Disney Disability Access Service (DAS): What Cast Members Ask & How to Prepare

Planning a Disneyland trip with a child who has special needs or has difficulty waiting in long lines? The Disability Access Service (DAS) can be a game-changer! Here’s everything you need to know—plus some pro tips—to make your experience as magical (and smooth) as possible. We also share some question that the Disney Cast Member asked our family and some of our responses to those questions.

Getting Started: The DAS Application Process

Step 1: Make Sure You’re Actually Going to Disneyland & Buy Your Tickets First

Before you hop into the DAS approval process, make sure your family is definitely planning to visit Disneyland. Getting approved for DAS is not guaranteed, so you don’t want to bank your entire trip on it.

If you’re set on going, buy your Disneyland tickets. The Guest Agent will ask your ticket dates this helps Cast Members to set the time frame, and the approval will only cover those dates (or up to 240 days if you have a season pass). Having them ready saves time and ensures a smoother application.

Step 2: Register for DAS Online

• Head to your MyDisney Account (or create one if you haven’t already).
• You can also access DAS registration through the Disneyland Mobile App.
• Fill out the online form and be prepared for a Live Video Chat with a Cast Member.

Step 3: Prepare for the Live Chat

• Recommended to schedule 60 days in advance.
• The child/person applying for DAS must be present on the call.
• Live chat is only available in English.
• Up to three additional guests can be included under the DAS pass.
• Disneyland does not require or accept medical documentation—approval is solely at the discretion of the Cast Member.

Step 4: The Live Chat with a Cast Member

Expect the Cast Member to ask about:

• Why your child needs DAS.
• Can they stand in long lines?
• Do they have sensory issues?
• How do they handle long wait times?
• What strategies do you use to help them cope in these situations?
• Does your child need a wheelchair or stroller-as-a-wheelchair pass?

Our Experience:

For our son with Autism, they asked about his sensory sensitivities, what his meltdowns look like, and how he handles crowded/confined spaces. Shorter wait times help reduce his anxiety and prevent sensory overload.

For our son with Down syndrome, the focus was on sensory challenges, frequent restroom breaks, and low muscle tone. They suggested a stroller-as-a-wheelchair pass, allowing him to stay in the stroller while in line if he gets too tired. The Disney Cast Member recommended we get a pass for the stroller so he could wheel our son into the ride when the lines are long.

Our interview with the Disney Cast Member was warm and welcoming. She asked about the challenges our kids might face at Disneyland and assured us that she wanted to help as much as possible. She also recommended a wheelchair pass for our son with Down syndrome. By the end of the interview, she confirmed that both of our kids qualified for the DAS program. The process was not stressful at all!

How DAS Works in the Park

• DAS does not completely eliminate wait times, but it significantly reduces them compared to standby lines.
• The DAS pass is valid for the length of your ticket or up to 240 days with an annual pass.
• Once approved, you can schedule return times for rides via the Disneyland app, so you can explore the park instead of waiting in a long line.
• DAS return times are based on the current wait time minus 10 minutes—so if a ride has a 60-minute wait, your return time will be in 50 minutes.
• The DAS rules are the same at both Disneyland and California Adventure.

Pro Tips: Get the Most Out of DAS!

Lightning Lane Strategy

• Wait before buying individual Lightning Lane passes—DAS includes some of the same rides!
• You can enter Lightning Lane rides 5 minutes before your scheduled time.
• Use DAS and Multi-Pass Lane together to maximize efficiency.
• DAS reservations can only be made one ride at a time, but as soon as you check into a ride, you can book your next one.

Ride Substitutions (When Rides Break Down)

• If you book a ride that breaks down, don’t cancel it! Instead, show up at any other eligible ride and use it as a substitute.
• The Disneyland app will show which rides qualify.
• Example: When The Little Mermaid ride shut down, we used our pass at Soarin’ instead—saving us hours of waiting for another ride slot!

Make the Most of Your Breaks

• DAS gives you built-in downtime—use it for bathroom breaks, snacks, or finding a quiet place to relax.
• Bring your own snacks and meals to save money! We packed protein bars, fruit, sandwiches, and extra water bottles.
• Lockers are available for rent if you want to store food, extra clothes, or other essentials.

Stroller & Wheelchair Access

• If your child needs a stroller-as-a-wheelchair pass, pick it up when entering the park.
• This allows strollers to enter ride queues like a wheelchair would, making things easier for kids with mobility issues.

Additional Considerations

• DAS works differently at Disney World vs. Disneyland, so be sure to check the rules for your specific park.
• If you have more than one family member who qualifies for DAS, you will need to complete separate interviews for each child, but this can be done in the same appointment.
• DAS return times do not stack, meaning you must use your current DAS reservation before booking the next one.

Final Thoughts

The DAS program is a fantastic resource for families with children who struggle with long wait times. By planning ahead, understanding the system, and using a few smart strategies, you can make your Disneyland trip much more enjoyable for your entire family.

Happy park-hopping, and may all your Disney dreams come true!

If you have any more questions, let us know in the comment section.