Walt Disney World's accessibility system in Florida for people with cognitive or physical disabilities has undergone a historic reform. The famous service DAS (Disability Access Service) changed its rules in 2026 to limit abuse. Now, mandatory pre-registration via third-party organization **IBCCES** and a pre-arrival video interview are required. Here is our complete guide to calmly navigate these new procedures.
- ✦ DAS 2026 criteria: Reserved exclusively for severe developmental or cognitive disabilities (e.g. Autism)
- ✦ Pre-registration: Online registration required via the third-party organization IBCCES website
- ✦ Video interview: Mandatory interview in English with healthcare professionals before your arrival
- ✦ Validity: The approved DAS is valid for 120 days or the validity of your tickets
- ✦ Group size: Limited to the cardholder and a maximum of 3 companions (4 people total)
- ✦ Physical disabilities: Wheelchair users are no longer eligible for DAS (adapted lines)
Updated May 2026. Walt Disney World's new rules are among the strictest in the world and differ radically from the French system at Disneyland Paris. We explain to you step by step how to prepare your supporting documents and succeed in your video interview in English.
Prepare your medical file in English on the IBCCES website between D-30 and D-2 and do not wait to be there to make your request.
Unlike the old system where you could request the DAS directly at City Hall at the entrance to the parks, Walt Disney World no longer grants any DAS on site verbally. Everything must be validated in advance on the internet. If you have a physical disability, rent a wheelchair or electric scooter (ECV) as almost all lines in Florida are accessible without DAS.
1. Who is eligible for DAS in 2026? The new criteria
Disney has refocused the DAS service on its original purpose to combat the explosion in its use.
Developmental or cognitive disabilities only: DAS is now strictly reserved for visitors who, due to a developmental or cognitive disability (such as autism, Down syndrome, or related major cognitive disorders), are absolutely unable to wait in a standard queue for an extended period of time.
Exclusion of simple physical and medical disabilities: If your medical problem is linked to an inability to walk, to remain standing, or to physical pain, you are no longer eligible for DAS. At Walt Disney World, almost all of the conventional queues have been built or renovated to be 100% accessible to people using wheelchairs or electric scooters (ECV). Disney therefore invites you to use these mobility assistance devices rather than the DAS.
Beware of false declarations!
Walt Disney World has a zero tolerance policy for fraud: any false declaration to obtain a DAS will result in immediate cancellation of your tickets and hotel reservations, as well as a lifetime ban from all Disney properties worldwide.
2. The step-by-step procedure: IBCCES and Video Interview
For European international visitors, the procedure requires organization and a basic command of English.
Step 1: The IBCCES Accessibility Passport (D-30 to D-2): Before contacting Disney, you must register on the official IBCCES (International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards) website to obtain the IBCCES Accessibility Card. You will need to upload a passport photo and official medical proof (in French or English, such as a specialist report or a detailed medical certificate). Examination of the file takes between 24 and 48 hours.
Step 2: The video interview in English with Disney (D-30 to D-2): Once your IBCCES card has been approved, connect to the Walt Disney World website in the DAS section. You must initiate a live video chat with Disney's team of healthcare professionals. The interview is conducted exclusively in English. The professional will discuss with the visitor (or their legal guardian) to validate whether their situation requires a queue adjustment.
How to overcome the language barrier?
If you do not speak English well, prepare in writing a clear description of your waiting difficulties (eg: 'Cannot stay in enclosed space due to severe sensory overload and anxiety'). You have the right to be accompanied by a family member or a translator during the video call. The person affected by the disability must be present in front of the screen at some point during the call.
3. How to use the DAS on site and PMR alternatives
Once granted, the DAS is very easy to use thanks to the mobile application.
Digital operation: The DAS operates on a virtual waiting time principle. When you're in the park, open the mobile app and select the attraction you want. The app assigns you a return time based on the attraction's current wait time (ex: if the wait is 60 minutes, your return time will be in 60 minutes). You can comfortably wait in the shade, go shopping or go to a restaurant. At the appointed time, you scan your MagicBand or phone at the Lightning Lane entrance.
Single attraction rule: You can only have one active reservation at a time. As soon as you have validated your entry to the reserved attraction, you can immediately reserve another one.