Guests with a cognitive condition (such as autism) that affects their ability to wait in a standard attraction line for an extended period may qualify for a DAS Pass. There is a broad range of disabilities that may be eligible for DAS. While there is no specific list of what disabilities qualify for DAS at Disney World, some common conditions that may be approved for a DAS Pass include ADHD, autism, or anxiety. Guests should use their discretion when determining whether they should get a DAS Pass for themselves or a loved one. If you are considering applying for a DAS Pass, you’ll want to consider factors such as heat, sun exposure, and how you feel in confined spaces. We discuss the elements that go into getting a Disney DAS Pass below.
What Does DAS Stand For?
DAS stands for Disability Access Service. The service assists guests with conditions and disabilities that make waiting in line for extended periods difficult. DAS Passes are valid for up to 240 days after you register. So you won’t need to reapply each day of your vacation. DAS Passes are only valid at one Disney Resort. If you visit Disney World and then travel to Disneyland within the same timeframe (lucky you!), you’ll need to reapply for DAS at Disneyland.
Disabilities That Do & Don’t Qualify for DAS
There is no specific list of disabilities or conditions that qualify for Disney’s Disability Access Service. Disney merely states the program is for the use of Guests who, “due to a developmental disability such as autism or a similar disorder, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.”
A wide range of conditions may be eligible, as DAS Passes are issued to assist guests who cannot tolerate waiting in the conventional standby queue at select attractions across Walt Disney World.
Here are a few considerations when determining whether you or someone in your party may have a condition that qualifies for a DAS Pass:
What disabilities may qualify for DAS at Disney World:
- Disorders that make waiting for extended periods in the standby queue difficult.
- Cognitive disorders that make staying in line a challenge.
Disabilities that don’t qualify for DAS:
- Mobility restrictions.
- Conditions that require a wheelchair or a scooter.
- Disabilities that do not affect a guest’s ability to wait in line.
Disney determines what disabilities qualify for DAS at Disney World based on a guest’s ability to wait in line, not their ability to stand in line. Most attraction lines are wheelchair accessible, and each attraction entrance includes information about how guests in wheelchairs or scooters may experience each attraction. If a line is not wheelchair accessible, guests with mobility issues will receive a return time comparable to the current standby wait time.
Disability Access Services Entitlements
Now that you know what disabilities qualify for DAS at Disney World, let’s discuss what DAS Pass allows you to do. DAS Passes enable you to request a return time to experience an attraction without waiting in the standby line. Once your DAS Pass is approved and registered, you can use the DAS Return Time Self-Selection Tool in the My Disney Experience App on the day you visit the theme park. Pick an available attraction from the DAS selection tool, and you’ll be given a time to return to the ride. This return time is equivalent to the current standby wait time, plus or minus 10 minutes.
Return times don’t expire, so you can enjoy the attraction any time after the given return time on the same day. However, you cannot make another DAS Pass ride selection until you redeem the first one, so it’s beneficial to return to the attraction as close to your given return time as possible. You can select a return time for the same ride as often as you wish throughout the day (which is different from how Lightning Lanes work at Disney World).
It’s important to note that the DAS Pass doesn’t allow guests to cut the line or wait in a shorter line than those in the standby queue. DAS Pass allows guests to wait the same length of time outside the standby queue line due to a medical condition.
How Do I Make a Reservation for a DAS Pass?
DAS Pass reservations are made through an online video chat. The guest you’re requesting DAS for must be present with you during registration. This is because a photo will be taken of the person who needs the DAS Pass. Before registering for DAS, everyone in your party must have valid theme park admission linked to their accounts (and a Park Pass reservation if your ticket type requires one).
Advanced Registration via Video Chat
Advanced registration allows you to virtually register for DAS by participating in a live video chat with a Cast Member. You can register for a DAS Pass 30 days prior to the first day of your theme park visit, and must do so at least 48 hours before your trip. Advanced registration is available daily from 7 am – 10 pm EST. There may be a significant wait for a Cast Member to live chat with you, so we suggest getting online right at 7 am, 30 days before your trip for the best chance of registering quickly. You can register for a DAS Pass here.
Benefits of preregistering:
- Receive two DAS advance selections at the end of your chat.
- Don’t need to spend time registering for DAS while at the parks.
Drawbacks of preregistration:
- Long wait times for an available Cast Member to live chat (sometimes it could be eight hours or more!).
- Only have 10 minutes to answer when a Cast Member becomes available.
- The guest you are requesting DAS for must make an appearance on the live chat.
