Unpopular opinion but not every place, attraction, experience is for everyone. If your child has an issue waiting in line, maybe a themepark isnt for your child. Or maybe someplace like Legoland is better suited for your child’s needs due to low wait time. My mom gets dizzy on some rides. So she doesnt ride them. Some people dont like to get wet. Don’t go where things are an issue. Especially a private company. When I was a kid, you waited at a separate gate until your party walked through the entire line.
I think your take is incredibly selfish. My child is disabled and loves the simulation of the rides.
I think going to the front of the line might not be the solution, such as you mentioned how it was when we were children. But if that’s the best thing they can experience for the disabilities in life they suffer then that’s a small sacrifice for the rest of the world.
There might be ADA lawsuits coming. This is discriminatory. I do believe there must be vetting on those requesting a disability pass if you will. I do like the response from Ami. It’s possible to go too less stressful children geared them parks too. Disabled people should have SSA documents ready for review when booking and at the gate.
There is already a lawsuit against Disneyland due to the DAS changes, but I don’t see it being successful.
Plaintiffs are basing their claims on the fact that Disney is screening out non-developmental disabilities for the DAS. Thing is, Disney doesn’t have to offer the same accommodation to everyone with a disability, and since they offer alternate accommodations for those denied DAS, I think this lawsuit, like the previous GAC lawsuit, will likely drag on for years with Disney winning in the end.
It’s wild how the “we can’t afford it” excuse is only used for things that help everyday people. Since the 2024–2025 crackdown, Disney has basically pay-walled accessibility for many. If you don’t have a developmental disability, you’re now expected to use a scooter in lines—which is a nightmare for anyone who’s actually tried to navigate those tight, 180-degree turns in a standard queue.
For a family of 4 at Magic Kingdom, the math is staggering:
Park Tickets: ~$680–$830.
LL Multi Pass: Up to $180 ($45/ea) just for the “basic” skip-the-line.
Single Passes: ~$140+ if you want to hit the big ones like TRON & Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
Premier Pass: If you want to skip the “stacking” stress, this new 2026 tier is $329–$449/person. That’s ~$1,300–$1,800 on top of tickets!
Scooter Rental: $65/day (plus deposit) at the gate—if they aren’t already sold out.
Disney’s making billions by forcing guests to pay for the “virtual queue” experience that should be a standard for all, especially those of us with mobility issues who physically cannot fit into their “accessible” queues.
I think they need to rethink it. I am disabled but, I sm able to get on and off the rides I wish to go on. I don’t expect to go to the front of the line. And without going into my life story I would glad show my medical records snd the reasons I can’t wait in a long line. I wouldn’t mind showing my medical records to the proper authority.
Getting a return time if fine for me. People are going crazy about these demands. This is still a theme park for everyone . All inclusive. Not a prison.
Disney hasn’t been good about DAS and due to greed and growth of not caring about disabilities management and younger individuals who are not having problems want us to go away the magic is gone for disabilities and we are as problems for we can’t afford to do disney because of of money and not being able to get around
If you’re in a wheelchair or a scooter, why do you need to get ahead of everyone else? You can wait in line like everyone else can. If you have a disability where you can’t stand long, have to take bathroom breaks, etc., all you have to do is tell a cast member and they will let you out of line and then you can get back in line with your family. If you’re by yourself, you tell a CM and they’ll hold your spot. The DAS was most definitely being abused, and you know it was because there were entire Facebook groups, tiktoks, etc., of people telling others what to do and say in order to get approved for DAS. It has gone back to how it originally was and I’m glad.
Said by someone who has NEVER tried to go through a line in a wheelchair or scooter. Newer lines have allowed for them. Older lines like Peter Pan and Pinocchio are not compatible. And for what it is worth, the entry ramp for the Monorail at Disneyland in Anaheim is NOT ADA compliant.
Clearly Disney needs to reevaluate the entire situation. However, they don’t need an overpaid outside consultant to do so. They have thousands of parkgoers who can offer valid ways to consider to improve it and to point out the opportunities for fraud.
It’s wild how the “we can’t afford it” excuse is only used for things that help everyday people. Since the 2024–2025 crackdown, Disney has basically pay-walled accessibility for many. If you don’t have a developmental disability, you’re now expected to use a scooter in lines—which is a nightmare for anyone who’s actually tried to navigate those tight, 180-degree turns in a standard queue.
For a family of 4 at Magic Kingdom, the math is staggering:
Park Tickets: ~$680–$830.
LL Multi Pass: Up to $180 ($45/ea) just for the “basic” skip-the-line.
Single Passes: ~$140+ if you want to hit the big ones like TRON & Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
Premier Pass: If you want to skip the “stacking” stress, this new 2026 tier is $329–$449/person. That’s ~$1,300–$1,800 on top of tickets!
Scooter Rental: $65/day (plus deposit) at the gate—if they aren’t already sold out.
Disney’s making billions by forcing guests to pay for the “virtual queue” experience that should be a standard for all, especially those of us with mobility issues who physically cannot fit into their “accessible” queues.
The DAS PASS saved my boy from the stress of queues for hours.I went to euro disney before florida and before my boy was diagnosed with ADHD.We managed on short 5-10 queues anything more he would start crying.We got to thunder mountain one time after 45 mins got to the seat was so stressed he refused to go any further.My boys medicated now and when in florida with the DAS PASS we managed to go on the rides stress free.I promise you the stress thats taken off of us and my son could have a good time was wonderful.Reading this discussion and comments is upsetting that there’s people thinking of stopping it by saying sorry your son has a disability but it’s not disabled enough is shocking.ADHD is a disability and without the DAS wouldn’t of been able to experience much the involved queues.
You’re lucky in a way. My son was denied and he has ADHD. They told us to go to low sensory areas in the parks; one of the ones in Magic Kingdom was the train station at the entrance. We were only allowed a half hour a day at first aid where he would be able to sit in a truly quiet area. When I would take him out of line for him to get a break, many cast members would be rude when we explained what was going on (both leaving and returning).
I’d have those cast members names so fast their head would swim. There’s no excuse to be rude at any Disney park. It’s supposed to be the most magical place or has everybody lost their mind. If I had a bit in your son’s condition, that would be the last dime they got from me. I feel for you. Nobody seems to remember manners anymore. I hope something that hard never falls on someone they know and love. People would sure change they’re tune if it was them.
