NEWS: Disney World Rules Change to Manage Line-Skipping in the Parks

Some big changes have hit Disney World.

Cinderella Castle

Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS) is an offering that allows individuals who have trouble waiting in a regular queue due to a developmental disability that cannot be solved by a mobility aid to wait the same amount of time outside of the queue. Over the years it has been used by many people who have difficulties waiting in lines, but recently, Disney World announced it would be making some changes.

As of Monday, May 20th, 2024, there are several updates coming to DAS. Disney says they are “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 goal with these updates is to preserve DAS for those it is designed to accommodate and make sure these services are going to appropriate visitors. Here’s what will be different:

The DAS user will only be allowed 4 people on the pass with them, or only their immediate family (if above 4 people).
The current DAS system comes with 2 pre-entitlements, where guests who register for the service online can choose 2 rides per day that they’d like to secure a time for AND use the regular DAS system. With this new system, pre-entitlements and the regular DAS system will be separate, and those using DAS will not be guaranteed those pre-entitlements.
The enrollment window for DAS will increase from 60 days to 120 days.
Under the current system, you can speak with a Cast Member virtually before your trip to access the service OR apply in person. With the new system, however, no in-person option will be available.

The use of DAS has tripled in the parks in the past 5 years and Disney wants to make sure that the people who are using the system actually need it. Disney has stated that if any guest is found to be lying about the reasons they require DAS, they will be barred from Disney World and Disneyland permanently.

These updates will also come to Disneyland Resort on June 18th, 2024. We’ll be interested to see if these updates affect the parks in any noticeable ways, so we’ll keep a lookout for changes.