New changes are in effect DAS at Disneyland (as of June 18, 2024) and Disney World (as of May 20, 2024).
How you set up DAS has changed at Disneyland:
- You can still use video chat to have pre-arrival conversations to determine eligibility from 2 to 30 days in advance.
- You can also set up DAS at the Accessibility Services kiosk outside the park. (This differs from Disney World.) Guests can no longer set up DAS in person inside Disneyland theme parks, as of June 18, 2024.
Other changes:
- The DAS is valid for the length of the ticket or up to 120 days.
- The new party size can only be four total members (exceptions are made for family members) — this includes the DAS guest and three others. (But you can have more people linked to your DAS account than that and just choose three to ride with you.)
- Guests who wish to add or subtract people from their party can once again make those changes at the kiosks inside the park or through live chat.
You can still use the Disneyland app to make ride selections or acquire them at Guest Relations.
Hop over to our Disney World DAS post to learn more about changes there, as well as our DAS Changes post, which specifically covers the changes at Disneyland and World.
If you are visiting Disneyland with someone who has hidden disabilities (including autism and related cognitive disabilities) and may find it difficult to wait in a standard queue, you can talk to Disney about accommodations with Disneyland Disability Access Service (DAS). We have a hopful post on signing up for DAS and using it, but we still get a lot of questions about the service and visiting Disneyland with disabilities in general. If you have not read the post yet, hop over to learn all about Disneyland DAS. For people with more specific concerns or who want to know more, we answer some of the common Disneyland DAS frequently asked questions and the new changes below.
Disneyland Disability Access Service FAQs
If you've read our overview of Disneyland's Disability Access Service (DAS) and still have some questions, let's see if we cover them here. If not, always feel free to ask away in the comments section below and we'll do our best to find the answer. Because chances are, if you have a question, a bunch of other families are also wondering the same thing.
Who qualifies for Disneyland Disability Access Service?
Disneyland DAS is for people with disabilities that are not always obvious to others. That may include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or cognitive disabilities, but it may also apply to people with certain medical conditions that also make it difficult to wait in a typical queue. Only Disney can determine if a guest qualifies for an accommodation, as approvals are on a case-by-case basis. People who have mobility issues or use an assistive device or wheelchair have different accommodations and would not necessarily be qualified for DAS. Disney has been offering alternative options to many guests.
Do you need DAS when using or renting a Disneyland wheelchair?
If you use a wheelchair or scooter for mobility and have no other issues that impact your ability to ride, you do NOT need DAS at Disneyland. Guests using a scooter or wheelchair (or other assistive device) can either wait in a standard queue, use a separate accessible queue or receive a location return time that is comparable to the current wait time, depending on the attraction. Many lines in Disney California Adventure are wheelchair accessible. In some cases, modified ride vehicles are available that can accommodate the ECV itself, so the rider never has to transfer at all.
Pick up a Guide for Guests with Disabilities from Guest Relations to get an overview of services, facilities, companion restrooms and the Mobility Access details for each ride. You can hop here to find tips specific to using a wheelchair at Disneyland. We have visited Disneyland with people who use an Electric Convenience Vehicle in the park and receive location return times for queues that are not accessible. We also visit with froggy friends who have some special needs in addition to mobility issues, so they also qualify for DAS. But generally, guests in wheelchairs do not use DAS if they have no other concerns.
How many people can ride with a person using DAS?
Generally, the person using DAS can have up to three others in their party (for a party size of four total). Exceptions will be made for immediate family members. But you can have more people linked to your account if you visit with a variety of people. When it comes time to choose a return time, you can pick three to ride with you.
What if multiple people in my party have different disabilities?
When setting up DAS, talk to the cast member about each person's needs. If you will all be riding together, you can get by with one DAS. But if you will be splitting up for different rides, you may need to get DAS for each person who needs it.
If you are all riding together, you usually can get by with one DAS — it will keep things simpler. Get it for the older or taller person. If, say, an older child and a younger sibling each qualify for DAS, get it for the older child. That way if the youngest is not tall enough to ride or backs out of the ride, the older child and other party members can still go.
