Disneyland and Disney World are magical places where everyone should have a great time. To help guests with disabilities, Disney has a program known as the Disability Access Service, or DAS Pass that can be used at the Disney Parks whether you’re visiting to the original parks in Anaheim or Walt Disney World in Florida.
In 2024, Disney had decided to make some changes to the DAS service and here I will go over what they are, what it means for you or a loved one and my suggestions on how to help you have a fun and stress-free Disney trip if using DAS.
- What is the DAS Pass and How Does It Work?
- Who is the DAS Pass Meant For?
- If a guest’s disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter, are they eligible to receive DAS?
- What are the pros and cons of applying for the Disney Pass online versus in person?
- How Many Guests Can You Have on Your DAS Pass?
- Step by Step Process of applying for Disney DAS Pass for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim California
- Steps to Make Your Advanced Selections
- Making DAS Pre-Selections
- Using your DAS Pass for attractions/rides at Disneyland and/or Disney California Adventure Park
- How DAS Works with Disney Virtual Queues
- Hours and Locations
- Stay Updated and Follow for More Disney Magic!
What is the DAS Pass and How Does It Work?
Starting today, June 18th, 2024, the DAS Pass is now in effect! The DAS Pass is a special service for guests who have disabilities that make it hard for them to wait in long lines. Instead, you can schedule a return time for rides and attractions. This way, you can enjoy other parts of the park while you wait!
So I would describe the Disney DAS pass to someone who would not need this as a type of Disney Genie + Lightning Lane with an immediate return time and no wait for the attractions/rides. However, an important distinction is that the DAS service is that guests who use this can get access to all of the attractions/rides.
Guests who do have a DAS pass will be let in through the same lightning lane entrances unless they have issues with mobility (e.g., being in a wheelchair). Please be aware that there still may be some time waiting in line but far less than there would be without the DAS pass if you use this service.
There is no cost for using the DAS pass for guests but you must apply and get approval for DAS via Disney. If you are a guest who is not in need of DAS and would like to skip long wait times for attractions/rides, then you might want to consider purchasing Disney’s Genie+ service.
Who is the DAS Pass Meant For?
The DAS Pass is meant to include people with physical disabilities, autism, and other conditions according to Disney’s statement on their website. If waiting in line is hard for you because of a disability, the DAS Pass might be just what you need.
If a guest’s disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter, are they eligible to receive DAS?
No. A guest whose disability requires them to use a wheelchair or scooter does not need DAS. Depending on the experience, the guest will either wait in the standard queue or receive a return time at the attraction based on the current wait time.
For some attractions at the Disneyland Resort, these guests will need to go directly to an alternate entrance. If a guest requires additional assistance, they should go to guest Relations.
If you are not approved for Disney’s DAS pass, Disney may recommend to you other alternative options based on your specific needs and health issues. These may be using what they call Rider Switch passes, Location Return Time passes for older waiting line queues that are not ADA compliant, wheelchair transfer options, use of sign language interpreters, and using handheld devices if visually impaired.
For the latest information, you can visit the Disney Disability Access Pass page here.
Terms and conditions to review and sign before virtual meeting for DAS pass
You can view the terms and conditions for the Disneyland DAS Pass here. Please note that these terms and conditions have been recently updated.
How to Apply for Disney DAS Pass
Eligible Guests can now pre-register for DAS Advance virtually with a Cast Member, using live video chat or visit guest relations in Disneyland (open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. PST) or complete the process in person; however the same cannot be said for Walt Disney World as it is strictly online. However Disney highly recommends applying online.
Please note that guests may pre-register as soon as 30 days in advance of their intended park visit, but no less than 2 days before arriving.
During the registration chat, guests will be able to work with a Cast Member to book up to 2 one-hour return windows for select experiences—subject to availability—using the new DAS Advance planning option (in addition to the normal benefits of the DAS program). All park visits must be made within 30 to 2 days of the live chat.
What are the pros and cons of applying for the Disney Pass online versus in person?
If you decide to follow through with applying online for the DAS Pass, this can take a long time because of the amount of users waiting to be helped as guests may be visiting from out of the country and essentially competing for help online unless you sign in on time to be first. If you wait to apply for DAS in the park, the process could be quicker, but it’s not a guarantee. Applying in person would also means you not being able to get the two additional DAS Advance ride selections for the morning.
How Many Guests Can You Have on Your DAS Pass?
When you get a DAS Pass, you can include up to five additional guests to join you. This means you and five friends or family members can enjoy the rides together without waiting in long lines.
