Article: Is Disney Dissing the Disabled?

[OneLittleSpark1]

. Certainly not a God given right that I should have access to everything -- but it is an America given right. And Disney understands this -- Walt certainly did. He wanted a family park, not a park for just families that had the ability to wait, but for all families.



Your lack of compassion toward a parent with a child who has been thru hell is astounding. I would gladly wait a few extra minutes and be happy not to be in either the parents or child's situation.

Yes, it is a American given right to have access....ACCESS, not a get on quicker/faster, unlimited FP, or front of the line. That is the issue here. That is also how midway meant it.

Walt wanted a place where the whole family could enjoy rides together. Not one where a child goes on the rides and the parents sit and wait for them. THAT was his mission. It had nothing to do with disabilities. I think making it that, is taking his mission a step further than was intended.

It amazes me that people always pull the if I have to wait a few minutes longer for a disabled person, I will...(and if you won't, well then you're an inconsiderate, uncompassionate person!) I call malarkey on that one. Just bc you have special needs doesn't make you special. Just bc you have a disability that makes life hard(er) for you doesn't mean every one should step aside for you bc they feel bad. Most disabled people want to be treated with the dignity and respect that others receive.

Lastly, before you say it....this is coming from a disabled person with a special needs child. (IE...I didn't get offended nor take what you did from Midway's comments)

 

[OneLittleSpark1]

Here's a good article that explains the other side -
Use, not abuse, forced Disney to change its disabled access system

http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201309/3695/

Disabled persons are a diverse group and have diverse needs. The new policy can make it impossible for some disabled persons to go to Disney. When you have a disabled child or family member it may be very hard to live on a schedule. The disabled person may have personal care issues that come up without warning. For example bathroom issues. It is not simple to just go to the bathroom. A disabled person may have to be changed or even redressed depending on the situation. That is just one example though there are many. By having a set time to be at an attraction it makes it impossible for some disabled people to go to Disney, because they may not be able to make it to the ride at time stated, then if they have other times to be at a different ride it may through that time off or may cause the disabled person to wait for their spot in line twice as long as a non disable spot because they have an emergency need come up preventing them from being at their spot on time so would have to start the waiting process again.

The current process is helpful because you can get on a ride while it is a good moment for the disabled person and they can enjoy the ride before a bad moment arises. It is such a shame that a handful of dishonest people may prevent disabled persons around the world to go to Disney. I think there should be a registration. Check in when arriving at the park. Gather identifying info on the disabled person. Track it. If you see the same person coming back to the park daily with a different group of people then investigate that person and sanction them, but don't fault the honest people.

You should read the article posted in the quote I posted above. It explains a lot about why the current system doesn't work, and why a new system is really needed.

 

[cutigerlady]

My son has lots of sensory issues, although doesn't technically fall on the autism spectrum (which creates its own set of issues!). When we were at Disney in September, I did not request a GAC for him. I am sure I could have gotten one, but we used this as an opportunity to practice all of his therapy.

I think FP+ really helped us. I loved being able to reserve FPs for the absolute must do rides, especially for times in the evening when we would have never had a chance of getting a FP in the old system. It was super easy to switch the times up when we had a meltdown or needed to change our plans. I did lots of FP+ changes through the week and was always able to find what we needed.

I really encourage people to give the new process a try. It might not be as bad as you are thinking because the FP lines will actually move faster! Disney will be able to get a better idea how many guests are using each FP line and include that data into the FP+ system.

 

[OneLittleSpark1]

My son has lots of sensory issues, although doesn't technically fall on the autism spectrum (which creates its own set of issues!). When we were at Disney in September, I did not request a GAC for him. I am sure I could have gotten one, but we used this as an opportunity to practice all of his therapy.

I think FP+ really helped us. I loved being able to reserve FPs for the absolute must do rides, especially for times in the evening when we would have never had a chance of getting a FP in the old system. It was super easy to switch the times up when we had a meltdown or needed to change our plans. I did lots of FP+ changes through the week and was always able to find what we needed.

I really encourage people to give the new process a try. It might not be as bad as you are thinking because the FP lines will actually move faster! Disney will be able to get a better idea how many guests are using each FP line and include that data into the FP+ system.