If your older teen and younger toddler both qualify for DAS but will split up for most rides due to different interests, it's best to get them each their own DAS. In that case, your party will be splitting up to ride. If the older kid is heading to the Matterhorn Bobsleds, anyone riding with them cannot be on the younger kids' return for Mad Tea Party at the same time. However, if everyone wants to ride the teacups, you can wait for the Matterhorn party to scan in at the Lightning Lane queue, and then you can book the entire party for Mad Tea Party.
People who use DAS and the guests riding with them cannot be on two different DAS returns for rides at a time. That means you may need to choose your parties carefully if you are breaking up to go on different rides.
Getting DAS for each person who needs it (for parties with two people who qualify) is also the way to go for larger parties. With the new limits on party size, it might work better for your party to get DAS for each person who needs it. Let's say you have a party of six. You could book three people under one DAS user and three people under the other. If you are riding the same ride, the two users would each book about the same time to get a similar return time. If one time is slightly earlier than the other, just arrive once both DAS return times are valid. They don't expire until the end of the day or you use them or the ride closes for the day.
How do we set up Disneyland DAS?
There are two ways to set up DAS at Disneyland:
- You can set it up online in advance through the live chat.
- Register for it outside the parks at an Accessibility Services kiosk before you enter a park
If you set it up in advance, you need the person registering for DAS to be present on the call and to have all tickets for your party linked to your account. It can take a long time to get through to the chat. Then, once you are in the park, you can start to select return times for any ride in the Disneyland app. You can read more about this in our overview of Disneyland DAS.
The most common way to set up DAS at Disneyland is to do it in person at the Accessibility Services kiosk. It just takes a couple minutes, and you are ready to go. Make sure to have the person requesting accommodation with you and each party member's ticket linked to your account.
The new kiosks are located between the theme parks on the side closest to Harbor security. (Not on the Downtown Disney side of the Esplanade.)
How do we link people to the DAS account?
Link the tickets for all the people that you will be visiting with when you set up DAS. If the person with DAS is a frequent visitor to Disneyland, any time they visit with different people in their party, they'll need to make sure to add those guests to their DAS. But they can choose only three people to ride with them when making a ride selection. If people exit or join the party during the day (and they are not already linked), the DAS holder has two choices:
- They can add people to the DAS account at a guest relations kiosk inside the park. (Or the window outside the park.)
- They can add the in-park guests via live chat.
How do we acquire a return time?
No matter how you set up your DAS (online or in person), the service will appear in your Disneyland app. You can book return times in the Disneyland app after entering the park each day. Tap the three horizontal lines (hamburger) at the bottom right. Then scroll to the DAS box. It will offer you all the available rides in that park.
The app is easy to use, but you can only select rides for the park you are currently scanned into. You can, however, get a return time from Guest Relations for the other park before you hop.
What can we do while we wait for our ride time?
You can meet a favorite Disneyland character, eat some food, visit another attraction, see a show, go shopping or enjoy park entertainment. You can also take a sensory break or rest. If you have a young child who needs a rest, feeding or change, there are baby care centers in the park that might work for you.
How do I redeem a DAS return time?
Head to the Lightning Lane or disability entrance for the attraction at or after the specified time. You will scan the ticket, or redeem the code (in the app) or MagicBand+ of the person who is using DAS first. Once it's approved by a cast member and the light turns green, you can scan each of the other guests in your party.
Do I have to ride the attraction at the exact return time listed?
It depends. The DAS return times are valid anytime after their start time until they are redeemed or the park closes. If you no longer wish to ride that attraction, you can cancel it in the app.
How many return times can I have at a time?
You can have one return time at a time. Once you redeem it or cancel it, you can choose the next (after a 10-minute waiting period).
What happens if the ride I chose breaks down?
It happens. Rides go down when you want to ride. If you have a DAS selection and the ride breaks when it's time to ride, you'll receive a Multiple Experiences pass. You are free to make a new DAS selection. Plus, you'll find the Multiple Experiences pass under My Day in the app. You can tap Find out where you can go>. It will give you a list of all the attractions where you can use the Multiple Experiences pass. It is good until the end of the day. Psst ... you usually can use it on even more rides than are listed as long as they are not excluded at the bottom of the list.
