Disney World Disability Pass Service: A Realm For Everyone

Walt Disney World takes into account every need of its guests by providing disability pass service. They make sure that every guest enjoys their vacation at Walt Disney World regardless of their physical and mental disabilities. Long waiting lines can cause frustration to some people and might worsen their already deteriorating condition.

Therefore, to facilitate guests with disabilities, Disney World has introduced Disability Access Service (DAS), which provides guests with disabilities a chance to skip the long waiting queues. Rather than waiting in a standard line, those registered for DAS can stay in a virtual queue and return at a predetermined time.

What Is Disney World Disability Pass?

DAS is Disney’s accessibility program for guests having disabilities. Those who find waiting in line for an extended period of time very difficult. Guests can register for DAS system at both Disney World and Disneyland.

Hence, guests having disability access service passes can choose their desired return time for an eligible attraction and enjoy other rides or wait elsewhere until it’s time to return.

While waiting for return time of DAS , guests having any kind of disability may go shopping, grab food, go for a ride in a shorter wait time, or even relax in the restroom if they have a difficulty waiting for an extended period of time. So that these long wait times do not bore them.

DAS Return Time

The return time of DAS is almost equal to the current standby wait time, including or excluding 10 minutes. Return times don’t expire so that you can enjoy the attraction any time after the given return time on the same day.

However, you cannot make another DAS Pass ride selection until you redeem the first one. If the return time is very long, it will reflect that. Remember, you can only have one DAS return time at a time, so this will tie it up the DAS.

Moreover, there is no a predefined list of disabilities or conditions that qualify for Disney’s Disability Access Service. There are a lot of conditions/disabilities that may be eligible, as Disney issues DAS passes in order to help guests who cannot tolerate waiting in the regular standby queue at select attractions across Walt Disney World.

How To Calculate DAS Return Time?

A DAS holder can use the Disney world disability pass at the attraction as long as there is a cast member available. Cast members can evaluate your wait time and assign you the DAS pass return time.

Anyone in the party included on the DAS Pass can make a DAS Pass return time selection through My Disney Experience. It is necessary for the registered DAS pass guests to remain available when redeeming a return time to get on the attraction using DAS pass.

However, the DAS is separate from the Genie+. While using it, you do have to use any DAS passes you have before you can go for any other ride using the DAS pass.

If you go to a ride while waiting for your DAS pass return time, it will not affect it. However, if you want to use the DAS to line up using online process, you have to use the DAS passes you already have, before you can book another DAS pass.

History Of Disney World Disability pass Service

Initially, Disney used to allow anyone with a visible disability to jump the line. But back in 2013, Disney introduced a disability access service, commonly known as DAS.

Additionally, Disney brought this change because it had caught on to people with disabilities hanging around outside the parks and waiting for people who did not want to wait in line so that they could hire them for the day.

So, instead of allowing guests to skip the line, Disney designed the WDW disability pass. It provides assistance for guests and families with disabilities to navigate more easily and enjoy the parks. The intention is to help guests who have difficulty waiting in long standby queue.

Requirements For Qualifying For Disney World Disability Pass

Walt Disney World requires you to provide proof of your disability in order to get a DAS pass. When you register for DAS Pass, you don’t need to worry about what disabilities qualify for DAS at Disney World.

There isn’t a list of “approved” disabilities. Any condition that is not related to mobility and makes waiting in a standby queue difficult will qualify.

However, it is not mandatory to provide a diagnosis. And they will not ask for doctor’s papers due to legal concerns. Even if you are not providing a diagnosis, you must sign the terms and conditions agreement document stating that there is a legitimate handicap.

How To Get Disney DAS At Walt Disney World

It was easier before Covid to apply for Disney’s disability access service. But ever since the pandemic, Disney has provided the online appointment option in order to facilitate its guests. Currently, there are two methods available at Walt Disney World:

1. Pre-registering online appointment with a cast member

2. Visiting guest relations physically at any park

During both the physical and virtual registration process, a cast member will ask you how a DAS pass can really help you. If you are not already a registered member, you’ll have to briefly discuss all the concerns with the cast members.

