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Our Experience With Disney’s Disability Access Service (And FAQs)

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I never thought I would be writing a post about this topic. I never thought I would need to utilize this service at Disney parks. But here I am, writing about it. You never think you will have a special needs child. Or maybe you do. But maybe you are like me and you think- I can handle his special needs and we won’t need any accommodations. That was me. I never thought I would need to use Disney’s Disability Access Service. But I did.

Disney Disability Access Service

My family has not been to Disneyland in 18 months. Our last trip in September 2015 was hard. The Goof was only 5 years old at the time. I dismissed his behavior from that visit as being over tired and maybe starting to feel a little entitled. I didn’t realize it was just the beginning of more things to come.

My Son Has A Cognitive Disorder, The DAS Helped

You see the Goof has severe ADHD. Since that last visit, it has gotten progressively worse. We kept thinking it was just him acting out, or adjusting to school, etc. When we sat down with his doctors and his nurses and his teachers to discuss his behavior, his impulse control, and how he was doing at school, we all agreed it was time to have him evaluated. Which we did.

But our next trip was planned long before we would be able to find the correct medicines and coping mechanisms that work. You see ADHD is not just about being hyper. The thoughts in his head are constantly spinning, and his emotions are out of control. On top of this, the Goof also has chronic ITP. A blood condition that means his body doesn’t make platelets. Those two things are not a good combination.

Disney's Disability Access Service for ADHD

With all of this going on, first you might ask, why did we plan this vacation for now? Why didn’t we wait to see if we could get his ADHD under control? Quite honestly, we needed this vacation.

This last year with the Goof has been extremely hard on all of us. Not only that, our twins are also in therapy (one is special needs) and our schedules have been so busy between appointments and school that we have not been able to just have fun family time. We needed to go and have fun and enjoy time together.

[clickToTweet tweet=”You see ADHD is not just about being hyper. (Disney’s Disability Access Service)” quote=”You see ADHD is not just about being hyper.”]

We didn’t plan on utilizing Disney’s Disability Access Service. In fact, we went into it only planning on using their stroller as a wheelchair system. See, one of our twins has SPD (sensory processing disorder) and some muscle issues. His stroller is his safe place, and also good for when his legs start giving out on him.

So we planned on getting the tag so we could take the stroller in line and calling it good. We figured, if the Goof was having an especially hard time, we would leave, or maybe even let him sit in the stroller (he is tiny and still well within the weight and height limits).

Stroller as a wheelchair for DIsney Disability Access Service

(By the way, we love that we can rent the same stroller we have at home from City Stroller Rentals. That way the twins feel super comfortable in it. And their rates and customer service are AMAZING!)

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The Cast Member Suggested The Disability Access Service

It was when we were waiting in an incredibly long security line and the Goof started getting edgy (even with his meds) and you could tell he was already having issues that a security cast member asked us if we needed any extra help. I was so grateful when he gave the Goof a task to do (counting how many people were in line and how many strollers) and found ways to distract him.

The CM leaned over as we picked our stuff back up from the table and said, “Do you know about Disney’s Disability Access Service?” I said yes, but we didn’t plan on using it. He said “Why not? We have it in place so that this vacation is magical for the entire family of those who need it. We want you to enjoy your vacation knowing that he is taken care of.”

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Disney's Disability Access Service

And that is when I realized, while we could probably manage a Disneyland vacation without utilizing Disney’s Disability Access Service, it definitely would not be a fun vacation. It would be one filled with stress for me.

I always worry about the Goof bothering other guests, or doing something that others think is weird, or worse yet, having a meltdown. It would have been a vacation that would take a toll on the Goof, which means each day would get harder and harder for him to get through.

So Mike and I talked as we headed towards the parks about if we should go ahead and utilize Disney’s Disability Access Service for the Goof.

We still had not even made up our minds when we went into the Chamber of Commerce in DCA to get our stroller tag. I had heard nightmare stories about cast members not wanting to give a DAS to those who do not have physically visible disabilities. And I still had barely wrapped my head around the fact that the Goof was special needs and still working my way through his accommodations at school, let alone that he might need them at other places.

I didn’t want to embarrass him and put him through the wringer with a CM. We still haven’t fully explained to him about his situation, just that we have medicine that helps him think clearer, calm down, and not get angry as easily.

Disney's Disability Access Service at Chamber of Commerce in DCA

When we went into Chamber of Commerce, the Cast Member we spoke with was so helpful. She said that we shouldn’t feel bad for asking about the DAS and that she thought it really was a tool we should utilize. We agreed.

