Disney DAS Registration Guide: How it Works

DAS, which stands for “Disability Access Service,” is a free service for guests with cognitive and developmental disabilities who cannot wait in a standard queue to enjoy attractions throughout Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Disney has made several updates to DAS over the past year that have impacted many guest experiences and caused confusion, overwhelm, and anxiety. We understand first-hand the benefits of DAS for those who need it! We're here to guide you through applying for DAS and using it in the parks to ensure everyone in your party enjoys their Disney vacation. Below, we break down how DAS works, its benefits, and how to register for DAS for your next Disney vacation.

Our team at Just Add Magic Travel® is here to help you plan an inclusive, accessible Disney vacation for families of all capabilities. Contact us today to plan your accessible-friendly family vacation.

How DAS Works in the Parks

DAS allows the DAS-approved guest and three other family members to select a return time for eligible attractions throughout the Disney Parks using the My Disney Experience App (MDE). Just select "DAS" from the settings or in the ride details menu. You’ll be given a return window to enter that attraction’s Lightning Lane, which is equivalent to the ride's current standby wait time. While waiting for your return time, you can experience other attractions and shows without using DAS. There's no limit to how many times you can use DAS during the day, so you can ride the same attraction multiple times using the pass. You can book a return time for another attraction 10 minutes after you redeem your first DAS selection.​

What Attractions Are Available for DAS?

Most attractions that offer standby queues are available with DAS. Once you arrive at the park, you can view DAS-eligible attractions in MDE.

What Qualifies You for DAS?

DAS is intended for guests with neurodivergent conditions and developmental disabilities, "like autism or similar," who cannot wait in a standby queue for an extended time. While there’s no specific list of conditions that qualify for DAS, Disney has clarified that it's intended for guests with cognitive conditions that make waiting and standing in line particularly challenging. DAS is generally not for guests with physical ailments and disabilities that prevent them from standing in line. Disney refers these guests to accommodations that help them get around the parks, such as wheelchairs, ECVs, and the ability to use a stroller as a wheelchair with a special tag.   

How to Register for Disney DAS

To apply for DAS, you must register online via a virtual chat with a Disney Cast Member up to 60 days before your theme park visit (make sure your theme park tickets are linked to your account in MDE before the call). We highly recommend registering online when your booking window opens, as waiting for a Cast Member to join the call and conduct the interview can take significant time. The person you're registering for DAS must be present for a short time during the interview. Each DAS pass is valid for up to 240 days at the park you’re visiting. If you plan to visit WDW and Disneyland within that timeframe, you must apply for DAS separately at each park.

DAS Registration Live Chat: What to Expect

The live chat interview takes place via video chat, so you'll need an internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone to participate. Live chats are held between 7 am and 8 pm EST. You can request a chat by going to the DAS website and selecting "Speak with a Cast Member."
     
During the live chat, the Cast Member will ask questions about your loved one’s condition to determine which services will help them best experience the parks. A healthcare professional (like a doctor or nurse) may also join the call. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your loved one’s condition, symptoms, and coping mechanisms when waiting in a long line, traveling, or being in large crowds. These questions could include, but are not limited to:

• What happens when your loved one stands in a line?
• Why is it difficult for them to wait in a line?
• What accommodations do they have at school and doctors' offices?
• What accommodations do they have when traveling, like driving long distances or going on a plane?
• What symptoms do they experience when shopping or going to a movie theater?
• How do you prepare your loved one for new experiences and activities?

You may want to gather some notes and relevant information about your loved one's condition to have on hand during the interview. However, Disney won’t ask you for diagnosis paperwork or a doctor’s note.
  
The live chat interview can take between 10 and 20 minutes, but you may need to wait just as long (or longer) to be connected with a Cast Member to conduct the interview. The person applying for DAS must be present for the interview, but typically only for a few minutes at the end of the call. The Cast Member may ask them questions and take their picture if they're eligible for DAS.

Did Disney Change the DAS System?

Yes. Disney changed several elements of the Disney DAS registration process in 2024. Aimed to eliminate fraudulent DAS usage, these changes narrowed DAS-eligible conditions, changed how DAS is used in the parks, and streamlined the ways to register for DAS. For example, Disney eliminated the ability to register for DAS on-site at Guest Relations kiosks inside the park. Disney also removed the ability to pre-book two attraction return times ahead of your trip if you preregistered. In addition, you can now register for DAS up to 60 days before your first theme park day.

What Happens if You’re Denied DAS?

With these new guidelines, some guests who were previously eligible for DAS have been denied on recent trips. Unfortunately, there's no way to know whether you'll be granted DAS before the interview process. DAS aims to allow guests to experience theme park attractions when other accommodation methods Disney offers aren't suitable. When you have your online chat to register with DAS, the Cast Member will discuss different ways to assist your loved one if they’re ineligible for DAS. This could include renting a mobility assistance device like a wheelchair or ECV, bringing calming items that will help make waiting in line more comfortable, or purchasing line-skipping services like Lightning Lane Multi-Pass or Premier Pass to cut down on the amount of time your loved one spends in line. You can also utilize Rider Swap.

Accessible Vacation Planning with Just Add Magic Travel

A Note from Aileen, owner of Just Add Magic Travel:

As a mom with multiple children on the autism spectrum, I’ve experienced the benefits of using DAS for my family at the parks. I understand that these changes may fill you with anxiety at a time when everything seems overwhelming. However, our goal at Just Add Magic Travel is to help you and your family enjoy a comfortable, accommodating vacation. While we can’t guarantee whether you’ll be eligible for DAS, we’ll work with you to provide comfortable experiences and suggestions to ensure you and your family enjoy your vacation, from scooter and stroller rentals to restaurant reservations. We are here for you. Please get in touch with us if you have any questions or want more information about planning a vacation with neurodiverse family members.
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