Picture this- You have been planning your magical vacation to the most Magical Place on Earth. It has taken you weeks and even months to plan this practically perfect vacation especially for your little one with special needs. You got your Mickey ears on, you’re walking down Main Street, head to the attraction your child has been waiting for only to realize the line is 120 minutes long. It is way too much on your child and the meltdowns start to wreck havoc.
I get it mama. I have been there!
Parenting special needs kids can be hard even in their preferred environment. But when you take a special needs child out of their comfort zone, disrupt their schedule, and add in a Disney theme park, it can all be too overwhelming for them and feel like the world is going to end.
But what if I told you that Disney had an awesome solution that could benefit your family? What if I told you that by using this tool you could possibly alleviate some meltdowns, get on those rides, and still have an absolutely magical time?
The Disney Disability Access Service (DAS)
Okay so what is the Disability Access Service? The Disney Disability Access Service pass was created to allow guests with disabilities (including non-apparent disabilities) at both Disney World and Disneyland to receive a return time for attractions based on the current wait times. But today we are going to focus on Disney World.
Now before we get into the details I just want to let you know that getting a DAS pass does not reduce the amount of time that you wait. It simply means that you are given a return time. While you are waiting for your return time, you do not have to stand in line. You may spend your time as you please and then return to the ride when the time is up.
The Process at Walt Disney World
At Walt Disney World, you can request DAS up to 60 days before your arrival through a Zoom call with a Cast Member. I highly recommend taking advantage of this early registration window rather than waiting until you arrive on property. Doing so can help alleviate stress and ensure you know what to expect before stepping through the gates. It’s important to note that DAS registration cannot be completed in person at Guest Relations—the Zoom call is the only option for this process. So you either zoom at home or you zoom on property, either way the process is online and I recommend doing it from home.
Preparing for the Conversation
As a mom who has navigated this process, I know it can be nerve-wracking. It can feel vulnerable to share personal details with a stranger. However, Disney aims to create a fair and enjoyable experience for all guests, and part of that is ensuring the DAS system isn’t misused.
Before your Zoom call, take a moment to reflect on your child’s needs. Make a list of reasons why they struggle to tolerate waiting in a line. Be honest yet clear—whether it’s difficulty with self-regulation, sensory overload, or elopement concerns, sharing openly will help the Cast Member understand how to support your family.
Who needs to be present when I try to qualify?
The person needing the DAS must be present during the Zoom call. The Cast Member will explain how the DAS works and take a photo of the person receiving the DAS. The cast member will ask who the other members of your party are. Since the rest of your party will be linked in your My Disney Experience app, the Cast Member can add them without needing to see everyone.
The DAS pass is valid for up to 4 guests. If your party is larger, be sure to discuss that with the Cast Member. The DAS is valid for the length of your park ticket or 240 days for Annual Passholders. The best part? It’s valid across all Walt Disney World parks, so there’s no need to activate it at each park individually.
How do I book the DAS pass for rides on the app?
Like I said before, Disney has really upped their game with this feature.
First things first. When you enter the parks, you’ll want to go into your my Disney Experience app. Once there, you’re going to click the 3 lines in the bottom right hand corner that looks like a hamburger.
Then you’re going to scroll down until you see the DAS symbol.
After you’ve clicked on the DAS symbol, the app will give you a list of rides that qualify for DAS. Pick and choose your ride.
Once you’ve chosen your ride the next screen will show you the ride you’ve chosen and your requested return time to head back to the ride. *make sure to click this return time*
Once you’ve chosen your ride and requested return time, then you’ll be directed to choose your party for everyone that is going to ride this attraction. The person requiring DAS MUST BE PRESENT when riding the attractions. The DAS pass is for them. So they must be experiencing the attraction for everyone else to experience it too.
After you’ve selected everyone, make sure you hit continue to confirm and then the very last page will give you a confirmation of everything!
That’s it! You’ll be ready to go. Once you leave this screen, you can simply click on “My Genie Day” and your DAS requested return time will be listed there in case you forget what time you need to head back.
What do I do when my return time is up?
This is the best part! Now you get to HAVE FUN. Once your return time is up you’re going to head back to the attraction. Once there, you are going to see 2 different lines, the stand-by line and the Lightning lane line. Make sure to go through the Lightning Lane. As soon as you enter, you are going to have to scan your magic band or key to the world card on the Mickey touchpoint. The person whom requires the DAS has to scan theirs first. So make sure they are at the front of the line. Again, the person requiring DAS MUST BE PRESENT when riding the attractions. The DAS pass is for them. So they must be experiencing the attraction for everyone else to experience it too.
Quick Tip: There are 2 Mickey touchpoints in the lines. One is at the beginning when you first enter and the second one is about halfway through the line. This means you will be scanning your magic band (or key to the world card/ticket) twice before you even get on the ride. Once you have been scanned in for the second time, you have to wait 10 minutes and then you can go ahead and go into the app and preselect your next attraction for the DAS.
Does Rider Switch work with Disability Access Service Pass?
Yes, 100%! If there is someone in your party that doesn’t meet the height requirement for a ride or simply does not want to ride, that is totally okay. When you return to the ride, simply let a cast member know that you would like to do a rider switch.
Why It Matters
At its heart, the DAS process isn’t just about gaining access—it’s about making Walt Disney World accessible and enjoyable for everyone. It’s a tool that can help prevent meltdowns, reduce anxiety, and allow your loved one to embrace the magic in their own way.
If you need support or guidance in preparing for this process, as both a travel agent and a special needs mom, I’m here to help. Together, we can plan a trip that celebrates your family’s uniqueness and creates lasting memories.
A Note About DAS at Disneyland
While this guide focuses on Walt Disney World, it’s worth noting that Disneyland’s DAS program is similar but offers a bit more flexibility. Guests at Disneyland can discuss their needs with a Cast Member to determine DAS eligibility either through a live video chat (up to 60 days prior to their park visit) or in person at an Accessibility Services Kiosk during their visit. DAS at Disneyland is valid for the length of the ticket or up to 240 days, whichever is shorter. If your DAS period expires or you obtain a new ticket, re-registration is required. As always, Cast Members will work with you to understand your family’s unique needs and find the best ways to assist.
Time for some magic!
See! I told you! I told you that Disney is continuously improving their ways and implementing new accomodations to help guests with all abilities. I hope you found this blog helpful, mama! You got this!
As you know, Disney is always ever changing, so as things improve and change, I will continue to update these blogs to keep you “in the know.”
If you have any more questions, please reach out to me. And if you are planning a magical vacation to any Disney destination I would be absolutely honored to help you and your family plan that vacation.
Important Things to Note
- The Guest requesting DAS (or their parent/guardian) must be 18 years of age or older to register.
- The Guest with a qualifying disability requesting to use DAS must be present during the video call.
- Disneyland DAS Live Video Chat Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Pacific Time.
- Walt Disney World DAS Live Video Chat Hours: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time.
- If you’re not logged in to the Disney website, you’ll be prompted to log in.
- If you don’t have an account on the Disney website, you’ll need to create one before continuing.
