Disney’s Controversial Move: Thousands with Disabilities Reportedly Excluded

On April 9, Disney announced some BIG changes coming to its Disability Access Service Program, also called DAS. Disney said that beginning May 20, DAS would only be available to guests who were diagnosed with autism and other similar cognitive disabilities. Prior to this, DAS was available for anyone who had a medical disability, be it a cognitive disability or a different kind of medical problem.

This change, of course, left hundreds, if not thousands, of guests wondering what they are going to do now.

Related: Disney’s Disability Pass: Everything You Need to Know!

Millions of people visit Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort every year, and some of those people have invisible disabilities that are not cognitive. They have issues going on inside their bodies that make it very difficult to wait in a traditional ride queue, and having a DAS pass is truly a lifesaver.

But Disney does not think those guests really count all that much.

Disney made these changes to its DAS program because of the rampant abuse by those who lie just so they don’t have to wait in line. Which is totally understandable. But, the thing is, those with actual disabilities would be HAPPY to provide a doctor’s note or proof, whatever Disney needs.

It is being reported that Disney will work with those who have other disabilities, giving them the ability to leave the line for “bathroom issues.” But that also shows that they don’t understand how many of these invisible illnesses work. For those guests who suffer from something like severe IBS, it is so much more than a bathroom issue.

Related: Woman’s Rude Remark About Disability Ruined This Guest’s Day

There are also people who have physical issues that can make it difficult for them to stand for an extended period. For that, Disney says that wheelchairs can be rented. But there are those who do not need a wheelchair all day. Or, just maybe, they don’t want to put their disability on full display by being made to use a wheelchair that they would not need if they could just wait in the shorter queue.

What makes this particularly frustrating is that Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort are the only Disney Resorts that do not require proof for guests who wish to obtain a DAS pass. Shanghai Disney, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney, and Hong Kong Disneyland all require proof to obtain a DAS pass.

Related: The Battle For DAS Supremacy: Universal vs Disney

And it’s not like Disneyland and Walt Disney World are prohibited from asking for confirmation from a doctor.

Disney’s biggest theme park competitor, Universal Studios, requires guests to register with IBCCES — The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. Guests must upload documentation from a doctor stating that they need disability access. They will then speak to a Universal team member about their need for the disability pass. And guess what? Guests don’t complain because they have no problem cutting down on abuse of the system by providing the necessary information.

Disney is still not requiring proof of a disability, and that is really at the heart of the problem. Disney caused this issue by not requiring proof in the first place, but now, instead of trying to fix a problem they created, they are just tossing thousands of people to the side.

It will be interesting to see if any guests accuse Disney of violating the Americans With Disabilities Act. The ADA does not limit disabilities to simply those with cognitive disabilities. It applies to everyone who has a “physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.”

Guests with disabilities should not feel pressured to purchase Disney Genie+ just so they can avoid a long line. The other option is just not going to a Disney park, which is also a terrible choice for those who love Disney.

Disney can do better with its Disability Access Service, and it needs to. Punishing the many for the sins of the few is not the direction to take. Disney prides itself on creating magic, but these changes to its accessibility services are definitely anything but.

Do you think Disney did the wrong thing with the changes to its disability program? Let us know in the comments. 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and may not reflect the views of Disney Dining as a whole.

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