Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
On April 9, Disney announced that some big changes were coming to its Disability Access Service program (DAS) at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. For years, Disney has allowed those with physical, medical, and cognitive disabilities to use its DAS program. However, beginning May 20 at Disney World and June 18 at Disneyland, the DAS program will be limited to those guests with cognitive disabilities like autism.
Credit: Disney
Related: Disney Just Told Thousands of Disabled Guests That They Don’t Count
Disney has said that there will be an alternative option for those with certain medical conditions — like a bathroom pass — but has not given many specifics.
The massive changes — while needed because of the rampant abuse of DAS — did not sit well with many guests who felt their disability no longer mattered. They were shocked that Disney would only appear to count certain disabilities as ones that truly need a shorter wait, when there are plenty of medical disabilities that do as well.
I hope they still cater to guests with medical disabilities. That inclusivity is so important. ❤️
I hope they still cater to guests with medical disabilities. That inclusivity is so important. ❤️
— Nicole (@SparklyNicole) April 10, 2024
Some even mentioned that DAS abuse has gotten worse since Disney eliminated its free FastPass system and replaced it with the paid system, Disney Genie+. They felt that FastPass put people on an even footing, but Genie+ is only for the privileged. Those who might have been using FastPass instead of DAS were then forced to use DAS so they wouldn’t have to pay for a shorter line each trip.
…Disney eliminated a free service utilized by a large percentage of disabled people, forcing us to start using DAS & because the replacement service was pay to use, lots of folks began trying to take advantage of DAS. Keep in mind DAS was already hard to qualify for….
…Disney eliminated a free service utilized by a large percentage of disabled people, forcing us to start using DAS & because the replacement service was pay to use, lots of folks began trying to take advantage of DAS. Keep in mind DAS was already hard to qualify for….
— Pammie Plus Parks (@pammieplusparks) April 11, 2024
It is no secret that there is a lot of abuse of the DAS system. Disney does not require medical proof of a disability, and that has enabled people to lie. But is the correct solution just discounting a lot of people who truly use it for certain physical and medical ailments?
DAS is 💯 a broken system that many people are abusing and my experience is that most people who actually need DAS seem to agree with that.
Disney’s solution of making it a system only for developmental disabilities excludes many people who actually need help. It just seems like the wrong solution to the problem.
And honestly, cynical me believes they are only doing this so they can sell more genie plus and the LL lines won’t be any shorter. But I hope I’m wrong there.
DAS is 💯 a broken system that many people are abusing and my experience is that most people who actually need DAS seem to agree with that.
Disney’s solution of making it a system only for developmental disabilities excludes many people who actually need help. It just seems…
— Peter Sciretta (@PeterSciretta) April 10, 2024
Related: Thank You For Your Service: Disney’s New Disability Policy Could Alienate One Important Group
At this time, Disney has only focused on helping those with cognitive disabilities like autism, but has said there will be options for those with other disabilities. Some are thinking that Disney will end up in court over the new policy, which on its face, might violate the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Lawsuits are coming against Disney in violation of the ADA rules for discrimination if their new policy becomes active on May 20th for allowing only the limited scope of developmental disabilities for DAS, while denying everyone else.
Lawsuits are coming against Disney in violation of the ADA rules for discrimination if their new policy becomes active on May 20th for allowing only the limited scope of developmental disabilities for DAS, while denying everyone else.
— Scott N. Bergman (@BergmansLaw) April 11, 2024
It should be noted that Disney could ask for medical documentation from those wishing to get a DAS pass. Universal works with a third-party contractor for its disability program. Guests wanting to get a Universal disability pass must pre-register and upload documentation. Disney has continued to ignore this option.
When its new changes are enacted, Disney will still not require guests to submit medical proof.
Do you think Disney’s new DAS system will actually reduce abuse? Let us know in the comments!
This post Disney’s Controversial Change to Disability Services Sparks Guest Outrage appeared first on Disney Dining.
My husband has issues that makes the use of DAS a necessity, but they are physical limitations. We have a trip coming up end of May- beginning of June, and I am really concerned and stressing about it, and that’s the opposite of what a vacation should be. We usually spend nine days every year at that time at Disney, but if this vacation doesn’t run smoothly we will have to rethink future vacations. Spending too much time standing on his bad leg could actually cause life threatening illness. We may have to shorten our vacations, or explore different options such as Universal. I’m disappointed to think Disney is turning their backs on guests that may need DAS the most. We were planning on buying more DVC points since we’re members, but at this point why should we when we may not be spending much future time at Disney. The whole thing just makes me sad.
Most people believe they are privileged. I have difficulty standing for long periods due to my knee but I’m not complaining. I just take my time. Sometimes you can’t do everything. For example this lady wanted me to give up my seat because she had a child with her. Too bad I paid to come to Disney just like everyone else. If your child or anyone for that matter cannot handle some of the activities maybe you need to rethink your activities and vacation(s) as to where you’re going. I mean a child takes a spot on a ride and on the bus. I bet you if alot of these people had to pay for these babies to go they would not go to Disney. Again, talk about freebies. I understand there are people who are handicap and have disabilities, but alot of these people abuse the system.