In Park Registration (No Longer Offered)
In the past, Guests could register in person with Guest Relations on the first day of their visit. This option is no longer offered as of May 20, 2024.
What to Say to Get a Disney DAS Pass
When registering for a DAS Pass, you don’t need to worry about what disabilities qualify for DAS at Disney World. There isn’t a list of “approved” disabilities. Any condition that is not mobility-related but still makes waiting in a standby queue difficult is likely to qualify. When you register, a Cast Member will ask you a few questions to determine whether a DAS Pass would be helpful in your situation. Parents or guardians can answer these questions when requesting a DAS Pass for a minor child.
When answering the questions, you’ll need to explain why the person you are requesting DAS for cannot wait in the traditional standby line. Be aware that DAS passes are not intended for those with restricted mobility. If you focus on how your condition affects your mobility, you’re less likely to be approved for a DAS Pass. You should also explain why a DAS Pass would help you and your family experience the attractions. You won’t need to provide a medical diagnosis or even go into detail about your condition. You will just need to explain why your condition makes waiting in line difficult.
Some examples of phrases you may want to use to help explain your condition to the Cast Member include:
- “______ is why waiting in line is hard.”
- “I experience _______ when I wait / my child waits in line for long periods of time.”
- “It would be helpful to wait outside the line because ______.”
Do I Need Lightning Lane Passes if I Have a DAS Pass?
Having Lightning Lane passes and a DAS Pass will significantly cut down your wait times. Lightning Lane is a good idea even when you have a DAS Pass because DAS Pass return times are only available for certain attractions. Also, the guest registered for DAS needs to be able and present to ride when redeeming a DAS Pass return time. The registered DAS Pass guest must meet height requirements and be free from other conditions that may affect their ability to enjoy the ride, such as a heart condition or sensitivity to strobe lights. To ensure everyone in your party gets to ride as many attractions as possible, purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Single Pass, or Premier Pass may be your best option.
To get the most out of a Lightning Lane pass and DAS pass combination, we recommend using DAS return times for attractions with the longest waits and using Lightning Lanes for attractions with shorter waits.
Available Attractions with DAS Passes:
Here are some of the attractions which accept DAS.
Magic Kingdom
- The Barnstormer
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Enchanted Tales with Belle
- Haunted Mansion
- “It’s a Small World”
- Jungle Cruise
- Mad Tea Party
- Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid
- Select character meet and greets:
- Ariel at her Grotto
- Mickey at Town Square Theater
- Princesses at Princess Fairytale Hall
EPCOT
- Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
- Journey Into Imagination With Figment
- Living with the Land
- Mission: SPACE
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Spaceship Earth
- Test Track
- Turtle Talk With Crush
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Alien Swirling Saucers
- Beauty & The Beast Live on Stage
- Disney Junior Play and Dance!
- For the First Time In Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Muppet*Vision 3D
- Rock’ n’ Roller Coaster
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
- Tower of Terror
- Toy Story Mania!
- Select character meet and greets:
- Disney Stars at Red Carpet Dreams
- Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Conservation Station
- Festival of the Lion King
- DINOSAUR
- Feathered Friends in Flight!
- Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!
- It’s Tough to be a Bug!
- Kali River Rapids
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Na’vi River Journey
- Select character meet and greets:
- Disney Pals at Adventurers Outpost
How Many People are on a DAS Pass?
Four people (including the guest who needs the DAS Pass) can be added to each pass. If you’re traveling with a group larger than four people (such as a married couple with three small children), check with Guest Relations about accommodating your group. Anyone in the party included on the DAS Pass can make a DAS Pass return time selection through My Disney Experience. The only requirement is that the registered DAS Pass guest must be present when redeeming a return time to get on the attraction.
Do You Need Proof of the Disability?
No. You don’t need to show proof of your disability or have a doctor’s note to be eligible for a DAS Pass. To determine what disabilities qualify for DAS at Disney World, you simply need to explain why you or your child’s condition makes waiting in line difficult and how a DAS Pass would help you and your family enjoy the parks.
If a guest makes false statements about their DAS eligibility, they could be permanently banned from the US parks and forfeit any existing tickets, passes, or reservations without a refund.
Final Thoughts on What Disabilities Qualify for DAS at Disney World
Any disability that interferes with you or your child’s ability to wait in a conventional standby queue may be eligible for a DAS Pass, but the system is intended primarily for cognitive (rather than physical) conditions. To register for a DAS Pass, you will need to video chat with a Cast Member in advance about why the condition makes waiting in line difficult. You don’t need to show paperwork or proof of your illness or condition. Once you are approved for a DAS Pass, you can select return times for attractions using the My Disney Experience app. The return times for these rides are comparable to current standby wait times. Each DAS Pass can have up to four people enjoy the attraction altogether.