She explained how it worked (which we already knew). Basically, we would go to a guest relations kiosk and get a return time to the ride that was based off the current wait time. This way we could walk around or find other things to do with the Goof until our return time was up. In other words, he could wait in an alternate location instead of in line.

I Was Reluctant To Use The System Meant to Help My Son

Seriously guys, I was still reluctant to get the pass. I am in the Disney forums. I know what people think and say about those that utilize Disney’s Disability Access Service. So, we didn’t use it for a few rides. And I was done. And so was the Goof. We were there during Spring Break and the crowds were high, it was hot (for those of us that came from a never-ending-winter state) and the Goof was extremely overstimulated. Honestly, after 3 rides, I was done for the day. So we used it.

Disney's Disability Access Service

And it made our vacation more like the vacations we used to take to Disney. Ones where we enjoyed being together as a family. We still had our ups and downs and we still had to find random things to entertain the Goof while we waited for our return time.

We still chose to wait in any lines that were shorter than 30 minutes, and we still had to use a lot of coping methods. But it was nice to have this time together as a family and enjoy our time together.

The mornings were still stressful, but once we were inside the park, it was a huge difference. We were now able to have just as magical a vacation as the other families.

Don’t get me wrong. It was still hard. I still am not sure if we made the right decision. Maybe I am just worried about what others think. Maybe it is because I don’t think of my child as “special needs” but just eccentric and unique and full of life.

But you know what, it helped my family. It didn’t make our vacation better than the ones previous to The Goof’s ADHD manifesting itself. Disney’s Disability Access Service just helped make it closer to what it used to be.

Disney's Disability Access Service

I decided to write this post simply because I know there are families who, like ours, are scared or stressed about possibly taking their children on vacation. I shared how worried I was about this trip in an episode of the Adventureland Moms Podcast (view it here on YouTube).

I want you to know that Disney wants you to have a good vacation. And not just your child. But you as parents. Disney is a place for families to go and forget about the worries of the outside world.

But what happens when one of your biggest worries is how your child will handle this vacation? When you can’t leave the stress factors at home it is hard to have a great time. And that is why Disney has this service in place. To help ease that burden just a little bit so you can once again enjoy time together as a family.

[clickToTweet tweet=”I worried people would think we were abusing the system because they couldn’t see we needed it.” quote=”I was worried people would think we were abusing the system just because they couldn’t see that we needed it. ” theme=”style3″]

We need to stop thinking that just because a person doesn’t have a visible disability that they are gaming the system. We seriously would not have been able to do our Disneyland vacation without the service. Even with the service I was often exhausted from the Goof and helping him throughout the day.

At the same time, I was embarrassed when we used it. I was worried people would think we were abusing the system just because they couldn’t see that we needed it physically. It made me feel for all the parents who might have children with even more severe cognitive disorders. Or for those who have any other invisible disease. We need to stop looking at everyone like they are just trying to cheat the system.

Yes, we all know that there is a problem with people gaming the system, which is why Disney had to change their system. But it isn’t fair to those who truly need it to look at everyone like they are just trying to avoid the lines. Plus, these families aren’t avoiding lines. That is another problem. People look at them like they are skipping the lines. They aren’t. They are simply finding an alternative place to wait.

This isn’t just for us, it is for you. If my son has to stand in a 45 minute line, he starts to bounce around, or he might get frustrated if you don’t move fast enough, or if you look at him wrong. This makes it so you don’t get bumped by him, or have to witness a meltdown that, as hard as I try, I can’t stop but can only do my best to help him calm down. Disney’s Disability Access Service helps make the experience more enjoyable for everyone, while keeping things fair.

What To Know About Disney’s Disability Access Service

Now that I wrote this post over a year ago, and we have used the service a few more times, I wanted to give you all the info. If you are wanting to know about Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS) I have a few answers to some common questions asked.

Where do I go to get the Disability Access Service at Disneyland?

To sign up and get the DAS loaded on to your ticket or Annual Pass, you can go a few places. Guests over three (with a physical/digital ticket) can go to any Guest Service Kiosk (with the green umbrellas) to get all set up. Guests without a ticket due to being under three, will need to go to City Hall or the Chamber of Commerce to get set up. Anyone can actually go to those places, but lines are often long, and Disney is encouraging you to go to the customer service kiosks when possible.

Who is Disney’s Disability Access Service for?

