Navigating Walt Disney World's Disability Access Pass: A Parent's Guide to a Magical Experience

My trip was scheduled right after these changes started, and the internet was a storm of opinions. I went on the Disney DAS page at 7 am the Friday before our trip and wrote details, name, age and dates in the chat box before connecting to a cast member. He asked me why I thought I needed the DAS pass for my daughter, and once I explained her condition and it was granted.

Day 1: Park entry

First thing in the park — Stop by Guest services to get a stroller as a wheelchair's red tag. While waiting in line, you can get your first DAS PASS.

Epcot afternoon: We were able to go to Spaceship Earth on the disability line (no DAS needed). Afterwards, we walked around the world showcase and settled in the disability area for the fireworks.

Day 2: Magic Kingdom day

We arrived for Early Entry since we stayed at Walt Disney World Swan, but since we were with toddlers, we watched the official opening of the park with Mickey, Minnie and friends. It’s a must-do at least once during your visit.

Once officially opened, we did what any parent does. Kids need a diaper change! We had requested Peter Pan’s Flight for our first queue, but since It’s A Small World didn’t have a wait, we headed inside. My daughter was able to go on an accessible boat and didn’t need a transfer, pure magic. Although not all rides have accessible vehicles, many do.

Afterwards, we headed to Peter Pan’s Flight. Pro tip: You will have to talk to the manager and accept responsibility for taking the rider with disabilities down a 20-ft ladder in case of emergency. For lunch, we took a break, headed to our hotel, refreshed before meeting Mickey and watching the fireworks in the disability area, which is a prime viewing space. For our extended hours, also a Swan benefit among others, we went to the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

Day 3: Epcot day

We made a DAS reservation for Frozen Ever After, which needed a transfer. To add adult fun, we headed to Guardians of the Galaxy and used the rider switch, which gave us the opportunity to switch off riding the ride while the girls napped. Afterwards, we headed to Remi’s Ratatouille and Nemo’s Adventure, both of which had accessible vehicles. For dinner, we headed to Winter Park to hang out with an old friend.

Pro tip:

If your child requires a wagon due to disability, it can also get a special tag for them to use it inside the park. I don’t recommend it because they can’t use it in adaptive attraction vehicles. It is much easier to wheel in the wheelchair/stroller/adaptive stroller.

Many options for accessible rides, no transfer needed! Most boat rides, except for It’s a Small World, require a transfer to the vehicle.

There are disability viewing areas for parades and fireworks. You don’t need to be approved for the DAS pass to use it.

Go with minimal expectations, when traveling with a child with a disability. There will be challenges. Disney is still overstimulating and every child is different. I like to prepare by showing pictures, youtube videos of days in the park and explaining what the days will look like. Take breaks, go to your hotel or other resorts to try to calm the chaos.

Going to Disney with toddlers is very slow. They need breaks, naps and dedicated time to sit and eat. It’s a completely different experience. Prepare to go slowly, but there will be Magic in every corner.

Disney is an amazing experience, but it always changes, reach out and I can help you plan the best trip for your family!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Florida. In need of further inspiration? Check out Logan Sellman's guide, Make the Most of the Magic: Walt Disney World Resort.