Disney recently unveiled significant revisions to its Disability Access Service (DAS) and introduced new planning aids to assist guests with disabilities in orchestrating an enchanting vacation.
In a Tuesday announcement, Disney introduced updates to its Accessibility Planning Guide and Recommendations for both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. These enhancements include an array of tools designed to aid guests in preparing for their forthcoming Disney escapade. The revamped guide offers clearer delineation of available accessibility options, along with pertinent advice such as serene locations for guests to take respite, a compilation of companion restrooms, directives for service animals, transportation particulars within the resort, sensory insights for diverse experiences, and more.
A spokesperson for Walt Disney World Resort emphasized Disney’s unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional experience for all guests, including those with disabilities. “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 overhaul of the DAS program also aims to curtail misuse of the line-skipping initiative and ensure its accessibility to the intended beneficiaries. Effective May 20 at Walt Disney World and June 18 at Disneyland, enrollment for the DAS program will extend to 120 days instead of the previous 60, with party size limited to immediate family members or no more than four guests.
Functioning by assigning return times for attractions to enrolled individuals, the DAS program obviates the need for them and their parties to queue in the standby line. The return time typically corresponds to the current wait time for the attraction, allowing guests to await their turn elsewhere and then access the attraction via the Lightning Lane at the designated time.
Disney will augment the number of trained cast members, in collaboration with Inspire Health Alliance’s health professionals, to assist guests in discerning the most suitable tools and accommodations for their requirements, while also ensuring that only eligible guests receive them.
In light of these revisions, Disney strongly urges guests to peruse the updated websites to explore the array of services for guests with disabilities and determine the most suitable ones for their needs.
To familiarize guests with the new resources, they can engage in a virtual video chat with the Accessibility Services team between 30 and 2 days prior to their visit to ascertain their eligibility for DAS based on their individual needs. Disney advises guests to commence planning as soon as the booking window opens, or even earlier. Alternatively, guests visiting Disneyland can conduct the conversation in person at a designated window on the esplanade between the main entrances of the theme park, if they are unable to do so before their arrival. However, guests visiting Walt Disney World will need to engage with a cast member via virtual chat if they fail to complete this process before their arrival.
According to Disney, the objective of this revamped procedure is to ensure that only guests who truly require the DAS receive it. Cast members may also redirect guests to other accessibility services, besides DAS, that are more aligned with their needs, including line-return options for guests requiring frequent restroom visits, ASL interpreting services, service animal relief areas, or wheelchair access for guests utilizing mobility devices.