Disability Accessibility Service (DAS) is a program at Disney theme parks designed to assist guests with disabilities who may have difficulty waiting in traditional ride queues.
While DAS was once more inclusive of a wide range of disabilities, recent changes to the program have made it significantly more restrictive. Many guests now struggle to obtain approval under Disney’s updated guidelines.
Before you can even discuss eligibility for a DAS pass, you must first purchase a non-refundable Disney park ticket.
While some guests have successfully received refunds after being denied DAS, Disney is not required to provide refunds under any circumstances.
If DAS is essential for your park experience, this is a critical factor to consider before your purchase.
Disney's revised policy now states the following:
“DAS is one of the programs offered at Walt Disney World Resort theme parks 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.”
DAS registration is now conducted exclusively via video chat. Guests can speak with a Cast Member online before their visit at the following link:
Once approved, you will use the My Disney Experience app to book return times for attractions.
After scanning in for a ride, there is a 10-minute waiting period before another reservation can be made.
DAS allows up to four individuals per pass. The DAS individual and 3 additional party members.
Valid for up to 240 days or the length of the ticket, whichever is shorter.
If you upgrade to an Annual Pass from your ticket, you must reapply for DAS, and approval is not guaranteed, even if you were previously approved.
If denied twice, there is a 120-day waiting period before you can reapply.
If you’re navigating DAS changes and looking for support, consider joining the DAS Defenders Facebook group.
This community offers firsthand experiences, helpful tools, and guidance on what to expect.
Join DAS DefendersWhile DAS is the primary service for guests with disabilities, some guests who are denied may be offered alternative accommodations:
Guests leave the queue and return later, but this still requires navigating crowded areas, which may be difficult for those with medical conditions.
Available for specific rides, but availability varies and necessitates repeated public explanations of disabilities.
This system allows a guest who cannot wait in a standby line to stay with a non-riding guest while the rest of the party rides. Once the first group finishes, the waiting guest can ride without having to rejoin the standby queue. However, this may not be suitable for solo visitors, caretakers, or all-disabled groups who do not have someone to wait with them.
We hope Disney will one day return to a more inclusive approach for guests with disabilities. In the meantime, we hope this guide helps you navigate the DAS process and understand what to expect when seeking accommodations at Walt Disney World in Orlando or Disneyland in California.