Last Updated on August 4, 2022 by Heather
Walt Disney World is one of the most visited theme parks in the world. Even people with special needs can get a DAS and have the magical experience of visiting the park. If you or one of your family members or friends have any kind of disability you might wonder, “What disabilities qualify for DAS at Disney World?”
Any person having a disability, physical or mental that causes difficulty for the person to wait in line or fully enjoy the park will be eligible for DAS.
But not everyone with any kind of disability will qualify for DAS. There are some requirements you must have to fulfill to get the chance of having this pass. You might also be curious to know how you can make use of this service. I will discuss them further in the article and help you find the answers to your questions.
Eligibility for Getting DAS at Disney World
Disability Access Service (DAS) is a wonderful attempt by Disney to help disabled people. This service is also known as the Disney disability pass. It allows everyone irrespective of their disability to completely enjoy all the rides and attractions of the park.
Disney World is a bit crowded. Lots of people come to visit the parks from different countries every day. So, no wonder the waiting times of the rides are pretty long. As stated in an article by diz-abled.com, many lines for different rides are more than one quarter to half a mile long.
Waiting for a long time in a queue is a very tiring job even for physically and mentally fit people. So, it is substantially difficult for people with disabilities. DAS serves as a great source of help for them. But, this service is not meant for every person with any kind of disability. You need to meet certain criteria to get the DAS card.
Here I am going to discuss a few things you need to know about qualification for DAS at Disney World-
1. Disabilities that make waiting in traditional line hard
People can face trouble standing in a long line due to their disability. If your disability creates a barrier for you to wait in lines, then the disability pass is exactly what you need. Many people have some kind of disability that makes their health condition worse if they wait in a long line. DAS is a lifesaver for these people.
2. Disabilities that cause reactions staying in crowds
You don’t necessarily have to have a visible disability to get the DAS. Disabilities like autism spectrum, ADHD also qualifies for getting a DAS.
These types of disabilities can cause reactions if you stay between lots of people. So, waiting in a crowded line for a long time can take a toll on the health of people having these disorders. That’s why people with disabilities like autism are eligible for getting DAS.
3. Disabilities except for only mobility challenges
As mentioned earlier, DAS is for people who find it difficult to wait in a traditional line due to their disability. But if your only concern is mobility problems then DAS is not meant for you.
Disney World already has the facility of renting a wheelchair or ECV for people with mobility problems. So, only mobility-related issues that can get solved by using mobility devices are not acceptable for DAS. If you have a mobility problem but also have some other disability that hinders you to wait in line then you may get DAS.
How to Use DAS at Disney World?
DAS lets you wait outside of the queue at any place you are comfortable. But you need to wait for the same amount of time for every ride as anyone else. You should get the DAS only if you find it difficult to wait in long lines for your disability.
If you or someone you are familiar with is eligible for DAS, then you must stay informed about how you can use the service. Now I am going to cover the topic on how to use DAS at Disney World for your further help-
1. Get your DAS pass from Guest Relations or pre-register before your arrival via a online video call
Das Advance pre-registration
There are two ways to activate your DAS. One is before your vacation you can pre-register for your DAS Advance via an online live video chat. During that time you will be able to book two one hour return windows for up to two select attractions. To use this option your visits must be within 2 to 30 days of the live chat. You can also book additional DAS selections of the day of your visit via your mobile Genie app once within the parks.
Register at Guest Services at the entrance of any the parks
You can get the pass from guest relations located inside the main four theme parks of Disney World. You don’t have to show any legal documents to get the pass. You just have to explain to the cast members that you have a disability that makes it difficult to wait in lines. The person getting the DAS will also have their picture taken.
- The person for whom you need a DAS must be present while getting the pass.
- You can have up to 6 people attached to your DAS including the person who needs it.
- DAS is generally valid for 14 days and 60 days for annual pass holders.
2. Schedule your DAS selection via your Genie app.
You no longer need to report to ride locations and have a cast member schedule your return time. You can now use your Genie app ( Disney’s newest version of the My Disney Experience) to schedule your return time for your ride of choice once inside the parks. You must have first registered for your DAS via the online method or with Guest Services to initiate this service. Once initiated you will see the DAS option at the bottom of your screen when using the Genie App. This only works once inside the theme park and you may need to refresh if you don’t see it at first.
Once inside the park tap the more button at the bottom right of the welcome screen. Then tap on the DAS button. Then you can select what your next attraction of choice will be. You will receive a return time and your all set! You can continue to go back and do this again once your current DAS has been used. If you change your mind you can cancel it and make a new selection.
I would like to give you a few suggestions here-
- Consider getting your first return time for the ride or attraction having the longest waiting time.
- Use this time to go on other rides with shorter wait times after getting return time.
3. Wait for your Return Time
When you get a return time then you have to wait. DAS allows you to wait anywhere you are comfortable rather than waiting in the queue. You can do anything you would like to do during the waiting times.
- Go to a restaurant and eat something to pass the time.
- Visit the stores.
- Go on other rides or attractions.
But keep in mind that you can only get one return time at a time using your DAS. The only exception to this is if you pre-register using the online chat and then you will be allowed two selections before your trip. So, if you want to go on another ride during your waiting times you have to do it via a regular line or you can pay for Lightening Lane if you wish. Personally I like to just grab a snack or shop a bit.
The return time does not expire but you cannot book another attraction until you either cancel your current DAS selection or until you use it.
4. Go Back to the Ride Once Your Time Arrives
Once your return time arrives you have to go back to the ride or attraction. Sometimes you might have to wait in line even after your return time is over. But it’s usually a very short time.
While going on the ride the DAS holder must be present. The cast members will scan the magic band of the DAS holder and then allow other members attached to the DAS to go in.
5. Obtain a New Return Time
After completing your ride or attraction you can go on to get another return time. Thankfully, there is no limit to using the DAS pass. You can use it as many times as you want. But only for one ride or attraction at a time.
When you are done with your previous ride, you can again obtain a new return time for the same ride or any other ride or attraction you want.
Conclusion
Disney World’s Disability Access Service ensures every visitor gets an amazing experience at the park. Now you know what disabilities qualify for DAS at Disney World and also how you can make the proper use of it. So, don’t hesitate to use the service if you need it and have fun.
