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.
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.
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MommaJoy
Saturday 22nd of June 2024
They scare me ans it seems to go against the ADA especially because you have to buy a ticket before you even know if your family has gotten the needed accommodation of the DAS.
Danielle
Thursday 20th of June 2024
These DAS changes will do more harm than good because they need to listen to actually autistic people. (Whether they are kids or adults or speaking, or non speaking)! Everyone deserves to be heard!!
Erin
Wednesday 19th of June 2024
The new DAS updates are a tragedy for individuals and families with genuine medical disabilities.
Disney is making clear that they DO NOT care about the disabled. What they care about is avoiding liability due to autistic children having violent meltdowns because a TINY fraction of the people who previously qualified are now being approved. They will not discuss any medical diagnoses; refuse to allow people to submit medical documentation, and basically are haphazardly approving some people while rejecting others with exactly the same issues/concerns.
It’s a mess and a tragedy.
Children with cancer, vets and abuse victims with PTSD, people with major medical issues like ostomy bags that require rapid access to restrooms, BLIND individuals being told to get an ECV?! Seriously?
#DoBetterDisney #DASDisaster #WhatWouldWaltDo
Katie
Wednesday 19th of June 2024
Do you have any sources for this? Any evidence of your claim that
“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+.”
Thanks!
Marie
Wednesday 19th of June 2024
Unfortunately after hearing many terrible stories of how people, autistic people included are not getting the DAS, are treated rudely, not even allowed to get a sentence out before being denied is awful. Cancer patients, veterans with PTSD, autistic people and many more are not getting the accommodations needed. Instead Disney is willing to allow medical emergencies to possibly happen in line, with people passing out, seizing, vomiting or possibly having accidents in line. Adults are being told to leave their disabled children to leave the line by themselves or vice versa their companions to wait in line while they go through what they have going on alone. All of this is so dangerous for the disabled community. We are severely suffering for the few that abused it and now many are choosing to cancel instead of being able to visit the previously most magical place on Earth.