Signing Up Physically For Disney World Disability Pass Service

To sign up physically for DAS at Disney World, you will have to first enter the park of your choice with a valid entrance and head toward the guest relations.

Every park has a guest relation at the park entrance, for example, the city hall in the Magic Kingdom. You can prove your disability at the entrance in order to get access to the Disability Access Service.

Although the waiting-in-line option at guest relations locations is not up to the mark for guests with disabilities. They have to tend to all the guests at once.

So, it makes it harder for them to provide assistance to all of them. Unfortunately, this is the only option if you are unable to get an online registration.

Pre-registering Virtually For DAS At Disney World

Even though things have quite changed due to Covid, you can still register yourself physically. However, Disney has also introduced an online registration system where you can easily chat with the cast member who approves or disapproves of your Disney DAS pass.

Furthermore, you can make an online appointment 30 days before visiting Disney World. You can not book an appointment in less than 48 hours before your visit.

To assist the person with a disability, there can also be a person with him/her on the call. As a result, if you are helping someone with the application or have a minor applying, you can be on the live video call.

In addition, the Guest Experience Team can help answer questions about attraction wait times, showtimes, directions and general questions about the Disney World parks. The individual requesting DAS must be present when registering, either in the video call or in person.

DAS Travel Group

Moreover, having your entire travel group on the Family & Friends in the My Disney Experience app or physically checking in with you at Guest Services is essential. If your party wishes to use the DAS system, they must be with the person who qualified for the DAS pass.

It will be mandatory for each member of your party to download and set up the My Disney Experience app before the video call so that cast members can connect the DAS pass to the account of your entire party. It will allow you all to have the same DAS pass selection.

You will speak with a Cast Member during your live video chat to request a DAS pass. The person who requires the DAS must be present. Any member of your party, such as a guardian, can make the the request.

PRO TIPS

There may be a significant wait for a Cast Member to live chat with you. So, be online right at 7 am, 30 days before your trip, for the best chance of registering quickly.

By pre-registering yourself, you receive two DAS advance selections at the end of your chat. You don’t need to spend time registering for DAS while at the parks.

The drawbacks of pre-registering include long wait times for an available Cast Member to live chat. Sometimes it could be eight hours or more! You only get 10 minutes to answer when a Cast Member becomes available.

Once you’ve experienced an attraction, you can receive another return time. You can receive more return-times for attractions when you can book return times on the My Disney Experience app or in person at the attraction or Guest Relations.

You can choose another return time for the same attraction or a different one as soon as you tap in twice in the queue. Another member of your party can obtain a return time, but the guest with DAS must enter the attraction first before the other party members.

Places To Get A DAS At Disney World

Disney has officially made it clear that you can get your DAS pass at the guest relations. The guest relation is located at the main entrance of all four theme parks.

You must have a visible or invisible handicap to qualify. If you use a wheelchair or ECV but have other disabilities that make it difficult to wait in a regular queue, you may still be eligible for a DAS.

Guest Relations Locations

The DAS will be good for use in all four parks. However, you can get it in the Guest relation of any first park you enter. It will last up to 60 days. You can have up to six people added to your account. That includes the person needing the Disney disability pass plus five more. 

If you have more than that at your party, speak with Guest Relations. They may be able to accommodate you. This usually requires the involvement of a supervisor.

If you have more than six persons tied to your Disney handicap pass, keep in mind that some attractions will not be able to accommodate that bigger group.

Everyone in your party will need to be present when you get your DAS.

Following are the locations of guest relations in order to access disability access services.

Animal Kingdom

It is located in this this park just before you enter the park, outside the park entrance, on the left-hand side.

Also, to the left, it is just after you enter the park.

Magic Kingdom

In Magic Kingdom, Outside the park, there’s a window just before the park entrance on the right side.

And inside the park, it is located in the City Hall lobby, to the left of the park entrance.

Hollywood studios

In Hollywood Studios, guest relations is located outside the park; there’s a window just outside the park entrance, on the left.

However, inside the park, it is near the park entrance, in the Guest Relations lobby near the turnstiles on the far left.