Keep in mind that if Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance or Radiator Springs Racers breaks down in your DAS return window the process is different from the other rides. You can still choose a new ride, however, you can only save that Experience Redemption for the ride that broke down once it reopens. Once the ride reopens, you can use Experience Redemption up until the ride closes for the night. You cannot transfer it to another ride.
If a ride is closed when you are making selections, it will not let you choose it. A ride has to be operating to receive a DAS return time for it.
What if the person with DAS does not want to ride a ride?
The Disneyland DAS accommodation is for the person who needs it. If the rest of the party wants to ride a ride that the person with DAS does not wish to ride, the party can wait in the regular queue (or possibly book a Lightning Lane or use Single Rider if offered). To redeem a DAS return, the person with the accommodation needs to scan in with the party.
Can I use DAS with other services?
In addition to using the Disneyland disability pass, you can also use Lightning Lane Multi Pass (formerly Genie+), Rider Switch and Single Rider to make the most of your visit if those work for you. Those are just a few of our favorite ways to maximize time at Disneyland. Use Lightning Lane Multi Pass to shorten your wait for rides that offer the service.
If you are using Lightning Lane Multi Pass, acquire DAS return times for rides with the longest lines and do not offer Lightning Lane Multi Pass. Use Lightning Lane Multi Pass to select rides that are on that service. Use DAS for a second (or third) time on the same ride, because with DAS you can pick the same ride more than once per day.
With Lightning Lane Multi Pass you can only select a particular ride once per day. When you arrive at a Lightning Lane ride, you can let the cast members know if you have any special needs related to DAS at that time. The DAS users share the Lightning Lane entrance at select rides with other Lighting Lane users and people who have paid for Lightning Lane Single Pass. DAS users do not need to pay for Single Pass because these rides are included in DAS for free.
If you have a non-rider who needs supervision (including a small child who is not riding, a person with disabilities who is not riding, a person with disabilities who cannot wait in the main queue or a service dog), ask at the ride entrance about Rider Switch. One person can supervise or stay with the guest while the rest of the party rides. Then, you can swap out the sitter or waiter with the Rider Switch pass so they can skip the line with a shorter entrance once the rest of the party has exited the ride. Bring all party members to the line entrance, and a cast member will scan the park tickets for the waiting party so that they can receive a return time without having to wait in line.
One tool that works for riders ages 7 and up who do not require assistance or supervision is Single Rider, which is offered at select rides. Single Rider especially comes in handy when visiting attractions such as the Radiator Springs Racers and can significantly cut your time in line.
Another hopful tool in the Disneyland app is mobile order. Skip the food lines and crowds by ordering food on the phone and picking it up.
What if we have to leave the line or show due to disability?
If you have to leave a line or show, talk to the nearest cast member or Guest Relations kiosk in the park. If you are viewing a show, it is usually best to let the cast member in the boarding area know you may need to leave. Disneyland often puts special needs seats right in front so everyone can see. If someone in your party is sensitive to sensory input, this could be the wrong place for your family. Shows can be dark and difficult to navigate. That's why it might be better to seat your party near an aisle or exit. The cast member running the attraction can accommodate you if you let them know you might need to leave in the middle of the program.
How does DAS affect shows?
You may be eligible for a separate entry or waiting area for some shows at the Fantasyland Theater and the Hyperion. If you feel like you need special assistance, check with a cast member near the entrance. They can help you. You should also let the cast members know you might need to leave the show prematurely if your froglet or companion has sensory issues. These shows are designed to be high energy and to make an impact, meaning a lot is going on. Music, sound effects, lights, performers, visual imagery and special effects may all happen at the same time. That can get overwhelming for a child or teen with autism. You should be able to leave the show swiftly if you need to.
What if DAS or my accommodations doesn’t work for us?
If you have a truly unique situation and the accommodations do not work for you, then talk to the disability services department again.
