Since Disney overhauled its Disability Access Service (DAS) in 2024 and continued to refine it into 2025, there’s been a lot of confusion about how it works, who qualifies, and what the application process actually looks like.
If you’re planning a Disney trip and wondering whether the DAS Pass might be a good fit for your family, or if you’re just trying to make sense of all the changes, you’re in the right place.
This FAQ is here to break it all down in plain language, with real-world tips and honest insights from families who’ve been through the process.
And if you’re unfamiliar with Disney’s DAS (Disability Access Service), DAS Pass: Disney’s Lifesaver for Neurodivergent Families is a good starting point.
Who qualifies?
According to Disney’s website, DAS is offered to guests who “due to a developmental disability such as autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.”
In practice, this means that most people who are approved for DAS are neurodivergent. That means that having autism, ADHD, anxiety or sensory processing disorders can qualify for DAS.
However, it’s still important to remember that Disney isn’t going to grant a DAS pass on diagnosis – they’re looking for how the diagnosis impacts your or your child’s ability to wait in line.
Guests with strictly physical disabilities, like wheelchair users, or those with medical conditions such as diabetes or colostomy bags, are typically not approved under the current system. Disney expects those needs to be accommodated through other accessibility measures already in place in the parks.
Does having ADHD qualify for DAS?
It can, but not automatically. Disney doesn’t approve DAS based on diagnosis alone. Not for ADHD, autism, anxiety, or anything else. What really matters is how your child’s ability to wait in a traditional line is affected.
If your child has ADHD and needs constant movement to stay regulated — like if they start climbing, rocking, kicking, or shutting down when asked to stand still — that might qualify them for DAS. It’s all about the specific support they need to safely and successfully enjoy the parks.
How do I apply?
Once you are within 60 days of your trip, you can apply virtually here. That link will take you to Disney’s official site where you can scroll to the bottom of the page to request a live video chat.
After you request a video chat, you’ll enter a virtual waiting room until someone is available to speak with you.
When the cast member joins the call, they’ll ask a few questions, and you’ll need to explain why you or your child (whoever you’re applying for) is unable to wait in a traditional standby line.
The interview may feel intimidating, but being prepared is everything. My guide walks you through the typical questions and helps you explain your child’s needs in your own words and is written specifically for parents of children with autism or ADHD. Grab your free DAS Prep Worksheet today!
Want help getting ready? Subscribe below to get my free DAS Prep Worksheet, designed to help you think through what to say, what to expect, and how to self-advocate during the interview.
How long does the call take?
It really depends on a few factors and can range anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours.
The longest part is usually the wait to get into the live chat. When I applied for my daughter, I waited about an hour and a half before I was connected with a cast member—and that’s not unusual. A 1–2 hour wait is totally possible, so definitely make sure you have the time before you request the chat.
Once you’re speaking to someone, the actual conversation might only take 5–15 minutes. But in some cases, it can take longer, especially if the cast member needs to bring in a medical professional for further review.
From what I’ve seen, the better prepared you are to clearly explain why DAS is needed, the smoother (and faster) the process tends to go.
Will they need to speak with my child?
They might ask to, but no, they shouldn’t need to speak directly with your child.
Your child will need to appear on the call, but that’s just so the cast member can take their photo as part of the DAS approval process. You, as the parent or guardian, will be the one explaining why the DAS pass is needed.
Can I wait and apply in the parks?
Yes, you can apply in person at Guest Services during your trip, but you’ll still need to go through the same live video chat process. If you choose this option, a cast member will give you an iPad to use for the call.
As a heads-up: I’ve heard from others who did this and felt really uncomfortable. There’s not much privacy in Guest Services, and discussing personal or sensitive information in a crowded space can be stressful, sspecially if your child is with you and already overwhelmed.
On top of that, wait times for the video chat can still be an hour or more, even in the parks. So if you can, I highly recommend doing the call from home before your trip. It’s just a more comfortable experience all around.
Do I need to provide medical documentation?
No. Disney does not require a diagnosis or any kind of medical documentation to qualify for a DAS Pass.
That can seem a little confusing, but they’re not basing approval on a diagnosis alone. Instead, they’re looking for specific behaviors and needs that would make it difficult for someone to wait in a traditional standby line.
It’s all about how the disability affects the guest’s experience in the parks, not the label itself.
Can I apply for multiple people in my family?
Yes! If more than one person in your family qualifies for DAS, you can absolutely apply for each of them.
Just a heads-up: Disney’s system tracks DAS applications by account, not by individual person. So if your account has two denied applications (for example, you apply for one child and get denied, then apply for yourself and are also denied), you’ll need to wait 120 days before you can try again. It’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering applying for more than one family member.
Is DAS just for children?
