Walt Disney World has recently extended the Disability Access Service (DAS) validity period to up to one year. Previously, the validity period was up to 240 days. The new change allows eligible guests who have an Annual Pass to be able to use DAS throughout the length of their standard pass length without the need to renew during their time as an Annual Passholder. Guests will be required to renew DAS eligibility once it expires. Here’s the latest.
Disney World Extends DAS Eligibility
Before the sweeping May 2024 changes to the DAS program, the DAS eligibility would be valid for up to 30 days. When the May 2024 changes took effect, Disney extended the validity period to 120 days. In September 2024, Walt Disney World extended that validity period again to 240 days. Now, the eligibility period has been extended to up to one year.
DAS is valid for the length of the ticket or up to 1 year, whichever is shorter. Once the service has elapsed, Guests need to re-register for the program.
After one year, guests will need to re-register for the DAS program. Note that the validity period has always been “valid for the length of the ticket or up to [x number of] days, whichever is shorter”.
In May 2024, Walt Disney World significantly narrowed the scope of guests who qualify for the program, noting that only guests who have “a developmental disability like autism or similar disorder” and are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time. Note that this definition is for those who may qualify.
In another portion of the website, Disney World says that guests who are neurodivergent should practice waiting in lines ahead of their Walt Disney World visit. Disney says that “waiting in line is a regular part of the Walt Disney World Resort experience”, and that neurodivergent guests should “practice waiting with the Guest with a neurodivergent disability at home or in lines at places they might already frequent”.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
