Disney’s New Disability Access Service Card

Anyone that travels with someone with special needs and also happens to be a Disney fan is talking about the changes Disney has made to the old Guest Assistance Pass. It is now called the Disability Access Service Card or the DAS card. There is a lot of negative press, rumors and buzz about this new program.  As a mother of a child with special needs and someone that travels to Walt Disney World twice a year, I was anxious about all the change as well. I wanted to write this blog about my first hand experience and maybe ease some reader’s minds.

As mentioned, before my last trip I was super nervous about how the changes would play out.    As a Disney travel agent, I wanted to be able to answer all my clients questions and help them know what to expect upon arrival to the parks.  I also run a group for families with children that have Down Syndrome and a lot of my members were asking a ton of questions as well. Most of my worries were eased once I talked to a Disney representative before I left.  She explained how it would work and assured me that I would still have the same magical experience.  I was informed that the Cast Members were being trained about disability sensitivity and encouraged to be open minded about the changes.  I agreed to wait until my vacation to form an opinion of all the changes.

When I arrived at EPCOT the first day of my trip, I went straight to Guest Relations.   You can obtain the DAS Card at any park’s Guest Relations.  You can find Guest Relations at any park entrance.   I told the Cast Member that I needed to get the pass for my daughter.  She kindly and politely asked about her needs and then asked if she could take a photo of her.  I agreed, but if a parent wishes to do so, the photo can be of the parent themselves. She then printed out a pass which I signed and had my daughter’s picture on it. She explained that I should take the card to the Cast Member at the ride entrance and they will write a return time on the pass that is based on the current wait time.  She also reminded me that I can use the pass in conjunction with Fast Pass Plus.  I was done! It was a very pleasant experience and the Cast Member was polite, friendly, cooperative and helpful.

The vacation went very well and honestly, we did not notice much of a difference with the new system compared to previous trips.  It worked very similarly to a traditional fast pass.  My daughter was comfortable and accommodated and our family truly had a magical time!

I can help you plan your trip with extra sensitivity to special needs  or if you have any additional questions please click contact me and I’d be happy to help!  All my services are 100% FREE!

Jennifer Robertson
Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
MickeyTravels, LLC
(888) 400-1845
jrobertson@mickeytravels.com
www.mickeytravles.com
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