a time to go to the attraction and enjoy the ride. When going to the attraction, you will enter through the Lightning Lane.
When you are ready to schedule your next attraction, just repeat the steps above.
What are my the next steps?
The next step is to enjoy yourself at the park! The Disney DAS was created to help make the park enjoyable for everyone. If you have trouble at the park, go to guest services. They are there to help you.
Do you have any tips on using the Disney DAS?
The best tip I can give you is to I work with an Authorized Disney Travel Advisor that specializes in helping families with disabilities.
I have a few other tips that I am making into a downloadable sheet. If you would like sign up to receive it when it is complete, email me at k.harris@magicalvacationplanner.com
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Wait, aren’t you an Authorized Disney Travel Advisor that specializes in helping families with disabilities?
Yes, I am. I didn’t get the name Magical Vacation Mom for nothing! My son, Logan, has severe Autism and we have taken him to Walt Disney World over 30 times. Whether you work with me or another Authorized Disney Travel Advisor that specializes in helping families with special needs, I wish you the best vacation. Families like ours deserve it!
If you would like me to help you plan your vacation at no charge, contact me at k.harris@magicalvacationplanner.com
Until Next Time My Friends (and you are my friends whether we have met or not)!
Have A Magical Day!