I’m a former Cast Member for Disneyland Resort with disabilities. And was hoping to take my close family member later this year who has neurological disabilities to celebrate his Kindergarten graduation, but now this will not be happening because of this cut to the DAS Program for Disneyland Guest who have disabilities to be able to enjoy the parks with just a few modifications to enjoy the park. This greatly makes me sad because I have be a Disneyland kid since I was a baby visiting Disneyland before I was a year old. And as a former Disney Cast Member this really this really goes against Walt Disney’s vision of all guest being able to come enjoy the parks and what our 4 Keys stand for. I do fully remember being told in training that as Cast Members we aren’t supposed to treat a guest any differently because they have a disability or to refuse to help a guest because they have a disability.
I feel my new favorite place to visit on vacation will be the beach because the beach doesn’t care or discriminate if you have disabilities or not to enjoy it fully.
Disney is worried about money not a handicap . Nothing ever changes new CEO or old CEO it all about dollars and more dollars. It cost so much that kids will never know what Walt Disney the man was . Because of out pricing families any way. Now you are doing away with handicap I stop by comment right there. If someone ever reads this ask your new CEO????
Disney is a business, of course they care about money. But they also care about the experiences of all guests, not just the ones with disabilities.
Overuse and abuse of DAS negatively impacted everyone in standby, as well as those DAS users who legitimately need the DAS and for whom other accommodations won’t work.
This is a topic fraught with emotion. I have written extensively about this on other sites. I love to go to Disney but due to a physical disability am unable to stand for long periods of time. And yes I’ve been told to hire a scooter. Now I did this for $70 a day total$490. And my scooter was not allowed in queues. The option? Swap for a wheelchair while queuing. Great except as a lone traveller how am I expected to push this. So the system needs to be sorted out once and for all. And the solution is simple. Bring in an independent organisation to assess people individually. Problem solved. Thank you you can send me a cheque
You can rent a scooter offsite for much less than that, and scoots are able to go in most lines. For the ones where they can’t go, they’ll give you a return time for an accessible entrance.
I guess my parks will now only be Universal Parks where they have the IBCCES program. I can’t believe a doctors note is no longer good enough for Disney who charges too much anyway.
And BTW, submitting a doctor’s note and getting approved by IBCCES doesn’t necessarily mean that Universal will grant an AAP. They too are becoming stricter, and telling more people to wait outside the line while their party waits in the line.
I’ve had a hip replacement, need a knee replacement and currently waiting on back surgery. I understand that people abuse this program and the ones that do are selfish assholes, but many of us need this and can prove it.
Well that’s an overly simplistic and short-sighted response, one that personally I don’t agree with but that’s me. Just out of curiosity, do you believe in karma?
Remember you said that when through no fault of your own you are unable to walk, sit and/or ride without significant pain yet you want to still enjoy your life and family to the fullest extent possible…like the other guy said, Karma.
Exactly. They just took it back to how it was originally. Too many people got spoiled thinking that they could get it and now everyone is upset about it.
Should you even be on rides? There are warnings at Six Flags at every ride that says it is not recommended for people with back problems, pregnant women etc.
The whole DAS pass was totally mismanaged. Disney should have been asking for nedical evidence or disability evidence as is done in Disneyland Paris.
I cannot walk. OK, fine, I accept I can get a scooter.
I have IBS which means I have sudden news to go to the loo. I need physical support to do this due to severe arthritis. Leaving a queue means you have to join the queue at the back again. Heaven help if just one of you leaves and then tries to come back again. Total abuse from others queuing.
I am also one heart medication that forbids any time in sunlight ( amiodorone) while I can get around using shady areas I can in no way queue in direct sunlight.
Yet, children with Autism are allowed DAS passes, even though some are on tge mild end of the spectrum abd have little or no issues with queuing.
Disney need to check medical situations and make appropriate devision made on that evidence. Doing that would prevent DAS abuse, and ensure the right people were issued them. Guess WDW Florida hasn’t the mental aptitude to come to the same conclusion. DLP works on a fair system.
My last visit to WDW was in 2024. It will be my last. Many many disabled people are making that same decision.
It’s very sad considering Disney was always attributed to making access easier for adults and children. No longer the case.
Disabled people and their families make up a large proportion of people going 5o WDW. That’s a lot of visitors 5o lose. Just see the prices go up to compensate.
I have just been to DLP. So different. Disability support there is good. With evidence I got my DAS pass there.
Did you stop to think that the children with autism using the DAS pass were able to calmly stay in line as it was much shorter? You have no idea of how fast they can have a meltdown to everyone’s detriment. I find it appalling that someone like yourself with a disability is judging others disabilities without knowing how it affects them.
Not to mention that many people, both kids and adults, with milder forms of autism are being denied. I totally understand why, but it’s not like having autism is a guarantee for DAS.
What people don’t seem to realize or accept is that Disney has decided (rightfully, IMO) to move away from giving DAS for things that might happen in line and could actually happen anywhere in the park (bathroom, blood sugar, etc.) and instead focusing on those whose issues are directly caused by the line itself.
I see nothing at all wrong with this approach, so long as alternate accommodations are offered, which they are.
I know many people have abused the DAS system. But Disney shouldn’t take it away from the ones who truly need it. Most of the comments here are regarding people with autism or people who can not sit or stand for too long. What about people like me with Ulcerative Colitis? I am not able to wait long, not because of my legs or by back, but because I could have a bathroom accident suddenly at any moment. I have disability papers not only from my doctor, but from the US government. I am not afraid to show them to any medical inspector, and they should be honored as a legitimate reason for a DAS. OK, maybe I could rejoin my party in line. However, do YOU want to be the one FIGHTING with the people in line that you have to pass who view you as a ‘line cutter’? Or, if I am there solo, I have no one to catch up with and would have to start all over at the end of the line. This DAS should be looked at on an individual basis, and those with definitive proof should be approved.
You don’t go back through the line to meet your party, you go through the LL to meet them. If you are traveling alone, you can ask for a return time at the ride.
While there is no question that you have a legitimate disability, that doesn’t mean that DAS is only way you can be accommodated. Disney is obviously taking the DAS away for the “might happen” cases and reserving it for those guests for whom the line itself causes the issue.
