Walt Disney World has a program called the Disability Access Service, more commonly known as the DAS pass. This service helps guests with disabilities who are not able to wait lines. The Disability Access Services is about to experience some changes as Disney Genie launches on October 19th. The DAS pass allows guests to obtain a return time for their favorite attractions. This means they get a spot in line but don’t have to physically wait in the queue until their return time. Once it’s time to return to the attraction, guests are sent through the Lightning Lane. Think of it as a boarding group for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, just without having to wake up at 7am.

Before I get into all of the details, I would like to share that I am a user of this system, which is why I have been paying close attention to these upcoming changes. One of the major changes coming to this system is the pre-registration and advanced planning tool. This tool will become eligible for travelers coming to the parks on and after November 1st, 2021. This new process will allow the guests to speak virtually with a cast member through a video chat. This pre-registration chat can happen anywhere between 30 days to 2 days prior to your vacation. On this video chat, a cast member will be able to assist in booking 2 one-hour return times. As of writing this article, the way return times are issued are based on the wait time at the attraction. If the attraction has a wait time of 80 minutes, then the return given will be between 70 to 80 minutes from that moment, which gives the guest time to grab snacks, go shopping or get on an attraction with a lower wait time.

With the new pre-registration step, the guest will be able to select attractions ahead of time, which is great if you like to plan. DAS selections can still be made in the parks as well even if you did the pre-registration after the first two return times have been used. It’s important to note that the traveling party will be able to get onto the DAS pass as well so that each member of the group can get a return time and everyone can ride together. 

Another new and efficient change coming to this service is that guests will be able to make the DAS pass selections through the My Disney Experience app instead of going to the front of the attraction and asking for a return time. Even though this is being implemented, guests can still go to Guest Relations to register their DAS or walk up to a cast member at an attraction and ask for a return time. I personally love that they are adding this in-app feature. This service has helped so many people in my family and friend group that struggle with different disabilities. I think these new updates will help eliminate the anxiety of walking up to a cast member. I experience that anxiety because I get worried that those around me when asking for a return time are judging me; this will offer a more calming way of obtaining a return time. I also believe the in-app selections will help those with mobility limitations by offering them a way to secure a return time for an attraction they love without having to cross the theme park. 

All in all, I am excited for these updates and changes. I can’t wait to see how they work and how this will better the theme park experience. I feel that these updates will make the service more efficient and will truly turn the DAS pass experience into an inclusive one.