Disney with a Disability

Lindsay BakkenDecember 22, 2016If you are like my family and traveling with someone with a disability, it can be overwhelming thinking about how that person will be able to enjoy the trip without being left feeling exhausted by the end of the day! At Disney Parks, guests with a disability (including non-apparent) can stop at a Guests Relations at any park to receive the Disability Access Service (DAS). After registering (registration includes your basic information, the number of people in your party and having your picture taken), the DAS will be linked to your Magic Band. You will only have to do this once and it will be good for your entire stay at all the parks.Important note about registering:One thing that most guests don’t realize is that Disney is not supposed to ask for proof of disability. During our trip last year, my mom was asked for a doctor's note because she has a non-apparent disability. We explained to the Cast Member that we were informed prior to arrival that we would not need to bring a note with us. This particular Cast Member pressed us about what type of disability. We were turned away because we would not give the information. Instead of leaving, we asked to speak to a supervisor. He was able to help us and spoke kindly with the original Cast Member about the procedures. In the past, the DAS was being abused by other guests, so I realize with non-apparent disabilities it is hard to understand the needs of those guests. However, with the new procedures Disney does not require guests to disclose personal information about their disability. If you find yourself in a similar situation, simply ask for a supervisor before going into great details about your disability.Using the access card:Once you have registered, you can begin using your DAS. Because it is linked to your magic band, it is automatically linked to the people in your reservation as well. This means that anyone in your party can go to an attraction to get the return time. This saved my mom a lot of energy by not having to physically go to every attraction to get the time. When you get the return time, you will need to find the cast member at the FastPass+ line. He/she will ask how many people will be riding and then scan your band to add the attraction. You can either write down the return time, use your MyDisneyExperience or find a kiosk in the park. You may only have one DAS ride at a time. When you have finished with the attraction, you can then go to another one to receive a new return time. Typically the return time is based on the current wait time, minus 10 minutes. If it is a 30-minute wait then your return time would be 20 minutes from then.Don’t just sit around waiting for your return time to come! Take advantage of your FastPass+ as well. You may use the DAS along with your FastPass+! I would love to share all my tips with you! Contact me at lindsay@wishesfamilytravel.com or visit my Facebook page for questions or to plan your Walt Disney World vacation!