Having a Disney DAS pass or one for other theme parks can be incredibly helpful. So in this post, we’re discussing what a Disney DAS pass is, their updated guidelines, how you used to be able to qualify for one, and what the current status is for Disney DAS passes and type 1 diabetes in 2024.
A DAS pass at theme parks like Disney allows for accommodations for certain health conditions and developmental disabilities. It can make navigating the park much easier. In the past, the complexities and burdens of managing diabetes would qualify you for a DAS pass in some cases.
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But, you need to know what to say to get a DAS pass and recognize that under new guidelines that went into effect on May 19, 2024, some people with diabetes may no longer be eligible for a Disney DAS pass.
Note: This post was originally published in February 2024. Disney updated the DAS pass guidelines in April 2024. The new guidelines went into place on May 19, 2024. We have updated this post as of November 13, 2024, and will continue updates as we learn more.
What is a DAS pass?
DAS stands for Disability Access Service. A DAS pass is intended to help guests with developmental disabilities enjoy their time in an amusement park. More specifically, a DAS pass assists those who have a disability which makes waiting in long lines difficult or not possible.
Disney DAS Pass Description after May 19, 2024
Prior to May 19, 2024, there were no descriptive terms listed around the term disability. It was implied that DAS passes were intended for any person with any type of disability which made waiting in a standard line difficult or not possible. Disney did, however, update the phrasing to now say “due to a developmental disability like autism or similar.“
Personal Experiences with Disney DAS Passes
I’ve been to Disney World twice in the last 6 years and did not know this was an option! Having a Disney DAS pass would have made navigating the parks so much easier!
I did however talk to two different families whose children have diabetes and utilized the DAS pass system in 2022 and 2023. Having a DAS pass allowed them to navigate the park with a lot less stress. And, it made managing their child’s blood sugars much easier. You can also check out the comments on the post down below to see more stories of families with people living with diabetes who have benefitted from a DAS pass prior to these new guidelines.
How does a Disney DAS pass work?
A DAS pass eliminates having to wait in a conventional line for an attraction at theme parks. Instead, at Disney, a DAS pass allows you to make a reservation for a specific time at an attraction… instead of waiting in a physical line. We’ll discuss more of the details below. But, you essentially get to make a set number of reservations each day and when you check in for your reservation you join a much shorter in-person line.
You’re still waiting the same amount of time, just not in the actual line.
Disney DAS pass qualifications
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Disney does not list specific qualifications for obtaining a DAS pass. They do however state that “Disability Access Service (DAS) is a program offered at [Disney] theme parks to assist guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to a developmental disability like autism.”
Does having diabetes qualify you for a DAS pass?
The previous description of the DAS pass program applied to many people living with diabetes, especially children with diabetes. Being able to access a clean area to administer medication or insulin and ensuring access to water and low blood sugar treatment is crucial to managing blood sugar during the day. And, this can be difficult if you’re stuck in a line that takes 1-2 hours or even longer. Because of this, diabetes should qualify most people for a DAS pass (in my opinion).
Prior to May 2024, the program did not clarify “developmental disability”. As this new version of the program has rolled out, we have seen that the Disney DAS pass is consistently being denied to people with all types of diabetes in 2024.
Reasons people with diabetes should qualify for a DAS pass
If you will be visiting Disney World or Disney Land soon and are living with diabetes or have a child living with diabetes there are many reasons you should qualify for a DAS pass. Some of these reasons include:
- Ability to plan your day ahead of time which makes managing blood sugar levels and planning meals and snacks much easier
- Guaranteed access to clean areas to administer medication or insulin
- Less stress about the unknown of lines and if you’ll be able to access snacks and water
- Less exposure to heat which can cause elevated blood sugars and dehydration, increasing the risk for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
Unfortunately, Disney has been very consistent since these new guidelines went into effect in May 2024. The Disney DAS pass for people with diabetes is no longer being offered in 2024.
