Traveling to Walt Disney World is an exciting experience. However, it can also be overwhelming. If you or a person you are traveling with have a disability that limits the ability to wait in a conventional queue environment, Disney has a system to make things a bit less stressful. The current program is called the Disability Access Service (DAS) pass. We used the pass last spring and would like to share some useful information about it.
Getting the DAS Pass
You will need to go to Guest Services at a park to set up the DAS pass. This can be done inside or outside each park. We went shortly after we got to Disney. We had planned on spending that evening in a park, but we never actually got inside the park, because the line was very long and by the time we actually got the pass, our child was ready to go back to the hotel. I do highly recommend getting it the night before your first full park day if possible. This can help prevent missed park time. There is no medical documentation needed, but you will be asked to explain why exactly the person needs the pass to wait outside the lines.
How it Works
Once you have the pass, you will visit the attraction you want to ride. The person with the DAS does not have to approach the attraction. Anyone who has been put on the pass by guest services can request a return time. The Cast Member at the attraction will give you a return time for that attraction that is typically based on the current wait time minus ten minutes. You can only get one DAS at a time, but you can use an existing fast pass, ride a ride with little wait time, or find somewhere quiet to rest while you wait. For example, if you want to ride Peter Pan’s Flight and it has a 70 minute wait time, they will likely have you come back in an hour. During this time, you can find rides in the area with typically low wait times such as the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel and the Mad Tea Party. After that, you can sit or have a snack until it is your return time. Our daughter discovered she loved popcorn during our trip, so we would refill our popcorn bucket and find an off the path place to sit. Since Disney banned smoking in the parks, the former smoking areas are now wonderful places to take a break!
A Few Other Things You Should Know
The DAS pass is not given out for mobility based disabilities. If you cannot stand in line, they will recommend you use a wheelchair or scooter. As someone with a rare disease that comes with both mobility and non-mobility related issues, I highly recommend either taking your own wheelchair or renting a scooter from an off-site company. Renting a scooter daily from the parks can get expensive and there is a lot of walking involved outside the parks. If you believe that a DAS card alone will not accommodate a specific disability, please talk with guest services about the specific needs. Disney is probably one of the most accommodating places on earth. They may not be able to address every specific need, but they do try to make every guest’s visit enjoyable. Even though they do not require documentation, please only use this program if it is something that your family needs. The former disability pass was widely abused, so the current DAS was designed to help prevent some of that abuse.
We would love to hear from you! What are your tips for surviving a Disney trip? If you or a loved one has a disability, have you used the DAS system? What other disability friendly travel destinations has your family visited?
I haven’t heard of this pass before, but that’s wonderful that they make it available to those who need it. We just spent three days at the parks last month with a total of 13 people including boys aged 3, 4, 5, and 6. We had a blast and the Fast Passes saved us so much time. It was all of the kids first time to Disney, and my first time using the Fast Passes. You’re right about the prices of things in the parks. We ended up having stroller issues and needed to rent one for one of the days and it was a lot just for a stroller!
It was not something I knew a lot about before our last trip. We rented a stroller for my daughter from an off site company because the in park ones looked uncomfortable and it ended up costing much less than renting daily.
It sounds like a really good pass. It’s great that the DAS pass is available for those that need it. I’m sure it really does come in handy.
I didn’t know this pass was available! I’ll have to send this information on to friends I know will benefit from it. Thank you!
It is on Disney’s website, but I have noticed that a lot of people who just visit Disney for a day or two on their Orlando vacation do not realize it is available. Disney has been offering help for people with non mobility based disabilities for years, but now most other parks are also stepping up to offer similar programs.
I hoad no idea that was a DAS pass. It is a great thing to have for those who need it. Those lines can be awefully long.
The lines can get long. Growing up, the line was always part of the excitement, but there are some people who just need another way to wait because of a disability. I’m so glad Disney offers a program for those special needs.
I didnt know about this pass. I am planning to visit Disney World soo and really looking forward to it.
My tips for surviving a Disney trip is to always stay hydrated. It can be so incredibly hot and with so much going on you can easily forget.
Staying hydrated is so important!
I am so glad this exists for people! I think its a great service to provide
I didn’t know about this pass, honestly! I’m so happy it exists since it’s super useful service and it will help a lot of people!
I didn’t know that this was a thing at Disney. I’m glad to hear that this is a thing though. Everyone should have the option to experience Disney.
I like that anyone on the pass can request a return time. It’s a pain if only one person can do it!
That is an amazing feature. A large precentage of the families who use the pass have a child with autism or a cognative disability, so making the child go to each ride then leave without riding would make things very difficult.
I have never visited Disney World. It is great that the DAS pass is available for those that need it.
This is really great info! I love that Disney makes every effort to accommodate people with disabilities!
Wow what a great idea. Not heard of the DAS pass before, but I am sure many people will thank you for writing this for sure xx
We use the das Pass every time we go to Disney!!! It’s not perfect, but Disney does get points for being a tad bit better than the other theme parks when it comes to special needs
Disney is probably one of the best places for a special needs family to visit. I know a lot of people do miss the old system, but we just appriciate that are trying to accommodate special needs while cutting down the fraud that ruined the old system.
You can now get your next ride time at the new Guest Experience kiosks located throughout all the parks but Epcot, which will cut down on the running back and forth for mom.
We tried those out at magic kingdomwhen we were there, but we didn’t see them at any other parks at the time. The staff at those were very helpful!
It’s so nice to hear that Disney has a program like this! I hope that it is not abused. Nice also to hear that smoking is banned in the park!!
The previous program was abused, but the changes they made make it a lot less tempting for people to use if they do not need it. We were so happy about smoking getting banned in the parks!
This is such a great article!