We hope you found this guide to determining what disabilities qualify for DAS at Disney World helpful. For more tips about planning a Disney vacation when traveling with guests with special needs, check out our articles about renting wheelchairs at Disney World, avoiding long lines, bringing pets and service animals to Disney, and which Disney parks require the least amount of walking.
If you’re planning to visit Universal during your trip, be sure to read our guide to the Universal Orlando Attraction Access Pass as well.
I went to Disney world last year and qualified for the DAS pass as I have Crohn’s. Have the new changes brought in mean I will no longer be eligible
Hi Kim. While I can’t speak definitively about what Disney will or will not do in your situation, their published guidance is that the pass is now intended primarily for cognitive/developmental considerations rather than physical considerations. They have also updated some of their other accessibility information, including defining policies if someone should need to briefly leave the line and return. I would suggest checking directly with Disney about your situation, as they would be the ones making any decisions about renewing your DAS.
Yes that’s what that means. You will be told you can use a return to queue accommodation
I have neuropathy in my feet and heart disease. Previously I was given the pass for heart disease because i can’t wait in line in the sun/heat that long. I also had months of radiation for cancer and cannot stand in the sun. Should i have told them about the radiation? Will radiation be considered for waiting in line? I was told for my heart disease that my husband must wait in line and i wait outside in the shade or in air-condition room and go to him when he gets to the end of the line, which i think is ridiculous, not everyone has a cell phone. so now I am hoping the radiation will help me.
Hi Susan — thanks for sharing your experience. At the moment, there’s not much clear guidance on what they will and won’t consider/approve, other than their statement that the system is now intended mainly for conditions such as autism. That said, I would certainly suggest you provide the Cast Member making the decision with as much information as you’re comfortable sharing. The more info they have about why you specifically need the accommodations the system provides, the better.
I have a social adjustment disorder and i have just done the interview this morning and she doesnt accept my condition elligigle to DAS. I don’t speak english very well i am a french canadian. And now its very stressfull for me to go to my vacation because in the past year i have experience some difficulty in line and after speaking to a cast member he gave me the DAS accomodation. It was very helpful for me. I have diagnostic recognize by my doctor for some behavioral disorder.
I am a Vietnam vet and since my last WDW vacation I was diagnosed with agent orange induce acoustic neuroma a non malignant brain tumor. It required the removal of my right side hearing nerve and balance nerve which has lead to sever balance issues and I can’t stand in long lines. I do walk with a cane and rest frequently. I refuse to use a wheelchair. I have tried to find out from Disney if I qualify for their DAS program –impossible to do no number to call. I can provide VA documentation of my disability. All I want is to find out if I am covered if not my Disney days are over and no point in making vacation plans
Hi, John. Thank you for your service to our country, and I’m very sorry to hear of your recent medical troubles. Because our site is not run by Disney, I can’t definitively answer your question about whether they will approve you. Disney World’s “Disability Services” department can be reached via email at [email protected]. I hope this helps you get the information you need so you’re able to continue enjoying many Disney vacations to come!
From my recent experience with emailing them, you just get a robot response encouraging me to explore their website for guest with disabilities. And provided a link to their accessibility planning guide and recommendations and a sensory experience guide. It also claims there are various accommodations to meet the need of our guests.
I had already explored these areas & it didn’t really provide much that would assist me, so I was trying to get assistance to no avail.
It seems they’ve shut down any communication with them on this issue.
First off, thank you for your service, I have the utmost respect for all veterans, but especially Vietnam vets after the stories my father has told me about his own experiences. Unfortunately my guess is that you would not qualify with the current program… although in my opinion disabled veterans should automatically qualify. You will be given other options such as “return to queue” accommodation or you will be told you can buy lightning lanes. Very disappointing.
Thanks
Just FYI That phone number is no longer in service –only way to contact is vis email
Ah, sorry about that. That’s a relatively new development that we hadn’t been notified of. I’ve edited my prior comment to remove the number so no one else gets confused by it.
