Picture this… It has been a dream of yours to become a mom and take your children to Disney. You can’t wait for them to experience the magic and create lasting memories, just as you did when your parents took you as a little girl.
However, you are unsure how your dream will become a reality because your daughter gets overstimulated, overwhelmed, anxious, and upset in social situations. Being someone who grew up going to Disney every year there is no doubt that the loud noises, crowds, long lines, and new experience is going to overstimulate your daughter, so there is just no possible way you’ll be able to make memories at Disney with your kids, right?
WRONG! One of the reasons Disney is loved by so many people around the world is because Disney’s top priority is to bring the full magical Disney experience right to their guests in a way that fits them best. Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS) Pass is one system Disney created to help reach this goal.
If you are sitting there thinking, “But Megan, what exactly is this DAS Pass you are speaking of?!?” don’t worry! I am here to share all of the ins and outs, and how those with disabilities can utilize this feature during their next trip.
What Is the DAS Pass?!?
Disney is all about making guests’ vacations as magical as possible so they created this system for guests who have disabilities or conditions that make waiting in line difficult. Disney really has a way of ensuring that you (and all their other guests) have the best day ever in the parks!
Essentially, the DAS Pass was designed for those families who have one or more family members that require special accommodations. The purpose of this program is to make sure each member of the qualifying guest’s family has an amazing experience. This gives the family peace of mind and the ability to relax because they know that their needs are going to be met and their time at Disney is going to be as comfortable as possible.
Start planning your next Disney vacation with my by clicking here!
What are the qualifications for DAS Pass?
There is no list of qualifying disabilities or conditions for the DAS Pass. Eligibility is based upon a guest’s needs and NOT a diagnosis. A great question guests can ask themselves prior to their DAS Pass eligibility meeting is, “Do my disabilities or conditions prevent me from being able to tolerate or cope with standing in long lines?”
Although there is no list, historically guests who have ADHD, autism, anxiety, or MS have been provided DAS Passes for their Disney vacation. Other disabilities and conditions that have qualified guests for DAS Passes in the past include, but are not limited to: cognitive disabilities/disorders that prevent guests from being able to tolerate long lines and crowded confined areas; conditions and disabilities that tend to worsen for guests the longer they are exposed to heat, sun, cold temperatures, or other elements; sensory disorders that cause guests to become hyperstimulated or overwhelmed; etc.
Qualification is based completely on whether a guest is able to wait in line, and not whether they are able to physically stand in line.
Non-Qualifying Disabilities and Conditions
What conditions/disabilities do NOT qualify? It is very clear in the rules that guests who rely on a scooter/wheelchair to get around the parks are not able to qualify for a DAS Pass just because they have to rely on assistive devices. A vast majority of attractions throughout the four Disney World parks are wheelchair/scooter accessible, therefore mobility restrictions will not qualify a guest.
HOWEVER, if an attraction does not have wheelchair/scooter accessibility then those guests will be given a return time which correlates with the current standby wait time.
How to Secure a DAS Pass!
Families who are eligible for a DAS Pass may have their family members register via video telephone conference with a Cast Member as early as 30 days prior to their first park day or as late as 2 days in advance of a park visit. Keep in mind that these video conference calls are only available from 7 am until 11 pm (Disney World Time). Those who decide not to go through the video conference call to get their DAS Pass may register at Guest Relations or speak with a Cast Member under one of the blue umbrellas throughout the parks.
Cast Members will ask open-ended questions and questions that are vague to help them determine if a particular guest is eligible for this program. Qualifications for a DAS Pass are determined on a case-by-case basis. The guests who have been granted the DAS Pass will have their picture taken and it will be added to their My Disney Experience app. This pass will be accessible to the guest with either their MagicBand or their park ticket.
After your family members pre-register they will be able to make up to 2 1-hour return time selections for the rides (or experiences) of their choice. Your family members will be able to select more return times for the rides when they arrive at the park that day.
**IMPORTANT: The DAS Pass only allows six people in total (one of the six included is the guest who met the qualifications for the pass) to be linked to a single DAS Pass. Say you have more than six people in your party, you will want to collectively head to Guest Relations and politely chat with a Cast Member about what possibly could be done so all members of your party are included instead of just six.
Tips For Getting a DAS Pass at Disney!
Below are some tips to help increase the likelihood you and/or your family member is granted a DAS Pass during your trip!
- Although Disney does not require those guests requesting a DAS Pass to provide proof, such as written documentation of their disabilities, it does help to have it. You can also show braces or other medical devices you may use for assistance in a regular day.
For example, I have had a few clients who recently had knee surgery qualify for a DAS Pass. What helped those clients is that they showed the Cast Member the knee brace they were ordered to wear, and they explained why there was no way they would be able to tolerate waiting in line and what likely negative outcomes that could arise from having to wait in line (this is the type of information you will want to include in the notes you take).
- You will want to be as detailed as possible whenever you explain why you need a DAS Pass and why you are unable to tolerate waiting in line. Try to provide examples of what happens and/or could happen.
- Before meeting with one of Disney’s Cast Members, I recommend putting your thoughts down as notes. This will help you stay on track and help you remember all that you want to say.
- Even though you may be granted a DAS Pass, you will still want to make sure you have planned out your days in the park in a way that fits the needs of you and your family (a Smart Moms Travel agent I can help you with this for FREE! Don’t have a Smart Moms Travel agent? I would love to help, just click here).
- Do you have a child in your group who’s unable to ride a particular attraction because they don’t meet the height requirement?!? No worries! Guests with the DAS Passes are still able to utilize the amazing Rider Swap system! How magical right?!?
- Should you or one of your family members receive a DAS Pass, you will need to ensure all members of that DAS Pass guest’s party are linked together in the My Disney Experience app so that everyone is included in the DAS plans.
Disney Guest Relations Locations
- Animal Kingdom – When you enter the gates to the park, guests will want to turn left to find the Guest Relations building.
- Epcot – Guests who are in Epcot will want to head over to Spaceship Earth. There they will see the building marked as Guest Relations.
- Magic Kingdom – Guests will need to enter City Hall in order to locate Guest Relations in this magical park.
- Hollywood Studios – Like Animal Kingdom, guests will enter through the gates of Hollywood Studios and then turn left.
In Disneyland and need to meet with a Cast Member for DAS Pass eligibility? Here is where to find the Guest Relations buildings:
- Disneyland Park – Within City Hall.
- California Adventure Park – Guests will want to go to the Chamber of Commerce building.
***** MAKE SURE YOU ARE UTILIZING THE PARK MAP ON YOUR MY DISNEY EXPERIENCE APP TO LOCATE THE GUEST RELATION BUILDINGS WITHIN EACH PARK (You will want to make sure you have selected “Guest Services” in the drop down menu) *****
When you book your Disney vacations with me, I help get everything set up for your family and I can answer your more specific questions. If you would like my assistance, just click here. I would love to help! If you currently have a vacation booked with another Smart Moms Travel agent they are also able to answer any questions and/or concerns you have regarding Disney’s DAS Pass system.
If you have any questions or you would love my help in planning your next magical vacation please feel free to email me at [email protected].
With all the love & Pixie Dust,
Megan Revels
