Dash (ability)

Dash is an ability that allows Sora in Lion Form to run extremely fast for as long as the square button is held down. It is very useful when wanting to escape enemies. It is learned after reaching the Wildebeest Valley. Nala teaches it to him in order for him to jump over a gap in their path fast enough. Because this ability is only for Sora's Lion Form, this ability can only be used in the Pride Lands. It can be activated by pressing and holding. Dash is very much like Mermaid Kick, another speed ability that Sora can use in his Merman Form.

After you restore Simba's confidence during the second visit to the Pride Lands, Sora learns Running Tackle which is an attack that can only be executed while using Dash ( + ) and lets him spin around with his Keyblade.

When Goofy and Donald try to catch up with Sora, Goofy will spin forward with his shield on his shell rapidly and Donald will almost glide. Sora himself has trouble controlling himself. When he turns he will slide until you stop holding the Dash button. Furthermore, if Sora stops sliding around in his dash, he will skid and jump, thus slowing him down. Donald and Goofy do not have a skid or slow down when done dashing. Strangely if in a large enough space and you start sliding, as long as the analog stick and are held down, then Sora will endlessly slide in a circle without slowing down until you stop holding down.

Card Effect
In Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and in Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, the Larxene Enemy Card can be used to activate the Dash ability. When the Larxene Card is in use, Dash increases Sora's running speed. The Dash effect will last until Sora uses 15 Cards.