Walt Disney World has updated its website to provide more detailed information about the mandatory video screening process for its Disability Access Service (DAS). This change aims to clarify the requirements for guests seeking accommodations, following a significant and controversial overhaul of the program earlier this year.
Key Takeaways
- Disney has published specific guidelines for the mandatory video chat required for DAS eligibility.
- The guest for whom the service is being requested, including minor children, must be present during the video call.
- The update specifies operating hours for the video chat service (7:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time) and technical requirements like the Zoom app for mobile users.
- This clarification follows major changes to the DAS program in May 2024, which ended in-person registration at park Guest Relations.
New Details on the DAS Video Call Process
Walt Disney World has added a new section to its official website outlining the specific procedures for the live video chat required to determine DAS eligibility. The update provides guests with a clearer understanding of what to expect during the application process, which must now be completed before arriving at the parks.
Previously, the information regarding the video call was less specific, leading to some confusion for families navigating the system. The new guidelines are intended to streamline the experience and manage expectations.
Background on the DAS Program
The Disability Access Service is designed for guests who, due to a disability, cannot wait in a conventional queue environment for an extended period. The service allows them to receive a return time for an attraction, comparable to the current standby wait, and then enter through the Lightning Lane entrance. It does not provide immediate access to attractions.
Specific Requirements for the Video Chat
According to the updated information on Disney's website, guests preparing for the video call must adhere to several important rules. These new details help ensure the process is consistent for all applicants.
The key requirements now listed include:
- Guest Presence: The individual for whom DAS is being requested must be present during the video chat, regardless of their age.
- Age Requirement: The person initiating the chat, such as a parent or guardian, must be at least 18 years old.
- Operating Hours: Live video chat is available from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time.
- Technical Needs: Guests using a mobile device must download the Zoom application. All devices need a working camera and microphone.
- Prohibition on Recording: The policy explicitly states that recording the video chat is strictly prohibited.
- Account and Tickets: Applicants must be logged into their Walt Disney World account and have valid theme park admission linked for each member of their party.
The service also offers accessibility features, including screen reader-friendly options and text chat for guests with hearing disabilities. At present, the live chat is offered only in English.
Context of the 2024 DAS Overhaul
These clarifications come after Disney implemented a significant overhaul of the DAS program in May 2024. The company stated the changes were necessary to “keep DAS available for those who need it and to ensure that these services are provided to the right visitors.”
The 2024 changes were met with concern from many guests who had previously relied on the service. A primary shift was the elimination of in-person registration at Guest Relations locations inside the theme parks. All registrations must now be conducted via the pre-arrival video call.
The move to an entirely online, pre-arrival system requires guests to plan further in advance, as same-day registration is no longer an option upon entering a park.
Following the overhaul, reports emerged of guests who previously qualified for DAS being denied under the new, stricter guidelines. The initial lack of detailed information about the screening process contributed to guest anxiety.
Planning Ahead is Crucial
Guests can register for DAS via video chat as early as 60 days before their park visit but no less than 2 days prior. This shift requires families to address accessibility needs well before their vacation begins.
How the DAS System Works for Eligible Guests
Once a guest is deemed eligible for DAS through the video call, the service is managed through the My Disney Experience mobile app. The process for using the service in the parks remains largely the same.
An eligible guest can select an attraction within the app and will be given a return time based on the current standby wait. When their return time arrives, they can proceed to the attraction’s Lightning Lane entrance.
Alternative Accommodations May Be Offered
It is important to note that during the video consultation, Cast Members may determine that a guest's needs can be met with other available accessibility services instead of DAS. Disney's website lists several other accommodations, such as Rider Switch, access for wheelchairs and scooters, and services for guests with hearing or visual disabilities.
The updated guidelines for the video call process represent an effort by Disney to add transparency to a system that has become a critical but often stressful part of planning a trip for many visitors. By providing these details upfront, the company hopes to make the registration process more predictable for those who depend on these services for a manageable park experience.
