Due to concerns about misuse, both Disneyland and Walt Disney World are changing how it handles their Disability Access Service Program that shortens wait times for theme park visitors with autism or similar developmental disabilities.
The Details
The Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts updated the Disability Access Service (DAS) programs on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, that offer assistance to theme park visitors with developmental disabilities like autism and other neurodivergent disorders.
DAS is intended for Disneyland visitors with a developmental disability like autism who are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time. DAS visitors get a return time through the Disneyland mobile app comparable to the current standby wait time for an attraction.
DAS use has exploded in recent years in part because more people have become aware of the service, and social media “hacks” have exploited DAS as a free way to avoid paying for the Genie+ line-cutting service, and have led to abuses.
“Disney is dedicated to providing a great experience for all guests, including those with disabilities, which is why we are so committed to delivering a wide range of innovative support services aimed at helping our guests with disabilities have a wonderful time when visiting our theme parks,” the company announcement said.
When Changes Go Into Affect
The changes go into effect May 20 at the Walt Disney World resort and June 18 at the Disneyland resort with the goal of limiting the Disability Access Service program to only guests who require the services, according to Disneyland officials.
On June 18, Disneyland will also move the DAS processing center from guest relations inside the parks to new disability services windows at the ticket booths on the esplanade between the parks.
Until then, DAS processing will remain at the guest relations desks at Disneyland City Hall and Disney California Adventure’s Chamber of Commerce through June 17.
Disney will continue to operate DAS on both coasts and partner with Inspire Health Alliance on the implementation of the updated programs. During the interview process, Disneyland visitors seeking DAS will be asked about their life experiences but not their disabilities.
Unfortunately, the program update will require everyone who has an existing DAS pass to reapply.
For Guests visiting Disneyland from April 9 through June 17, 2024, please note:
- Pre-arrival conversations to determine eligibility for DAS are available 2-30 days prior to your park visit.
- In-person conversations to determine eligibility for DAS will be at Guest Relations locations.
- Book up to 2 one-hour return windows for select experiences using the DAS Advance planning option.
On the Walt Disney World site, it states: In-person registration will no longer be available at theme park Guest Relations locations starting May 20, 2024.
Disney will also introduce a defined “return to queue” process for guests at both parks who need to leave a queue and re-enter. Disney says more information about this process will be shared closer to launch of the new system.
Visitors who do not qualify for DAS will be directed to other options like Rider Switch passes, Stroller as a Wheelchair tags, Location Return Time passes for older non-ADA compliant queues, wheelchair transfer options, handheld devices for the visually impaired, and sign language interpreters.
For more details, visit the updated DAS sites for Disneyland and for Walt Disney World. Guests can also send an email to [email protected].