Same thing happened about 11 years ago when
DAS replaced the old program. Lot of squacking and yes, some lawsuits (which to date have failed).
DAS remains.
I'm sure there will be complaints and maybe some lawsuits. But unless Disney's cost-cutting has depleted it's legal department, I am reasonably sure they are on good footing.
Sure, worst case is they screw it up and revert back. But that is not how it has gone in the past. Quite the opposite when it comes to GAC, DAS, ADA, etc. So I wouldn't bank on it.
Of course getting the details is always a good idea before claiming the sky is falling. But I know that's unpopular.
It seems the details are already posted.
Autism and developmental disabilities only. There is no mention of other disabilties.
What to Know About DAS
- DAS is intended to accommodate a small percentage of Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period or time.
- DAS doesn’t provide immediate access to experiences, but rather allows Guests to request a return time for a specific experience that is comparable to the current standby wait.
- The Guest who is requesting to use DAS must be present during registration and when redeeming a DAS return time.
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/guest-services/disability-access-service/
If you don't qualify for DAS:
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/guest-services/accessing-attractions/
Accessing Attraction Queues
Guest Service
Learn more about how Guests with mental or physical impairments can access attractions queues while in the theme parks.
The
Disneyland Resort offers a variety of programs that assist Guests in accessing attraction queues. Some of the programs listed below are available to all Guests and help maximize the time spent in the parks.
Some of the programs described below provide accommodations that may be required for specific types of mental or physical impairments. Guests with disabilities can learn more about these programs, including how they operate and whether they may be eligible, through a personalized conversation with Accessibility Services.
Some of these options are available only at select attractions. We encourage all Guests to be familiar with the programs described below because they may provide valuable assistance in navigating attraction queues.
Here are a few tips and techniques to manage waiting in queues:
- Encourage other members of your party to help create space around you in line to make it more comfortable.
- In a theme park environment that requires additional walking or standing, bring additional support tools like a mobility device such as a wheelchair, ECV, walker with a seat or a cane chair.
- Bring a sensory toy or a calming item—such as a stress ball, favorite device or activity like a tablet, video game, comic book or another item that may be calming or distracting while waiting in a queue.
- Grab a snack or drink to enjoy while waiting in a queue. Just be sure to finish it before boarding the attraction.
- Break up your day with other offerings at the Resort that don’t require waiting in a queue, such as enjoying entertainment.
- Don’t forget other items to keep yourself comfortable. Some items to consider include a sweater or jacket, sun protection or hat.
Below is a list of programs that provide specific types of accommodations that Guests with disabilities may be eligible for, although some are available only at select attractions. For more information about how these programs operate and whether you may be eligible for them, we encourage you to have a personalized conversation with an Accessibility Services Associate.
Rider Switch
Single Rider
Disney Genie Service
Location Return Time
Disability Access Service
Stroller as a Wheelchair Tag
Navigating Queues with Service Animals
Rider Switch
Rider switch is a program available to all Guests. With Rider Switch, Guests can wait with member(s) of their party who aren’t riding due to any of the reasons listed below. Once the first Guest returns the waiting Guest can board the attraction without having to wait in the regular line again!
Rider Switch is available for Guests who meet one of the following:
- Does not meet the boarding requirements
- Has a service animal that cannot board the attraction or does not want to use a provided kennel
- Meets boarding requirement and does not want to ride but cannot wait outside queue on their own
Rider Switch is available at all attractions in Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.
How to Use Rider Switch
- Upon arriving at the selected attraction, approach the greeting Cast Member with your entire group and inform them you are interested in the Rider Switch option. Members will be divided into 2 parties: “Party 1” will board the attraction first, while “Party 2”—a maximum of 2 people from the rest of your party—waits.
- A Cast Member will scan the admission media or tickets of Guests in Party 2.
- After Party 1 completes the experience, any Guests from Party 2 who have waited to ride should return to the appropriate attraction entrance as directed by the issuing Cast Member to have their admission media/tickets re-scanned by a Cast Member for the Rider Switch entitlement. At this point, the riding Guests of Party 2 may enter the appropriate attraction return line and board without waiting in the regular queue. Meanwhile, Party 1 waits with the non-riding Guests.
Review a complete list of Disneyland Resort Attractions offering Rider Switch.
