Disney Extends Disability Access Service (DAS) Registration Window at Both Disneyland and Walt Disney World

Gretchen McDermid

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The image captures a vibrant, colorful castle adorned with blue spires and gold accents. As part of the daily recap, people can be seen strolling through the area, enjoying the clear day's enchanting atmosphere.

Disney Extends Disability Access Service (DAS) Registration Window at Both Disneyland and Walt Disney World

Following a recent wording change to the official Disability Access Service website, Disney has now changed the length of the registration window for the service at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World. The new changes have already taken effect.

Disney Expands DAS Registration Window

The image captures a vibrant, colorful castle adorned with blue spires and gold accents. As part of the daily recap, people can be seen strolling through the area, enjoying the clear day's enchanting atmosphere.

The newest change to the DAS program is an extended window for registering for the service. Previously, guests were required to determine their DAS eligibility by chatting with a Cast Member 30 days prior to their park visit. Now, the new wording on the website has expanded this window to 60 days, doubling the length of the registration period. The new wording on the site states:

Guests may discuss their needs with a Cast Member via live video chat as soon as 60 days prior to their park visit. Cast Members will work with Guests individually to discuss specific requests and offer assistance.

As the wording mentions, the process for applying to the DAS program has not changed. However, now guests have nearly two months to determine if they will be admitted into the DAS program prior to the beginning of their planned park visit. This extended window will allow guests additional time to make informed decisions about their upcoming vacation.

Additionally, the longer window will allow potential DAS applicants to determine their eligibility prior to the refund date for a Disney Vacation Package. Disney resort reservations included with a Vacation Package are only fully refundable 30 days prior to the reservation’s check-in date. Since the previous DAS window started at 30 days, applicants would be required to pay a hotel cancellation fee if they were denied DAS and decided to cancel a trip. Now, guests will be able to see if they are eligible and make reservation decisions based on the results.

The Disability Access Service

A mountain at sunset with a futuristic monorail and yellow submarines on a lake, surrounded by trees and palm trees.

This change follows a series of small adjustments made to the DAS website following the controversial limitations added in 2024. Disney updated the requirements for DAS in early 2024, changing the program to limit the types of people who could apply. The new limitations were met with widespread criticism, as guests with alternate needs like Narcolepsy or terminal illness were denied access because they didn’t fall into the category of developmental disabilities. Guests denied the service were also told to practice waiting in line at home prior to their visit.

Following public outcry, Disney has made a few small changes to the website’s wording, including expanding the Disability Access Service validity period to 240 days after being accepted.

Another recent wording adjustment was made to the Disability Access Service eligibility statement. The website previously stated “DAS is one of the programs offered at Walt Disney World Resort theme parks intended to accommodate only 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.” The wording of the statement was changed to remove the word “only” from “only Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar.” This change potentially opens the DAS to guests beyond those with developmental disabilities. No exact information has been shared yet regarding this change, and Disney has made no public statement regarding the new wording.

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1 thought on “Disney Extends Disability Access Service (DAS) Registration Window at Both Disneyland and Walt Disney World”

  1. In 2024 I got a DAS pass via phone visit.I was with 2 Grandsons and 1 great Grandson. In 4 days at Disneyworld we used my DAS pass 4 times. Twice in the Magic Kingdom and twice at Epcot. I am 86 years old and could not have enjoyed those rides with the GGrand without that extra help. I have learned that the changes probably won’t let me have the DAS pass again, so I am not going to visit this year with 1 Grandson and 3 GGranddaughters I hate to think years from now when looking back the girls will think that I played favorites.

    Reply

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