Those who say just rent a scooter or wheelchair: 1) who’s going to pay for it? 2) I have 15 pins fused in my back. I can’t sit for too long or stand for too long. I have a service dog. So, a wheelchair or scooter is not a feasible option. If I go solo, how can I join ‘my group’ in line – besides the fact it’s ‘line cutting’. 3) what’s the other option? DAS stands for Disability Access Service – any disability that makes standing in a long line difficult if not impossible. Autism is not the only disability that makes this impossible!! If you can prove your disability, what is the problem? Like with my service dog, it can be asked what task he performs, why can’t a person’s disability be asked about? To obtain a DAS accommodation, proof shouldn’t be a problem. In school for a child to get disability accommodations, proof has to be given. It is not a violation of privacy if offered.
“DAS stands for Disability Access Service – any disability that makes standing in a long line difficult if not impossible. ”
Disney says differently.
And Disney (or any other business) has no obligation under the ADA to provide mobility devices.
The whole “just let us show proof” is pretty meaningless as well. A guest could provide all sorts of proof that they have a legitimate disability, but that doesn’t mean they need a DAS, as there are alternate accommodations available. Even two people with the same disability may not need the same accommodations.
This idea that people get to choose their preferred accommodation is what made DAS such an overused mess in the first place, which in turn led to it negatively impacting other DAS users, LL users, and guests in standby.
I totally agree with you! My daughter also has back fusions and can’t sit or stand for too long. The first time we went to WDW after her surgery, she was given the pass. Every time after that she has been denied! Like seriously? And not only who’s going to pay for it, but who’s going to push it in the heat? It’s a waste to get, because as you also stayed, she can’t sit too ling or stand too long! My other daughter has SEVERE anxiety and mild autism and was denied by Disney, but given the pass at Universal. There were times the cast members could see her anxiety and just stepped in and offered help. Even took us in the exit to avoid narrow or over crowded lines! Disney just doesn’t care anymore! Autism is NOT the only disability that makes long over crowded lines and ques hard!
I have no problem with this. Even with the stricter qualifications for the DAS pass people are still trying to abuse and skirt the system. The Me/Now movement needs to stop and accept that it’s normal to wait in line and unless your severely disabled. You must wait in line like everyone else or purchase a lightening lane pass. A fussy child or a broken arm doesn’t qualify. Get over it.
Our first visit to Disney World was in 1972 with our daughter of five years old. We own at DVC, purchase annual passes, and are at Disney World 4 weeks annually. My wife & I have been senior citizens for a long time. We walk slowly, but cannot stand for long. We tried the que thing, a disaster. We are not emotionally ready for wheel chairs. There is no provision for senior citizens to enjoy Disney World at their own pace without standing in long lines, or spending much money on Lightning, wheelchairs (we re not ready for them). I applied for DAS-the 3rd person I spoke to said she was a medical professional but didn’t respond when I asked what her profession is. When I responded to the same set of questions several times, the sarcastic medical professional? said I don’t have autism and am not eligible for DAS, then slammed the phone. I could have told her that. Disney World should provide DAS for senior citizens over 75.
While I understand that you don’t want to utilize a wheelchair or scooter, Disney no obligation, legal or otherwise, to give you the accommodation that you prefer.
Yet another reason to completely avoid “The greediest place on earth”. They come right out and tell you that people abusing the system “could” cost them $100 per family. Compassion be damned it’s all about the money.
I can take my family on a 7 day houseboat vacation for what it cost me for our last day at Disney. I’ll not be going back.
My biggest issue with the rejoin queue is that we have 2 mobility devices which are nearly impossible to get into or out of a line unless you are at the back. It also becomes problematic to actually find a cast member in a line.
Imagine you are waiting in line and someone with a rollator and a wheelchair in their party are trying to get past you to rejoin, especially if one of them are not a small child.
Disney Execs: Help senior citizens. Free us of long lines. Honor the many years we have visited Disney World.
Our first visit to Disney World was in 1972. Our first daughter was 5. Since then, we have visited Disney World many, many times with our 4 daughters. Waited in line for hours in hot summer weather because we didn’t take the kids out of school.
We lovingly remember the Fast Pass. As we became senior citizens, we enjoyed the convivence of DAS. We walk much slower now, can’t stand in lines because of emotional issues, don’t need a wheelchair, and don’t want to spend $500 a week on Lightening.
I applied for DAS. The 3rd person I spoke to said she was a medical professional but didn’t respond when I asked her what profession. After answering the same set of questions several times, she said I don’t have autism and slammed the phone. Had she asked, I could have told her that.
Quest Services suggested the que. It is a disaster.
I think Disney World executives should come up with some plan to make senior citizen vacations more enjoyable. We love Disney World but find it so much more difficult waiting in long lines.
The fact that they denied a 9 year old child that had a section of his brain removed from a massive tumor that affected speech, hearing, mobility, etc. shows why the DAS needs to be revamped.
I understand DAS was being abused, but to deny those of us who genuinely need it is wrong. I can’t stand for more than a few minutes without pain. I go to Disney enough that I invested in a personal scooter. This works great for queues that allow scooters. However for those that don’t I have a real issue. The accommodations that were suggested don’t work for me. The only person in my usual traveling party who could wait in line is still a minor. The rest of us either have mobility issues or emotional ones that make waiting in line difficult. And I agree – it’s hard enough to get through a crowded queue on your own two feet, but with a scooter (and three of us use them) forget it! And the suggestion to switch to a wheelchair? Again, no one to push me (or 3 of us) and many times I’m by myself. How does that work?
Bring back free Fastpass or at the very least offer free LL at the rides where you can’t take your scooter – including FOP. Once you’re through the queue you can’t take the scooter through the preshow.
I’ve been physically disabled all of my life. I went to DLP on my 66th birthday with my daughter this past year. I have problems standing for long periods and tried touching out the lines. By early afternoon we were exhausted and frustrated. DLP is too expensive to put up with their DAS policies. I’m not missing anything by staying home.
I don’t need DAS but I am invested in the Disney product. As a former travel agent and a former Cast member it breaks my heart that so many people are being disenfranchised as visitors to WDW and DLR. I use a personal scooter as does my companion. Most lines at WDW accommodate us. Occasionally an attraction insists that a manual wheelchair is necessary. With no one available to push a chair we are forced to skip the attraction. Over all Disney is just creating more hoops for guests to jump through. This supports my theory that they want to eliminate the middle class from the ability to afford a visit. They want only the elite. And making it hard on people with disabilities and Senior citizens certainly eliminate them from the elite. As always its about the bottom line, all about the money. The entire Disney hierarchy should be ashamed!