Epcot

In Epcot, it is outside the front of the park to the far right of the main entrance. And near Spaceship Earth on the life side after entering the park.

It is also located at the entrance to the International Gateway – World Showcase entrance, outside the park.

What Can Disney world disability Pass Do For You?

You don’t need to show paperwork or proof of your illness or condition. Once you are eligible by Disney for a DAS Pass, you can select return times for attractions using the My Disney Experience app.

The return times for these rides are comparable to current standby wait times. Each DAS Pass can have up to six people to enjoy the ride altogether.

However, there are some severe disabilities that can qualify for a DAS pass, they include:

1) Disabilities that make waiting for extended periods in the standby line difficult.

2) Conditions that worsen with sun exposure, heat, or other outdoor elements.

3) Cognitive disorders that make staying in line a challenge.

What disney DAS Pass Can Not Do For You?

It is responsibility of Disney to determine what kind of disabilities can and cannot qualify for a DAS pass. As Disability Access Service is based on person’s ability to wait in line and not stand in line. Just because someone cannot stand in line doesn’t make them eligible for the DAS pass.

The DAS system is an electronic queue. While it doesn’t require physically waiting in line, it does have a set return time that is about as long as it would take you to go through the Standby Line.

Following is the list of disabilities that can not qualify for the Disney DAS pass:

1) Mobility restrictions.

2) Conditions that require a wheelchair or a scooter.

3) Disabilities that do not affect a guest’s ability to wait in line.

Alternatives Of DAS At Disney World

Disney DAS pass isn’t accessible to every guest. Therefore, Walt Disney Company has another alternative for guests who are not able to endure the long wait time.

Disney has introduced a paid Genie+ service to use the lightning lane entrances. You can find the Disney Genie+ service in the My Disney Experience app.

Disney Genie+ allows you to enter the attractions twice or thrice a day using the lightning lane passes. Guests with valid theme park ticket and reservation for the same park on the same day can also purchase the Disney Genie+ service on the day they visit Disney World.

Genie+ grants you access to each attraction one time; after that, you’ll need to use the regular standby queue if you’d like to ride again. It’s also possible to purchase individual Lightning Lane access for specific rides.

This is restricted to the most sought-after rides, which are not included in standard Genie+ packages. Purchasing individual Lightning Lane access allows you to skip the standby line and enter through the Lightning Lane standby queue.

List Of Available Attractions With DAS Passes

Disney’s DAS program is very convenient for all travelers with disabilities. It enables people with disabilities who are unable to endure lengthy waits in regular lines to engage in other activities while they wait virtually.

Registering for DAS can be done in person or online. Those who pre-register can make advanced selections for rides.

Whatever you choose, be ready to answer questions about the disability as Disney seeks to weed out those looking to skip the line. 

Most attraction lines are wheelchair accessible, and each attraction entrance includes information about how guests in wheelchairs or scooters may experience each attraction.

The DAS can also be used on any ride or attraction with a listed wait time and an alternate entrance (often the Genie+ queue).

Finally, the DAS can be utilised at attractions as long as the Cast Member at the attraction can assess the projected wait time and there is a means to enter the attraction without going through the regular queue.

Here is the list of all the available attractions, in all four theme parks, with DAS Passes:

Magic Kingdom

• The Barnstormer

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

• Dumbo the Flying Elephant

• Haunted Mansion

• “It’s a Small World”

• Jungle Cruise

• Mad Tea Party

• Magic Carpets of Aladdin

•  Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

• Mickey’s PhilharMagic

• Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor

• Peter Pan’s Flight

• Pirates of the Caribbean

• Splash Mountain (Currently Closed)

• Tomorrowland Speedway

• Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid

• Select character meet and greets:

  • Mickey at Town Square Theater

  • Princesses at Princess Fairytale Hall

Hollywood Studios

• Alien Swirling Saucers

• Beauty & The Beast Live on Stage

• Disney Junior Play and Dance!

• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

• Muppet*Vision 3D

• Rock’ n’ Roller Coaster

• Slinky Dog Dash

• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

• Tower of Terror

• Toy Story Mania!

