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Disney graciously allows Guests who cannot wait in a physical queue the opportunity to apply for the Disability Access Service (DAS). However, after widespread abuse, Disney is making several changes that will affect EVERYONE.
DAS
Guests who cannot wait in a physical standby queue for longer periods of time may benefit from Disney’s Disability Access Service. Instead of waiting in the standby line, they receive a return time that is equal to 10 minutes less than the current wait time.
That Guest and the party he/she is traveling with can then enter the Lightning Lane entrance and experience the attraction.
Do note that this is not a skip the standby opportunity. The Guest must still wait to ride the attraction. It just gives them the opportunity to wait elsewhere.
Changes
It has become increasingly more common for Guests to misuse and abuse the DAS system. Those who do not really need it are applying for it so they do not have to pay for Disney’s Genie+.
Now, Disney World and Disneyland will see some massive changes to the service on May 20 (WDW) and in June (DLR). This will help ensure DAS is used fairly by those who truly need it.
Some of the most noticeable changes are:
- Advanced pre-arrival selections will no longer be a default offering to every DAS user (we are unsure if you will have to ask for it or if they only offer it in certain scenarios or if it will not be available at all)
- Current DAS users need to re-apply
- The max number of Guests that may accompany the DAS user is 4 (exceptions for families)
- DAS enrollment increases from 60 to 120 days
- At Disney World, pre-registration or day-of regisration must both be done via virtual chat
- A “return to queue” process will also be implemented for those who need to leave an re-enter a queue (though we have no further details for that)
What does this mean for you?
DAS usage has increased 3x over in the past 5 years, so Disney hopes that by working with Inspire Health’s Alliance professionals, DAS eligibility is more consistent and thorough.
These new changes will hopefully eliminate DAS abuse and will therefore decrease the number of people using the Lightning Lane.
We will be sure to share more details as we learn them. Right now, this is all pretty new and things will continue to be fleshed out in the weeks ahead before the official change over occurs in May and June.
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Are you a DAS user? What do you think of these changes? Do they encourage you or scare you? Let us know in the comments below, and share this post with a friend.
Share the love!
Doris DuPriest
Thursday 11th of April 2024
WELL WELL ANOTHER DISNEY STUPID RULE CATERING TO TOURISTS PAYING FOR LIGHTNING LANE FIRST!!!! I don’t like it but I have to use my mobility scooter due to my disability I have C5 C6 vertebra in my neck fused C7 is pending I have had both knees replaced and I am unable to stand for long periods of time or walk too far or kneel or sit lower than my knees I have several fractures in my sacral spine surgery is not an option I have severe neuropathy in both legs to include a blood clot in my right leg I would ABSOLUTELY LOVE TO BE NORMAL AND ABLE TO WALK ALONG SIDE MY HUSBAND BUT AT 74 that is impossible so I applied for the disability access after waiting in line inside the mountain to the Falcon Ride when it was announced the ride had stopped so we made it to the exit door due to the long time spent with no access to a restroom SO YOU TELL ME why Disney intends to discriminate against disabled people except for autistic children???????? How about monitoring the parking lots when cars park as close to the entrances as possible by using disabled plaques THAT I WOULD BE WILLING TO BET THE MAJORITY OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE USING THESE CLOSE TO ENTRANCE SPACES WITH STROLLERS AND SMALL CHILDREN ARE USING STOLEN OR BORROWED PLAQUEZS
CM
Sunday 14th of April 2024
@Doris DuPriest, I totally agree with you. My husband and I both both have age-related health problems. For many reasons, we cannot physically tolerate standing in long lines. We have been using the DAS for many years. We have never abused it. Disney has made thousands of dollars from us because we generally use the waiting time to purchase food and drinks. People will be miserable if they have to wait in line behind us. Everyone is so impatient these days. I had always believed that Disney was for everyone. It seems it's just for the young and healthy and families with autistic children. This is so sad.
Carrie K
Tuesday 9th of April 2024
I wish they required medical documentation. This would probably cut the abuse in half. Yes, there are people who would find a way to provide false documentation, but Disney currently makes it so effortless to scam the system that almost anyone can do it. And then tell their friends about it. Or post about it online. So a bunch more people give it a try because what's the worst that can happen, they say no? That is why it has tripled in the past 5 years. That and the Genie+ system. People don't want to pay for something that used to be free, so now they are finding other work arounds. As a family who actually NEEDS the DAS, I'm excited about them starting to weed out the abusers.
Christy
Tuesday 9th of April 2024
Very happy about this! My daughter is a Type 1 Diabetic and truly needs this in order to enjoy Disney... but the DAS abuse outshines her perk!!!
Amy
Tuesday 9th of April 2024
I was hoping this change would include not having to return to the lightning lane line. There are times the wait in that line is quite long and sort of defeats the purpose for people who are unable to wait in traditional lines. I'm also unclear on if the party size is limited to 4 total or if 4 additional guests may accompany the DAS holder. Our party size is 5 so I'm hopeful its the latter.
ml
Tuesday 9th of April 2024
anything that depends on people having class and ethics is doomed nowadays. just look at handicapped parking and early boarding on aircraft. the majority of the time its people scamming. so disney has no choice because people suck.
Christy
Tuesday 9th of April 2024
@ml, 100%... sad truth!