An Update on Walt Disney World’s Disability Access Service

Years ago, my family and I visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. We wanted to ride the Great Movie Ride, but the long line snaked around the building’s courtyard under the blazing June sunlight. A Cast Member (or CM, as Disney calls their employees) overheard us debating the pros and cons of waiting in line in the late morning’s 90-degree temperature.

She approached us and asked if I had a problem with the heat. When I said “yes,” she whipped all four of us through another doorway and we skipped the outside line.

This is an example of what the DAS program does. For someone who cannot wait in line, it’s a tool that makes a trip possible as well as magical. Disney’s extensive inclusivity training and their commitment to exemplary customer service creates unexpected sprinkles of pixie dust for everyone, especially those of us with disabilities.

That said, the recent updates on what disabilities are considered eligible for their Disability Access Service (DAS) have sparked differing opinions on whether the company cares at all.

What DAS is: A registered, before-your-trip-starts service that lets people schedule a time to ride an attraction without waiting in line.

Who is it for: Those with developmental disabilities such as autism, those with anxiety, and those with heat, light, and noise sensitivities.

Who is ineligible: People with mobility restrictions.

Regarding who’s ineligible. The majority of attractions have accessible lines. If there’s one that cannot accommodate a wheelchair or scooter, the CM will direct you to the alternative entrance. I’ve never gone through the traditional line for Spaceship Earth, and have always entered at the ride’s exit. My wait time is similar to others who do go through the line: 10 - 20 minutes. People with mobility challenges and a sensitivity to any of the above, or another hidden disability, should speak online with a CM to see if they qualify: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/disability-access-service/

My above “Who is it for” list is an example and one of the reasons Disney has come under fire for their DAS updates. Some who’ve had this pass before are no longer eligible. Others, even people who fit Disney’s criteria, are being denied for one reason or another. Making people feel like their disability doesn’t matter is an unfortunate development for a company that has had a positive history of treating everyone equally.

Here are a few things I’ve used in place of the DAS pass on multiple trips. With them, I’ve enjoyed lower wait times, lower crowd levels, and reasonable weather.

Visit during January, early May, or early December. Stay at a Disney-owned resort or affiliated hotel and take advantage of their 30 minute Early (park) Entry every morning. A Deluxe Resort stay also comes with Extended Evening Hours on pre-scheduled nights. Attend a party at the Magic Kingdom or an After Hours event at another park. Purchase a Lightening Lane pass to cut down on your wait time with either single or multi park options. YouTube has hundreds of how-to videos on maximizing this tool.

With or without a DAS pass, having a touring plan and knowing what attractions are “must do’s” for your family are essential for time management and a stress-free vacation.

New note - in the time since this was originally published, Walt Disney World's four parks have again updated their DAS policies. Please use the link above for the most current information on disability services.