Walt Disney World Makes Changes To DAS (Disability Access Service)

Disney has announced changes to their DAS - Disability Access Service. The free service allows guests who suffer from certain disabilities which makes it difficult for them to wait in line to get a return time for certain attractions. Guests apply for DAS up to 30 days before arrival via a virtual call with a cast member, and if approved, are granted access to DAS during their trip. Guests can then book attractions through the My Disney Experience app and when their return time arrives, those guests and their party can enter through the Lightning Lane with a minimal wait.

Starting May 20th, 2024, Disney has announced changes to the system due to misuse of this benefit that is meant only for guests with certain disabilities.

Disney has emphasised DAS is now only a system for guests with "a developmental disability like autism or similar."
In-person registration will no longer be available at the theme park Guest Relations, all applications must be done through a virtual call with a cast member either before arrival or on the day. From the UK this isn't strictly available, but you can do it using a VPN. If you wait until the day you arrive at Walt Disney World, you can still apply, but it must be done via a virtual call with your phone or laptop.
The guest who applies for DAS will now only be able to bring 3 additional party members, instead of 5 additional party members. However, there is a little leeway with this as you can bring up to 5 people but they must be immediate family and minors. So for example, you'll only be able to bring 3 friends, but you can bring your husband and four children.
The guest who applied for DAS must be present and experience the attraction with their party members. You can no longer book a return time for an attraction and allow your party to go on while you wait outside.
DAS is valid for the length of the ticket or up to 120 days now, whichever is shorter, up from 30 days, before you have to re-apply. The way DAS works via My Disney Experience will not change.

Disney is also making it very clear that any guest making false statements to try and obtain a DAS will result in being permanently barred from entering Walt Disney World Resort. And, previously purchased Annual Passes, Magic Key passes, tickets and other park products and services will be forfeited and not refunded.

While some guests currently use DAS for disabilities other than developmental disabilities, it is being reported (but not yet officially announced) Disney is working on a return-to-queue system for those who need sudden restroom breaks, for example. We'll update this article when we know more.

Walt Disney World Makes Changes To DAS (Disability Access Service)

Changes have arrived to the Walt Disney World DAS (Disability Access Service).