I do have a disability. I cannot walk but a few steps & have rented the carts at the parks while there. At my age I think I am being discriminated against due to others misusing the disability designation.
After reading every comment here is our take on using DAS for 26 years with our autistic son. We started using the pass when Derek was 2 and yes, you needed a doctors note. We made sure we had copies of that note in the diaper bag and every suitcase/purse. We have seen a lot of abuse with the system over the years. We live in California, but fell in love with WDW on our honeymoon. DAS has allowed us with our 2 other children to have a typical family vacation at WDW annually. Disney has become the most accessible park when you have a physical disability. Over the years, they have modified every queue for wheelchairs and scooters and has dedicated separate entrances or entrances that were modified for wheelchairs as well as creating ride vehicles that accommodate wheelchairs. Today with DAS Derek waits the same time everyone else does. He just doesn’t do it in the queue. We come back 45 minutes later, 90 minutes later, 30 minutes later or whatever the time is for him to enjoy the attraction. I hope some clarification on what DAS is today helps people to understand what it actually is and isn’t.
My wife and go to disney about every other week and i always see people of all ages on these Rent mobility .Alot of people are using them only to get to the head of the line for rides and even places to eat . Even later on the same ones that was riding around now is walking like nothing is going on while another person they are with is riding on it .Not Good
Oh please… this country kills me anymore. Everyone right away yells discrimination. Those clearly abusing the system know who they are and need to wait like everyone else.
I just feel badly for those who are TRULY disabled. My heart goes out to them. There’s always others looking to take advantage. We live in a very self-centered and selfish world. It’s very sad! 😞
The ableism flowing through the comment section is absolutely atrocious. People who have never been disabled sit there and judge those of us who struggle to get from point A to point B — my guess is, they’re wealthy elitist jerks who don’t care if the disabled never get to go anywhere as long as people like them get whatever they want. Solo park visitors have no options any longer. I won’t be returning to the park. Let them take some rich ableist hater’s money instead.
My 48 year old daughter has spastic quadriplegia. She has no control of the movement of her arms mostly with many spasms. I have to be very careful that she doesn’t strike someone near her. When overstimulated, she moves more. She’s completely coherent. I am always afraid and stressed if there is a line. It’s too much for her. She thoroughly enjoys all of the shows and some attractions and is an integral part of our family. Eliminating her from DAS is senseless. I have a boatload of medical and government documentation. All you need to do is look at my beautiful daughter to see the extent of her problems. I would be willing to sue.
They should have a third party independent screening like IBCCES. Universal does this. With documentation and case number you then can request the accommodation with the theme park service and it be valid for whatever time period. IBCCES is like a year to then have to apply again.
It would do Disney good for their bottom like and this class action to get out of deciding who is disabled enough or not.
I can just see Walt himself, shaking his head if he were here. Where has all the magic gone? I don’t see much of it in the comments.
People should be ashamed of themselves and be grateful they don’t have the kind of disability one has to need access like that.
Disabled persons have to put up with all kinds of verbal abuse people throw at them. It’s disrespectful.
How hard is it to allow someone mentally or physically disabled the few extra moments it might take out of our day to go on the ride they’ve been waiting for?
Basic humanity. Nothing else. We all pay to go to Disney. Shouldn’t we all get a chance to enjoy it too? 💕
If we’re able bodied and mentally capable of waiting a couple of extra minutes, shouldn’t we thank the Lord?
Problem is, prior to the changes in 2024, it wasn’t just a “few extra moments” when spread across the entire day. The LLs were absolutely clogged with DAS users who could have been accommodated by other means.
Long LLs affect everyone in the park – DAS users who truly need it but can’t wait in a 45 minute LL, guests who pay for LL, but aren’t getting anywhere near what they paid for, and standby guests who have to wait in much longer lines because the CMs up the ratio of LL to standby to try to shorten the LL.
Disney has an obligation to all of its guests, not just disabled guests, and when it became obvious to everyone (except DAS users, apparently) that the overuse of DAS was impacting park operations and guest experience for everyone, Disney had to act.
IMO, it needs there need to be additional changes to not only address overuse, but outright abuse – incentives to use DAS need to be removed.
– No one with a DAS return time should be able to wait in another standby line. Non-DAS users can’t wait in two standby lines, and since DAS is effectively a virtual standby, they shouldn’t be able to stand in another standby line.
– If they are going continue to allow DAS users to wait in a standby line while they await their DAS return time, then they need to revoke the DAS if the guest chooses to wait in a standby that is longer than 20 minutes. Getting a 1.5 hour return time for TRON, then waiting in line for Space Mountain for an hour should be grounds to revoke the DAS permanently.
– A DAS user shouldn’t be able to reserve the next return time until they are in the vicinity of the attraction they want to ride. Non-DAS users can’t count the walking time between Space Mountain and Tiana’s toward their standby wait, so DAS users shouldn’t be able to either.
– DAS return times should not be issued for any ride that has a 20 minute or less standby wait – those rides shouldn’t even appear in the app for booking a return time.
Accommodations, including DAS, are supposed to make access possible – not easier, not more comfortable, and not as a way to make up for how hard a disabled person’s life might be outside the parks. Access – that’s it.
Comments for An End to Theme Park Accessibility: Disney Officially Blocks Disability Program Overhaul
JustMe
Good.
Sonia
I think some people not all abuse, take advantage of this program. I think it should be over hauled and stricter rules should be In place.
Ami
Unpopular opinion but not every place, attraction, experience is for everyone. If your child has an issue waiting in line, maybe a themepark isnt for your child. Or maybe someplace like Legoland is better suited for your child’s needs due to low wait time. My mom gets dizzy on some rides. So she doesnt ride them. Some people dont like to get wet. Don’t go where things are an issue. Especially a private company. When I was a kid, you waited at a separate gate until your party walked through the entire line.
Mike S
I think your take is incredibly selfish. My child is disabled and loves the simulation of the rides.
