Disney has just announced major changes to its Disability Access Service (DAS) and is putting new planning resources in place to assist guests with disabilities in preparing for a magical vacation.
Disney will implement changes at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland and include tools for guests to utilize when planning a Disney trip. A new guide provides greater clarity regarding the types of accessibility options (and which guests they were created for), along with helpful tips for things like finding a quiet location to take a break, locating a list of companion restrooms, reviewing the guidelines for service animals, understanding transportation around the resort, and learning about sensory details for experiences.
Providing a great experience for all guests
A spokesperson for Walt Disney Resort said, “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.”
Disney is putting in place changes to the Disability Access Service to manage the misuse of the line-skipping program and ensure that the guests it is intended for can access it.
The revamped program will go into effect on May 20 at Walt Disney World and June 18 at Disneyland. Under the new program, DAS enrollment will be extended to 120 days instead of 60. The DAS party size has also been limited to only immediate family members or no more than four guests.
Disney has reported that the use of DAS has tripled over the last five years. The program provides those enrolled with a return time for attractions, eliminating the need for the guests and their parties to wait in the standby queue. The return time given is equal to the current wait time for the attraction, allowing guests to wait elsewhere and return to the attraction via the Lightning Lane at the assigned time.
In partnership with Inspire Health Alliance
In addition, Disney will be adding more trained cast members (in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance’s health professionals) to assist guests in understanding the best tools and accommodations for their needs, while at the same time making sure that only the guests for whom those accommodations were intended receive them.
To better familiarize yourself with the new system, guests can participate in a video chat with the Accessibility Services team from 30 to 2 days before their visit to determine a guest’s eligibility for DAS based on individual needs. Disney recommends that guests start planning as soon as their window opens. Guests at Disneyland can have an in-person conversation at a designated window at the theme park’s main entrances (if they are unable to do this before their arrival), but Walt Disney World guests will need to connect with a cast member via virtual chat if they do not complete this before their arrival.
According to Disney, the goal of the new process is to ensure that only the guests who require the DAS receive it. Cast members may also direct guests to other accessibility services (besides DAS) that are a better fit, including line-return options for guests who may need to visit the restroom with greater frequency, ASL interpreting services, service animal relief areas, or wheelchair access for guests using mobility devices.
Additional information is available on the DAS section of the Walt Disney World website.
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