Disneyland is one of the most magical places in the US, the “happiest place in the world.” However, the noise level, crowding, flashing lights, bright sunlight and waiting in lines can get to everyone., but for those with sensory difficulties such as those on the Autism Spectrum/Autistics, this magical place often loses a lot of its magic. Disney has put a lot of supports in place over the last few years, and continues to work on providing sensory accommodations.
The first year our family went to Disney, we did not use a Disability Pass, and tried to brave the crowds to get as much of it in as we could. It was our very first time, and the kids went back and forth between excited and exhausted. My ASD son struggled a lot, and we found it necessary to take frequent breaks, leaving the park and going back to the hotel to reset – this meant losing out on the park quite a bit since we were not staying in the parks. Since that first time, we have visited the Park many times, and have learned a lot of wonderful tools and tricks to make a Disney trip super successful!
If you need information on how to get to Disneyland, check out out our Accessible Transportation to Disney post. Last time we discussed options on Where to Stay, so today we will dig in on What to do when you arrive in Disney!
First, we highly recommend buying tickets online ahead of time to avoid waiting in line to buy tickets. Buying tickets ahead of time allows you to simply get in the cue once you arrive.
The Disability Access Service (DAS)
If you or a family member has sensory/cognitive difficulties, you qualify for the Disability Access Service. Many individuals on the Autism Spectrum struggle with crowds, unexpected sounds/tactile sensations, complex sounds, inability to self-regulate temperature, etc. The DAS pass allows the disabled individual and up to five family members to access rides though means of a ‘virtual line.’ All you have to do is go up to any one of the seven Disability Access Kiosks throughout Disney and California Adventure, and ask the Cast Member (Disney Staff) for “Return Time.” You will be given a time when you can return to the desired ride, where you will without having to physically wait in line. You may not wait in more than one line at one time, just like a physical line. You can use this time to do other rides, rest, get something to eat or drink, etc. We take this opportunity to find shady spot and hydrate, eat a snack, or use the bathroom. Sitting down in the shade and just resting is SO HELPFUL! Sometimes it’s hard on the siblings who want to GO GO GO, but ultimately, everyone has a better time when we take rests and enjoy the park at a leisurely rate.
How to get the DAS
When you first arrive at the Park, head to Guest Services located inside City Hall. In Disneyland Anaheim, City Hall is located on the left side of the Park. After the turnstiles, take your photo with the classic Mickey Flower Face and then head left and go through the short tunnel, and stay left to head to City Hall. City Hall is where you can also get buttons and other things, so expect a short line. When you get in to City Hall, you will be asked by a Cast Member what difficulties you or your child may have, and how the Park can accommodate you. You do not have to show proof, as it is illegal in the United States due to ADA law to ask for proof of a disability. You can either ask directly for the DAS card and why you think it will eb helpful, or you can explain what you need to be able to experience the park fully, and the Cast Member will explain options. Usually if you let them know that you have an Autistic Family member with you, that is enough for them to offer the DAS card. We do travel with a letter of Diagnosis and this small Autism ID card just in case. If you would like an AUTISM ID Card from Sensory Access, head over to our Resources page! Although not necessary, we find the card useful on airplanes and in other situations when talking about the fact that my son is Autistic may frustrate him. Usually I will show the card to the flight attendants as I enter a plane. We tuck this card in with our Disney ticket and DAS pass in a pouch on a lanyard. The Cast Member will ask to take a photo of the individual who has the Disability, so be sure to prep the individual that there photo will be taken. My son does not like having his photo taken, but the Cast Member was very nice and it went quite smoothly. There is an option to have the Guardians photo taken instead. The Cast member then scans the ticket of the Disability holder as well as the members of their party. You will then be given the DAS pass, which you will want to keep on you.
You can choose your first Return time immediately at City Hall for any ride in Disneyland or California Adventure (if you have Park Hopper tickets). The Individual that has the Disability Pass MUST ride the ride, and must scan their ticket in first before the other members of the party. When you get to the ride, simply tell the Cast Member that you have a return time and they will instruct you whether to get in the Fast Pass Lane or a different entrance.
The use of the DAS was a complete GAME CHANGER for our family, and all of the families that we at Sensory Access have helped over the years. It really allows you to take your time and take the much needed Sensory breaks to avoid as much of the over-stimulation at Disney as possible. It allows the individual to be more in control of how much sensory information they take in, allowing them to enjoy the park.
Can you still use a Fastpass if you have a DAS?
Absolutely! You can use FASTPASS, MaxPass and Rider Switch. You can acquire FASTPASS to shorten your wait for rides that offer FASTPASS service. If you have a non-rider who needs supervision (including a small child who is not riding, a person with disabilities who is not riding or a service dog), ask at the ride entrance about Rider Switch. One person can supervise the guest while the rest of the party rides. Then you can swap out the sitter with the Rider Switch pass so they can skip the line once the rest of the party has exited the ride. Some rides, such as Space Mountain, provide cages for service animals. A Cast Member will scan the park tickets for the supervising party so that they can receive a return time without having to wait in line.
How does MaxPass work with DAS?
MaxPass is a paid option ($15 per person, per day) for making and managing FASTPASS reservations through the Disneyland app. In Disneyland, you obtain FASTPASSES by going to Kiosks near the ride of the FASTPASS, like Peter Pan, Space Mountain, Mine Train, etc. A purchased MaxPass allows you to avoid the FASTPASS kiosks and simply order your FASTPASS on the Disney App on your phone. Both the DAS times and the FASTPASS times show up on the app, which made it very helpful in remembering where to go when to maximize time and rest periods. You can only use on DAS time at a time, but usually several FASTPASSES, so you will likely be able to have several of these cued up at once. If you have more questions on the MaxPass, the folks over at UnderCover tourist have a great MaxPass Primer! They are great for discounts as well.
We hope you found this helpful! Be sure to check out our other Disney Accessibility Series posts!