Visiting Disney World can be daunting, especially if you or someone you love is living with a disability.
Disability Access Service (DAS) is designed to accommodate guests and their families who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to a disability. The service allows you to schedule a return time that is comparable to the current queue wait for the given attraction. It does not provide immediate attraction access. Disney announced on April 9th that the DAS system would undergo some important changes, and we’re here to break those down for you.
For the most part, these changes seem to be overall positive and beneficial to families using the system. However, it’s important that you understand the updated system and how to utilize it to meet your needs, as these will be put into place on May 20th at Disney World and June 18th at Disneyland. Let’s get into it!
DAS is partnering with Inspire Health Alliance
Inspire Health Alliance will partner with Disney to better serve those using DAS. If it sounds familiar, it’s because Disney Cruise Line utilized the company’s COVID-19 testing services to test passengers before sails.
Having healthcare experts behind the system can be a great thing, especially for those seeking to attain DAS for the first time. It can also help to better inform the Cast Members serving you.
Eligible Party Size is Shifting
Previously, up to six people were allowed in line with a person utilizing the DAS system at any point and time. Now, the party size for DAS will shift from six people to just the “immediate family,” or limit of four people. For example, if you have a DAS pass and are visiting with six of your family members, all of them would be able to join a line with you. However, if you are visiting with six of your friends, only four of them would be able to join lines with you.
This might seem like a downgrade for the system, but by allowing less party members in line with the person utilizing DAS, the people who depend on the system in order to experience rides and attractions can potentially get through a line faster.
Pre-entitlements are changing.
The rules regarding pre-entitlements are changing. Right now, DAS comes with two pre-entitlements. Once the new system is put in place, pre-entitlements and DAS will not be grouped together and will be used as separate options depending on guest needs. For the most part, visitors who are eligible for DAS will NOT receive those entitlements.
As far as those “pre-entitlements” go, we think that those are referring to the ability to skip two lines per day using a DAS pass, or the ability to book these two “skips” in advance. With the new updates, we could see Disney begin to not automatically allow anyone in the DAS system to have those two “skips,” and might require a person in the system to meet further criteria. Disney should release more on this very soon. We’re continuing to look into this and will update you here with more information.
DAS Enrollment Will Be Extended
One of the more helpful updates is that the DAS enrollment will be EXTENDED from 60 days to 120 days. So, once you’re registered within the DAS system, you won’t have to register again for another 120 days.
This is especially helpful for locals or those who visit multiple times per month or every couple of months. It saves the hassle of reapplying for the service, which can be tedious!
We’re always on the lookout for more Disney news and ways to make your Disney vacation easier. Make sure to follow along here for more news and helpful tips.
Looking for more on Disney DAS? Click here!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Are you heading to Disney World soon? Let us know in the comments!
Jacqueline says
Hi I’m curious to know what a pre entitlement is. Happy about the extension from 90-120 days.
DFB Gigi says
Hi Jacqueline. The pre-entitlements are the two ride selections you could choose in advance.