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Disney has done an amazing job at making sure every park is inclusive and welcoming to all guests. For the longest time, autistic families were able to use their Guest Assistance Card Program to ensure their visit was magical. However, so many people were abusing the system. Thankfully, Disney was willing to make changes to their program instead of getting rid of it completely. The new program is known as DAS, or Disability Access Service. DAS is available at the Disney Parks.
The program is designed to ensure people who need assistance the most are receiving the best experience at every park they visit. Today, I am sharing a few tips for using DAS at Disney Parks during your next autism friendly vacation.
It is important to note that Disney has updated their language for the usage of DAS. Anyone caught abusing the DAS system will be banned from using it for life.
Tips for Using DAS at Disney Parks
Take Advantage of Registering Online
You can now register online to use DAS at the Disney Parks. I love this option, because now you don’t need to waste the first little bit of your trip waiting in line.
You can register for DAS up to 30 days prior to your visit to a Disney Park. And the online experience will be very similar to what you experience in person at the park.
Simply click the link I shared above and sign up for a time that is convenient for you. The current times are between 7am and 10pm Eastern.
Make sure you choose a time when your autistic child will be with you. The cast member will need to speak with your child during the interview process.
This will be a live video chat, so you will need a device that has a camera and a microphone.
Prior to scheduling your interview time, you will need to add everyone in your travel party to your Family and Friends list. Linking theme park tickets that are valid for your travel dates is also necessary.
Take Advantage of the New DAS Advance Planning Option
When you choose to register for DAS online, you get to take advantage of the new DAS Advance Planning option.
This option allows you to book 2 one-hour window returns for select rides at a theme park. Utilizing this feature will allow you to go to your favorite rides immediately when you arrive at the park. Then once these 2 return windows have been used, you can begin booking your next return time.
Pro Tip: Make sure you have made your advance selections at least 2 days prior to your arrival at the park. You will lose out on this feature if you try to book later than that.
Take Advantage of the My Disney Experience App
Did you know that you no longer need to walk all the way to an experience, or a kiosk, to receive a return time from a cast member?
Nope! You can now request return times directly from the My Disney Experience app!
This is one of my favorite features and the one that I am most excited about. I used to dread walking long distances between rides for a wait time. And then trying to find something to do during our wait.
Now, I pull up the app, request a time, and then we find fun things to do as we are walking towards the ride. There have been times we have been able to go on a couple rides, as we are heading towards the attraction we have a return time for.
Plan Your Disney Adventures Carefully
Once you have received DAS approval for your trip, it is valid for up to 60 days. That means you can visit the parks again within that 60 days without needing to go through the registration process again.
However, it is important to note that your visits must be at the same Disney Park. So, if you have approval for DAS at Disney World, you can only use it at those parks. You cannot use your approval for a trip to DIsneyland. Even if it is within 60 days.
So, if your autistic family is planning a whirlwind Disney adventure that includes visiting parks in different parts of the country, or world, you will need to register for DAS approval at each one. The qualifications for the overseas Disney Parks are different then here in the US. Therefore, you will want to check out the different guidelines during your vacation planning process.
Check how the process works at Disneyland Paris!
Of course, I can always help with that and the rest of the planning for your Disney vacation. I specialize in making sure Disney vacations are autism friendly, so your family doesn’t miss a moment of the magic during your visit. Contact me to see how I can make the whole planning process easy for you, so you can focus on making memories with your family.