I think going to the front of the line might not be the solution, such as you mentioned how it was when we were children. But if that’s the best thing they can experience for the disabilities in life they suffer then that’s a small sacrifice for the rest of the world.
Sharon
There might be ADA lawsuits coming. This is discriminatory. I do believe there must be vetting on those requesting a disability pass if you will. I do like the response from Ami. It’s possible to go too less stressful children geared them parks too. Disabled people should have SSA documents ready for review when booking and at the gate.
JustMe
There is already a lawsuit against Disneyland due to the DAS changes, but I don’t see it being successful.
Plaintiffs are basing their claims on the fact that Disney is screening out non-developmental disabilities for the DAS. Thing is, Disney doesn’t have to offer the same accommodation to everyone with a disability, and since they offer alternate accommodations for those denied DAS, I think this lawsuit, like the previous GAC lawsuit, will likely drag on for years with Disney winning in the end.
Renee
Doesn’t matter to them at all. I had my medical records to prove what I was saying. I was still denied
Amy
It’s wild how the “we can’t afford it” excuse is only used for things that help everyday people. Since the 2024–2025 crackdown, Disney has basically pay-walled accessibility for many. If you don’t have a developmental disability, you’re now expected to use a scooter in lines—which is a nightmare for anyone who’s actually tried to navigate those tight, 180-degree turns in a standard queue.
For a family of 4 at Magic Kingdom, the math is staggering:
Park Tickets: ~$680–$830.
LL Multi Pass: Up to $180 ($45/ea) just for the “basic” skip-the-line.
Single Passes: ~$140+ if you want to hit the big ones like TRON & Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
Premier Pass: If you want to skip the “stacking” stress, this new 2026 tier is $329–$449/person. That’s ~$1,300–$1,800 on top of tickets!
Scooter Rental: $65/day (plus deposit) at the gate—if they aren’t already sold out.
Disney’s making billions by forcing guests to pay for the “virtual queue” experience that should be a standard for all, especially those of us with mobility issues who physically cannot fit into their “accessible” queues.
Jay
I think they need to rethink it. I am disabled but, I sm able to get on and off the rides I wish to go on. I don’t expect to go to the front of the line. And without going into my life story I would glad show my medical records snd the reasons I can’t wait in a long line. I wouldn’t mind showing my medical records to the proper authority.
Getting a return time if fine for me. People are going crazy about these demands. This is still a theme park for everyone . All inclusive. Not a prison.
Shari
You are disgusting
Fortubet Gold
It’s surprising to hear about the accessibility changes at Disney. How does this impact families planning trips with special needs?
Dd
Disney hasn’t been good about DAS and due to greed and growth of not caring about disabilities management and younger individuals who are not having problems want us to go away the magic is gone for disabilities and we are as problems for we can’t afford to do disney because of of money and not being able to get around
Cindy
If you’re in a wheelchair or a scooter, why do you need to get ahead of everyone else? You can wait in line like everyone else can. If you have a disability where you can’t stand long, have to take bathroom breaks, etc., all you have to do is tell a cast member and they will let you out of line and then you can get back in line with your family. If you’re by yourself, you tell a CM and they’ll hold your spot. The DAS was most definitely being abused, and you know it was because there were entire Facebook groups, tiktoks, etc., of people telling others what to do and say in order to get approved for DAS. It has gone back to how it originally was and I’m glad.
Jimbo
Said by someone who has NEVER tried to go through a line in a wheelchair or scooter. Newer lines have allowed for them. Older lines like Peter Pan and Pinocchio are not compatible. And for what it is worth, the entry ramp for the Monorail at Disneyland in Anaheim is NOT ADA compliant.
Clearly Disney needs to reevaluate the entire situation. However, they don’t need an overpaid outside consultant to do so. They have thousands of parkgoers who can offer valid ways to consider to improve it and to point out the opportunities for fraud.
Amy
It’s wild how the “we can’t afford it” excuse is only used for things that help everyday people. Since the 2024–2025 crackdown, Disney has basically pay-walled accessibility for many. If you don’t have a developmental disability, you’re now expected to use a scooter in lines—which is a nightmare for anyone who’s actually tried to navigate those tight, 180-degree turns in a standard queue.
For a family of 4 at Magic Kingdom, the math is staggering:
Park Tickets: ~$680–$830.
LL Multi Pass: Up to $180 ($45/ea) just for the “basic” skip-the-line.
Single Passes: ~$140+ if you want to hit the big ones like TRON & Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
Premier Pass: If you want to skip the “stacking” stress, this new 2026 tier is $329–$449/person. That’s ~$1,300–$1,800 on top of tickets!
Scooter Rental: $65/day (plus deposit) at the gate—if they aren’t already sold out.
Disney’s making billions by forcing guests to pay for the “virtual queue” experience that should be a standard for all, especially those of us with mobility issues who physically cannot fit into their “accessible” queues.
Marc
The DAS PASS saved my boy from the stress of queues for hours.I went to euro disney before florida and before my boy was diagnosed with ADHD.We managed on short 5-10 queues anything more he would start crying.We got to thunder mountain one time after 45 mins got to the seat was so stressed he refused to go any further.My boys medicated now and when in florida with the DAS PASS we managed to go on the rides stress free.I promise you the stress thats taken off of us and my son could have a good time was wonderful.Reading this discussion and comments is upsetting that there’s people thinking of stopping it by saying sorry your son has a disability but it’s not disabled enough is shocking.ADHD is a disability and without the DAS wouldn’t of been able to experience much the involved queues.
Tammy
You’re lucky in a way. My son was denied and he has ADHD. They told us to go to low sensory areas in the parks; one of the ones in Magic Kingdom was the train station at the entrance. We were only allowed a half hour a day at first aid where he would be able to sit in a truly quiet area. When I would take him out of line for him to get a break, many cast members would be rude when we explained what was going on (both leaving and returning).
Terry
I’d have those cast members names so fast their head would swim. There’s no excuse to be rude at any Disney park. It’s supposed to be the most magical place or has everybody lost their mind. If I had a bit in your son’s condition, that would be the last dime they got from me. I feel for you. Nobody seems to remember manners anymore. I hope something that hard never falls on someone they know and love. People would sure change they’re tune if it was them.
