In a decisive move against the increasing misuse of its Disability Access Service (DAS), Disneyland will introduce a series of amendments to the program that helps guests with disabilities, including those with developmental disabilities like autism. According to KTLA 5 News, the changes are set to take effect on June 18 at Disneyland, and May 20 at Walt Disney World, with hopes of preserving the integrity of the service for those who genuinely need it.
Recent trends have seen a surge in the use of DAS, with Disneyland officials reporting to KTLA 5 News that the program's usage has tripled in the past five years. This has led to undue strain on park operations and longer wait times for all guests. Notably, under the revamped guidelines, "DAS Advance pre-arrival attraction selection will no longer be the default offering for all DAS guests," and parties using the DAS will now be limited to a maximum of four individuals unless they're family.
Guests planning to utilize the DAS must re-apply, with eligibility enrollment now opening 120 days before their visit, up from the previous 60 days. Officials have stressed that the program was never intended as a "Disneyland line hack," contrary to what certain social media trends may suggest, but rather as an aid for those unable to stand in traditional queues for extended periods.
The adjustments respond to issues that have led to longer queues and impeded the premium Genie+ lanes catered to guests willing to pay for quicker access. The increased DAS volume "means longer wait times for guests with disabilities and those who have paid for Genie+ — defeating the purpose of the shorter lines for both groups," explained Disneyland officials in a statement obtained by The Orange County Register.
Starting June 18, Disneyland will relocate the DAS processing center to new disability services windows at the ticket booths between the parks. Moreover, guests who do not meet the criteria for DAS will be directed toward alternative accommodations such as Rider Switch passes and Stroller as Wheelchair tags, among others. Disneyland is teaming up with Inspire Health Alliance for the rollout of these updates, ensuring that visitors seeking DAS are interviewed about their life experiences but not their disabilities directly, as part of an inclusive approach to understanding each guest's needs.