Both my grand mother and I are disabled she has trouble walking around and I am deaf we got a ticket at the gate asked if there were any accommodations they just told us to get the map and told us our ticket price totally ignored our inquiry we didn’t even notice the wheelchair rental till we decided to leave four hours later since my grandmother was in a lot of pain after waiting for one ride and sat down after to recoup. Disney employees Totally ignored us when we asked for help then as I went one my second and last ride and all I wanted was to ask how much longer the line was to other employees just walking past I counted 6 of them That looked at me waving my hand trying and kept walking even the lady beside me tried to help I am deaf but can read lips. Only one employee stopped after I almost gave up when I got back to my grandmother we decided it was just a waste of money and a day to come to the “most magical place on earth” and when we were leaving and asked the people at the entrance for help to get a ride back to the handicap area we were told to just walk it..both of us were stunned..Disney needs to do better I don’t mind being ignored as a deaf individual I am used to it..but my grandmother is a disabled veteran and was ignored and doesn’t sit right with me. It was our first time and our last.
My friends son has a disability and will need a DAS pass for their upcoming trip in September… is he allowed to have his wagon to use to wait in line
Hi Deanna — As always, Disney will have the final say on what they do and do not allow. But based on the park rules they have previously published, wagons are specifically forbidden in the parks. Wheelchairs, including strollers used as wheelchairs (when properly marked as such), may be used. With that in mind, there’s at least a possibility that they could determine that the wagon is serving as a wheelchair. Disney addressed a similar question in the past from another guest, here. Based on their response, the decision would be made by Guest Relations. I’d suggest you contact Disney for further guidance. You can find contact information on our Disney World (FL) Customer Service and Disneyland (CA) Customer Service pages.
Why does having stage 2 liver and kidney disease and having low iron with needed infusions and ,low blood platelets not qualify when my daughter has 3. Not 1. 3 letters saying she can’t stand in lines in the heat because the elevated exposure to heat can lower her blood pressure decreasing kidney functions which can cause her to pass out . I have plenty of medical documention,. She had a das 2 years ago and now they are turning her down. We don’t even wanna go to Disney now. Trying to get a refund to buy universal tickets where they did approve her
The are not giving out DAS passes to people that actually need them …since when does liver and kidney disease we=high is covered by the ADA not covered. I’m one ***ed off parent. As my daughter has gotten das in the past now she can’t get it. She can not stand in lines for extended periods. That what 3 doctors documented and have written letters for her .. the high temps. Make her blood pressure drop which decrease kidney functions. And that’s only one of her conditions. We are coming to Orlando in 2 days. If we can’t get a das pass we will be asking for a full refund of our tickets
So I guess my comments got deleted. Hmmmm
Hi Scott — none of your comments have been deleted. All comments are manually approved (to tackle the crushing amount of spam comments people try to post — 40+ this past weekend alone), and your posts were submitted when our staff were off work for the holiday weekend. They were approved when we returned on Monday morning.
Yesterday I called for DAS Registration as I have since 2020 after battling Lung Cancer and now in remission has left me with half of my lung which of course causes me breathing issues and moreover serious breathing issues in the heat and humidity. I typically do not come to DWD in the summertime for this reason, but this year my Niece with young twins asked if I would take them on a Disney Cruise as they have never been and of course I offered my DVC for us to spend the night and go one day to the park as they have never been there either. I am a senior citizens with many health issues, however , my breathing and in the heat is something I try to avoid, so I explained my situation and in addition to my lungs and breathing , I have Lupus and the medication clearly states to avoid the Sun and heat, when exposed to the sun or excessive heat my skin breaks out in horrible blisters that are painful and require other medication for days after to go away. After being rejected for the first time, I was told to stand in the shade, request wheelchair assistance, ETC. My point is, I am a senior, I am clearly not in the best of health, I try as much as I can to be apart of my families fun including Disney World which is why we purchased DVC in 1994 for our then 3 year old daughter and now she is a regular at Disney. I only can do about 2 morning rides , then its back to OKW for the day. I will not be able to stand hours waiting in the heat for my turn due to my illnesses which are more than the two I mentioned, I also had recent spinal surgery which prevents me from standing for long periods of time . and just last week, my hip started to give me great pain so I’m on the cane and having a pet scan when I return from Disney to determine if it is bone Cancer. I just renewed my annual pass, and now without having DAS to assist me I regret renewing it, and I for sure wont be doing that next year. I am very disappointed in Disney for not recognizing ” seniors ” with disabilities that are affected by elements such as heat and humidity and long periods of standing. I’m not getting on a fast ride or anything like that. But the popular ones that have been around since I was a teen are the ones I ride, like haunted Mansion, etc. Again, I am disappointed , I feel the person I spoke with had terrible listening skills and my days at Disney are few now. And so it is.