Nicholina Mendoza
I’m a former Cast Member for Disneyland Resort with disabilities. And was hoping to take my close family member later this year who has neurological disabilities to celebrate his Kindergarten graduation, but now this will not be happening because of this cut to the DAS Program for Disneyland Guest who have disabilities to be able to enjoy the parks with just a few modifications to enjoy the park. This greatly makes me sad because I have be a Disneyland kid since I was a baby visiting Disneyland before I was a year old. And as a former Disney Cast Member this really this really goes against Walt Disney’s vision of all guest being able to come enjoy the parks and what our 4 Keys stand for. I do fully remember being told in training that as Cast Members we aren’t supposed to treat a guest any differently because they have a disability or to refuse to help a guest because they have a disability.
I feel my new favorite place to visit on vacation will be the beach because the beach doesn’t care or discriminate if you have disabilities or not to enjoy it fully.
James
Disney is worried about money not a handicap . Nothing ever changes new CEO or old CEO it all about dollars and more dollars. It cost so much that kids will never know what Walt Disney the man was . Because of out pricing families any way. Now you are doing away with handicap I stop by comment right there. If someone ever reads this ask your new CEO????
JustMe
Disney is a business, of course they care about money. But they also care about the experiences of all guests, not just the ones with disabilities.
Overuse and abuse of DAS negatively impacted everyone in standby, as well as those DAS users who legitimately need the DAS and for whom other accommodations won’t work.
Patc
This is a topic fraught with emotion. I have written extensively about this on other sites. I love to go to Disney but due to a physical disability am unable to stand for long periods of time. And yes I’ve been told to hire a scooter. Now I did this for $70 a day total$490. And my scooter was not allowed in queues. The option? Swap for a wheelchair while queuing. Great except as a lone traveller how am I expected to push this. So the system needs to be sorted out once and for all. And the solution is simple. Bring in an independent organisation to assess people individually. Problem solved. Thank you you can send me a cheque
JustMe
You can rent a scooter offsite for much less than that, and scoots are able to go in most lines. For the ones where they can’t go, they’ll give you a return time for an accessible entrance.
DAS was never supposed to be for mobility.
Crystal
I guess my parks will now only be Universal Parks where they have the IBCCES program. I can’t believe a doctors note is no longer good enough for Disney who charges too much anyway.
JustMe
Disney has never taken doctor’s notes.
And BTW, submitting a doctor’s note and getting approved by IBCCES doesn’t necessarily mean that Universal will grant an AAP. They too are becoming stricter, and telling more people to wait outside the line while their party waits in the line.
Justin
I’ve had a hip replacement, need a knee replacement and currently waiting on back surgery. I understand that people abuse this program and the ones that do are selfish assholes, but many of us need this and can prove it.
JustMe
DAS was never meant to be for mobility issues. You can use a wheelchair or ECV for mobility needs.
Peter
Well that’s an overly simplistic and short-sighted response, one that personally I don’t agree with but that’s me. Just out of curiosity, do you believe in karma?
JustMe
Nope, I don’t believe in karma.
But I do believe in reasonable accommodations, and DAS for mobility issues is more than what is needed.
josh
Remember you said that when through no fault of your own you are unable to walk, sit and/or ride without significant pain yet you want to still enjoy your life and family to the fullest extent possible…like the other guy said, Karma.
Ann
Exactly. They just took it back to how it was originally. Too many people got spoiled thinking that they could get it and now everyone is upset about it.
Sharon
Should you even be on rides? There are warnings at Six Flags at every ride that says it is not recommended for people with back problems, pregnant women etc.
Jean davenport
The whole DAS pass was totally mismanaged. Disney should have been asking for nedical evidence or disability evidence as is done in Disneyland Paris.
I cannot walk. OK, fine, I accept I can get a scooter.
I have IBS which means I have sudden news to go to the loo. I need physical support to do this due to severe arthritis. Leaving a queue means you have to join the queue at the back again. Heaven help if just one of you leaves and then tries to come back again. Total abuse from others queuing.
I am also one heart medication that forbids any time in sunlight ( amiodorone) while I can get around using shady areas I can in no way queue in direct sunlight.
Yet, children with Autism are allowed DAS passes, even though some are on tge mild end of the spectrum abd have little or no issues with queuing.
Disney need to check medical situations and make appropriate devision made on that evidence. Doing that would prevent DAS abuse, and ensure the right people were issued them. Guess WDW Florida hasn’t the mental aptitude to come to the same conclusion. DLP works on a fair system.
My last visit to WDW was in 2024. It will be my last. Many many disabled people are making that same decision.
It’s very sad considering Disney was always attributed to making access easier for adults and children. No longer the case.
Disabled people and their families make up a large proportion of people going 5o WDW. That’s a lot of visitors 5o lose. Just see the prices go up to compensate.
I have just been to DLP. So different. Disability support there is good. With evidence I got my DAS pass there.
Grandma
Did you stop to think that the children with autism using the DAS pass were able to calmly stay in line as it was much shorter? You have no idea of how fast they can have a meltdown to everyone’s detriment. I find it appalling that someone like yourself with a disability is judging others disabilities without knowing how it affects them.
JustMe
Not to mention that many people, both kids and adults, with milder forms of autism are being denied. I totally understand why, but it’s not like having autism is a guarantee for DAS.
What people don’t seem to realize or accept is that Disney has decided (rightfully, IMO) to move away from giving DAS for things that might happen in line and could actually happen anywhere in the park (bathroom, blood sugar, etc.) and instead focusing on those whose issues are directly caused by the line itself.
I see nothing at all wrong with this approach, so long as alternate accommodations are offered, which they are.
Chelle
I know many people have abused the DAS system. But Disney shouldn’t take it away from the ones who truly need it. Most of the comments here are regarding people with autism or people who can not sit or stand for too long. What about people like me with Ulcerative Colitis? I am not able to wait long, not because of my legs or by back, but because I could have a bathroom accident suddenly at any moment. I have disability papers not only from my doctor, but from the US government. I am not afraid to show them to any medical inspector, and they should be honored as a legitimate reason for a DAS. OK, maybe I could rejoin my party in line. However, do YOU want to be the one FIGHTING with the people in line that you have to pass who view you as a ‘line cutter’? Or, if I am there solo, I have no one to catch up with and would have to start all over at the end of the line. This DAS should be looked at on an individual basis, and those with definitive proof should be approved.
