Disney have just updated their page about DAS (Disability Access Service) with information about how the system is changing from the 20th May 2024 in Florida and the 18th Une 2024 in Anaheim.
What is DAS
DAS is a system used in both Disneyworld in Florida and Disneyland in Anaheim, it allows guests with some disabilities to ‘virtually queue’ for attractions if they cannot stand in the regular standby queue. Note: this is different to the Virtual Queues for TRON, Cosmic Rewind and certain special events like the runDisney shops.
To comply with the The Americans with Disabilities Act, which guarantees people with disabilities equal access to all services, Disney created the DAS scheme in 2013 and it’s gone through several changes since then. Both the existing system and it’s updated version are based on the Fastpass+ / Genie+ system. It allows disabled guests to wait the equivalent current wait time of the standby queue but allows them to be elsewhere in the same park or watching a show. Once the return comes, the disabled guest then access the queue via the Genie+ lane.
Currently guests who have issues walking or standing cannot use DAS, as they have the option to use wheel chairs and scooters in the queues. All attractions in Disney California Adventure and all Disney World Parks are step free, with the original Disneyland having some attractions that are not due to their age and design.
The Changes to DAS
From May / June this year, the process for getting DAS will change so that only guests with neurologically conditions such as Autism will be eligible for DAS. All other guests who cannot wait for the attraction in the standby queue will be offered the chance to leave and rejoin the queue. As of the 9th April 2024, no firm details have been provided on this system.
Additionally, all disabled guests registering for DAS will need to have a virtual call with a Disney Cast Member. In person registration will not be allowed. Concerningly, this information is only available on the US Disney Parks website. We had to get this information using a VPN to fake our location to New York. We really hope Disney will update the UK website sooner rather than later.
Disney are still keeping the process in house, unlike Six Flags, Universal and Merlin who work with third parties to handle medical data and issue their disability pass schemes. Disney have committed to training additional Cast Members to handle the DAS video calls, including new ASL translators and specialists in neurological conditions.
What does this mean for me?
If you currently qualify for DAS, check the updated guidance on the DAS website to see if you still qualify.
Any existing DAS passes are valid until the updated rules come into affect in May or June.
Make sure you start applying for DAS early, you can do it up to 30 days before your first visit.
DAS for WDW is valid only for WDW, DAS for DLR is only valid for DLR. If you plan to visit both, you’ll need to apply to each location.
Why are Disney making this change?
Disney have reported that DAS usage has tripled in the last 5 years, with some people taking advantage of DAS once the free Fastpass+ was replaced with the paid for Genie+ and Lightning Lanes. It’s also rumoured that some influencers were abusing the system too, although that has not been confirmed. This move is trying to slim down the number of DAS users at each park while still staying within US Law.
There is this ominous warning on the DAS page, it’s very rare to see this strong language used on a public facing Disney site.
If it is determined that any of the statements a Guest made in the process of obtaining DAS are not true, the Guest will be permanently barred from entering Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort, and any previously purchased Annual Passes , Magic Key passes, tickets and other park products and services will be forfeited and not refunded.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/disability-access-service/#faqItem3
This is just how serious Disney are taking this issue. It’s a shame that some legitimate users of DAS now will not be able to use it in the future, and we hope that the ‘leave and rejoin the queue’ process is easy and straightforward.
This is yet another issue that has arisen due to the COVID-19 era budget cuts to the resorts. With the demise of free Fastpass+, some people have switched to DAS rather than Genie+. Some will be legitimate users who needed some support but not full DAS, where Fastpass+ was a nice middle ground. Some unfortunately started abusing the system. Now legitimate disabled users are paying that cost.
