DAS Pass at Walt Disney World with Claire

With the right tools and a little bit of thoughtful planning, Disney truly can be the most magical place on earth for every member of your family—even those with special needs. For us, one of the most helpful tools has been Walt Disney World’s Disability Access Service, or DAS pass.

We’ve used it several times now with our daughter Claire, who is autistic and has cerebral palsy. Each time, it’s made an incredible difference in how our family experiences the parks. If you’re planning a trip with a loved one who has a disability—whether visible or not—or simply looking for fresh tips, I hope our story encourages you and helps ease the weight of preparation.

What is the DAS Pass?

Disney’s DAS pass is designed to support guests who have difficulty waiting in a traditional queue environment due to a disability. Whether it’s because of physical limitations, sensory challenges, or cognitive differences, the DAS pass allows families to schedule a return time for a ride—essentially a virtual place in line—so they can wait elsewhere in a more comfortable setting.

It’s important to note: DAS does not allow you to skip lines entirely. It simply provides an alternative to standing in a loud, crowded queue, which can be overwhelming for many guests with special needs. For us, this option is vital. Claire has mobility issues due to cerebral palsy and can’t tolerate long periods of standing or walking. Add in her sensory sensitivities from autism, and a long standby line becomes not just uncomfortable—but nearly impossible.

With DAS, we could take breaks, sit in the shade, and give Claire the time and space she needed between rides. That kind of flexibility was a game-changer. For many families like ours, it reduces stress and prevents sensory overload or physical fatigue.

How to Apply

Disney now requires you to register for DAS before your trip through an online video chat with a Cast Member. You can do this 30 to 2 days prior to your visit. Here’s how:

Visit the DAS registration page on the Disney World website.
Log in using your My Disney Experience account.
Make sure your park tickets and reservations are linked.
Request a live chat to begin the registration process.

When I applied for Claire, we did it through the website on my computer. The video call was respectful, understanding, and so reassuring. I explained Claire’s mobility limitations, sensory needs, and how standing in long lines could lead to meltdowns or physical discomfort. The Cast Member asked a few clarifying questions but was never intrusive. Within minutes, Claire was approved.

One of the best parts? After approval, DAS is automatically linked to your account and shows up in your app. You also gain access to DAS Advance Planning, which allows you to pre-book up to two rides per day before your trip even begins. The staff member will help you book these at the time of your call.

Pro Tip: Book your registration appointment as soon as possible, especially during peak seasons. The earlier you apply, the more availability you’ll have for those advance ride selections.

How to Use the DAS Pass in the Parks

Once you arrive at the parks, using DAS is incredibly simple and intuitive—especially through the My Disney Experience app.

Here’s how it works:

Open the app or use the website interface.
Go to the DAS section under “My Day” or “Tip Board.”
Choose an available attraction.
Book a return time, which is typically the current standby wait minus 10 minutes.
When your return window opens, go to the Lightning Lane entrance and tap in with your MagicBand or ticket.

Remember, after being approved for the Disney World Disability Access Service (DAS), you can make two advance DAS selections (or “pre-selections”) for attractions on the day you plan to visit a park, during the virtual registration process. These are different from the ones you will make in the parks.

You can only hold one DAS return time at a time, but as soon as you redeem it or cancel it, you can book another. There’s no limit to how many you can use in a day, which gives you a lot of flexibility to respond to how your child is doing in real time.

Using DAS Alongside Lightning Lane Multi Pass

Yes, you can absolutely use the DAS pass alongside Disney’s Lightning Lane Multi Pass (formerly Genie+), and I highly recommend doing so, especially during busy times of year.

Here’s how we did it with Claire:

We used DAS for the most popular rides that typically had long waits and were harder for Claire to handle physically—think Peter Pan’s Flight, Jungle Cruise, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
At the same time, we used Lightning Lane Multi Pass for shorter attractions or repeat favorites.
Since Multi Pass rides are scheduled ahead of time, we layered them between our DAS return times, giving us breathing room and reducing back-to-back rushing.

It took some thoughtful planning each evening, but having both systems running gave us flexibility—we could adjust based on Claire’s energy levels, the heat, or any unexpected hiccups.

One important note: DAS return times must be booked day-of and while you are in the park, so it helps to have a general plan or wish list ready when you arrive.e to be booked once in the park but you can go in with a game plan!

