Disney theme park visitors are concerned about new disabled access service

Disney’s recent changes to its Disability Access Service (DAS) have sparked controversy amongst disabled guests and led to calls for changes.

The revised policy now specifically targets “guests who, due to a developmental disability such as autism or a related disorder, are unable to wait in a traditional line for an extended period of time,” because stated on the web sites of each parks.

This change in DAS eligibility left many disabled people feeling excluded.

Petition began by DAS Defenders highlights how changes implemented in May and June at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, respectively, miss a big selection of health conditions, including cancer patients, veterans affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and other people with rare diseases.

“Disney is a dream destination for countless families… including sick and disabled children,” the petition argues, noting that the new policy “sends a clear message that the rights and needs of the disabled community can be ignored.”

The impact on individuals with disabilities got here to light when Charisma Mangahas, a 25-year-old woman with Guillain-Barré syndrome, spoke about her experience of being denied DAS at Disneyland since it is currently reserved for guests with “severe impairments or cognitive impairments.”

She offered a reduced Lightning Lane service instead, suggesting it may very well be an add-on to Magic Key passes. Mangahas’ video has attracted the eye of over 1 million TikTok users.

Disney also has DAS application process modifiedreported Fox Business. At Walt Disney World, guests must now register via virtual video chat as much as 30 days before their visit. Disneyland is offering each virtual and in-person chat options for same-day requests. Disney has taken a firm stance against individuals who use Disability Access Service.

In a stark warning issued in April this yr, the entertainment giant said anyone caught faking a disability to acquire DAS credentials can be permanently banned from all Disney theme parks.