Can I visit Disneyland if someone in my group has special needs or a disability? Does Disneyland have a disability pass? That is a loaded question and the answer will be as individual as your specific needs when traveling or experiencing something new.
This guide was put together after careful research from those who have first-hand knowledge, along with research in the parks and from Disney’s public guidelines. I am not a medical expert or know what it is like to be in your shoes. I am simply here to present the information so you can decide if visiting The Disneyland Resort is right for you and your family.
Keep reading for lots of info on special needs at Disneyland Resort. NEW changes have likely been implemented since your last visit and I am here to cover them all.
Special Needs at Disneyland Plans
As a caretaker to someone with a disability or special needs, you know better than most—planning and preparing are two secret ingredients for any successful outing. When planning a trip to The Disneyland Resort, keep in mind these key items.
- Check out our Disneyland Monthly Planning Guide to see what crowd levels to expect and what events will be happening during your visit.
- Plan your daily schedule or let me help plan one for you and your group. Discuss your schedule with your group so everyone is familiar and knows what to expect. Be sure to leave room for down time and adjustments.
- Watch Disneyland videos together beforehand so there are not so many surprises. This can also help you build your daily plan as discussed above.
- Talk about what to do if someone gets lost.
- Practice waiting in line and set expectations early.
- Purchase your discount Disneyland tickets in advance from our partners at Get Away Today.
Disneyland Packing for Special Needs
As a caretaker, you know it takes a lot of gear and prep work to pack for an outing or extended vacation. Along with items you regularly bring during a day out you might find this information helpful as well.
- See what I bring in my in my Disneyland bag for a day at the parks.
- Noise cancelling headphones for those who are easily overwhelmed by sound or loud noises.
- Toys to keep hands busy like Tangle Jr.
- Disney stickers, or other items to reward good behavior.
- Instax Polaroid Camera for kids to take their own photos of their favorite characters and day at Disneyland.
Your First Day at Disneyland
You’re finally almost ready to go! Here’s a few more things to keep things smooth sailing. And above all, Guest Services are happy to help you with any accommodations possible. For example, there are ASL interpreters available during select entertainment options.
I was lucky enough to watch some fantastic Disneyland ASL interpreters at the Magic Happens parade and it is one of the highlights of my career.
Disability Parking at Disneyland Resort
First thing is parking—parking for guests with disabilities is available in Mickey and Friends as well as Toy Story parking lot. You will need a valid disability parking permit if you plan to use designated handicap spaces.
You can also opt to use the “Mickey Van” to transport you from Mickey and Friends parking lot if you need a little more quiet than the tram can offer, even if you don’t have a wheelchair. Read more about parking and security screening procedures here.
Disneyland Strollers and Wheelchairs
Stroller, wheelchair and electric scooters are available for rent just outside the Disneyland Park main gates. Read more about strollers at Disneyland here.
If your child uses a stroller as a wheelchair, be sure to obtain proper identification tags at City Hall or Chamber of Commerce. You may be able to take your stroller in line with you on most rides at California Adventure, and some rides at Disneyland Park.
Please note many frequent guests are not familiar with the stroller as a wheelchair pass and will try to help by telling you that strollers aren’t allowed in line. A quick smile and explanation may be needed to uniformed guests from time to time.
California Adventure has plenty of space for wheelchairs to go through the regular queue which is fabulous. Disneyland was built much earlier, and doesn’t offer that same convenience.
If you don’t have a DAS Pass (more on that below), head to the exit of rides in Disneyland and you’ll be guided by a Cast Member on what to do next. Sometimes they’ll let you right on, sometimes they’ll offer a return time or a minimal wait.
Please see our entire guide on visiting Disneyland in a wheelchair here.
Pre-Register for DAS Services
Eligible Guests can now pre-register for DAS Advance virtually with a Cast Member, using live video chat. This is a fantastic way to prepare for your visit.
Important tips for your video chat with a Cast Member
- You may pre-register as soon as 30 days in advance of a park visit, but no less than 2 days before arrival. If you missed your pre-registration window, keep reading for guest relations in the park.
- During the registration chat, you will be able to book up to 2 one-hour return windows for the rides of your choice, including some of the most popular attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (subject to availability).
- The new DAS Advance planning option helps you book these rides in addition to the normal benefits of the DAS program.
- The DAS recipient must be available for the video chat. They won’t need to be there the whole time but maybe to say hi to the Cast Member and talk a bit about their upcoming trip if possible.
- Be prepared to explain what would help make your day go smoother.
- Be sure to ask the Cast Member about character meet and greets, waits could be very long, they might offer a solution for this as well.
Disneyland Guest Relations Kiosks
If your first day is at Disneyland Park and you need more accommodations than a wheelchair or stroller, please skip City Hall on Main Street, U.S.A. and visit a Guest Relations kiosk for a shorter wait time.
These kiosks with green umbrellas and Cast Members in signature plaid clothing can be found at the following locations:
- Main Street, U.S.A. near the partners statue and Plaza Inn (usually the busiest guest relations location besides City Hall).
- Tomorrowland
- Fantasyland near Monstro the Whale’s mouth on the Storybook Canal attraction.