Exactly! Thanks cutigerlady for sharing.

 

[SuperNiceGal]

all i hear is "separate, but equal", we all know in the past it didnt work, why should it now. I think this is a great idea! you have to wait the allotted time for a ride while you could still go off and eat lunch or dinner, or maybe grab a few souvenirs in a gift shop, also im sure you could even go see a show or something.. idk i dont see a problem with this system. its a shame that people had to exploit the old system, but it happens.

 

[sharadoc]

I think the new system is a good compromise. Our fear/issue is the change from the old way to a new one. If anyone knows someone with autism, you know that sticking to routines is common and change in that routine can lead to serious issues and/or meltdowns. We have been going since 2009 and have used a GAC for our son who is minimally verbal, but we have encouraged him to use language as much as possible at Disney World. He loves it there and really opens up and functions very well when we're there.

But, he does not understand abstract concepts or complex language. How do we explain to him that he can no longer go onto a ride the same way. That now he has to ask permission from someone and it could be a while. That's my concern - the change from the old way and the inability for our son to understand.

So, I guess we'll just be accepting our lot in life and if it doesn't work, we won't be coming back to Disney World. So that will give all of you who don't want us to take your space in line to get on a little quicker. Meanwhile you'll go home and be able to watch your kids go to school on their own, learn to drive, get married and have kids of their own while we'll sit in our living room hoping our son says more than two words at a time and live our life the same way until we are gone and he's in a group home or an institution with no one to hug him or tell him they love him.

At least for that one week in Disney World, we climb out of that sadness and despair and enjoy our life together as a family having fun, because Disney went out of their way to do that for us. And I guess that's gone for good.

 

[SueM in MN]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/disney-parks-disability-access-service-card-fact-sheet/

 

[KGK]

I think the new system is a good compromise. Our fear/issue is the change from the old way to a new one. If anyone knows someone with autism, you know that sticking to routines is common and change in that routine can lead to serious issues and/or meltdowns. We have been going since 2009 and have used a GAC for our son who is minimally verbal, but we have encouraged him to use language as much as possible at Disney World. He loves it there and really opens up and functions very well when we're there.

But, he does not understand abstract concepts or complex language. How do we explain to him that he can no longer go onto a ride the same way. That now he has to ask permission from someone and it could be a while. That's my concern - the change from the old way and the inability for our son to understand.

So, I guess we'll just be accepting our lot in life and if it doesn't work, we won't be coming back to Disney World. So that will give all of you who don't want us to take your space in line to get on a little quicker. Meanwhile you'll go home and be able to watch your kids go to school on their own, learn to drive, get married and have kids of their own while we'll sit in our living room hoping our son says more than two words at a time and live our life the same way until we are gone and he's in a group home or an institution with no one to hug him or tell him they love him.

At least for that one week in Disney World, we climb out of that sadness and despair and enjoy our life together as a family having fun, because Disney went out of their way to do that for us. And I guess that's gone for good.

Save your breath. Some people don't get it, although they protest that they do. I'm hoping, even with the new system, there will be kind, considerate, caring and empowered cast members that can help.

 

[linzbear]

But, he does not understand abstract concepts or complex language. How do we explain to him that he can no longer go onto a ride the same way. That now he has to ask permission from someone and it could be a while. That's my concern - the change from the old way and the inability for our son to understand.

It is my understanding that you don't have to go to the ride to ask for permission. You go and get the new pass the same way, then you go to a kiosk to get something with a time on it to go to the ride. The kiosks are not at the rides, so while this is a new part of a routine, it is seemingly unrelated. You still do also have the 3 fast pass+ that you obtain online (again, seamless to him), so the difference is really that he can't say "I want to do this" and then do it immediately - is that the problem?

 

[lockedoutlogic]

forgive me but I'm not sure I understand what you're saying?

I'm saying that your argument looks like "every man for himself"

And in this case I don't necessarily agree...

