Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort are launching an updated disability access service (DAS) this spring. We recently reported on the rumor that Disney would be changing their DAS pass soon.
Disney Disability Access Service
The updated service will launch on May 20 at Walt Disney World and on June 18 at Disneyland Resort. It’s designed to accommodate guests with a “developmental disability like autism or similar.” No medical records will be required.
Until the official launch, DAS is valid for up to 30 days. After that, it will be valid for the length of the ticket or up to 120 days, longer than it has been before.
The party size attached to a DAS can only be four total and is restricted to immediate family members, which includes spouses, parents, and children. If there are more minors, Disney will accommodate more than four in a party.
Disneyland Resort will have a virtual video chat available ahead of time for guests to discuss needs. There will still be an in-person option at the ticket booth windows on the esplanade, not in the theme parks.
Walt Disney World also recommends pre-planning virtually. Virtual consultation will be available on the same day. In-person registration will not be available beginning on May 20.
Guests will still be able to make ride selections from the My Disney Experience and Disneyland app.
DAS usage has reportedly tripled over the past five years and become unwieldy, hence the update.
A Walt Disney World spokesperson said, “Disney is dedicated to providing a great experience for all Guests, including those with disabilities, which is why we are so committed to delivering a wide range of innovative support services aimed at helping our Guests with disabilities have a wonderful time when visiting our theme parks.”
A defined “return-to-queue” service for guests who may need to leave a queue to use the restroom will also be available in the coming months.
More details are available on the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World websites. The accessibility pages are split into the sections Mobility, Neurodivergent, Service Animals, Deaf & Hearing Loss, and Blind & Low Vision. Additional information is also available on the DAS section of the Walt Disney World website.
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This is not a good idea, especially for the invisible disabilities and other internal issues that people go through.
And what about physical disabilities and diseases that require a bathroom access often like gastroparesis, bowel resection surgery where part of their intestine was removed? Or heart patients that can’t wait hours in lines in higher temperatures? The severely diabetic who has to test often and are you going to make them break out their insulin and expose their condition and their bodies in line? I think it was short sighted to disregard all physical disabilities and diseases.