The Disability Access Service is for guests who have special needs. Plain and simple. However, it doesn’t mean you will get the same accommodations as another guest. If you are in a wheelchair, ECV, or have another mobility issue, you will not actually need the DAS loaded on to your ticket. Instead, you will simply take your ECV, Wheelchair, cane, etc in line with you. You will utilize the exits in some lines. And in some cases, the CM at the exit will issue a return time.

If you have a cognitive issue or another issue such as severe anxiety, then you will most likely be issued a DAS similar to the one my son received.

If you have any other special needs, talk to a CM and see what accommodations are available.

What do I need to show the Cast Member to get the Disability Access Service?

Nothing. They can not ask for any documentation. But you need to be prepared to explain what you (or your child) need help with. Don’t simply go up and ask for a DAS. You need to explain what is the issue you have. SO for example, I say “My son has severe ADHD with self-harming tendencies and emotional/phsyical outbursts, he needs an alternative place to wait.” You don’t even have to give a diagnosis, but you need to be able to explain what the obstacle is, and what kind of solution you need.

On that note…I have heard Cast Members can give people a hard time about getting a DAS?

I have heard lots of reports about people being given a hard time about getting the Disability Access Service. In fact, I was with a friend back when the DAS was still new (from the old version) and she was given a hard time. If I hadn’t of been there to help her get it, I don’t think she would have.

Part of the reason for the questioning is there is abuse of the system. It is up to the Cast Member to try and make sure people are not abusing the system. With this, I find they tend to question smaller children less, but have heard as children get older, or adults request the DAS, they seem to get a harder time. Just be prepared to advocate for yourself or your child.

So How Does It Work? Do I Have To Ride Without My Party?

Basically, the DAS system works similar to a fastpass. You will go to a Guest Service Kiosk (with the green umbrellas) and ask for a return time for any ride in the park. The return time issued will be based on the current wait time. If there is a 25 minute wait time for standby, you will get a 20-25 minute return time. So then you go do something else while waiting for that return time to arrive.

You can only get a DAS for one ride at a time. When you sign up for a DAS. The Cast Member can add your party to your DAS (up to 5 other ticketed guests). They will get to enter with you on all the rides, but the person holding the DAS must ride, and their ticket/bar code must be scanned first.

You will all enter through the DAS entrance. At rides with a Fastpass line, it is usually the Fastpass entrance. Most other rides it will be the exit.

For more information about Disney’s Disability Access Service at Disneyland Resort you can CLICK HERE. Have you used Disney’s Disability Access Service? What was your experience with it?

Do I Have To Get Disney’s Disability Access Service Set Up Every Day?

A big question I see is if you have to go to guest service every morning to get all set up. The answer is no. When you set up your DAS, it will be good for 1-2 weeks (for tickets) or 60 days (for Annual Passholders). You will need to go to guest services if you happen to have a new person to add to your party though.

Can I Still Use The Fastpass/MaxPass System When I Have A DAS?

Yes! Disney’s Disability Access Service functions separately from the Fastpass/MaxPass system. It makes it nice because you can focus using your DAS on non-fastpass rides, and then use the Fastpass system on the rides with FP (which often have longer wait times). Now in some cases, the MaxPass may not be worth it, and I feel some people may be able to pass on MaxPass and go without. I wrote a lot about if MaxPass was worth the cost or not after our last trip.

What Can I NOT Use the DAS for?

There are a few things that the DAS does not give you a return time for. Character meet and greets, parades, and other shows. If you need any special accommodations for these items, be sure to talk to a Cast Member in the morning about those. Do not wait until 5-10 minutes before the event/attraction/show to speak to someone.

Hopefully this helps you! If you have a question I didn’t answer, please leave it in the comments and I will try to answer it.

A note from Becca: In this I talked about how “I was done” or “I was exhausted from helping the Goof.” This is because I am the one writing, and while we have been talking to the Goof about his struggles, this story is from my point of view. Please know that this was for him. He needed the help to have a “normal” vacation.

Don’t forget, if you are wanting to book your Disneyland vacation, we suggest using our friends at Get Away Today. If you book a package (for as little as $175 down) and use code ThisCrazy10 you can save $10 off your already amazing package deals! CLICK HERE to book your vacation!

This post originally ran on April 3, 2017. I added the FAQs in April 2018.

35 thoughts on “Our Experience With Disney’s Disability Access Service (And FAQs)”

  1. I am so glad you posted this! We have felt the same way since my 6 year old was diagnosed on the autism spectrum. He’s high functioning, and seems to cope well with the lines. However, the DAS card has always been in the back of my mind. I’ve told my husband that we could always get it, just in case. Maybe next time, we actually will! Thanks for sharing!