JustMe
You don’t go back through the line to meet your party, you go through the LL to meet them. If you are traveling alone, you can ask for a return time at the ride.
While there is no question that you have a legitimate disability, that doesn’t mean that DAS is only way you can be accommodated. Disney is obviously taking the DAS away for the “might happen” cases and reserving it for those guests for whom the line itself causes the issue.
D
Those who say just rent a scooter or wheelchair: 1) who’s going to pay for it? 2) I have 15 pins fused in my back. I can’t sit for too long or stand for too long. I have a service dog. So, a wheelchair or scooter is not a feasible option. If I go solo, how can I join ‘my group’ in line – besides the fact it’s ‘line cutting’. 3) what’s the other option? DAS stands for Disability Access Service – any disability that makes standing in a long line difficult if not impossible. Autism is not the only disability that makes this impossible!! If you can prove your disability, what is the problem? Like with my service dog, it can be asked what task he performs, why can’t a person’s disability be asked about? To obtain a DAS accommodation, proof shouldn’t be a problem. In school for a child to get disability accommodations, proof has to be given. It is not a violation of privacy if offered.
JustMe
“DAS stands for Disability Access Service – any disability that makes standing in a long line difficult if not impossible. ”
Disney says differently.
And Disney (or any other business) has no obligation under the ADA to provide mobility devices.
The whole “just let us show proof” is pretty meaningless as well. A guest could provide all sorts of proof that they have a legitimate disability, but that doesn’t mean they need a DAS, as there are alternate accommodations available. Even two people with the same disability may not need the same accommodations.
This idea that people get to choose their preferred accommodation is what made DAS such an overused mess in the first place, which in turn led to it negatively impacting other DAS users, LL users, and guests in standby.
CB
I totally agree with you! My daughter also has back fusions and can’t sit or stand for too long. The first time we went to WDW after her surgery, she was given the pass. Every time after that she has been denied! Like seriously? And not only who’s going to pay for it, but who’s going to push it in the heat? It’s a waste to get, because as you also stayed, she can’t sit too ling or stand too long! My other daughter has SEVERE anxiety and mild autism and was denied by Disney, but given the pass at Universal. There were times the cast members could see her anxiety and just stepped in and offered help. Even took us in the exit to avoid narrow or over crowded lines! Disney just doesn’t care anymore! Autism is NOT the only disability that makes long over crowded lines and ques hard!
Scott
I have no problem with this. Even with the stricter qualifications for the DAS pass people are still trying to abuse and skirt the system. The Me/Now movement needs to stop and accept that it’s normal to wait in line and unless your severely disabled. You must wait in line like everyone else or purchase a lightening lane pass. A fussy child or a broken arm doesn’t qualify. Get over it.
John
Our first visit to Disney World was in 1972 with our daughter of five years old. We own at DVC, purchase annual passes, and are at Disney World 4 weeks annually. My wife & I have been senior citizens for a long time. We walk slowly, but cannot stand for long. We tried the que thing, a disaster. We are not emotionally ready for wheel chairs. There is no provision for senior citizens to enjoy Disney World at their own pace without standing in long lines, or spending much money on Lightning, wheelchairs (we re not ready for them). I applied for DAS-the 3rd person I spoke to said she was a medical professional but didn’t respond when I asked what her profession is. When I responded to the same set of questions several times, the sarcastic medical professional? said I don’t have autism and am not eligible for DAS, then slammed the phone. I could have told her that. Disney World should provide DAS for senior citizens over 75.
JustMe
While I understand that you don’t want to utilize a wheelchair or scooter, Disney no obligation, legal or otherwise, to give you the accommodation that you prefer.
Dano
Yet another reason to completely avoid “The greediest place on earth”. They come right out and tell you that people abusing the system “could” cost them $100 per family. Compassion be damned it’s all about the money.
I can take my family on a 7 day houseboat vacation for what it cost me for our last day at Disney. I’ll not be going back.
Blk
My biggest issue with the rejoin queue is that we have 2 mobility devices which are nearly impossible to get into or out of a line unless you are at the back. It also becomes problematic to actually find a cast member in a line.
Imagine you are waiting in line and someone with a rollator and a wheelchair in their party are trying to get past you to rejoin, especially if one of them are not a small child.
John
Disney Execs: Help senior citizens. Free us of long lines. Honor the many years we have visited Disney World.
Our first visit to Disney World was in 1972. Our first daughter was 5. Since then, we have visited Disney World many, many times with our 4 daughters. Waited in line for hours in hot summer weather because we didn’t take the kids out of school.
We lovingly remember the Fast Pass. As we became senior citizens, we enjoyed the convivence of DAS. We walk much slower now, can’t stand in lines because of emotional issues, don’t need a wheelchair, and don’t want to spend $500 a week on Lightening.
I applied for DAS. The 3rd person I spoke to said she was a medical professional but didn’t respond when I asked her what profession. After answering the same set of questions several times, she said I don’t have autism and slammed the phone. Had she asked, I could have told her that.
Quest Services suggested the que. It is a disaster.
I think Disney World executives should come up with some plan to make senior citizen vacations more enjoyable. We love Disney World but find it so much more difficult waiting in long lines.
Anonymous
The fact that they denied a 9 year old child that had a section of his brain removed from a massive tumor that affected speech, hearing, mobility, etc. shows why the DAS needs to be revamped.
JustMe
So, speech and hearing issues have nothing to do with keeping someone from waiting in line, and mobility issues can handled with a wheelchair.
So why would he need DAS?
JD
I understand DAS was being abused, but to deny those of us who genuinely need it is wrong. I can’t stand for more than a few minutes without pain. I go to Disney enough that I invested in a personal scooter. This works great for queues that allow scooters. However for those that don’t I have a real issue. The accommodations that were suggested don’t work for me. The only person in my usual traveling party who could wait in line is still a minor. The rest of us either have mobility issues or emotional ones that make waiting in line difficult. And I agree – it’s hard enough to get through a crowded queue on your own two feet, but with a scooter (and three of us use them) forget it! And the suggestion to switch to a wheelchair? Again, no one to push me (or 3 of us) and many times I’m by myself. How does that work?
Bring back free Fastpass or at the very least offer free LL at the rides where you can’t take your scooter – including FOP. Once you’re through the queue you can’t take the scooter through the preshow.
