Disney World offers a Disability Access Service (DAS) for visitors with a developmental disability, “like autism or similar,” who are unable to wait in a traditional queue for extended periods of time.
Magic Kingdom
This service has changed significantly over the past year as Disney has updated its restrictions and registration process. Now, it appears Disney has updated the language surrounding DAS once again.
The Disney World website has a dedicated page for its Disability Access Service. Here, families can learn more about the service, including information on how it works, how to register, and where to look for frequently asked questions. As of October, the “Speak with a Cast Member” section of the website was updated with more information. This change makes the rules and requirements for video calls more explicit.
©Disney
To utilize the Disability Access Service in the Disney parks, visitors must first speak with a Cast Member who determines eligibility for DAS. The Disney World website lays out the steps users must take to engage in a live video chat, highlighting rules including (but not limited to):
- The recording of this video chat is strictly prohibited
- The Guest requesting DAS either for themself or for someone else (e.g. a minor child) must be 18 years of age or older to register
- The Guest for whom DAS is being requested must be present during the video chat.
For comparison, this is what the old “Speak with a Cast Member” section looked like.
©Disney
This change is not the first since Disney overhauled its DAS policy in 2024. In May, for example, Disney World extended the period during which its Disability Access Service (DAS) is valid. DAS is now valid for up to one year after approval. Prior to that, DAS was only valid for 30 days (with Disney extending it to 120 days and later, 240 days).
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Originally, DAS was offered to those with a wide range of disabilities, but that is no longer the case. Before the 2024 changes, the service allowed those to enter the Lightning Lane line via a return time after they were approved for the service. Then, in May of 2024 at Disney World and June of 2024 at Disneyland, the service changed as Disney wanted to tackle the overuse of the service. The wording was adjusted to state that only select guests qualify for this service “due to a developmental disability like autism or similar disorder.”
Magic Kingdom
This left many with non-developmental disabilities — but who might still benefit from the service — out of luck, and they were offered accommodations instead of DAS. These accommodations included being told to purchase Lighting Lane or talk to Cast Members at each attraction to see what accommodations they could provide.
Haunted Mansion
We’ll be on the lookout for additional changes to Disney’s DAS program and more updates from Disney World and beyond. In the meantime, stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest news.
Learn More About Disney’s Disability Access Service HERE!
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Can’t wait to challenge this service with a discrimination lawsuit.
So for someone who had a heat stroke and can’t be in the heat for long periods, I can’t use this? I’m a teacher and can only go when I am on break (summer, Thanksgiving, Christmas but usually summer when we can afford it better). Yes, when we go I can walk around but I can also find a place to sit down inside and cool down but if I’m having to stand in the sun for long periods, I start to feel bad and am more likely to pass out. So if they did change it to those with disabilities like stated in the article, then people who CANNOT stand in line are out of luck because what if we talk to a cast member and are told no? What if we can’t afford to buy lightning lanes? Is this another way to get more money?
It’s just ridiculous how difficult it is to obtain this service.
I’ve just returned from WDW, one problem is the vast numbers of mobility scooters, passengers often using them as ‘transport’ around the parks. More control and restrictions are needed.
I had the DAS in 2023 I suffer with my legs and back I had bilateral knee replacements and can not stand for long periods and bursitis in my hips
I got a torn muscle in my back which also prevents me to stand for long periods and osteoarthritis all over my body in 2024 I applied for the DAS and got refused told to buy lighting lanes
As they won’t help the cast member was no more than 20 I am a 64 yr old woman who needs help
I come from uk I got disability status here and my husband is my carer next Yr I am going to disney and scared to to be the same
This is very sad , As my physician said they have a young person with no medical knowledge behind a desk making those decisions, especially for mature guests with serious mobility issues .
After my last post as a 64 yr old woman with medical problems and being on strong painkillers just to help me get through the day with pain I am in
I can not get in a bath or even sit on the floor with my grandson I have also started to have falls which are frightening as I can not get up after I have fell
Getting in and out of a car is a struggle my husband who is 70 having to help me which I hate asking for
No one understands the pain I am in and daily struggle I have I fo to disney as it my favourite place on earth now they taken the DAS off me saying I do not need the help
I suffer with anxiety as well which does not help I always thought disney were a caring company now they are refusing people the DAS who need it just to enjoy the day in the parks so now my days are painful stressful and does my anxiety no good
Loss OF DAS did it for me. I used to visit every year and now no longer go
I got a disability badge at home in uk and my husband got z carers badge as he helps me in my needs shower walking and reminding me about my pills
I got a universal disability badge as well saying i been checked and my needs are not all visible but disney still don’t care
At my age I feel like I being discrimination is involved and this really upsets me I have same issues here in uk but on vacation I thought I have a little more help
But seems notvthe case yet hotels within disney help me so much I can not complain it just within parks