Breaking: Disney Makes Big Changes to the Disability Service (DAS)

Disney graciously allows Guests who cannot wait in a physical queue the opportunity to apply for the Disability Access Service (DAS). However, after widespread abuse, Disney is making several changes that will affect EVERYONE.

DAS

Guests who cannot wait in a physical standby queue for longer periods of time may benefit from Disney’s Disability Access Service. Instead of waiting in the standby line, they receive a return time that is equal to 10 minutes less than the current wait time.

That Guest and the party he/she is traveling with can then enter the Lightning Lane entrance and experience the attraction.

Do note that this is not a skip the standby opportunity. The Guest must still wait to ride the attraction. It just gives them the opportunity to wait elsewhere.

Changes

It has become increasingly more common for Guests to misuse and abuse the DAS system. Those who do not really need it are applying for it so they do not have to pay for Disney’s Genie+.

Now, Disney World and Disneyland will see some massive changes to the service on May 20 (WDW) and in June (DLR). This will help ensure DAS is used fairly by those who truly need it.

Some of the most noticeable changes are:

• Advanced pre-arrival selections will no longer be a default offering to every DAS user (we are unsure if you will have to ask for it or if they only offer it in certain scenarios or if it will not be available at all)
• Current DAS users need to re-apply
• The max number of Guests that may accompany the DAS user is 4 (exceptions for families)
• DAS enrollment increases from 60 to 120 days
• At Disney World, pre-registration or day-of regisration must both be done via virtual chat
• A “return to queue” process will also be implemented for those who need to leave an re-enter a queue (though we have no further details for that)

What does this mean for you?

DAS usage has increased 3x over in the past 5 years, so Disney hopes that by working with Inspire Health’s Alliance professionals, DAS eligibility is more consistent and thorough.

These new changes will hopefully eliminate DAS abuse and will therefore decrease the number of people using the Lightning Lane.

We will be sure to share more details as we learn them. Right now, this is all pretty new and things will continue to be fleshed out in the weeks ahead before the official change over occurs in May and June.

Are you a DAS user? What do you think of these changes? Do they encourage you or scare you? Let us know in the comments below, and share this post with a friend.