Hey Howdy Hey Steven and welcome to planDisney!
I'm so glad to hear that you will be returning to the Most Magical Place on Earth Real soon! Sounds like you have had experiences with
Disney's Disability Access Service (DAS) in the past and I would be more than happy to discuss some recent updates to the service and some information to help you navigate the parks a little easier.
One of the biggest improvements of DAS has been the introduction of
Pre-registration and DAS Advanced Planning. With this improvement, you can apply and request a video interview with a Cast Member in which the members of your party applying for DAS would have to be present. As long as you are approved, you get a personal phone number that is text-only and a Cast Member would be able to help you book two one-hour return widows for this experience before you get into the parks. You will be able to take advantage of this feature each day of your stay for these two advanced windows. Just know that for the pre-registration options, you are only able to book two of them through this text-only number per day. You also have the rolling one that you will have access to in the parks which has been the case in the past.
The other really cool feature of this rolling one selection is you can book these through your
My Disney Experience app which will be activated after you qualify for DAS. You can still get your return times talking with the greeting Cast Members at each attraction but is no longer a necessity!
Now, I am not sure when you visited Walt Disney World Resort last, but a lot has changed recently with the parks and the attractions. Disney does have some
great information online which applies to all four theme parks and two water parks and reviews expectations when it comes to lines and transfers. If this is something you are concerned about navigating stairs and expectations for walking, this resource has you covered!
In combination with DAS and pre-registration, you are also more than welcome to purchase
Genie+ to make your trip even more Magical. With your own personal Genie, navigating the parks has not been easier. You can make your Lightning Lane reservations at 7:00 a.m. EST as long as you are staying at a
Disney Resort Collection hotel. You then get a rolling one you can book every two hours or after you redeem your entitlement for the attraction you booked.
Looks like you have a lot of great options to take advantage of to minimize your time waiting in line and have more fun enjoying your experience in the parks! I hope this information was helpful and if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out, we will be happy to help!
Have a Magical Day,
Nick