Anaheim, California – Disneyland and Walt Disney World are set to implement changes to their Disability Access Service program to address ongoing issues of misuse, which have led to longer queue times for attractions and backed-up Genie+ lanes for guests.
The adjustments, scheduled to take effect on June 18 at Disneyland and May 20 at Walt Disney World, aim to ensure that the service is utilized by those who genuinely require it. Under the new guidelines, parties using the DAS can only consist of a maximum of four individuals, a decrease from the previous policy.
Additionally, the eligibility period for DAS enrollment will extend from 60 to 120 days, and current DAS guests will be required to reapply for the program. DAS Advance pre-arrival attraction selection will no longer be automatically provided to all DAS guests, offering a more tailored approach to accessing the service.
As part of the updated process, guests planning to utilize the DAS between April 9 and June 17 are encouraged to engage in pre-arrival conversations to determine their eligibility 2-30 days before their visit. In-person eligibility assessments can also be conducted at Guest Relations locations, with guests able to book up to two one-hour return windows for select experiences through the DAS Advance planning option.
The Disability Access Service program has experienced a significant surge in usage over the past five years at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. This increase has been partially attributed to the circulation of social media videos detailing “Disneyland line hack” strategies, which exploit the DAS to bypass queues without utilizing the Genie+ service.
However, it should be noted that the primary purpose of the DAS is to assist guests with developmental disabilities, such as autism, who may struggle with traditional queue environments. The program is intended to provide necessary accommodations for individuals who are unable to endure extended periods of standing in lines.
Overall, these upcoming changes to the Disability Access Service program aim to maintain the integrity of the service while ensuring that those who truly require assistance can benefit from it effectively. By implementing stricter guidelines and a more personalized approach, Disneyland and Walt Disney World seek to optimize the guest experience for all visitors.