• Select character meet and greets:

  • Disney Stars at Red Carpet Dreams

  • Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight

Animal Kingdom

• Conservation Station

• Festival of the Lion King

• DINOSAUR

• Feathered Friends in Flight!

• Avatar Flight of Passage

• It’s Tough to be a Bug!

• Kali River Rapids

• Kilimanjaro Safaris

• Na’vi River Journey

Epcot

• Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival

• Journey Into Imagination With Figment

• Living with the Land

• Mission: SPACE

• The Seas with Nemo & Friends

• Soarin’ Around the World

• Spaceship Earth

• Test Track

• Turtle Talk With Crush

How To Use Disney World Disability Pass

Disney’s Disability Access Service provides help to the guests with conditions and disabilities that make waiting in line for extended periods difficult.

Validity of DAS pass lasts up to 60 days after registering. So, you won’t need to reapply each day of your vacation, given that your trip is less than two months long.

The person with the disability doesn’t need to be present at guest relations locations. It can be anyone connected with the DAS. Inform the Cast Member at the attraction/ride’s entrance that you require a DAS return time.

The Cast Member (or the app) will give you a return time based on the attraction’s current Standby Wait Time. If the return time is very long, your DAS will reflect this.

Remember, you can only have one DAS return time at a time, which will tie up the DAS.

The DAS is different from the Genie, Genie+, or just joining a line, but you do have to use any DAS passes you have before you can book another ride using the DAS pass.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I Need Genie+ If I Have A Disney World Disability Pass?

Yes, it is wise to have a Genie+ as well as DAS pass while you visit Disney World. DAS pass is only available for very a few attractions. Therefore, having both gives your party an opportunity to enjoy as many rides/attractions as possible.

However, some people love having Genie+, Individual Lightning Lanes, and the DAS all together. They feel you can really get more rides in, especially in Animal Kingdom and Epcot.

At Magic Kingdom, it is almost as helpful, and some people find it the most beneficial because it has the most Genie+ included rides.

Individual Lightning Lanes are for those who want headliners. However, DAS provides you with the headliners without paying extra for them.

Families may try Genie+ once and then just return to using the DAS. Rides are not always available with Genie+ as the day proceeds. They are always available with DAS.

DAS does not require any more purchases with the Disney Genie+ system. Any attraction with a traditional standby line can issue DAS return times.

Only certain attractions are available for pre-arrival Advance Selections, but all attractions are available day-of.

How To Qualify For Disney World Disability Pass Service?

To qualify for the Disney DAS, you don’t need to show proof of your disability or have a doctor’s note at the guest location to be eligible for a DAS Pass.

In order to know that what disabilities qualify for DAS at Disney World, you need to explain why your, your child’s, or any other member’s condition or disability makes waiting in line an arduous task and how a DAS Pass would help you and your family enjoy the Disney parks.

Every guest that requires a DAS can have one by meeting all the required terms and conditions. The others in your party can be linked to each DAS holder.

However, there’s no limit to how many DAS holders they can be linked to. This manner, non-DAS users in your party can ride and visit attractions alongside DAS users.

However, a person with a DAS can not be linked to another person with a DAS. Also, a person related to a DAS holder can only be included in one return time at a time.

What Documentation Is Needed For Disney World Disability Pass?

It is necessary that the person requesting DAS at Disney World must be present and must have a park ticket or a Magic Band with them to complete the entire process.

It will take about 10 to 15 minutes to complete the process. In addition, guest relations Disney has well-versed cast members. They will walk you through the DAS process.

You are not need to provide any information regarding your or the person’s disability. You must outline the accommodations required to experience the park to the fullest. The better DAS functions for you, the more information you share about your needs.

This is a unique program that is customizable to fit your particular needs. Your family’s special demands can include the need for a quiet place to wait rather than having to wait in the queue, a pass that allows you to carry a pram right up to the ride’s loading area, or other things.

Does DAS Work With Disney Genie And Lightning Lane?

Genie continues to operate in the same manner as previously, with the ability to receive return times equivalent to the standby wait. DAS does not require the purchase of Genie+ or individual options.

