No, disabled people generally do not "skip lines" at Disney World in the traditional sense. Instead, Disney offers the Disability Access Service (DAS), which provides a modified waiting experience for eligible guests, allowing them to wait virtually rather than physically in a conventional queue.
Understanding the Disability Access Service (DAS)
The Disability Access Service (DAS) is a program designed to accommodate guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar conditions, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time. This service aims to make attraction access more manageable and enjoyable for these individuals and their party.
The core principle of DAS is not to grant immediate access or allow guests to "skip" the wait time. Rather, it allows guests to virtually "wait" for an attraction while they are elsewhere in the park.
How DAS Works in Practice
The DAS system works by assigning a return time to the guest and their party for a chosen attraction. This return time is equivalent to the current standby wait time for that attraction.
Here’s a breakdown of how it typically operates:
- Requesting a Return Time: Guests can request a return time for an attraction using the My Disney Experience app after their first in-person registration, or by speaking with a Cast Member at the attraction entrance.
- Virtual Waiting: Once a return time is issued, the guest and their party are free to leave the physical queue. They can spend this waiting period enjoying other park activities, resting, dining, or exploring until their designated return window.
- Accessing the Attraction: When the return time arrives, the guest and their party can proceed to a designated alternate entrance for the attraction, bypassing the standard physical queue. They will then experience the attraction as normal.
This system ensures that guests still wait the same amount of time as others but are not required to do so within the confines of a traditional line. It transforms the physical wait into a flexible, virtual one.
Eligibility and Registration for DAS
DAS is intended for guests with specific cognitive or developmental disabilities that prevent them from tolerating a traditional queue environment. It is not designed for mobility impairments, which are typically addressed through accessible queues and ride vehicles.
Guests can register for DAS either in advance through a live video chat or in person at Guest Relations locations within the Disney World theme parks. During the registration process, a Cast Member will discuss the guest's needs to determine eligibility and set up the service.
Conventional Queue vs. Disability Access Service (DAS)
| Feature | Conventional Queue | Disability Access Service (DAS) |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting Method | Physical line | Virtual wait; return time issued |
| Eligibility | All guests | Guests with specific developmental disabilities |
| Wait Location | Inside attraction queue | Anywhere in the park |
| Entrance | Standard attraction entrance | Designated alternate entrance |
| Purpose | Standard attraction access | Accommodate inability to wait in physical line |
Ultimately, while DAS does not allow guests to bypass the waiting period, it significantly improves the park experience for those who face unique challenges with conventional queuing, allowing them to enjoy their visit more comfortably.
