One of the great things about Disney parks is how inclusive they are. Disney wants everyone to be able to enjoy their theme parks, no matter their physical or intellectual abilities. Because of this, Disney theme parks have a comprehensive Disability Access Service. The DAS system, as it is called, allows guests with certain disabilities to skip the line.
The DAS system has helped thousands of guests who visit the parks every year. However, as with most things, it is not without its problems.
In 2013, Disney’s disability system made headlines when it was reported that wealthy guests were hiring people with disabilities to visit the parks with them. Because the people they hired had disabilities, the wealthy guests would be able to skip the line. What was especially disturbing was the fact that Disney had a free FastPass system in place, but that wasn’t good enough for the wealthy guests.
Related: What to Know About Vacationing in Disney World With a Disability
Disney said that it was taking the allegations of wealthy guests abusing its system very seriously. In the end, they made some significant changes. Guests with a DAS pass would no longer be able to immediately get into the FastPass line, which is what had been happening. Instead, they would be given a return time. They would then come back at the assigned time and be able to join the FastPass queue.
Of course, that hasn’t stopped people from continuing to abuse Disney’s DAS program.
Disney is not legally allowed to ask people for proof of their medical condition — it would be a violation of HIPAA, which guarantees a patient’s right to medical privacy. Because of this, people can lie to Disney about why they need a DAS pass, especially if they want to bypass lines on the most popular attractions.
Rumors are swirling that Disney is getting tired of people abusing its DAS program. Because of this, the report stated that Disney has decided to end its Disability Access Service.
The abuse of the Disability Access Service is causing Disney to shut it down permanently. In fact, there was a 900% increase in people using DAS passes after the pandemic. This makes both the Lightning Lane and Stand-By lines longer for everyone else. They are seeing the system being abused and are putting a stop to it. It’s the old, this is why we can’t have nice things issue.
Are The Rumors True?
Thankfully, we can say with confidence that the rumors are NOT TRUE.
It needs to be noted that the site that was reporting the ending of the DAS program was Mouse Trap News. The site is a satirical Disney news site. It reports outrageous stories that are meant to garner attention. It is not a site that guests and fans should visit if they want factual Disney news.
While MouseTrap may have thought an article like that would be funny, there were many who were not impressed. A lot of people rely on the DAS Program, and some feel that the site shouldn’t make people with disabilities the butt of a joke.
I’m all for theme park shit posting, it’s part of my DNA, but making a popular shit post saying Disney is cancelling one of their major disability programs is really not the move.
It’s heartless to a lot of families who actually need to use it and shows a huge lack of empathy.
Don’t call yourself the Onion of Disney Parks when you completely miss the part where the Onion is ALWAYS punching up and this is 1000% punching down on people who already have been punched enough. Like Jesus Christ.
Don’t call yourself the Onion of Disney Parks when you completely miss the part where the Onion is ALWAYS punching up and this is 1000% punching down on people who already have been punched enough. Like Jesus Christ.
— Disney Dan Becker (@DisneyDan) November 3, 2023
Who Can Use Disney’s Disability Access Service?
According to the Walt Disney World Resort website, its DAS program is “intended for Guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to a disability.”
It is important to note that guests whose disability is based on their need for a wheelchair or mobility scooter are not eligible for the DAS program. Many of Disney’s attractions are handicap accessible, so the guests can wait in the standard queue. Should the ride not be wheelchair or EVC-friendly, the guests will receive a return time for the attraction and then be given a different way to access the attraction.
Related: Guest Passes Out in Line After Being Denied Disney’s Disability Service
Every Disney attraction that has Lightning Lane access is a part of the DAS program. Guests can either pre-register for the DAS program or visit Guest Relations at the Disney Park they are at to see if they can use the service.
You can read more about Disney’s disability access service by clicking here.
Do you think fake news was a step too far?
This post originally appeared on Disney Fanatic.
