Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS) system has undergone several changes over the last several years. These changes have not been without their controversies, but now a new change might be on the horizon.
Cinderella Castle
While the previous changes might have seemed small to some, they have had a large impact across Disney World and Disneyland. A new proposal for the system is being presented to shareholders in 2026.
In 2026, Disney is set to include a new Disability Access Proposal. Previously, the Walt Disney Company withdrew a request that wanted to exclude a shareholder proposal regarding disability accommodations in the theme parks.
Disability Access Service Pass in 2021 before the changes
This request will impact the 2026 proxy statement, according to an SEC filing that was submitted by Disney’s counsel, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP. The new proposal was submitted by shareholder Erik G. Paul. This proposal calls for an independent review of Disney’s changes to the DAS system that were made over the last few years.
Monorail at EPCOT
The proposal also calls for the review to focus on board-level oversight that can be related back to risks to any shareholder value connected to these changes. If you’ve never used the DAS system or understood it, Disney describes it as a system “intended to accommodate those Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.”
Tree of Life
This system’s largest change came on May 20th, 2024, in Disney World and June 18th, 2024, in Disneyland. The change was that Disney partnered with Inspire Health Alliance to assist with its DAS approval process, which impacted a large number of DAS users. This switch included many policy changes and new rules, which is where the controversy came from.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
To use the system, guests must first register online and then speak with a Cast Member who can determine DAS eligibility. To be deemed eligible, you must participate in a live video chat, which has rules including:
- 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.
You can register up to 60 days before your trip. You can see more of the details below.
©Disney
In Disney World, there is NOT an in-person option for DAS registration, but you can do a live video conference on the day of your visit if you don’t register ahead of time. In Disneyland, you can have an in-person meeting at an Accessibility Services Kiosk during a park visit if needed.
Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland
DAS access can be available for up to one year after approval, but it will need to be renewed annually. Previously, the accessibility window was longer. Changes to the system also changed the party size for DAS users from 6 to 4 people or “immediate family.”
Expedition Everest
We will be sure to update you on any new proposals or changes regarding the DAS system. Be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news, updates, and more.
Every New Rule Added to Disability Access Service at Disney World in 2025
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There is a way to avoid waiting in line – its call Lightning Lane all guest have equal access
Problem solved
I have NP with Disney having another way for people with special needs to access attractions but this constant drumbeat of lawsuits etc is getting a bit much.
Agreed, David. And unfortunately there are still people scamming the system, which makes it difficult for those who truly need it.
I agree with David Miller. DAS never existed at all in the 70s, 80s and 90s. The reason…people didn’t abuse and take advantage of things then like they do today. I absolutely support those with disabilities worthy of bypassing the lines to do so, but it’s abuse by guests trying to find anyway around waiting that is the cause of getting to this point
Society is different today. I remember how uncommon it was to see people in a wheelchair or scooter decades ago. Now if feels like one in every ten needs to ride around the park. I wonder how many people in electric scooters if told they had to use a regular wheelchair would all of a sudden be able to walk through the park. Strollers used to be small with the single purpose to carry a small child, now they are nearly the size of a small off-road recreational vehicle and carry everything but the kitchen sink and sometimes kids who seem too old to be in a stroller.
People ruin things. I feel sorry for Cast Members having to deal with today’s guest.
As someine who has bad knees and back and uses a walker, the current disability rules means no rides for the more popular rides. Disney’s anser to people with walkers is rent or buy and electric wheel chair. The problem probably started with the Lightning Lane people complaining about the long lines. And of course, paying customers are more important than non-paying customers. And some folks who have comment must think medically handicap people are rich and can buy the LL passes. I met a family from NJ that have a mom who uses an electric wheel chair and son with autism. The son didn’t pass the telephone exam. They said it was their las vacation to Disney World. More fair woould be to return to the free ride passes and not make this an issue bettween the rich and the non-rich.
We have always loved having breakfast at Boma and have taken friends there as well. But at our age, getting up and driving well over an hour from our home doesn’t happen. So glad it is still there; juice included! Maybe next time we stay on property that would be an option.
These changes still do not address other disability for those of us that cannot wait in line. And LL is not the solution unless your buying, David. The best solution is only a stand by lane so it keep moving. NO LL at all, LL is the problem it stop the stand by lane and make a 40 minute wait into a 60 minute and some disabled cannot be in a line that long. Down with LL. Autism is not the only reason someone cannot wait in a line.
Interesting that a shareholder proposal by Erik G. Paul is pushing for an independent review of Disney’s recent DAS changes, and that it will appear in the 2026 proxy materials.
As a parent, the line about DAS being for guests with developmental disabilities like autism made me pause. Do you know when shareholders will vote, and whether Disney will publish the review’s findings?
I think the vote is in March, and I highly doubt there will be any review finding to publish, because I don’t think there is any way the proposal will pass, so there will be no review.
They may vote. If they do, it will be posted in a lot of places.