Personal Touches from Our Trip with Claire

Watching Claire’s face light up when she met characters without the stress of a long wait? Pure magic. Seeing her have the stamina for a full park day because we could pace our schedule? That’s success in action.

I’ve learned that accessibility isn’t about special treatment—it’s about giving every child the chance to participate fully, with dignity and delight. Disney’s DAS system helped make that possible for our family.

Our joy wasn’t just about the ride she got to enjoy stress free—it was about feeling seen and included. And I feel the weight of all those little obstacles we normally carry just… lift being able to utilize something like the DAS Pass.

Final Thoughts

If you’re traveling with a loved one who has a disability—whether visible or not—the DAS pass can offer so much more than logistical help. It brings peace of mind, lets you move at your child’s pace, and makes the magic of Disney feel truly accessible.

As with everything in special needs parenting, it takes a little extra planning—it’s all in the details. Disney meets us where we are, whether that’s a quiet corner of Fantasyland or a shaded bench outside the castle. Disney shows up… even in the queue lines. And with the right tools in hand, you and your family can embrace the magic without the meltdown.

Below I have created a sample itinerary of what a day might would look like utilizing both DAS and MPLL! Let me know if you have any questions—I’m always happy to help fellow families navigate the parks with confidence and joy.

Sample Magic Kingdom Day Itinerary with DAS and Lightning Lane Multi Pass

Here’s a suggested itinerary that offers flexibility, pacing, and rest—perfect for families navigating the parks with special needs.

Before You Go:

Pre-register for DAS online 30 to 2 days before your visit. Once approved, you can pre-select up to two attractions for each park day. Popular DAS Advance picks for Magic Kingdom include Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Jungle Cruise.
Book your Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections. For Magic Kingdom, great initial picks include:
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant

These are fan favorites that tend to build long lines, but are also great for younger or sensory-sensitive guests. Cast member on your call can also help with suggestions on this.

Morning Strategy (8:30 AM – 12:00 PM):

Arrive before park opening to avoid crowds and take advantage of lower wait times.
Use standby for a simple ride like Mickey’s PhilharMagic or Prince Charming Regal Carrousel while the park is still quiet.
Around 9:30–10:00 AM, use your first DAS return time (for example, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin).
Immediately after, tap into your first Lightning Lane selection (Peter Pan’s Flight).
Walk slowly, take breaks, and stop for snacks or shade if needed.

This window is also a great time to grab another DAS return time for a late morning attraction, such as Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid.

Midday Plan (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM):

Break for lunch between 12:00 and 12:30 PM. Good options for families who need calmer environments include:
- Pinocchio Village Haus (indoor seating, kid-friendly meals)
- Columbia Harbour House (often quieter upstairs)
After lunch, use your second DAS Advance selection, such as Jungle Cruise. The ride is shaded and the gentle boat pace is great for decompressing.
Use your second Lightning Lane for a mid-afternoon attraction like Winnie the Pooh.
Take a sensory break indoors at Carousel of Progress, Hall of Presidents, or the Baby Care Center if needed.

Afternoon to Early Evening (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM):

Tap into your third Lightning Lane, such as Dumbo. The play area in the queue offers a great break.
Book another DAS return time for a final attraction like It’s a Small World or Tomorrowland Speedway depending on your child’s energy level.
If you need downtime, visit Liberty Square Riverboat or take a loop on the Walt Disney World Railroad—both calm, low-effort experiences.
Grab dinner early before crowds hit (around 5:00–5:30 PM). Quick-service spots like Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café offer mobile ordering and plenty of space.

Evening Plan (6:00 PM – Close):

If your family still has energy, you can continue booking additional Lightning Lanes one at a time as they become available.
Use your final DAS return time before 8:00 PM to close out the rides for the day.
For fireworks, choose a quieter viewing area like behind the castle near Fantasyland, or near Gaston’s Tavern. These spots are less crowded and easier to exit afterward.
Have headphones or fidgets ready if your child is sensitive to noise and lights.

Key Takeaways for Families:

Layering DAS and Lightning Lane gives you flexibility—you’re not tied to one rigid schedule.
Prioritize popular rides with DAS that have longer wait times, and use Lightning Lane for experiences you want to schedule in advance.
Build in breaks and calm experiences to balance energy and avoid sensory overload.
Don’t overplan—the goal isn’t to do everything, but to make magical memories at your own pace.

This plan is just a guide. The beauty of DAS is that it gives you the grace and freedom to adapt your day around your child’s needs

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