Jack
I’ve been physically disabled all of my life. I went to DLP on my 66th birthday with my daughter this past year. I have problems standing for long periods and tried touching out the lines. By early afternoon we were exhausted and frustrated. DLP is too expensive to put up with their DAS policies. I’m not missing anything by staying home.
Constance Alldredge
I don’t need DAS but I am invested in the Disney product. As a former travel agent and a former Cast member it breaks my heart that so many people are being disenfranchised as visitors to WDW and DLR. I use a personal scooter as does my companion. Most lines at WDW accommodate us. Occasionally an attraction insists that a manual wheelchair is necessary. With no one available to push a chair we are forced to skip the attraction. Over all Disney is just creating more hoops for guests to jump through. This supports my theory that they want to eliminate the middle class from the ability to afford a visit. They want only the elite. And making it hard on people with disabilities and Senior citizens certainly eliminate them from the elite. As always its about the bottom line, all about the money. The entire Disney hierarchy should be ashamed!
Barbara Federman
I do have a disability. I cannot walk but a few steps & have rented the carts at the parks while there. At my age I think I am being discriminated against due to others misusing the disability designation.
JustMe
I’d you rented a mobility device then why would you need DAS?
3singerkids
After reading every comment here is our take on using DAS for 26 years with our autistic son. We started using the pass when Derek was 2 and yes, you needed a doctors note. We made sure we had copies of that note in the diaper bag and every suitcase/purse. We have seen a lot of abuse with the system over the years. We live in California, but fell in love with WDW on our honeymoon. DAS has allowed us with our 2 other children to have a typical family vacation at WDW annually. Disney has become the most accessible park when you have a physical disability. Over the years, they have modified every queue for wheelchairs and scooters and has dedicated separate entrances or entrances that were modified for wheelchairs as well as creating ride vehicles that accommodate wheelchairs. Today with DAS Derek waits the same time everyone else does. He just doesn’t do it in the queue. We come back 45 minutes later, 90 minutes later, 30 minutes later or whatever the time is for him to enjoy the attraction. I hope some clarification on what DAS is today helps people to understand what it actually is and isn’t.
chuck
My wife and go to disney about every other week and i always see people of all ages on these Rent mobility .Alot of people are using them only to get to the head of the line for rides and even places to eat . Even later on the same ones that was riding around now is walking like nothing is going on while another person they are with is riding on it .Not Good
Joe
Oh please… this country kills me anymore. Everyone right away yells discrimination. Those clearly abusing the system know who they are and need to wait like everyone else.
I just feel badly for those who are TRULY disabled. My heart goes out to them. There’s always others looking to take advantage. We live in a very self-centered and selfish world. It’s very sad! 😞
TeeFry2
The ableism flowing through the comment section is absolutely atrocious. People who have never been disabled sit there and judge those of us who struggle to get from point A to point B — my guess is, they’re wealthy elitist jerks who don’t care if the disabled never get to go anywhere as long as people like them get whatever they want. Solo park visitors have no options any longer. I won’t be returning to the park. Let them take some rich ableist hater’s money instead.
D. Howell
My 48 year old daughter has spastic quadriplegia. She has no control of the movement of her arms mostly with many spasms. I have to be very careful that she doesn’t strike someone near her. When overstimulated, she moves more. She’s completely coherent. I am always afraid and stressed if there is a line. It’s too much for her. She thoroughly enjoys all of the shows and some attractions and is an integral part of our family. Eliminating her from DAS is senseless. I have a boatload of medical and government documentation. All you need to do is look at my beautiful daughter to see the extent of her problems. I would be willing to sue.
Lilly
They should have a third party independent screening like IBCCES. Universal does this. With documentation and case number you then can request the accommodation with the theme park service and it be valid for whatever time period. IBCCES is like a year to then have to apply again.
It would do Disney good for their bottom like and this class action to get out of deciding who is disabled enough or not.
Terri
I can just see Walt himself, shaking his head if he were here. Where has all the magic gone? I don’t see much of it in the comments.
People should be ashamed of themselves and be grateful they don’t have the kind of disability one has to need access like that.
Disabled persons have to put up with all kinds of verbal abuse people throw at them. It’s disrespectful.
How hard is it to allow someone mentally or physically disabled the few extra moments it might take out of our day to go on the ride they’ve been waiting for?
Basic humanity. Nothing else. We all pay to go to Disney. Shouldn’t we all get a chance to enjoy it too? 💕
If we’re able bodied and mentally capable of waiting a couple of extra minutes, shouldn’t we thank the Lord?
JustMe
Problem is, prior to the changes in 2024, it wasn’t just a “few extra moments” when spread across the entire day. The LLs were absolutely clogged with DAS users who could have been accommodated by other means.
Long LLs affect everyone in the park – DAS users who truly need it but can’t wait in a 45 minute LL, guests who pay for LL, but aren’t getting anywhere near what they paid for, and standby guests who have to wait in much longer lines because the CMs up the ratio of LL to standby to try to shorten the LL.
Disney has an obligation to all of its guests, not just disabled guests, and when it became obvious to everyone (except DAS users, apparently) that the overuse of DAS was impacting park operations and guest experience for everyone, Disney had to act.
IMO, it needs there need to be additional changes to not only address overuse, but outright abuse – incentives to use DAS need to be removed.
– No one with a DAS return time should be able to wait in another standby line. Non-DAS users can’t wait in two standby lines, and since DAS is effectively a virtual standby, they shouldn’t be able to stand in another standby line.
– If they are going continue to allow DAS users to wait in a standby line while they await their DAS return time, then they need to revoke the DAS if the guest chooses to wait in a standby that is longer than 20 minutes. Getting a 1.5 hour return time for TRON, then waiting in line for Space Mountain for an hour should be grounds to revoke the DAS permanently.
– A DAS user shouldn’t be able to reserve the next return time until they are in the vicinity of the attraction they want to ride. Non-DAS users can’t count the walking time between Space Mountain and Tiana’s toward their standby wait, so DAS users shouldn’t be able to either.
– DAS return times should not be issued for any ride that has a 20 minute or less standby wait – those rides shouldn’t even appear in the app for booking a return time.
Accommodations, including DAS, are supposed to make access possible – not easier, not more comfortable, and not as a way to make up for how hard a disabled person’s life might be outside the parks. Access – that’s it.