Both Disneyland and Walt Disney World are making changes to the Disability Access Service program.
Officials hope the changes will allow guests who need the service to use it. Unfortunately, generous policies can be taken advantage of which then can create problems for all guests. The DAS program is widely popular at both coastal resorts with usage tripling over the past five years. The changes are designed to help ensure DAS reaches its intended audience. Meanwhile, Disney is also increasing the number of specially trained cast members to help guests with other access needs find the right accommodations for them.
The new DAS policy changes will go into effect on June 18th at Disneyland and May 20th at Walt Disney World. The DAS program was intended to accommodate guests who have developmental disabilities like autism and are unable to stand in a traditional queue for a long period of time.
Here’s what guests need to know about the new changes:
• DAS Advance pre-arrival attraction selection will no longer be the default offering for all DAS guests.
• Unless it’s a family, DAS parties can only have a max of 4 people.
• DAS enrollment eligibility will increase from 60 to 120 days.
• Current DAS guests will need to re-apply.
Another notable change, DAS in-person registration will no longer be available at Walt Disney World guest relations locations starting May 20. Instead, guests can register via live video chat with a Cast Member to determine eligibility up to 30 days in advance of a park visit. If DAS is provided, the guest with a disability (or a parent/guardian) will participate in the registration process.
Guests registered in the DAS program can make return time selections in the My Disney Experience mobile app on the day of their park visit.
Disneyland guests may continue to register for DAS with a virtual video call ahead of their trip, which is strongly encouraged, or in-person on the day of visits, but starting June 18, the location for registration will move from Guests Services inside the parks to the outside esplanade area between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.
Any member of a DAS party can obtain a return time for the whole party, but the guest registered for DAS must be present and experience the attraction when it’s the party’s time to redeem.