We encountered a situation in which we had entered the designated line using DAS. The ride was held up temporarily, so we were stuck longer than usual in a sunny spot. The heat was too much for our DAS user. We explained the situation to a cast member to see if we could come back later. Instead, we were redirected to an alternate shady location, where we could wait until it was our turn. Always communicate your needs because there may be a solution to your problem.
You can use attraction queue re-entry (to exit the queue and meet up with your party later), rider switch, single rider, location return times for select rides and other services. Read more about accessing attractions.
What if we visit with a different ticket?
The DAS is linked to your park admission. If you visit with a different ticket or attend a separately ticketed event, you can add DAS to the new ticket via live chat or at the kiosk. For example, if you have a Magic Key or regular park ticket, and you also buy a ticket for the Oogie Boogie Bash or an After Dark event, you do not have to qualify DAS again. Just present your tickets to the cast member at the kiosk or on the chat and they will add your DAS to the other ticket.
Where can I view DAS times in the Disneyland app?
It can get toadally confusing to remember DAS return times and dining reservations, especially when you may also using Lightning Lane Multi Pass. That’s just too many times to keep track of! They all start to blend together in your head and mistakes can happen.
Instead of trying to remember everything, use the Disneyland app to manage all of your return times and keep them straight so you don’t miss anything. You can find your DAS return times on the home screen of the app or under "My Day." Tap the three horizontal lines on the bottom right corner of the screen. Then tap My Day. You'll also see any dining reservations you've made in there. You may also see Multiple Experiences passes (which occur if you encounter any ride closures during your ride or ride window with DAS or Lighting Lane Multi Pass). Rider Switch return windows appear there as well. Using the app is such an improvement over trying to keep it all in your head.
You'll likely have all your party members’ tickets linked to your Disney account in the Disneyland app from when you made theme park reservations. But if you still need to add members to your party, tap the three lines at the bottom right corner of the app. Tap Tickets and Passes, then the + at the upper right corner and Link Tickets & Passes. You scan the barcode for the pass or ticket (or type in the number).
Can I use DAS during Disneyland After Dark and Oogie Boogie Bash?
Yes and no. These parties are separately ticketed events with low capacity. You can use DAS during your mix-in time while the park is still open. After the park officially closes for daytime guests, the Lightning Lanes close and there may not be an alternative entrance. Even if you select DAS return times on your phone, you may not need to use them or have a place to use them. People with physical disabilities still have their alternate queues or loading areas. But the good news is after the event officially kicks off the lines become so short. Just let a cast member at the attraction know if you need additional accommodations and you'll be directed to the correct area.
It's common for wait times to shrink to 5 to 10 minutes during separately ticketed events. Avoid riding as the park closes and the event begins. If you wait a bit the lines will drop considerably as day guests filter out of the park.
At the Oogie Boogie Bash, you can collect a DAS return time for the Villains Grove. That line is always long, so be sure to book it in the app once the attraction opens. It opens once it is dark.
Can I make DAS selections for Lighting Lane Single Pass rides?
Yes! You may acquire a DAS return time for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Radiator Springs Racers without paying an additional fee.
How does DAS affect rides with Boarding Groups or virtual queues?
Haunted Manion Holiday has a virtual queue (due to construction) in summer/fall 2024. First join the virtual queue. When it's time to ride, inform the cast member that you have DAS or require accommodations. It's possible Tiana's Bayou Adventure could utilize a virtual queue when it opens in later 2024. The World of Color show has a virtual queue. Hop over to our post on Disneyland virtual queues to learn how to join it.
When there is a ride with a virtual queue, you need to join the virtual queue first and then let the cast member know you use DAS when you arrive. A cast member will scan the DAS user first and you will likely enter a separate queue.
How does DAS work when park hopping?
You can use DAS when park hopping. If you are making DAS selections from your phone, you can only view rides that are in your current park. Once you hop, you can see the available rides in that park after scanning your park ticket at the turnstiles (there may be a few-minute delay). If you want to save time by selecting your first ride in the second park before you hop, you can acquire a DAS return time in person at a Guest Relations kiosk for an attraction in the second park.
Are any other Disneyland disability services available?
