Navigating Disney and Universal’s Accessibility Passes: What You Need to Know

Planning a theme park trip can be exciting, but it can also bring a wave of logistical questions for those living with long-term medical conditions. Fortunately, both Disney and Universal offer accessibility accommodations.

We recently visited both theme parks. Here’s an overview of our experiences, so you can get an idea of how their systems are accessed and used.

Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS)

Disney’s DAS is an app-based system that is set up prior to your arrival in the parks.

Key Features:

• Apply Online: Schedule a live video chat with a Disney cast member up to 60 days before your visit.

• No Medical Documentation Required: You choose what to share about your condition during the video chat.

• App-Based Convenience: Request return times directly in the Disney app from anywhere in the park.

• Lightning Lane Access: Enter attractions through the Lightning Lane after your designated return time.

• Easy Rebooking: After tapping into one attraction, you can request your next return time after 10 minutes.

• Early Entry Compatible: DAS is available during early park entry hours.

• Party Size: DAS holder and up to 3 additional guests.

• Renewal: Approved pass is good for 1 year.

How It Works:

Upon entering the parks for the first time after approval, you’ll automatically see a "Disability Access Service" button in the app. Use this button to select an attraction. A return time, which is based on the current standby wait, will be shown. Select "Request DAS Return Time" and the attraction will be added to your planed day. Any time after the indicated return time, go to the Lightning Lane entrance at the selected attraction. The DAS holder will tap into the Lightning Lane first, activating a blue circle and alerting the cast member to allow access for other guests in your party. They will scan in afterwards.

1. Click DAS button in App. 2. Select a DAS-Eligible Attraction 3. Request the indicated return time.

Universal’s Attraction Accessibility Pass (AAP)

Universal’s system is more documentation-based and involves both a third-party approval process and in-park coordination.

Key Features:

• Apply Through IBCCES: Submit medical documentation or a referral to complete the process and receive approval.

• IBCCES App: Download the IBCCES app for access to your digital card. You will need to show this at Guest Services when you arrive at the parks.

• Pre-Arrival Contact: After IBCCES approval, a Universal team member will reach out at least 48 hours before your visit to consider the best fit for your needs.

• Park Arrival: If approved by Universal, go to Guest Services. There are locations both inside and outside the ticket entrance gates. Show your IBCCES digital card and pick up a paper "Attraction Assistance Pass". T

• Attraction-Based Return Times: Visit each ride to receive a return time based on the current wait in the standby line.

• Express Lane Access: If the wait is under 30 minutes, you may be granted immediate access through the Express Lane.

• No Early Entry Return Times: Return times are not available during early park admission hours.

• Party Size: AAP holder and up to 6 additional guests.

• Renewal: Approved pass is good for 1 year.

How It Works:

Once you have your paper card, a team member at each attraction will write in your return time. When it’s time to access the attraction, they’ll initial your card and direct you to the Express Pass entrance.

This is the paper pass you will receive at Guest Services after you provide your IBCCES digital card.

Final Takeaways

Whether you’re headed to Cinderella’s castle or Super Nintendo World, knowing how to access accommodations can make your trip smoother and more joyful.

At Remy's Adventures, we specialize in medical and accessible travel. We’re here to guide you with compassion, clarity, and insider know-how.

Ready to get started? Contact us today. Our travel advisory services are free.