Using the DAS pass at Disney World- Living with a Chronic Illness

Up until May 2019, I never thought I would be a person who wanted or needed to know about the disabilities services offered at Walt Disney World. But after my inflammatory arthritis led to an auto immune (specifically lupus) diagnosis, it became necessary for me to make a new plan for our family trip to Disney World this summer.

What is the DAS pass? It stands for Disability Access Service, and I was extremely pleased with the service when I used it in the summer of 2019 for the first time.

If you have a condition that doesn’t allow you to stand in lines for long periods of time, you can go to guest services at the first park you visit on the first day of your trip. Make sure that you bring your magic bands and everyone in your party that wants to go on rides with you (with their bands), since they all need to be linked up with you.

At guest services they will listen to what your condition is, and what accommodations you might need during your vacation. This is an honor system that goes both ways. The helpful cast members don’t ask for a blood sample, a doctor’s note or, in fact, any proof, but they also hope that their service won’t be abused by people who don’t legitimately need it.

Once granted, you will have a DAS pass added to your magic band, and then every person in your group will be linked up to your band. Now, you can start using the service.

How do I get a return time? Basically it works a lot like the Fast Pass system. When you want to go on a ride, you, or someone in your group can request the DAS pass from the cast member at the front of the line that you want to ride. They will add the DAS Fast Pass to your magic band, with a return time indicated that matches the current wait in line. I do recommend having the Disney Experience App on your phone so you don’t have to memorize your return times all day long, but can do a quick check on your app for when each is ready.

For example, if you want to go on Everest, but there is currently a 90 minute wait, you can have someone request your DAS at 9:00am and you will get to return to the Fast Pass Line after 10:30am. The DAS doesn’t actually get you on the ride any faster than if you had walked over and waited in line. (Honestly…