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    • Lisa- I am glad that this post helped you. I found we only chose to use it on lines that were over a 30 minute wait (and even then if we knew the queue was fast moving or interesting we might skip the use of it). And we usually didn’t use it at the beginning of the day, but as the day went on, and it got harder and harder, it really saved our vacation. We would have been forced to leave by noon every day without it. For locals, that might be okay, but for us, having driven 16 hours, that would feel like a waste of our trip. I am grateful for the service, even though I am still very self conscious about using it.

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  2. Becca, some people will always judge you and your family, let it go or you will go crazy. Focus on your littles and your husband and making them strong and accepting of others without judgement. Teach them to be the change the world needs to see.

    I have a daughter with a number of issues that are not clear to the naked eye. There have been relationships that have been too judgemental and too in my business that have caused more harm than good, even my daughter’s chosen godparent and a family member. Sadly I have had to cut off some relationships because they became too damaging. Perhaps one day they will see the error in their thinking, perhaps not. Life’s hard enough. Keep fighting for your kiddos, give them the memories to cherish a lifetime, and be the example.

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  3. We are leaving for Disneyworld in a few weeks and I was literally up worrying about talking to a CM again about my Daughters DAS pass too when I saw your post the other day.

    we went last year and when she was 3. We had only found out that school year what she was dealing with and had to place her in special education as well. To all who look at her, she looks like a normal little girl too. When we were getting ready to go to Disney for our first time we were told that we could get the disability pass as well to help her.

    When I went to speak to the cast member about it, I did not get a very helpful one. It’s humbling enough to have to go confess all the issues your child deals with, but I felt like I was being interrogated and the whole experience was very emotional for me. I was about 2 seconds from bursting into tears. So I’m dreading the ordeal again.

    However, Being able to use the DAS pass helped us sooo much. Sure there were still complete and utter meltdowns.

    But, I never once felt guilty or like I was being judged by others. Honestly probably no one even really knew besides the cast member for that ride!

    I hope you don’t feel guilty next time either! No one knows what our child deals with on a minute to minute basis more than us!!

    Reply
    • Oh Michelle- I am so sorry you had to go through that. I have heard that slower parks (Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, etc) are a little bit nicer/easier to get the DAS at.
      I totally agree too. I hope your trip is magical!

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  4. Disorders like Autism and ADHD are being talked about more and as parents of these children it’s hard to find the tools we need to make their lives more manageable. I will not hesitate to get the disability pass and now I believe they will link it to our bands ,so think of it as an extension of fast passes. A cast member I met outside the parks told me they are not allowed to question their disability, but if you bring a drs note for their diagnosis or treatment plan it will make the process easier. Hope this helps.

    Reply
    • Thank you for your comment! Yes, they were able to link it right to our passes (we were at Disneyland so no magic bands). I know there are some that disagree about a child with severe ADHD using it, but people do not understand how hard it is for him. If he has to stand in a long line, he even begins to hurt himself if he has an episode. This was definitely the right choice for our family and I will not hesitate to use it again. We simply would not have been able to even get to lunch without it. Here, we made it until about 4 in the afternoon. Even then, it was too much for him (and our twin with SPD).

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  5. I am so glad I just found this post. I am the grandma and have been taking the two older granddaughters to Disneyworld for twice a year for 3-4 years now without the parents. I finally convinced my daughter/son-in-law that we had to bring the little one ( 4 1/2 years old ) this April. She is very cute and small for her age and has no visible disabilities . She has been diagnosed with SPD and GDD but they have never been able to pin down the exact what and why with her. She is very verbal and friendly so people just think she is a very badly behaved child . Already had a run in at a small local park this summer – her first expedition with the family – where they questioned her right to get a pass and I was actually sobbing because it is so so hard just managing around her needs and wanting her to have a regular time like everyone else and here was the CSR grilling me . I am trying to convince her parents we can manage these trips to include her in things and to allow them to go places with their other two children so this trip is important to make work. I have no fantasies that it will be easy but am so concerned that other people’s negative reactions will ruin things for us.

    Reply
    • Thank you for commenting. THis is exactly why I wrote this post. I am so sorry that you experienced that. Disney should not give you any problems. Just be sure to explain what she needs. Like “my child is not able to wait in long lines, we need an alternate place to wait” or similar. I hope you have a magical vacation!

