Hello, Rachael, and welcome to planDisney!
To help you decide whether your daughter should apply for the Disability Access Service (DAS), let's explore some key points about the service. DAS is a valuable service designed to assist guests who face challenges waiting in traditional attraction queues. It allows guests to request a return time for a specific attraction or experience instead of immediate access. Pre-registration for DAS is recommended for eligible guests and can be done 30 days before your park visit, but no later than two days before. If you have trouble pre-registering, you can apply in person once you arrive by visiting a Guest Relations location found at the entrance to all theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. The guest requesting DAS must be present during the registration process and when returning to the attraction or experience at the designated time.
If you’re considering applying for DAS by pre-registering through video and live chat, let me help guide you through the process! First, if you haven't done so, you will want to create a Disney account. From there, you should hover over MyDisneyExperience on the main Walt Disney World website and select My Plans. You should be taken to a screen where you will see five circles (Family & Friends, Resort Hotel, Park Tickets, Park Reservations, and Dining). I recommend starting with linking your Park Tickets. Next, you’ll want to ensure your Friends & Family list is built so the tickets and guests can be successfully linked together. Once these two things are completed, visit the Registering for Disability Access Service (DAS) page and scroll down to the “Ready to Chat with a Cast Member” section. After reading the Terms and Conditions, click “Request a Live Video Chat” to open a chat box. Answer a few questions, and you'll be placed in a virtual queue to speak with a Cast Member via video chat. This process is available from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern Time in the U.S. If you have any additional questions, you can email or call DAS using the information found in the Help Center.
Rachael, if your daughter doesn’t receive the DAS pass, don’t worry, I have some locations in mind where you can take a break from the stimulation and noise throughout the parks. Here are some of my favorite break spots:
- Magic Kingdom – the upstairs of Columbia Harbour House in Liberty Square or behind Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square
- Disney's Hollywood Studios – The courtyard area by Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy or Star Wars Launch Bay
- EPCOT – the Odyssey building located between Test Track and the Mexico Pavilion or the gardens of Dreamers Point
- Disney's Animal Kingdom – Discovery Island Trails or the seats overlooking Discovery River outside Finding Nemo: The Big Blue...and Beyond!
I hope all of this information helps you with your planning, Rachael, and I hope your upcoming visit to Walt Disney World is truly memorable!
Cheers,
Brent