There are many types of disabilities, and Disneyland does its best to accommodate them all. The general Guide for Guests with Disabilities covers information for guests with mobility issues, service animals, visual disabilities and hearing disabilities. Disneyland can provide a handheld device for assistive captioning and audio description. It is available with a $25 refundable deposit.
There are also braille guides and portable tactile maps (also available for a refundable deposit). Sign language interpretation is available with advance reservations on certain days. Call 714-781-4636 option 1, option 0 for details. If you aren’t using DAS but have crutches or any difficulty walking, there are more accessible loading areas or elevators so you can avoid going up and down steps.
Be sure to read the Guide for Guests with Cognitive Abilities if someone in your group fits that description. There are break areas, companion restrooms and attraction guides available to support these guests. Disneyland has several suggestions for accessing attractions.
Disneyland rents strollers, manual wheelchairs and motorized scooters (Electric Convenience Vehicles). You might want to bring a cushion or pad for comfort when using a manual Disneyland wheelchair. We recommend parking at the Toy Story Lot, which offers air-conditioned buses to the parks and can accommodate wheelchairs and other disabilities.
Note that while Disneyland offers both strollers and wheelchairs, it does not offer special needs strollers for rent. These are usually oversized and can accommodate a rider up to 100 pounds. They also have large hoods that allow for the creation of a quiet, sensory-free place if needed.
You’ll need to bring your own special needs stroller if you want to use one. Or rent one off-site for the duration of your trip. Several off-site locations offer rentals. If your child with cognitive or physical disabilities uses a stroller as a wheelchair and must remain in a stroller while in line, visit Guest Relations to receive a special tag. The tag identifies your stroller as a wheelchair so that you may use it in line. (Other guests are required to park strollers.) Many rides require you to park your stroller at a distance from the actual ride entrance and walk. If your froglet is a flight risk, tends to wander or needs the security of the stroller, the DAS stroller as a wheelchair pass will help.
Disneyland Resort can provide dietary accommodations for most food allergies, intolerances and special needs. You may request accommodation in advance when making restaurant reservations. Many locations offer special menus upon request or gluten-free alternatives. The latest dining updates include accommodations for plant-based diets.
Can I bring my service animal to Disneyland?
Leashed and trained official service animals (dogs or miniature horses) are permitted at Disneyland. There are specific relief areas they may use. They are not permitted on all rides due to safety reasons; they simply can’t be securely buckled into some ride vehicles. You may use provided portable kennels at large roller coaster-type rides or use Rider Switch. You can also consult the Guide for Guests with Disabilities. It offers more specific details about service animals. You can also leave the animal with a non-rider in your party.
In some cases, service dogs can ride on certain rides, such as many Fantasyland rides. They must sit on the floor of the ride vehicle or fit on an owner's lap.
Where can I learn more about visiting with someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Disney Parks regularly updates the accessibility guide. It provides more detailed information and tips for guests utilizing DAS to use in planning a visit. The updated Guide helps guests take advantage of all of the new and enhanced products and services. It also lists break areas.
Do research in advance to learn about the parks. If someone in your party has a cognitive disability, there are several ways to prepare them for the visit. You can practice waiting in line before your visit.
Even if you do not wait in a conventional queue with Disneyland DAS, chances are you will have to wait in security lines, character lines, food lines or entrance lines. Even DAS return lines can back up and be longer than usual. Plus, rides break down and can cause a line to be longer than originally posted.
Go over a timeline of the day so they know what to expect. For example, you will park the car, go through security and walk or ride a bus to the entrance. You will go through the entrance to the park and then visit Guest Relations. Give them a map to follow. Talk about things you will see, hear and eat. Bring familiar foods if necessary. Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can be toadally helpful. A sensory toy or activity can also be helpful, but don’t bring a beloved item that you cannot risk getting lost.
Social stories that highlight the things people do in a theme park can be helpful. So can watching ride-through videos. These videos may spoil the attraction for you. But they will be helpful in letting your child know what to expect on the ride. Every child is different. Many of our young friends with autism prefer rides that can be seen from the outside. Dark rides or those in enclosed spaces may be more challenging. That's why viewing a ride-through video in advance could help encourage them to ride with the group. Some families like to know how many people can sit together on a ride so they can choose seatmates in advance.