No, DAS Pass is for anyone who qualifies, regardless of age.
That said, it does tend to be easier for younger children to qualify.
One of the things Disney looks for during the interview is whether the guest understands what a line is and can reasonably wait in one. For adults who are able to understand and tolerate the concept of a queue, it can be harder to get approved. In those cases, Disney often recommends other options, like purchasing Lightning Lane passes to avoid long waits with your group.
I’ve had DAS pass in the past – does that mean I/my child will automatically qualify now?
Unfortunately, no. With the recent overhaul of the DAS system and the introduction of more paid options like Lightning Lane, many guests who previously qualified are now being denied.
Even if you’ve had DAS before, it’s just as important to prepare for the interview.
What if I or my child are denied?
If you or your child are denied, you can reapply. Disney allows two attempts per account. After the second denial, though, you’ll need to wait 120 days before you can try again.
If you believe you should qualify and were denied, take a moment to reflect on how the interview went. Think through what you shared, take notes, and try to identify any areas where you could have been more clear or detailed.
For a deeper dive on how to approach a reapplication, check out my post What to Do If You’re Denied a DAS Pass.
It walks you through next steps, strategies for avoiding common pitfalls, and ways to reclaim the magic in your Disney trip even without DAS.
For tips on how to improve your chances of getting approved, check out Disney DAS Pass: Common Mistakes That Could Get You Denied, where I share strategies to avoid the most common pitfalls.
It’s okay to feel frustrated – this process can be emotional. If needed, you can also ask to speak with a medical professional or a supervisor during the call for a second opinion.
Remember: you’re advocating for your or your child’s needs. Don’t be afraid to try again with a more prepared approach.
If this is your second time applying and you haven’t downloaded it yet, grab my DAS Pass Prep Worksheet! Inside, you’ll find helpful tips on what to say (and how to say it) to boost your chances of getting approved.
Should I cancel my trip if my child or I were denied?
Personally? No way! You can absolutely still have a great time at Disney without a DAS Pass.
That said, just to be real with you, you will want to be a bit more prepared. Look into strategies like rope dropping (getting to the parks right at opening), using Lightning Lane options if it’s in your budget, and planning in breaks or low-sensory spots throughout the day.
Want more detailed guidance? Read our Denied DAS? Next Steps for Neurodivergent Families.
With a little extra planning, it’s still totally possible to have a magical trip—even without DAS.
I’m traveling with a large group – will everyone be able to ride with me?
That depends. Officially, DAS allows the registered guest plus up to 3 additional people to be linked to the pass. This is handled during the registration call.
If you’re traveling with a larger group, it’s up to the cast member’s discretion.
When I applied for my 7 year old, the cast member noticed I had four minors on my account. He went ahead and approved all of us (myself, my partner, and our three other children) to be included. He specifically said he was able to because we had “minor children.”
However, I’ve also seen reports of others who were able to include grandparents, adult siblings, or a babysitter—but again, that’s not guaranteed. It really comes down to who you get on the call, and what they feel comfortable approving.
Ultimately, I wouldn’t count on it, but it never hurts to politely ask.
Can I buy LL pass even if I have a DAS Pass?
You can, but it’s usually not necessary.
That said, if you’re traveling during a busy time—like Christmas, New Year’s, or Spring Break—it might be worth it. Some attractions can hit wait times of 90 minutes or more, and having Lightning Lane access can help you book additional rides early and keep your day running smoothly.
Also, if you’re in a large group and not everyone is approved to accompany the DAS user, I’ve seen families successfully coordinate Lightning Lane reservations with their DAS return times so the whole group can still ride together. It takes a little planning, but it can definitely be done.
Do we have to wait in line with the DAS Pass?
No! That’s the benefit of DAS!
You don’t wait in the actual standby line. Instead, you’re given a return time that’s roughly the same as the current wait, and you’re free to spend that time elsewhere in the park.
When it’s your turn to ride, you’ll enter through the Lightning Lane entrance. While there might be a short wait (usually 5–10 minutes), the line moves quickly.
This is a great opportunity to take sensory breaks, grab a snack, explore a quieter area of the park, or do a shorter ride or attraction that doesn’t have a long wait.
We love using this time to visit character spots, take photos (especially if you purchased Memory Maker!), or find a shaded spot to relax and recharge.
Ready to make the most of your Disney trip with DAS?
If you’re looking for even more information about Disney’s Disability Access Service, check out my post DAS Pass: Disney’s Lifesaver for Neurodivergent Families.
Download my free DAS Prep Worksheet to help you confidently navigate the application process and prepare for your video call. Plus, get insider tips and strategies to maximize your day in the parks!
Subscribe now to get your worksheet and stay in the loop for more family travel tips designed especially for neurodivergent families. Let’s make your next Disney trip magical!
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