Visiting Disneyland is a magical experience, but for guests with disabilities or special needs, navigating the parks can present unique challenges. Fortunately, Disney offers the Disability Access Service (DAS) to help ensure that everyone can enjoy their day at the parks with ease and comfort. Here’s everything you need to know about the DAS pass and how to obtain it for your trip to Disneyland.
What is the DAS Pass?
The Disability Access Service (DAS) pass is designed to accommodate guests who, due to a disability, cannot tolerate long wait times in the traditional standby lines. Unlike regular queues, the DAS pass allows you to select a return time for attractions, enabling you to enjoy other areas of the park while waiting.
It’s important to note that the DAS pass is not a “front-of-the-line” pass, but rather a tool to make the waiting process more comfortable for those who qualify.
Who Qualifies for a DAS Pass?
The DAS pass is available to guests who have disabilities that make waiting in traditional lines difficult or unmanageable. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Guests with cognitive or developmental disabilities.
- Guests with mobility challenges (who may also benefit from other services, like wheelchairs or scooters).
- Guests with certain medical conditions, such as sensory processing disorders or anxiety, which are exacerbated by long wait times.
The DAS pass is offered on a case-by-case basis, so it’s important to explain your specific needs when speaking to a Cast Member.
How to Obtain a DAS Pass: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Pre-Arrival: Register Online (Recommended)
Disney has introduced a convenient way to register for a DAS pass online before your visit. This can save time and reduce the stress of handling it upon arrival.
Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the official Disneyland website or the Disneyland app.
- Register for DAS Advance: You’ll need to schedule a live video chat with a Cast Member. During this chat, you’ll be asked to explain the nature of your or your family member’s disability and why waiting in traditional lines is a challenge.
- Make DAS Advance selections: Once approved, you’ll have the option to book up to two DAS return times per day in advance of your visit, giving you a head start on some of the park’s most popular attractions.
This pre-arrival process can be completed up to 30 days before your visit and no later than 2 days before you arrive.
2. In-Park: Visit Guest Relations
If you didn’t register for DAS Advance or prefer to handle the process in person, you can obtain a DAS pass at one of Disneyland’s Guest Relations locations:
- City Hall (Disneyland Park)
- Chamber of Commerce (Disney California Adventure)
Here’s what to expect:
- Talk to a Cast Member: Explain your or your family member’s condition and why it’s difficult to wait in standard lines.
- Get the DAS pass linked to your account: Once approved, the DAS pass will be linked to your park ticket and visible in the Disneyland app. You’ll be able to manage the DAS return times directly from your phone.
The process typically takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on the lines at Guest Relations.
How Does the DAS Pass Work?
Once your DAS pass is active, using it in the park is straightforward:
- Choose an Attraction: Open the Disneyland app and select the attraction you’d like to experience.
- Get a Return Time: The app will give you a return time based on the current standby wait time, minus 10 minutes. For example, if the standby wait time for Space Mountain is 60 minutes, your DAS return time will be 50 minutes later.
- Return to the Attraction: When your return time arrives, head to the Lightning Lane entrance of the attraction, where a Cast Member will scan your ticket. After that, you can enjoy the ride without having to wait in the traditional line.
- Select Another Ride: Once you’ve completed an attraction, you can immediately choose another DAS return time for a different ride.
Additional Tips for Using the DAS Pass
- Party Size: The DAS pass can be used for the guest with the disability and up to three additional members of their party (a total of 4 people). All members of the party must have valid park tickets.
- Accessibility Across the Parks: DAS passes work across both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, allowing you to plan your day freely in both parks.
- Use DAS for Dining: If long lines at quick-service dining locations are difficult for you, ask a Cast Member if they can accommodate your needs. While the DAS pass is not formally used for dining, Disney aims to make all aspects of your visit accessible.
When the DAS Pass May Not Be Necessary
If your primary concern is mobility, such as using a wheelchair or scooter, the DAS pass may not be needed. Most Disneyland attractions are equipped to handle guests with mobility devices, and many have separate entrances for these visitors.
Final Thoughts
The DAS pass is a fantastic resource for making Disneyland more accessible and enjoyable for guests with disabilities. By allowing you to bypass long waits and manage your day with more flexibility, it ensures that everyone can share in the magic of the park. Whether you register in advance online or at Guest Relations on the day of your visit, the process is designed to be simple and accommodating.
If you or someone in your party could benefit from DAS, don’t hesitate to take advantage of this service. A little planning can go a long way in making your Disneyland trip smooth and enjoyable for everyone involved.