Single Rider
Single Rider is a program available to all Guests. Single Rider queues are often shorter than the standby queue and contain fewer sensory elements than the standby queue. Single Rider is a service that allows groups to split up and experience attractions individually. Keep in mind, you will likely not ride the attraction with a member of your party, but enjoy the attraction with other Guests with a shorter wait.
Single Rider is available for a Guest who meets one of the following:
- Visiting the park on their own
- Prioritizing shorter wait times rather than riding with their party
Review a complete list of Disneyland Resort Attractions offering Single Rider.
How to Use Single Rider
A Cast Member can direct you to the designated queue, where your party will be separated to fill remaining seats that aren’t occupied by Guests utilizing stand by lines. Please note:
- Immediate boarding or choice of seat is not guaranteed
- Single Riders must meet all boarding requirements
- Special seating requests may not be accommodated
- Participating attractions and wait times may vary
- This service is subject to availability, and not available at every attraction
Disney Genie Service
Disney Genie Service is a program available to all Guests.
Our complimentary Disney Genie service creates your best Disney day inspired by your top interests. It also grants you planning features, including a personalized itinerary creator. It will save you time by seamlessly mapping out your day, with updates that continue from morning to night—just like a favorite navigation app. You’ll receive attraction and dining recommendations inspired by what you told Disney Genie service you’re most interested in doing and seeing.
The “My Day” tab is where you’ll find Disney Genie recommendations and plans you’ve made, including dining reservations and Disneyland Resort hotel reservations. It will begin populating at 7:00 AM on the day of your visit.
The “Tip Board” lets you view estimated wait times, order food, make dining reservations and request to join an available virtual queue.
Genie+ Service and Individual Lightening Lanes are available for purchase to enhance the complimentary tools.
Learn More
Location Return Time
A Location Return Time may be issued at select Disneyland Park attractions. This program is intended to accommodate persons with mobility devices or other physical restrictions who are unable to negotiate some of our older queues which may not be wheelchair accessible.
Location Return Times may be available for Guests who:
- Utilize a mobility device such as a wheelchair or ECV
- Are unable to navigate stairs, steep ramps, turnstiles or low lighting
- Require assistance navigating narrow walkways with a sighted guide or a service animal
How to Use Location Return Times
Speak to a Cast Member at the attraction
- A Cast Member will assist in assigning a return time that is comparable to the current standby wait
- A Cast Member provides directions on where to return to
- Guest returns at the designated time to the auxiliary entry location
Location Return Times are not offered in Disney California Adventure Park. The following experiences in Disneyland Park offer Location Return Times:
Disability Access Service (DAS)
Disability Access Service (DAS) is one of our programs offered at the Disneyland Resort theme parks intended to accommodate those Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.
There are 2 ways for Guests to have a conversation with a Cast Member to determine eligibility for DAS––live video chat or in-person at an Accessibility Services window during a park visit.
Please Note: Guests visiting from April 9 through June 17, 2024 will continue to visit Guest Relations locations for any accessibility-related conversations and tools.
Learn More
“Stroller as a Wheelchair” Tag
A “Stroller as a Wheelchair” tag is for Guests with disabilities who use their stroller as a mobility device. This tool allows a Guest to treat their stroller as a wheelchair and keep their device with them in attraction queues.
“Stroller as a Wheelchair” tags are available for a Guest who meets one of the following:
- Is a child with a disability who uses their stroller as a mobility device in lieu of a traditional wheelchair
- Is a child with additional medical equipment who needs a safe way to transport their equipment while in a queue
- Is an adult with a mobility disability who uses a stroller as a mobility device to assist with walking
How to Use “Stroller as a Wheelchair” Tag
- Please visit Accessibility Services for a personalized conversation about this tool. If appropriate, a “Stroller as a Wheelchair” tag may be issued.
- Guests who are issued a “Stroller as a Wheelchair” tag may enter the queue with their stroller. Select attraction queues may require the use of a Location Return Times.
Navigating Queues with Service Animals
Service Animals are welcome in all attraction queues.
Location Return Times may be available at select attractions if the Guest cannot navigate narrow walkways with their service animal.
Due to the nature of some attractions, service animals may not be permitted to ride. Please ask a Cast Member at these locations about available options.
Learn More About Services for Guests with Service Animals