Walt Disney World Extends DAS Pass Validity: What Guests Need to Know. On May 20th, 2024, Walt Disney World changed the rules of who is eligible for DAS (Disability Access Services) Pass. The new DAS Pass, according to the Walt Disney World website, is 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. In a previous article, we discussed how you can advocate for yourself or loved ones.
As of May 18, 2025, Walt Disney World has officially extended the validity period for its Disability Access Service (DAS) Pass to “the length of the ticket or up to one year, whichever is shorter.” This update offers greater convenience for eligible guests, particularly Annual Passholders, by streamlining the process for frequent park visitors.
This change follows previous adjustments to the DAS validity period. Before May 18, 2025, the DAS pass was valid for 240 days, an increase from the 120-day validity period that was established in May 2024. The latest move to a full year (or ticket duration) aims to better align with the annual nature of many passes and reduce the need for frequent re-registration. We break down the new change below, and what guests, parents, and those who may need DAS themselves need to understand.
Key Changes and What This Means for Guests:
Extended Validity: Approved DAS passes are now valid for up to one full year from the date of registration, or for the duration of the guest’s theme park ticket, whichever comes first. This significantly reduces re-registration frequency for eligible guests.
Impact on Annual Passholders: Understanding “Whichever is Shorter” While the new validity period is up to one year, the important detail is the phrase “the length of the ticket or up to one year, whichever is shorter.” This means that if your Annual Pass expires before the one-year DAS validity period is complete, your DAS pass will expire concurrently with your Annual Pass.
Our experience, and that of many others, demonstrates exactly how this works: If a guest’s DAS pass was approved on May 18, 2025, but their Annual Pass is set to expire on October 8, 2025, their DAS pass will only be valid until October 8, 2025. Upon renewing their Annual Pass on or after October 8, 2025, the guest will need to re-register for a new DAS pass. This newly approved DAS pass will then be valid for one year from that re-registration date (or until their next Annual Pass expiration, if sooner). Essentially, Annual Passholders will typically need to reapply for DAS each time they renew their Annual Pass.
According to the Disneyland DAS website, this change has also happened: DAS is valid for the length of the ticket or up to 1 year, whichever is shorter. Once the service has elapsed, Guests need to re-register for the program.
Eligibility Criteria Remain Unchanged: Despite the extended validity, the core eligibility for DAS remains the same. Disney continues to state that DAS is intended for guests who, “due to a developmental disability like autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period.” This focus was part of broader changes implemented in May 2024 to address misuse of the system.
Registration Process: Guests must still register for DAS via a live video chat with a Cast Member. This can be done as early as 60 days in advance of a park visit. In-person registration at Guest Relations is generally no longer available for initial registration, with guests being directed to the virtual chat. The guest requiring DAS must be present during this video call.
No Retroactive Application (Likely): While not explicitly stated for this latest change, previous extensions to the validity period did not retroactively apply to existing DAS passes. Guests with active DAS passes approved under the previous 240-day policy will likely still need to re-register when their current pass expires.
Party Size Limit: The DAS pass covers the registered guest and up to three additional party members, for a total of four people. Exceptions may be made for immediate family members.
Return Times: Guests can continue to request return times for attractions via the My Disney Experience app once they are in the park, or at Guest Relations/Guest Experience Team locations. DAS return times are comparable to the current standby wait.
This updated validity period is a welcome improvement for many guests who rely on the DAS service at Walt Disney World, offering a more seamless experience for their visits.
Walt Disney World Extends DAS Pass Validity: What Guests Need to Know
