Disney's New DAS Change May Open Door to More Disabled Guests

Disney Parks received much backlash when it made changes to the Disability Access Service (DAS). Now, a subtle change could mean a big update for this service.

Disability Access Service (DAS)

Disney Makes a Change to Extended Evening Hours — Credit: Kate

Guests who cannot wait in a physical standby queue for longer periods 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 their party can then enter the Lightning Lane entrance and experience the attraction.

Both Walt Disney World and Disneyland announced big changes for those eligible for DAS. They stated that this will help ensure DAS is used fairly by those who truly need it. Check out these changes HERE.

Subtle Change

After the big changes to DAS, Disney has made efforts to make this more positive for guests. First with extending the eligibility time frame. And now, the scope of who may receive this service has subtly changed.

The previous wording stated, “DAS is intended to accommodate ONLY those Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.”

This morning both the Walt Disney World and Disneyland DAS wording is changed. The word “only” is now removed. The new phrasing states, “DAS is intended to accommodate those Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.”

Important to note

More DAS Changes Emerge as New System Rolls Out — Credit: Disney

It is important to note that Disney has not changed the DAS program. This subtle change could simply be to prevent legal issues. However, it could be a sign that the service may offer a broader scope of eligibility to guests.

The word “only” is now removed from who is eligible to receive DAS services.

Guests may still register 30 days before their trip via a live video chat. As noted with previous changes, there is not an in-person option to qualify for DAS.

What do you think of this change? Do you think more changes need to be made for DAS? Share your thoughts with us and share this update with your Disney pals.