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  6. My son has ADHD and our last trip to Disneyland wasn’t very fun…I had no idea they had accommodations to help the trip more enjoyable for everyone, thank you so much for sharing this!

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  7. I am taking my mom and younger brother to DL next week for the very first time (I’ve only been once before). My brother is 18 and autistic. This trip is going to be interesting; it’s even his first time on an airplane! I’m both excited and nervous about our trip. He’s never been anywhere like DL before, so I’m not sure what we’re in for. I feel like we will need the pass. He normally won’t stand in lines at home as he needs to be away from crowds and other people. It makes me sad to read that we may get a tougher time when asking for the pass as he’s an adult. I think it can be even more challenging with someone his size than with a small child if they become overstimulated or upset. I have anxiety myself (nothing that would require the use of DAS) so talking with the “big man”/a CM is going to be hard for me, but I will try my best for the sake of my brother’s experience at DL. I have been reading things about the DAS online and getting more nervous about asking for help based on the message boards and peoples’ attitudes toward asking for the DAS. Thanks so much for this post! It’s so encouraging and hopefully we have as smooth (and fun!) as possible a time at Disney!

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  8. I have an adult daughter with Down’s Syndrome, who, like the rest of our kids has loved going to Disneyland And Walt Disney World nearly every year for more than 20 years. A year ago, something changed. She has become anxious and seems to live in a fantasy world much of her days. She rarely talks without a lot of prodding. We are going to WDW in August and I am worried that she won’t do well in the heat standing in lines for extended periods. Do you think I should try to get the DAS pass? She has always been so ABLE, very high functioning. Her DR. has her on meds which don’t seem to help at all. She can barely stand to have me hold her hand, which in big crowds in necessary, as she daydreams and doesn’t keep up. I have never been one to ask for special treatment, but I’m wondering if it is time…

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  9. Thank you for this information. I have about decided to request a DAS for my 4 year old son on our upcoming trip. Last time we visited, we had to skip many rides because he cannot handle the lines. He is on the spectrum (high functioning) and he is prone to anxiety when he feels “stuck” like he does in lines. And, unfortunately, the anxiety often leads to “accidents.” We had to leave several lines and he spent most of the trip in a stroller with a blanket tied over the front (where he could see everything, but no one could see him). He loves riding, but the lines were just too much.

    Question: Is it current info that you can do the initial set up of a DAS at the guest relation stands? I would much rather do that than deal with a long line at City Hall. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Yes. We were there at the end of March and set up my son’s DAS at the kiosk in front of the Jolly Holiday. If they are too young for a ticket, then you must go to City Hall/Chamber of Commerce

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      • We used DAS at Disneyland in December of 2016 and were told we had to go to City Hall/Chamber of Commerce… same with our trip May 2015. So this must be new? If so, that’s so much better because my son had a hard time waiting in that line :/. Is it new?

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        • It is pretty new, 2017 is when they started it. If they are under 3 they still must go to City Hall or Chamber of Commerce, but any child with a ticket may go to Customer Service.

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  10. Hi! We used to use this service back when our daughter (who has autism) was younger and couldn’t properly handle standing in crowded spaces for very long. Now that she is older and better able to control herself we don’t need it. I too was embarrassed at first to use it because I felt like we were getting special privileges, but it did make our Disney Day a fun family day instead of a total nightmare. You used to just be able to walk up the exits and get on, now it’s more like a fastpass where you get a return time. I guess people abused it but I also think lots of people were just plain jealous. To those people my reply was that I would gladly trade shoes with them!

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  11. Thanks for sharing, we are heading back to DL and WDW from Australia in December / January, with our son who has level 2 autism, as he is quiet verbal (limited pragmatic energy language though) it can often be an invisible disability. We went when he was eighteen months, but this will be the first time with him as a five year old (not in a stroller) 🙂 We tried to go to our local theme park in Australia for a trial run early this year and as he is sensitive to loud noises, and lots of people he could only last about fifteen minutes in lines before he would really struggle. This would be perfect for us.

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  12. After 10 years of being diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis, I did the DAS pass in October 2018 for an adult trip. I am very ambulatory however standing in one place or moving extremely slow affects my gait and balance. It was awesome to be able to experience rides I omitted in the past few years because I simply couldn’t wait in a line. Fear of being hurt (wiped out right on main street a few years ago) or falling into another guest gave me severe anxiety too. Totally looking forward to our December 2019 trip now.

