What Is DAS and How Will It Change Upon Reopening?
As Walt Disney World gears up for reopening, there are many questions floating around about the impact all the new changes will have on guests. Most recently, I was asked by a client about Disney’s DAS (Disability Access Service) and if there would be changes to that upon reopening.
What is DAS and How Does it Work?
DAS is a system Disney developed to assist guests with disabilities (including non-apparent disabilities) preventing them from waiting in conventional queues. DAS is issued at Guest Relations at each park’s main entrance location. Guests are able to obtain a scheduled time to return to an attraction based on the current wait time. As soon as a guest finished one attraction, they can obtain a return time for another attraction.
“DAS is intended for Guests whose disability prevents them from waiting in a conventional queue environment. This service allows Guests to schedule a return time that is comparable to the current queue wait for the given attraction. Once a return time is issued, Guests are free to enjoy other theme park offerings such as meeting a Character, grabbing a bite to eat, enjoying entertainment or even visiting another attraction until their listed return time. Return times are valid until redeemed prior to park closing.” (Source: Disneyworld.com)
Who is Eligible for DAS?
Guests who are unable to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities) are eligible for DAS. If you think you or someone in your family may be eligible, you can visit Guest Relations to discuss your assistance needs.
What if DAS Doesn’t Meet My Needs?
Disney Parks have accommodated guests with varying needs and will continue to work individually with guests as they respond to each individual’s unique circumstances. If you have a unique situation and feel that DAS does not meet your needs, you’re encouraged to discussed special accommodations with Guest Relations staff so that they may assist as best they can.
Will DAS Still Be Offered When Walt Disney World Reopens?
At this time, Guest Services has relayed to us that there will not be any changes to the process for guests utilizing DAS. Guests will still obtain scheduled return times at the attractions and will be directed to an alternate entrance upon returning to the attraction at their scheduled time.
Be sure to visit Guest Relations at the park’s main entrance in order to set up DAS.
Does Disney Offer Other Services for Guests with Disabilities?
Disney offers additional services for guests with disabilities including:
- Disney’s Handheld Device – offers assistive listening, captioning, and audio description
- Stroller and Wheelchair Rental
- Rider Switch
- Accessing Attractions
- Break Areas
- Companion Restrooms
- Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities – a tool on how to best experience the theme parks
At this time, as per Disney’s website, accommodations for DAS and other services will continue to be made in person, on-site at Guest Relations. Have you used any of these services during your visits? Let us know about your own experiences in the comments below.
Looking to plan your Disney Vacation and have questions about special accommodations? Why not get the FREE help of an expert! Contact me today to start planning! Fill out the form for a free quote and all the best Disney insider tips once we start planning. For more information, you can contact me at mnugent@mickeytravels.com, follow me on Facebook, or call (716) 393-8806. As a Travel Agent with MickeyTravels (a Platinum-Level, Authorized Disney Vacation Planner) I offer a full range of complimentary planning services for all Disney Destinations (Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, Adventures by Disney). Let’s make your Disney dreams come true!