What if I have a guest who is prone to wandering or elopement?
Make a plan in case you become separated. This is especially important if you have a family member who gets easily distracted and tends to wander off. Lost kids are an everyday occurrence at Disneyland. Your risk of separation goes up if your child has autism or a sensory processing disorder. Prevention is best, but it is possible to do everything you can to prepare and still get separated. Plan ahead to be reunited quickly.
Choose a meeting location in advance. You should be specific and the location should be one your child can easily get to. “Sleeping Beauty Castle” is not ideal because it is just too large. A favorite ride or restaurant may be a better choice. Stress the importance of getting help from a cast member with a name tag should you become separated.
Consider creating a name tag with the person’s name, your name and your cellphone number (just in case). You can apply a temporary tattoo to the arm (you can hide it under a sleeve). It can’t be lost and will remain with your child no matter where they go. A pendant or bracelet that contains scannable details helps as well. Our young friends with ASD often tolerate shoe tags. Get a free Disney button (or sticker) from Guest Relations or a store and write your phone number on it.
You should also take a photo of your family before entering the park. That way you'll have a visual of the clothing everyone is wearing that day in case you need it later. Follow these tips for not getting lost at Disneyland.
What can you do to protect guests from overheating?
If your child or party member has a sensory processing disorder that puts them in danger of overheating, there are some steps you can take. You might plan your trip for cooler weather, avoiding July through October. Prepare for warm days by dressing your child in light colors. Bring spray bottles of water, fans and cooling towels to keep cool. You can purchase spray fan bottles in the park. When you take steps to avoid temperature discomfort, you can also prevent sensory overload and meltdowns. (Not the Olaf kind, but heat does have a way of leading to the other kind of meltdown.) Do not overdo it. It is better to take a long break or end the day on a high note than to try to fit everything in. Resist the temptation to take things too far.
After all that, just knowing to check in with Guest Relations upon arrival and where the kiosks are located can help you put your plan for the day in motion. Allow the person to wait in the shade or AC while one runner collects the return times.
What if I have more questions about special needs at Disneyland?
You can call (407) 560-2547 or email [email protected] if you have general questions before your visit. Discuss your specific questions with Guest Relations once you are in the park. You can also visit the Disneyland Disability Access Service page.
Some of these details may feel non-specific. That is because Disneyland offers DAS and other services on an individual basis. Go to Guest Relations with any questions or concerns. A cast member will be happy to assist you. If you have a particularly challenging situation or a disability that is harder to explain, it can be helpful to supply them with as many details as possible.
What if the restrooms are too loud at Disneyland?
The multi-stall restrooms have automatic flushers, which can be loud for people who are sensory sensitive. Most companion restrooms have a manual flush. They also offer more space to assist someone or to have multiple children in there with you. These are also good options for families in which caretakers are a different gender from the person they are assisting. Hop over to our post on the best Disneyland bathrooms for more details and tips.
How long is Disneyland DAS valid?
DAS is valid for up to 120 days or length of ticket, whichever is shorter. Once the period passes, the guest has to re-register. If the guest uses a different ticket type, you can add DAS to that ticket via live chat or at the kiosk outside the parks. If you register at Disneyland Resort, the DAS benefits are for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Should you travel to a different Disney Park, you would need to register there as well.
What is Disney doing about the misuse of Disneyland DAS?
If Disney determines that any of your statements made in the process of obtaining Disneyland DAS are not true, you will be permanently barred from entering parks. That includes all of Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Any previously purchased annual passes, Magic Key passes, tickets and other park products and services will be forfeited and not refunded.
Do you have any other questions about Disneyland DAS? Drop them in the comments section below. If you are looking for discount Disneyland theme parks and hotel stays, you've come to the right place. You'll want to stay nearby in case you want to take a break. We have a whole post on finding a hotel near Disneyland as well as staying at an on-site hotel. Staying on-site allows you to enter the theme park early ahead of the crowds!
Related: Overview of Disneyland Disability Access Service (DAS)
Related: Using a Wheelchair at Disneyland
Hoppy planning!
