Last week Disney drew attention with a language change on their website discussing the eligibility for the Disability Access Service (DAS) program which led many to speculate that we might be seeing restrictions to the program loosen.
This popular program at Disneyland and Walt Disney World received a large overhaul to its criteria last year which resulted in many guests no longer being eligible. These changes have been controversial and many of our readers have followed along closely as we continue to report on further news concerning the status of DAS.
Now we have another change to DAS which is ultimately a positive change for anyone looking to apply before an upcoming trip.
Disney Extends DAS Registration Timeline
Disneyland and Walt Disney World has extended the window of time guests have to apply for DAS before their visit. Previously, guests could apply for DAS up to 30 days before their park visit and now the window has been extended to up to 60 days before their park visit. You can see this change in the screenshot below from Disney’s official website:
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Considering guests need to have already purchased a park ticket or reserved a vacation package, the shorter registration window was a common critique last year when DAS approvals were drastically reduced. Many complained that 30 days wasn’t enough notice to know if they were eligible for DAS especially if not being approved for DAS would lead some guests to cancel their vacation.
This change allows for more guest flexibility when applying for DAS which is always a plus. This could also mean that the number of calls applying for DAS have dramatically been reduced in the past year. Before the changes to DAS, which restricted use of the program to those with a “developmental disability like autism or similar,” the wait time to apply would reach hours. It could be that fewer guests are applying now, especially since word has gotten out being approved is far less likely.
What does this change mean for the future of DAS? Could this mean we are starting to see restrictions loosen? It is hard to say but regardless it is a positive sign to see improvements to the program that improve guest experience.
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