Are you ready for your Disney vacation? Prior to the arrival of Genie within My Disney Experience, Disney is making planning for those who are in need of a Disability Access Pass even easier with the advent of the registration via live video chat.
These big changes were reported just a few months ago for both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, but now they are finally here for those planning a Walt Disney World vacation — meaning Guests can breathe easy with smooth planning options.
DAS Pre-Arrival Access Chat Now Live
Credit: DVC
Disney Parks have always had a commitment to “providing a welcoming, inclusive environment and accessible experiences for our Guests. As part of this commitment, Disability Access Service (DAS) is a program offered at Walt Disney World theme parks to assist Guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to disability.”
Previously, Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort Guests could only register for a Disability Access Pass once they were on property at the theme parks. Guests needed to enter the theme park of their choice, then go to Guest Services where they must then discuss their needs with a Cast Member. Cast Members will work with Guests to discuss specifics and offer their assistance.
Now, the new Disability Access Services (DAS) pass chat is live on the Disney website, meaning Guests can reengage their planning skills and take care of this before arriving at their Disney vacation within 2 to 30 days of arrival.
Disney Genie Service, which is expected to debut on October 19, 2021, should also include this DAS planning option as a part of the software.
Registering for DAS Via Chat
Credit: ITM Screenshot
You can register for a DAS pass in two different ways. The pre-arrival check-in is now available via live video chat, or you can still opt to visit Disney Park Guest Relations in person at thee theme park, as has been the traditional process. Cast Members will work with you to discuss specifics and offer their assistance. Disney advises:
Before you register, make sure to:
Add your travel party to your Family & Friends list, so they can be included in DAS plans
Link valid theme park admission for each member of your party
Ensure that the Guest who is requesting to use DAS is present at the time of registration, either via live video chat or at a Guest Relations location or Main Entrance location.
Be within 2 to 30 days in advance of your park visit.
Credit: ITM Screenshot
When you’re ready to chat, visit Disney’s “Registering for Disability Access Service (DAS)” page and scroll down to click the link to speak to a Cast Member.
There are a few important things to note about Disney’s DAS Advance planning option via chat. The live chat is available only from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m, EST and is available in English only at this time. A recording of the chat is not permitted.
The Guest that is requesting DAS service (or a guardian on behalf of those under 18 years of age) must be an adult and present during the video call. Please log in to your My Disney Experience account before calling, or create your new account. Should you have visual liabilities, the chat is screen reader-friendly.
Credit: ITM Screenshot
Once you’re registered, the DAS disability pass will be valid for up to 60 days. During your vacation, you can pre-select up to 2 one-hour return windows for select experiences (subject to availability) using the new DAS Advance selection option as early as 30 days prior to a Park visit. These selections are in addition to the return times you can request throughout the day of your actual Park visit. Select DAS Advance planning option attractions with DAS return times may include:
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Muppet*Vision 3D
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Slinky Dog Dash
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™
Toy Story Mania!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
The Animation Experience at Conservation Station
DINOSAUR
Feathered Friends in Flight!
Festival of the Lion King
It’s Tough to be a Bug!
Kali River Rapids
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Na’vi River Journey
Credit: Disney
If you need additional help planning your Disney vacation, simply call on the Disney-authorized professionals at Academy Travel. They have the know-how and experience to deliver free planning help for the trip of your dreams! Call them at 609-978-0740.
Are you happy to see Disney add a pre-arrival DAS planning service? Leave us a comment below!