Another day, another disappointing Disney trip for a struggling family. And it’s all because of the changes Disney made to its Disability Access Service.
TikToker Jazzy (@lovelyjay.17) recently visited what is supposed to be The Happiest Place on Earth, Disneyland Resort. She was visiting with her family, which included her father. Sadly, Jazzy’s father is suffering from a terminal cancer diagnosis. According to Jazzy, she and her family spoke to a Disney cast member to try to get her dying father a disability (DAS) pass, so he would not have to wait in the conventional queue.
Related: Tempers Flare as Disney World’s Disability Changes Begin
Her family was shocked, angry, and disappointed when they were told that he did not qualify for the pass because he did not have autism. It did not matter that he had terminal cancer.
The worker was rude, told me she would not help me if i was recording, then proceeded to walk away within seconds without even seeing that i was recoding. my dad cannot do many things since being diagnosed with cancer & one of our few outlets is disneyland. My dad cannot stand or sit for long periods of time without feeling discomfort or pain. He is the one paying for the passes (which are not cheap). Disneyland refused to give him disability access because they said it is ONLY for autistic people. We come to spend family time away from home and the hosptial. The only accommodation they gave us was to have my dad wait outsude the ride while we all get in line together. It is ABSOLUTELY CRAZY to me that they will dismiss any sickness, condition, or illness even if it is terminal. Just because you are not autistic does not mean you do not need accomidations. It does not make sense how much money you spend here just for them to treat you like you mean nothing.
@lovelyjay.17 The worker was rude, told me she would not help me if i was recording, then proceeded to walk away within seconds without even seeing that i was recoding. my dad cannot do many things since being diagnosed with cancer & one of our few outlets is disneyland. My dad cannot stand or sit for long periods of time without feeling discomfort or pain. He is the one paying for the passes (which are not cheap). Disneyland refused to give him disability access because they said it is ONLY for autistic people. We come to spend family time away from home and the hosptial. The only accommodation they gave us was to have my dad wait outsude the ride while we all get in line together. It is ABSOLUTELY CRAZY to me that they will dismiss any sickness, condition, or illness even if it is terminal. Just because you are not autistic does not mean you do not need accomidations. It does not make sense how much money you spend here just for them to treat you like you mean nothing.
Related: Disney Just Told Thousands of People With Disabilities That They Don’t Count
Sadly, at this point, guests are not shocked that Disney is denying its DAS pass to those who truly need it, even though they aren’t autistic. Many shared their own heartbreaking stories of being with someone who needed a DAS pass or needing one themselves but being denied because they didn’t meet Disney’s new qualifications.
They told me that if I “feel a seizure coming on” I should let the cast member know and go take myself to a spot to have the seizure and come back when it’s done
Disability Changes Are Hurting Thousands
In April, Disney announced that major changes were coming to its disability program at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. Up until that point, nearly every guest with a disability was able to get a DAS (disability) pass and wait in a shorter queue. The new changes cut most of those individuals out, and they are now left with almost nothing.
Now, the only people who qualify for a DAS Pass are guests with a developmental disability, like autism. However, multiple guests have reported that their autistic family member was denied because they were considered “high functioning.”
Disney’s disability changes went into effect at Walt Disney World Resort on May 20 and at Disneyland Resort on June 18. Since then, thousands of guests — including a group called DAS Defenders — have called on Disney to adjust its changes to accommodate more guests who actually need them.
Currently, Disney does not require individuals who are asking for the DAS pass to provide any sort of medical documentation. Guests have begged Disney to copy the Universal method. Universal works with a third-party company, which requires guests to submit a note from their doctor. From there, a Universal team member will talk to the guest — like Disney does — after the paperwork is submitted. Then, the Universal guest will receive their disability pass.
Related: Disney’s Own Greed Ruined Its Disability Program
Unfortunately, Disney has ignored the pleas of desperate guests. The company said that the changes were made due to the huge uptick in people abusing its DAS system. However, guests have countered with the fact that, because Disney still doesn’t require any sort of medical documentation, guests can still lie.
In the weeks since the changes took effect, we have seen multiple guests share their DAS denial stories. One guest, Charisma, is in a wheelchair and needs a tube to help her breathe, but she was denied a DAS Pass. Other guests have said that their medical conditions cause them to pass out in line, or even get sick. Still, they do not qualify.
Multiple guests have said that they are currently looking into their legal options against Disney. They claim that Disney’s changes clearly violate the Americans With Disabilities Act, but Disney claims they are following the law.
The Walt Disney Company has not indicated that they plan on making any changes to the current DAS requirements.
Do you think Disney’s disability requirements are hurting people? Let us know in the comments!
