For families like mine, the Disability Assistance Service has allowed us to navigate and enjoy the many attractions and characters throughout Walt Disney World. My oldest son was diagnosed at birth with Fragile X Syndrome, the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability and the leading known single-gene cause of autism. Although he enjoys all that Walt Disney World has to offer, it can quickly overwhelm him. My family is incredibly appreciative of this service. I have compiled a list of what are the most frequent questions (and answers too) while assisting guests in planning for their vacations.
What is the Disability Assistance Service (DAS)?
A service for Guests with a disability to schedule a return time that is comparable to the current standby wait for the given attraction. Guests whose disability is based on the necessity of using a wheelchair/scooter are not eligible for a DAS. Guests with additional needs should discuss them with Guest Relations/City Hall/Guest Experience.
Do I need documentation of a disability?
The Cast Member will ask several questions to determine eligibility. The Cast Member will not review any physician letter or medical documents. The guest requesting the DAS will need to be present for the pre-arrival or on-site registration. If deemed eligible, a photo will be taken of the Guest.
Where do I register for the DAS?
1. DAS Advance: Pre-arrival via live video chat (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/disability-access-service/register/) between 2 and 30 days prior to a park visit. If deemed eligible, the Guest will be able to select up to two DAS Advanced Selections for select attractions (subject to availability).
•The Guest requesting DAS (or their parent/guardian) must be 18 years of age or older.
•The Guest requesting to use the DAS must be present during the video call.
•Only guests who pre-register via the online chat are eligible to arrange the Advance Selections.
•Live video chat is available from7:00 AM -10 PM. Recommend requesting to join the live video chat at 7:00 AM Eastern.
•If deemed eligible, guests will speak with an additional Cast Member who will assist with the DAS Advance selections.
•All park visits must be within 30-2 days of the live chat.
•Selections will appear as plans on the My Disney Experience App.
2. On-site at Guest Relations at Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios, City Hall in Magic Kingdom or Guest Experience locations at each of the theme parks (look for Cast Members in blue shirts and/or under a blue umbrella).
How long is a DAS valid?
DAS is valid up to 60 days. Guests will need to re-register or renew every 60 days.
How many guests can be included?
Discuss this with the Cast Member. If registering pre-arrival, add your travel party to your Family & Friends list prior to the video chat, so they can be included in DAS plans. On-site registration requires all guests who are requesting to be included must be present when obtaining the DAS.
What is the difference between DAS Advance and DAS?
DAS Advance is an enhanced feature of the DAS program, that allows a guest to pre-register via an online video chat. If deemed eligible, guests can prearrange up to 2 Advance Selections for each day of their visit (subject to availability). DAS allows Guests deemed eligible to self-select same-day DAS return times.
How is a same-day DAS return time selected?
Same-day DAS return time selections can be made with the self-selection tool in the My Disney Experience app, once the guest and their party are inside the park. Tap the “More” option at the bottom right of the welcome screen. Then, tap on the DAS button to enter the self-selection tool. Guests can also obtain return times directly from a Cast Member at the attraction or Guest Experience locations.
If the DAS option does not appear on your My Disney Experience app after entering the theme park, sign out and close the app. Re-open and then sign in again.
What do we do once our DAS Advance selection or DAS return time has begun?
Approach the Lightning Lane entrance. The person assigned the DAS needs to scan their ticket/magic band first to activate the entitlement for the party. Then the rest of the party will scan their magic band/tickets.
Can I select a same-day DAS return time if I have DAS Advanced selections?
DAS Advance Selections do not impact the ability to self-select a same-day DAS return time. Guests can self-select a same-day DAS return time via the mobile app or with a Cast Member at the attraction or Guest Experience locations.
Can I choose more than one self-selected same-day DAS return time?
No. You are not able to self-select a same-day DAS option until your current entitlement is redeemed or cancelled.
What attractions are eligible for the DAS Advance selections?
More than 40 + attractions and entertainment experiences are included (subject to availability). Attractions that are offered as an Individual Lightning Lane entrance are excluded from the DAS Advance selections.
How is the DAS Advance and self-selected same-day DAS redemptions different?
DAS Advance selections must be utilized within the pre-arranged one-hour window. Self-selected same-day DAS redemption may be utilized from the designated return time until the park closes. All unused self-selected same-day DAS attraction selections will expire at park close.
Can a Guest with a DAS and/or DAS Advance selections purchase Genie + and/or Individual Lightning Lane Attractions?
Yes. A guest with DAS Advance selections and/or same-day DAS return time may combine Genie + and/or purchase Individual Lightning Lane attractions.
Can my family member stay in their stroller/wheelchair?
Waiting queues accommodate wheelchair/strollers. Some attractions require the ability to transfer. Discuss the specific attraction requirements with a Cast Member.
What if I am unsure how to use the DAS?
Please see a Cast Member at the selected attraction, Guest Relations, or Guest Experience.
member.
Your Me and The Mouse Travel Specialist is here to help! Disney also offers both an email and phone number to ask additional questions. Contact: Disability.services@disneyparks.com or (407) 560-2547.
