The Ultimate Guide to the Disney Accessibility Pass

Walt Disney World prides itself on making the theme park experience inclusive for everyone, including those with a disability. While the DAS Pass at Disney has evolved over the years to limit abuse of the program, Disney still has the same goal of making their theme parks enjoyable for all Guests.

If you need accommodations for your next Disney World vacation, here is a guide that explains everything you need to know.

The Purpose of a Disney DAS Pass

A Disability Access Service (DAS) Pass reduces the time someone with a disability waits in an attraction queue. Many queue lines for Walt Disney World attractions are enclosed and constricting, so Disney understands the need for some Guests to avoid this. Guest Relations distributes these passes to people whose disability prevents them from being able to wait in line. Contrary to the popular belief, the Disney DAS Pass is not a “skip to the front of the line” system; these Guests still must wait the standby entrance time posted at the front of the attraction, just not in the queue itself. 

The Disney DAS Pass only applies to attractions, character meet and greets, and night shows that have a FastPass queue. You must wait in line for characters who have pop-up locations, but these lines are short, typically less than 20 minutes, and are not constricting. The same goes for night shows that don’t have a reservation system, but many Guests can still find a good spot right as the show starts.

In addition to the Guest who needs a DAS Pass, up to five members can join their party even if they do not have a disability themselves. Disney would never want to force a Guest to ride alone and wants to improve the experience of everyone in the party.

As most attractions are wheelchair-accessible, the DAS Pass at Disney is not intended for those who need a wheelchair. Many entertainment shows have a section designated for these Guests, and a Cast Member outside each attraction can happily explain how transferring out of a wheelchair works for their specific ride.

Where to Obtain a DAS Pass

Guests can acquire a Disney DAS Pass at each of the four theme parks at the Guest Services booth inside or outside the park. If you want a shorter wait, I recommend going to the booth inside the park, as many Guests at the booth outside the park are dealing with admission issues and the wait can be quite long. The Guest who has a disability must be with you because the Guest Relations Cast Member will take their photo. When you are acquiring the initial pass, your whole party must be there so each of you can scan your tickets.

You do not need proof of the disability. A Cast Member might ask about your need for the pass but will never ask for a diagnosis. The DAS Pass at Disney will be valid for 14 days (up to 60 days for Annual Passholders) and can be used at all four parks. You do not need to approach Guest Services again unless you are entering with a new party.

How to Use a DAS Pass

Once you have obtained a DAS Pass from Guest Relations, you can use it at any attraction that has a FastPass queue. After reaching the attraction you want to ride, send one member from your party to get a return time for the attraction. This prevents crowding around the Cast Member. Don’t worry, the return time will apply to all members of your party; they just need to scan one ticket. Then, you and your party come back to the attraction at the time the Cast Member gave you. Each of you will need to scan your ticket at the touchpoint, and then you will wait on the FastPass line to ride.

How to Make the Best Use of Your DAS Pass

Like FastPasses, you can optimize your experience with the DAS Pass. I suggest going to the attraction with the longest wait first, as you will have to wait as long as the standby queue does. Get a snack, meet a character, or go on another attraction while you wait. Some examples of attractions with long waits are Flight of Passage, Seven Dwarves Mine Train, Haunted Mansion, and Tower of Terror.

You can get FastPasses in addition to a DAS Pass, and you can receive return times for one attraction a at once. Don’t worry if you missed the allotted time to come back or the attraction breaks down; your return time is still valid for the rest of the day.

As I mentioned earlier, you will have to wait in the FastPass line after scanning your ticket, which can be up to 25 minutes during peak seasons. So adjust accordingly.