- New Orleans Square near Haunted Mansion and Harbor Galley
If your child is under 3 and does not have a park ticket, you must visit Guest Relations at City Hall on Main Street, U.S.A. or Chamber of Commerce on Buena Vista Street first as they can create a mock-ticket for your DAS pass.
If your first day is at California Adventure Park and you need more accommodations than a wheelchair or stroller, please skip Guest Relations at Chamber of Commerce on Buena Vista Street and visit a Guest Relations kiosk for a shorter wait time.
These kiosks with green umbrellas and Cast Members in signature plaid clothing can be found at the following locations:
- Buena Vista Street near the Red Car Trolley stop
- Cars Land main entrance
- Pixar Pier entrance area across from The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
If your child is under 3 and does not have a park ticket, you must visit Guest Relations at City Hall on Main Street, U.S.A. or Chamber of Commerce on Buena Vista Street first as they can create a mock-ticket for your DAS pass.
Cast Members at Guest Relations are prepared to help you have the best experience possible. They will have detailed information on special needs at Disneyland Resort such as:
- Disability Access Service helping you secure virtual wait times via the Disneyland App.
- Attraction details for guest with cognitive disabilities, including surprise elements, periods of darkness and types of restraints.
- Assistive listening devices, reflective captioning and sign language interpretation information.
- Audio Description devices, Braille guidebooks and stationary Braille maps for guests with visual disabilities.
Remember, if they can’t offer you specific assistance at Guest Relations, be sure to talk to Cast Members at each ride.
I recently heard from a guest who has medical conditions that don’t allow her to stand for very long periods, but she didn’t need a wheelchair or DAS. Cast Members at the line entrances were more than happy to help her with a return time.
A visual cue such as a cane, walker or brace can also help cast members identify your physical needs quickly. It never hurts to ask!
Special Needs Disneyland Plans
There is so much to see and do at The Disneyland Resort. Having a plan in place can help reduce stress and anxiety during your trip. Do not feel like you need to do it all! Go at your own pace and try some of these tricks for enjoying the parks more fully.
- Rider Switch pass allows you to take turns without waiting in line twice.
- Take a break when needed, ask a Cast Member for quiet location ideas or see what we do to avoid the crowds on a busy day.
- Companion restrooms are available at City Hall, First Aid, Hungry Bear Restaurant, Fantasyland Theatre and more at California Adventure Park. See the official Disneyland App for up to date locations.
- Dietary accommodations for food allergies and other intolerance can be made when booking dining reservations or by speaking with the host/hostess of most table service restaurants. You can also bring food into the parks as needed.
Disneyland Attractions with Stairs
In addition to the above, some guests can walk just fine but may have a hard time navigating stairs. Talk to a Cast Member at the entrance to the following attractions with stairs in the queue for assistance or alternate routes.
- Autopia
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Monorail
- Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
- Indiana Jones Adventure
- Jungle Cruise (when extended queue is open)
- Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
- Splash Mountain
- Tarzan’s Treehouse
- Disneyland Railroad
- and others listed in our wheelchair guide.
Disneyland Disability Pass
Many people coming to The Disneyland Resort with special needs require flexibility and cannot wait in traditional queues.
The Disability Access Service (aka DAS or DAS pass) program allows you to obtain a virtual place in line and return at an appointed time so you can explore other areas of the park rather than waiting in a regular line.
This program is in place to make custom accommodations for your party’s needs.
The Disability Access Service (also known as DAS, DAS Pass or DAS Card) is issued in one of two ways:
- on-site and in-person for special needs at Disneyland.
- or pre-registration via online video chat as listed above.
This article is provided only as information and does not assert whether you will be able to obtain a DAS Pass or not.
- When applying in person, bring the person requesting DAS with you.
- Be prepared to explain what would help make your day go smoother.
- Be sure to ask the Cast Member about character meet and greets, waits could be very long, they might offer a solution for this as well.
- Cast Member will take a photo of you or your child to be used with the DAS Pass.
- DAS Pass is valid for the length of the ticket or up to 60 days, whichever is shorter.
- DAS works for the person it covers and your group (up to 6), provided the DAS Pass holder is riding the ride.
- Choose your first ride right on the Disneyland App under DAS and receive a virtual wait time.
- Scan or show your DAS pass upon entry to that ride.
- After riding, select a new DAS return time on the Disneyland App.
- Ride times do not expire, but you can’t get another ride time until you’ve ridden the one recorded.
- If you change your mind, you can alter your reservations on the Disneyland App.
- You can use Disney Genie+ combined with DAS although you may find DAS is sufficient.
- Keep asking, if you don’t find the help you need try another Cast Member. Don’t be afraid to return to City Hall if you need more help.
I certainly have not covered everything here, but hope this brings some peace of mind as you begin planning your vacation. Want more reading on the DAS Pass at Disneyland? My friend and colleague has even more info here.
Should you wish to speak to someone directly about special needs at Disneyland Resort regarding you can email [email protected].
I always encourage supportive and helpful comments, if you have something to add to the conversation I would love to hear from you.