July 9th 2024.
Disney's recent changes to their Disability Access Service have caused quite a stir among disabled guests and sparked calls for reform. The new policy, which was implemented in May and June at Walt Disney World and Disneyland respectively, has received criticism for targeting only those with developmental disabilities like autism or similar disorders who cannot wait in traditional queues for long periods of time. This has left many disabled guests feeling excluded and has led to a petition started by DAS Defenders, which brings attention to how the revised policy overlooks a wide range of conditions including cancer patients, veterans with PTSD, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and individuals with rare diseases.
The petition emphasizes that Disney is a dream destination for countless families, including those with illness and disabilities. It argues that the new policy sends a clear message that the rights and needs of the disabled community can be overlooked. The impact of these changes on disabled guests was brought to light when 25-year-old Charisma Mangahas, who has Guillain-Barre syndrome, shared her experience of being denied DAS at Disneyland due to the new eligibility criteria. She suggested a discounted Lightning Lane service as an alternative, which could be added on to Magic Key passes. Mangahas' video on TikTok has gained over 1 million views, drawing attention to the issue.
Additionally, Disney has also made changes to the DAS application process. According to Fox Business, at Walt Disney World, guests are now required to register through virtual video chat up to 30 days before their visit. At Disneyland, guests have the option of virtual chat or in-person registration for same-day requests. These changes have been implemented in response to individuals who have exploited the Disability Access Service. In April, Disney issued a stern warning that anyone caught fabricating disabilities to gain access to DAS privileges will face permanent expulsion from all Disney theme parks.
This issue has also been a topic of discussion for Disney Dreamers, who recently spoke about business and philanthropy. While Disney has made efforts to make their theme parks more accessible, the recent changes to the Disability Access Service have highlighted the need for continuous improvement and consideration for all guests with disabilities.
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