The wording for the Disability Access Service (DAS) at Disney World received a small change on the website.
Disney took out one word, “only,” but it could impact those who use DAS or are hoping to utilize DAS on their Disney World trip.
Disney made a slight change to the wording for their Disability Access Service, also known as DAS. On their information page for DAS, Disney changed the wording of the first bullet point under “What to Know About DAS.” Previously, it 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.”
However, the new wording now takes out “only” and states instead, “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.” While it may seem like a small change, it could impact how Disney might interpret the eligibility for DAS.
The Disability Access Service allows guests who cannot wait in a conventional queue to get a return time equal to the current wait of the attraction. Guests will wait outside the conventional queue and then return to the attraction once they have waited until their return time. They will utilize the Lightning Lane entrance upon their return.
DAS was changed significantly in May 2024, and many expressed their frustration with the new system. A group called the DAS Defenders was created, and they wrote a letter to the Walt Disney Company urging Disney to make a change “to include a diverse range of disabilities” and not just “developmental” ones. This small change by taking out “only” may be a step in that direction; however, we don’t know for sure yet, and Disney has not yet commented on the wording change.
Disney now partners with Inspire Health Alliance to ensure those who meet the disability criteria are receiving the services they need. On May 20th, 2024, the new changes took effect, which required guests who wanted to utilize DAS to have a virtual chat with the Accessibility Services Team to determine eligibility. Party size was limited to immediate family members or a limit of four people when it was previously six people. Pre-entitlements are also based on an individual’s need, and those using DAS are not guaranteed two pre-entitlements.
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Find out more about the DAS changes that took effect in May 2024!
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I wouldn’t get your hopes up that this returns to the old system. Everyone, including Disney, knows it was abused and DAS was given to individuals and groups that did not need it. By some estimates, 75% of Lightning Lanes were given to DAS recipients and their party, and Disney does not like giving thing away for free.