DAS return times are available for any ride with a standby wait time. With virtual queue attractions (currently Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Tron Lightcycle / Run), all members must first join the virtual queue.

When they call your boarding group, the cast member will instruct you on how to use DAS.

Except for those attractions that use the individual Lightning Lane, almost all attractions are available for advance selection. Essentially, all of the attractions that are available through Genie+ are also available through Advance Selections. People still use DAS for the remaining two attractions in each park, but only for day-of selection.

To completely maximize your day, you can mix DAS and Genie+ or separate Lighting Lane options. If you purchase Genie+, you can choose Genie+ options in addition to DAS return times.

You can also buy individual Lightning Lanes and choose an arrival time. All of these routes make use of the Lightning Lane entrances.

While DAS return times necessitate waiting the entire standby time, Genie+ selections can be set for the next available time window and used immediately. You do not need to purchase Genie+ when using DAS, however there may be occasions when using both is beneficial, such as during peak holiday periods.

How Many Reservations Can I Get?

There is only one active return time at any moment. This is distinct from the Advance Selections, of which you may have up to two every day. Advance selections and return times can both be active at the same time.

In the My Disney Experience app, both Advance Selections and return times will be displayed as plans the entire time.

Is it possible to cancel a reservation? For example, suppose I make a reservation for the Haunted Mansion but then decide to ride the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at the same time.

Yes! You can easily change or cancel return times in the My Disney Experience app. Although, anyone in the party can change the reservation the reservation, but the passenger with DAS must enter the attraction.

How Many People Can I Connect To My DAS?

You can add up to six individuals to your account. This includes the individual who need the DAS as well as five others. If your party is larger, please contact Guest Relations. They might be able to work with you. This normally necessitates the involvement of a supervisor. If you have more than 6 persons tied to your DAS, be in mind that some attractions will not be able to accept that larger group.

Everyone in your party must be present when you obtain your DAS, so that cast member can add you to the system as a member of your party. This gives them the ability to accompany you on the rides and attractions. If you arrive later, you must take them to Guest Relations and have them added to your DAS.

If you have more than one DAS in your party and want to enjoy the same ride, you must both obtain a Return Time. Alternatively, if each DAS bearer wishes to visit various attractions, they can. Members of your party, however, can only be mentioned in one return time at a time.

Do I need Disney Disability Pass At The Start Of Each Day?

Disney World disability access pass is not needed at the start of each day. Once you are eligible for Disney DAS service, you can use it for the next 60 days. Pre-registration enables you to virtually register for DAS by participating in a live video chat with a Cast Member.

Additionally, you can do DAS Pass registration 30 days prior to the first day of your theme park visit and at least 48 hours before your trip.

Guests can request DAS for multiple reasons including cognitive or physical disabilities. However, it is not just a pass for those who don’t like waiting. Therefore, it is necessary to make sure your DAS eligibility is right.

Disney will permanently ban and revoke all park tickets, annual passes or other purchased park ticket if it finds a guest dishonest in obtaining the disability access service.

Disney can permanently If a guest makes false statements about their DAS eligibility, Disney could permanently ban them from the US parks and forfeit any existing tickets, passes, or reservations without a refund.

DAS arrangements are available on a case-by-case basis. Although the standard is six total in a party, including the DAS user, but it couldn’t hurt to ask when you request a DAS. However, you must have a back-up plan as it’s not a guarantee.

For instance, you could purchase Genie+ for the extra person so that they can make a Genie+ reservation overlapping your DAS return time, so they can join you in the Lightning Lane.

Can Disney Disability Pass Be Used For Parade And Fireworks?

There are no specific or reserved areas in order to utilize your DAS pass. It varies case by case basis, but once you get a DAS you can use it to your advantage.

Those concerned about the usage of Disney DAS pass can visit guest relations in four Disney parks in order to know what accommodations are available for the parade or fireworks viewing.

Although there are some specific shows and special viewing areas on parade routes for guests with disabilities, but they are not reserved for guests having disabilities and are on a first-come, first-served basis.