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Disney denies guest Disability Access Service
In a viral TikTok, Charisma Mangahas, who was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, said she was denied Disability Access Services at Disneyland.
Following Walt Disney World and Disneyland decision to change its policies for guests with disabilities back in May, parkgoers have been quick to voice their concern over the adjustments.
Charisma Mangahas, a 25-year-old Disneyland annual passholder diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, went viral on TikTok for sharing her negative experience when getting denied a Disability Access Service pass while at Disney World. Along with Mangahas, a Change.org petition by a group called DAS Defenders is calling on Disney to adjust its policies.
Back in April, Disney officials said they were adjusting qualifications, registration procedures, and length of validity to help ensure guests receive the accommodations they need.
“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,” a Disney spokesperson said in a statement.
Here’s what travelers with disabilities should know, especially after the recent changes:
What is Disney World’s Disability Access Service or DAS?
According to Walt Disney World, “DAS is intended to accommodate a small percentage of 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.”
Guests who qualify for and enroll in DAS wait just as long as guests in the standby line, sometimes a little longer, but they don’t have to physically stay in the queue. Instead, they can join the line virtually, wait out the designated time elsewhere in the park, and then return to the attraction for a shorter in-person wait.
The parks previously described their Disability Access Service as a program “to assist guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to a disability.”
Who qualifies for DAS at Disney World?
DAS is intended for guests who are unable to wait in a line for an extended period of time due to “a developmental disability like autism or similar,” according to the website’s new clarification.
Some guests with disabilities, such as those in wheelchairs, may still be able to wait in many lines.
What does Disney consider a disability?
Disney recognizes all kinds of disabilities and access needs, many of which are invisible. While guests won’t find an exhaustive list of disabilities on Disney’s websites, their recently updated accessibility pages help guests to navigate what accommodations they need for their trip.
Cast members are also available to answer questions in staffed virtual chats.
‘Imagine something’: Disabled Disney guests demand action after DAS program changes
How do I qualify for a Disney disability pass?
You first must speak to a specially trained cast member as soon as 30 days in advance of a park visit “to determine what services may be appropriate to support their visit to the theme parks,” which may include DAS. The live video chat is available from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Previously that could be done virtually or in person at Guest Relations locations but it will be virtual-only as of May 20. Currently, live chat is offered in English only. Before you speak with a Cast Member to determine eligibility, the website reminds guests to:
- Sign in to the Walt Disney World website or your My Disney Experience
- Link valid theme park admission for each member of your party
- Ensure that the Guest who is requesting to use DAS is present at the time of registration via live video chat
DAS may be used by the enrollee and up to four companions (or more if there are more than four immediate family members who all want to experience an attraction together).
Disney World changed DAS in May. What were the changes?
According to park officials, DAS had become the most requested service at Disneyland and Disney World in recent years, with the volume of users eclipsing the program’s intended audience and numbers only expected to grow. As of May 20:
- Guests must enroll in DAS with a virtual video meeting, not in person at the park.
- New DAS enrollments will be valid for 120 days starting from the date of registration, double the previous 60. New enrollees who register between now and May 19 will have up to 30 days to use the service.
- Guests may only book one active return window at a time, although you can hold one virtual queue boarding group at the same time.
- Disney is increasing the number of specially trained cast members to help guests with other access needs to find the right accommodations.
These changes were designed to help ensure DAS reaches its intended audience. Meanwhile, Disney is also increasing the number of specially trained cast members to help guests with other access needs find the right accommodations.
Does Disney request proof of disability?
Disney does not require documentation proving disability or access needs, nor will they be required with these upcoming changes.
What if someone lies to get a Disney DAS pass?
If any of the statements a guest has made during the DAS enrollment process are found to be false, the guest will be “permanently barred from entering” both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, according to its website said. Any Annual Passes, Magic Key passes, tickets or other park products will also be forfeited and not refunded.
This rule was in place prior to the DAS system changes earlier this year.
How do I use DAS at Disney World’s theme parks?
Once they arrive at the park, guests who qualify for and enroll in DAS (or their parents or guardians) may receive return times for rides and attractions so instead of waiting in line, they may spend the time elsewhere and then come back for a shorter wait in person. They will still wait as long as a person in the standby line, even possibly a little longer, but they don’t have to physically be there the whole time.
Return times are available through the My Disney Experience mobile app or in person from a cast member at any Guest Relations or Guest Experience Team location. DAS return times are valid until the park or an attraction closes for the day.
You may only have one active return time at a time.
Does a Disney DAS pass cost any money?
No, Disney’s Disability Access Service does not require an additional purchase.
Does a Disney DAS pass work with a Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Lightning Lane Single Pass?
Yes, you can use a Lightning Lane Multi Pass or a Lightning Lane Single Pass alongside a DAS pass.
