“What’s This?”: Understanding Disney World Essentials: Key Terms Explained

When planning a Walt Disney World vacation, you’ll encounter a range of services and systems that can enhance your experience—if you know what they mean. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most important terms you need to know:

1. Disability Access Service (DAS)

What it is:The Disability Access Service (DAS) is designed to assist guests who are unable to wait in a conventional queue due to a disability. Instead of standing in line, guests receive a return time for attractions based on the current wait.

How to use it:

• Guests must pre-register via video chat with a Cast Member before their visit (up to 30 days in advance).

• Once approved, you can select return times via the My Disney Experience app or with in-park assistance.

Note: DAS is not a “skip-the-line” pass; it simply offers an alternative waiting method.

2. Memory Maker

What it is:Memory Maker is a digital photo package that gives you unlimited downloads of all Disney PhotoPass photos and videos taken during your trip.

Includes:

• Ride photos and videos

• Character meet-and-greet shots

• Magic Shots (with special effects)

• Photos taken by Disney photographers throughout the parks

3. Lightning Lanes

What it is:Lightning Lanes are expedited entrances to select attractions, reducing your wait time.

How to use them:

·       Available through various booking options within the My Disney Experience app.

·       You can select available times to access rides throughout the day.

4. Individual Lightning Lane

What it is:For select high-demand rides not included in Lightening Lane, you can purchase Individual Lightning Lane access à la carte.

Examples of Individual Lightening Lane rides:

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Magic Kingdom)

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (Hollywood Studios)

• Avatar Flight of Passage (Animal Kingdom)

• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (EPCOT)

5. MagicBands

What it is:MagicBands are colorful, wearable wristbands that act as an all-in-one tool during your Disney World vacation.

Features include:

• Park ticket and Lightning Lane entry

• Room key for Disney Resort hotels

• PhotoPass photo linking

• Ability to make purchases for food, merchandise, and more (for resort guests)

MagicBand+ (the latest version) also includes haptic feedback, lights, and interactive features in select areas.

6. Park Hopper

What it is:The Park Hopper ticket add-on lets you visit more than one park per day.

How it works:

• You must start your day at the park you have a reservation for.

• Park hopping begins at 2:00 PM (subject to availability and park capacity).

• Great for guests who want to do morning in one park and dinner/fireworks in another.