Below is a brief description of the process to apply for a Disney DAS pass for type 1 diabetes in 2024. But as we mentioned above, most people with diabetes have been denied.
How to get a DAS pass at Disney Land v. Disney World
The process for both US-based Disney parks is almost identical. But, you do need to go through different links to start your registration.
Disney DAS pass registration
Previously, there were two options for registering for a DAS pass at Disney parks: in-person or online ahead of time. Now, under the new guidelines, you must register online and via a Zoom video call anywhere from 2-30 days before your visit.
- Disney Land
- Disney World
Applying for a Disney DAS pass for type 1 diabetes in 2024
With DAS Advance Planning Service you talk to a Guest Relations agent via Zoom within 2-30 days of your visit. You don’t make a reservation for this call. It’s much like calling customer service and waiting for an agent to become available to help you. They have direct links on the websites linked above to make your Zoom call.
Insider tip: Because you’ll need to wait until an agent is available, ensure you have enough time to wait and try to make your call earlier in the day to avoid a longer wait time.
- Once an agent is available, they will ask a series of questions. They do not ask for personal health-related information though. The person applying for the DAS pass needs to be present on the call.
- You should tell them why you feel you or your child will have difficulty waiting in line and/or why waiting in line would make it difficult to manage your condition. And, you are requesting a DAS pass to ensure you can manage blood sugars effectively and safely while visiting the park.
- You’ll also be asked to confirm the names of everyone in your party in addition to the person requesting the DAS pass.
Making your DAS pass reservations
If approved for DAS, your agent will help you pre-select up to two attraction reservations for each day of your visit. (These will then also populate in your MyDisney Experience App as well.)
You can view the list of DAS pass-eligible attractions online for both Disney World and Disney Land.
How to use DAS pass once inside the park
Once you arrive at the park, you can head straight to your first DAS pass selection.
All of your selections and additional information will show up in your Disney App.
Scheduling DAS pass rides at Disney
Once you’ve used your two Advance selections, you can make additional selections for your DAS pass via your Disney app or by heading to the attraction. You’ll be given a return-time window for you and your party to come back and enjoy the ride. You’ll be waiting the same amount of time as someone in line, just not in the actual line. Once you’ve used your selection, you can request another.
The person with the DAS pass does not need to be present to request it. But, they do need to be present with your party to use it once it’s time for your return window.
Universal DAS pass
While Disney has its own in-house program, many theme parks including Universal Studios now partner with an outside organization called IBCCES. Through IBCCES you can apply for the IBCCES Accessibility Card (IAC) at accessibilitycard.org up to 48 hours before your planned visit.
Each park will have different programs but the key first step is to apply and get your IAC before going to the parks. Once you arrive at the park, you can head to Guest Relations and plan your day.
This page covers the step-by-step process for getting your IAC as well as specific steps once you get to Universal Studios.
Managing diabetes at a theme park like Disney World
A DAS pass is just one of many helpful tools we may be able to use to manage diabetes and blood sugar while in a theme park. Some other helpful things to bring with you and to consider include:
- Anticipate lots of walking. Insulin dosing may need to be adjusted throughout the day.
- Have temp stable low blood sugar treatments on hand at all times.
- Pack protein-rich snacks (You can bring outside food and drink into Disney parks as long as they are not in glass containers.)
- Ensure you have access to water or other sugar-free fluids throughout the day.
- Wear comfortable closed-toed shoes.
- Plan ahead as much as you can. Knowing what’s coming can make managing your blood sugars much much easier.
- Look up restaurants and nutrition information ahead of time. (Some Disney restaurants can provide you with nutrition information, including carbohydrate counts.)
- Make sure you have extra diabetes supplies and proper insulin storage pouches (affiliate link).
Have you been to Disney World or Disney Land lately?
If you or a loved one has diabetes and you’ve traveled to a Disney park recently, how was your experience? Tell us in the comments along with any tips you have!
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