The New rules and changes for DAS in Disney World

Disney World has recently conducted a significant revision of its Disability Access Service program (DAS) to reduce misuse and abuse. Here is an overview of the key changes that came into effect this month.

DAS is a service that provides qualified guests with the opportunity to wait for their turn outside the actual queue of the attraction, by being assigned a return time equal to the waiting time for the attraction at that time. Guests with disabilities can, in some cases and for various reasons, find it extremely difficult to wait in long queues. To make this easier, Disney World Disability Access Service (DAS) was introduced, and it can significantly improve your park experience if you or a family member have a disability.

In June this year, some major changes were introduced to the DAS system both in Disney World and Disneyland, which will affect who is qualified and how you register for this service. Just because you have a disability does not mean that you can automatically use DAS.

The key changes include a new definition of what qualifies for DAS, which is now intended to accommodate guests who, due to a developmental disability such as autism or a similar disorder, cannot wait in a regular queue for a long period time. The registration has also changed, as registration in the park is no longer available, and guests now have to register online. The duration of DAS has also been extended to be valid for 120 days or the length of the ticket’s validity, whichever is shortest.

Another significant change is that the ability to choose up to 2 attractions before arrival has been removed. In addition, the maximum party size for DAS accommodation will be four guests, although exceptions appear to be made for children in larger families.

Disney has also made several updates to its website to provide better clarity on what rules apply and at the same time introduced some additional services for those who do not qualify for regular DAS. Among other things, they have introduced a “return to queue” process for guests who need to leave the queue and come back. Furthermore, Disney is collaborating with Inspire Health Alliance’s healthcare personnel to assist Cast Members when needed to determine eligibility for DAS or other appropriate accommodation.

The reactions to the new rules have been mixed. Some appreciate Disney’s efforts to address misuse of the system, while others are concerned that the changes may be excluding those who need accommodation for reasons other than developmental disabilities.

These changes represent Disney’s attempt to create a more fair and accessible experience for all visitors, while taking into account the unique needs of guests with disabilities.

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