My child with ADHD no longer qualified for DAS. I explained the accommodations he has at school & how he will literally climb the walks trying to wait in line. They said we could leave the queue at anytime & that’s there new accommodation for this.
Problem is, the accommodation is that the child has to leave by themselves and somehow find you and meet back up with you later. If you leave, the DAS representative shared that you are not allowed back with them…
My child with autism and sensory processing disorder was denied DAS. They are unable to be in a line. We were told if they can’t wait in line then they should just purchase Genie+, or they could leave and come back (but we could not, meaning now the child would either have to leave and be unattended, or we (parent/caregiver) would have to leave with them and then no longer be allowed to ride with them upon their return.
The absurdity and seemingly clear violation of the ADA here is profound. Disney will not be getting our money until after they are inevitably sued back into compliance with federal law…
Disney no longer cares about their customers.
It is no longer this magical place.
I have been coming to Disney for 30 years since my children were young. I am here right now with my children and grandchildren.
I have never been more disrespected by Disney in 30 years. I have some major health issues and Disney could care less. Go stand on the line!!!
This will be my last time. Walt is saying what have you done to Disneyworld!!!!
I still have 5 more days and so far the experience has been awful for me!!!!
I have a severe stomach condition which means I have urgency to rush to the toilet suddenly. I was previously allowed a pass however due to the new rules it looks like I would no longer qualify. I am currently being treated for anxiety because the thought of having an accident in public is causing me severe stress and panic therefore wearing pads is not an option for me as the sheer thought of people realizing I had pooped myself in line would cause me to have a panic attack. Its the thought of having to push past people to get out of the line aswell crying that I urgently need to the toilet. I love Disney so much but I don’t think I can go anymore as the anxiety alone would kill me when it comes to waiting in the queues scared to have an accident or trying to push out of the queue to get to the toilet before I had an accident. I’m genuinely devastated as it’s my favorite place in the world but they no longer care about people with disabilities :(
We have tickets to Hollywood studios next month. Today Aug 19 and our ticket are for Sept 24, do I need to wait until it’s exactly 30 days to seek the DAS?
Hi Anet! Yes, Disney specifically states that you may request DAS “as soon as 30 days in advance of a park visit” rather than a vague term such as “the month before your visit.” Registration via live video chat is open from 7AM-8PM Eastern Time and you’ll need to make sure you have everyone’s admission already linked to My Disney Experience in advance.
My wife was denied. She wasn’t born with cognitive disorder but her multiple sclerosis after 15 years have given it to her. Also the heat and her catheter and she was denied. Their form letter response is it was initially only intended for autistic people but got abused. It’s fine. I can’t get my ticket refunded. We will do like they said. My daughter and i will wait in line and when we get to the front we will call her through the line on her scooter. I told them I am not mad about their decision. I just wish they would have told me sooner. I could take her somewhere cooler like Dollywood.
Disney is all about the money and wants everyone to purchase their Genie and Lightening passes, they can care less about anyone, Walt would be so disgusted with what this place has become… the parks are dirty now, not enough employees, and the Magic is surely gone…
when my disney pass run out i will not return.
I have savior TBI ( termatic brain injury) PTSD anxiety to the point I don’t leave my house. I have to move around do to not able to be close to people and I get anxiety attacks. I have to have my wife help communicate for me do to not able to talk with out struggling from the TBI. I was denied with congestive disabilities even though that is on the website. They wanted me to have to explain my disabilities to every employee at the entrance of every ride to see if there was anyway they can help. I have trouble with my 2 kids with autism where they freak out and run away. They’re solution was I have to try and keep my kids with me while my wife stands in line and then they will allow us to do a switch rider pass. Not being able to communicate well and getting anxious where I can’t have people behind me do a deployment where I was injured. I highly recommend not going to Disney. I have had DAS for 8 years that allowed me to do the parks and now they won’t accommodate my needs anymore I will no longer do annual passes or support them in any way.
If all the people who had DAS stopped going to Disney because they stopped giving the DAS maybe they would see what a lost it really is. I personally just popped on myself in line a few weeks ago. No DAS. So I had to leave the park with popped pants. Thanks Disney
Hello
My son has Multiple Sclerosis. This qualifies for Das Pass?
Hello Ricardo – because we don’t work directly for Disney, I can’t answer for sure whether Multiple Sclerosis will be covered. Disney makes all of the decisions. Disney has said the service is now intended more for mental/cognitive conditions, and many people with physical conditions have reported being denied; you might want to contact them directly for an answer.