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  13. Hi Becca. Good article. I just did a comparative post about disabilities at the theme parks in CA. As someone who cannot stand still in lines for long times (w/ or w/o my cane) and can’t tolerate being outside in the heat due to my chronic illness I was hoping to get a DAS but was told I should bring a wheelchair instead.

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  14. I’m an adult and used my first DAS this past spring. I had the trip planned for a while when a severe bought of anxiety hit. I was having difficulty stuttering (which only comes out when my anxiety is high) and dealing with numerous panic attacks. I was also dealing with undiagnosed PTSD and high functioning Autism at the time. I decided to give it a try. The CM was very helpful and while at the time I felt I was being interrogated, looking back on it I realized that was just my anxiety.

    You may be wondering why with all of that going on I went to Disney, but the trip was planned long in advance and my mom and I saw it as an opportunity to determine if my issues were situational to a toxic work environment or were related to more severe issues.

    It was during spring break so the crowds were crazy. I really only used the pass twice and was able to use FP the rest of the time. However, it made the trip a lot easier. So even if you’re an adult, remember it is available if you need it. I understand individuals who have difficulty considering themselves eligible for the DAS and that they maybe be seen as abusing the system, especially if it is something that they just consider a part of their life and isn’t visible on the outside. However, remember you are paying a lot of money to be there and have every right to enjoy your experience. You don’t want to need to leave half way through the day due to panic attacks from being in-line, migraines from lights in the line, becoming unexpectedly overwhelmed, or anything else that you know is an issue for yourself, but others may not think twice about.

    I have a up coming trip in a few days and while I have improved, I know the DAS is available if I need it.

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  15. This is a great article l. I think it is important for people to know that if they are travelling with adults with cognitive disabilities they can also use this use this pass. I enjoyed a trip to Disneyland with a coworker and 4 individuals and this pass helped to make our trip so much fun. The people may have struggled in a long line so being able to use an alternate entrance was so helpful and then when there was no pressure to load fast we could all relax.

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  16. Hi! I know this is an old post, but I am wondering if there is a way to describe your child’s needs to the cast member without the child hearing. My daughter is VERY sensitive about her ADHD and anxiety and I don’t want her to have to hear what I say. I’m just wondering if she’d need to be standing next to me. Thank you!

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    • Yes. I have said, is it okay if we step aside, or let my child go wait to the side. We try not to focus on his negative behavior in front of him and only focus on the positive. They have been cool with it.

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  17. Becca, thank you so much for writing this! My eyes are tearing up right now because I am in such a similar position with a reluctance to use DAS and always thinking I would never need to utilize it. My family has always loved Disneyland and we desperately need a family vacation before my oldest daughter heads off to college in the fall. Over the last few years, my youngest daughter has developed severe social anxiety. I’m not sure if the last year of Distant Learning helped by letting her do school from home for a time or just exacerbated the situation. Either way, she is now so overwhelmed whenever she leaves the house. She is very, very much looking forward to our Disneyland trip next month, but I’ve been worried about what happens after standing in line for a ride for 30 minutes 2-3 times in the morning. Will she be done for the day? I know she won’t want to be, but I worry about her stressing herself out by wanting to stay in the parks, but needing to be off by herself away from the crowds. We have a hotel very close by, so taking breaks is definitely an option. But for the very first time, I wondered if maybe a DAS might be helpful for someone in our family. I think I will play it by ear and see how she does (it might be really good practice for her), but after reading your article, if I see signs of stress starting to take a toll on her and making her vacation a nightmare rather then magical, I am glad to know this might make our trip manageable without having to spend the bulk of our day back at the hotel.

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  18. Thank you so much for writing this! I took a long break from Disney trips because I struggled through every one. Without listing everything I have, the hardest one was my panic disorder. I was waiting in lines for hours only to be pulled out because I had a panic attack. I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t stand, and it was a nightmare. I tried another trip after a few years and I struggled through it until a cast member recommended a DAS pass. I talked to them and they gave me one, even as an adult. I too was reluctant to use it and really make an effort to stand in shorter lines. But when I did start using it, the world changed for me. My trips are much less stressful, I find myself happy. Im actually enjoying being there again! I cried the first time I left after using it because I thought my trips would never be like that ever again and I would just have to stop going. It’s still a struggle to use because I get a lot of stares and people whisper under their breath. They have no idea how hard it used to be and how much I just wanted to feel like I could have the same experience as everyone else. On one hand I’m sorry anyone else has ever felt the same frustration before getting the pass or shaming behavior from others once they did but I’m so happy to know it’s not just me and that others feel this same sense of relief and joy once they finally do!!

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