Major changes coming to Disney's Disability Access Service

09.04.2024 - 17:21 / thepointsguy.com

Disney has always been at the forefront in the travel industry when it comes to accommodating guests with disabilities. Unfortunately, its generous policies have sometimes been subject to misuse, leading to longer lines and greater hassles for all guests, particularly those with legitimate special needs.

Today, Disney updated its Accessibility Services websites for both Walt Disney World and Disneyland in an effort to recalibrate a system that has become unwieldy. In addition to unveiling new resources, Disney announced modifications to some of the services and options for guests with disabilities, including its Disability Access Service.

In announcing these changes, Disney officials stressed their continued commitment to accommodation.

"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 spokespeople said.

So, what specific changes can guests expect, and when will those changes take effect?

The most notable changes are coming to Disney's Disability Access Service. DAS has been the most well-known and discussed feature in Disney's toolbox for accommodating guests with disabilities for many years.

This service was historically used by guests who were physically or cognitively unable to wait in conventional theme park queues for an extended period of time. Guests using DAS were given a future return time roughly matching the attraction's posted standby wait time.

For example, say the wait was 90 minutes at that time. Instead of waiting in the physical line for those 90 minutes, guests could return 90 minutes later to the ride with a minimal wait at that point. They could wait somewhere more comfortable or do other things in the interim.

At the appointed return time, DAS guests would return to most attractions via the Lightning Lane (or, less commonly, through the exit or a side door on attractions that don't offer Lightning Lane access).

Disney shared that in the last five years, guest use of DAS at Disney parks has more than tripled; this prompted concern that it was being misused beyond its intended parameters.

To preserve DAS to accommodate those who can't be accommodated in other ways, Disney will soon implement a number of changes to the service. These changes will go into effect May 20, 2024, at Walt Disney World in Florida and June 18, 2024, at Disneyland in California.

The system will operate in a manner much the same as the current system, but DAS will now only be available to guests with autism and similar developmental disabilities who are unable to