Step by Step Process of applying for Disney DAS Pass for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim California
- Visit the Disney Website: Go to the official Disney website and find the DAS Pass section.
- Start the Registration: Click on the link to start your registration.
- Video Chat: You will have a video chat with a Disney Cast Member who will help you with your DAS Pass.
Steps to Make Your Advanced Selections
During the registration process, you can make advanced selections for rides and attractions. A Cast Member will help you choose which rides you want to go on. You can pick these rides ahead of time so you’re all set for your visit!
Rides Available with Disney DAS Pass
With the DAS Pass, you can enjoy many rides and attractions at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park. However, some rides are ineligible for pre-selection. It’s best to check with a Cast Member for the most up-to-date list.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of the DAS Pass
Checklist for Registering for the DAS Pass
- Identification: Have your ID ready.
- Disability Information: Be ready to explain your needs.
- Friends/Family Information: Know who will be joining you on your DAS Pass.
- Internet Connection: Make sure you have a good internet connection for the video chat.
Making DAS Pre-Selections
Before your trip, you can make DAS pre-selections for attractions/rides. This helps you plan your day and avoid long lines. If approved for DAS pass, a Cast Member should have helped you with this during your registration.
Using your DAS Pass for attractions/rides at Disneyland and/or Disney California Adventure Park
According to Disney “another member of the DAS-eligible Guest’s travel party may obtain a return time, but the Guest utilizing DAS must board the attraction with their party.” They also state that “DAS return times are not limited to a specific window and are valid until the park closes.” It is important to note that the guest ” may only have one DAS return time at a time. As soon as the Guest redeems a return time, they may obtain another return time for the same or different attraction.”
How DAS Works with Disney Virtual Queues
Disney also has virtual queues for some popular attractions. With the DAS Pass, you can use these virtual queues to save your spot in line without physically waiting. It’s a great way to make the most of your time at the park!
Can a Guest with an active DAS return time receive a boarding group for one of the virtual queue attractions? Yes. A Guest can hold one active DAS return time and one virtual queue return time at the same time. When a Guest utilizing DAS goes to the attraction with a virtual queue to redeem the return time, they, along with their party, will be able to access that attraction through a shorter line as they did previously with virtual queue attractions.
In addition to DAS return times and DAS Advance selections, what other options will be available to Guests utilizing DAS to access attractions?
DAS return times and DAS Advance selections (for those who pre-register for DAS) can be used in combination with Disney’s Genie+ service, paid a la carte attraction selections and the standby lines.
Does Guest Relations still offer help with itinerary planning? Yes. Guests with disabilities, including Guests utilizing DAS, can still receive in-person assistance with itinerary planning at Guest Relations. In addition, Disney Genie service is a new complimentary digital planning service that will offer personalized itineraries, time-saving tips and other features that can help Guests make the most of their day.
Resources for guests visiting the park needing further support from cast members should ask for help via guest relations. Locations for each of these in both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park can be found here.
Hours and Locations
For both Guest Relations and Information Locations they will be open during Disney’s normal theme park operating hours.
- City Hall on Main Street, U.S.A.
- Central Plaza Information Board near Plaza Inn
- Fantasyland kiosk across from entrance to Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Frontierland kiosk behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad between Frontierland and Fantasyland
- New Orleans Square kiosk next to the Haunted Mansion exit
- Tomorrowland kiosk next to Star Trader
Disney California Adventure Park
- Chamber of Commerce on Buena Vista Street
- Information Station on Buena Vista Street
- Cars Land kiosk at entrance of Cars Land
- Pixar Pier kiosk near Jessie’s Critter Carousel
Disney offers the following services listed below to help accommodate guests who have disabilities and for those who have questions about how to navigate the Disney Parks.
- Providing Guidemaps to guests who are visiting from other foreign countries that have their native language on them (e.g. in “Italian, French, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, German, Japanese, and Portuguese”).
- Complimentary Attraction Translation Devices
- Accessibility information
- Times Guides, detailing show and parade information
- Up-to-the-minute theme park news
Cast members also help via their guest relations services with reservations for Disney hotel stays, dining experiences, guided tours, tickets and ticket upgrades. They also provide other additional services that include: ” foreign currency exchange, lost guest retrieval […and] general assistance” according to Disney’s website.
If you would like to register with Disney Disability Access Service, click here.
For additional assistance, guest are asked by Disney to call Disability Services at (407) 560-2547, or send an email to disability.services@disneyparks.com
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