And fleury shoulda been bought out

 

[SueM in MN]

Here's the link to DAS FAQs on Disney Parks Blog I posted earlier, along with the text from the blog:
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/disney-parks-disability-access-service-card-fact-sheet/

Disney Parks have an unwavering commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment and accessible experiences for guests.
Disney Parks is modifying the current Guest Assistance Card program, which provides access to attractions for guests with disabilities, so it can continue to serve the guests who truly need it. The new program is designed to provide the special experience guests have come to expect from Disney. It will also help control abuse that was, unfortunately, widespread and growing at an alarming rate.
The new Disability Access Service (DAS) Card will replace the Guest Assistance Card on Oct. 9. Guests at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort can request a Disability Access Service Card at Guest Relations. DAS Cardholders will receive a return time for attractions based on the current wait time.
Disney Parks has long recognized and accommodated guests with varying needs. Guests can visit Guest Relations to discuss their individual situation, and Disney Parks will continue to provide assistance that is responsive to their unique circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Disability Access Service Card and how does it work?
The DAS Card is designed to accommodate guests who arent able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). A Disability Access Service Card will be issued at Guest Relations main entrance locations and will offer guests a return time for attractions based on the current wait time. As soon as the Guest finishes one attraction, they can receive a return time for another. This service can be used in addition to Disneys FASTPASS Service and Disney FastPass+ service.

What will Disney Parks do if a Guest is concerned the DAS Card doesnt meet their needs?
Disney Parks have long recognized and accommodated guests with varying needs and will continue to work individually with guests with disabilities to provide assistance that is responsive to their unique circumstances. Guests should visit Guest Relations to discuss their individual needs.

Who will be eligible for a Disability Access Service Card?
Disney Parks goal is to accommodate guests who arent able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). Guests should visit Guest Relations to discuss their assistance needs.

How will guests get a Disability Access Service Card?
A Disability Access Service Card will be issued at Guest Relations main entrance locations. Guests will participate in a registration process, which also includes having their photo taken.

Why is Disney Parks doing this?
Disney Parks is modifying the current Guest Assistance Card program so it can continue to serve the guests who truly need it. The new program is designed to provide the special experience guests have come to expect from Disney. Disney Parks also hopes it will help control abuse that was, unfortunately, widespread and growing at an alarming rate.

Does the DAS Cardholder have to be present to obtain a return time at an attraction?
No. Another member of the DAS Cardholders travel party may obtain a return time but the DAS Cardholder must board the attraction with his or her party.

Where do DAS Cardholders go to receive return times?
At Disneyland Resort, guests will go to Guest Relations kiosks located throughout the parks to receive a return time. At Walt Disney World Resort, guests will go to the attraction to receive a return time.
Does a DAS Cardholder have to ride the attraction at the exact return time listed?
No. Return times are valid until redeemed by the DAS Cardholder.

How long is a DAS Card valid?
A DAS card is valid for up to 14 days depending on a guests ticket entitlement.

Is a DAS Card issued at one Disney theme park valid at other Disney theme parks?
Yes, the card will be valid throughout the resort at which it was issued.

Why doesnt Disney Parks ask for proof of disability, such as a doctors note?
Disney Parks takes Guests at their word and there are legal restrictions around asking for proof.

Is this the only service available to Guests with disabilities?
Disney Parks offer a variety of services to guests with disabilities, such as Disneys Handheld Device that offers assistive listening, captioning and audio description. Additionally, Disney Parks has developed a Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities. This serves as a tool on how best to experience its theme parks and is expected to be available online by mid-October.

Disney Parks will continue to provide excellent guest service and accessible experiences. Guests should visit Guest Relations at any park should they feel they need assistance due to a disability.

Does a Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter need a DAS Card?
No, a Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter does not need a DAS Card. Depending on the attraction, the Guest will either wait in the standard queue or receive a return time at the attraction based on the current wait time. For some attractions at Disneyland Resort, these guests will go directly to an alternate entrance. Guests with additional needs should discuss them with Guest Relations.

Will Disney Parks continue to provide a service to wish-granting organizations?
The change will not affect those who are visiting on trips organized by wish granting organizations. There is a separate program for children with life-threatening illnesses.

 

[MidwayState]

I'm saying that your argument looks like "every man for himself"

And in this case I don't necessarily agree...

And fleury shoulda been bought out

nah, just that people should stop whining that Disney isn't willing to go above and beyond anymore.

As for Fleury, you're just mad because he shut out Jersey last night. lol

 

[MidwayState]

Although I use a scooter and go thru all of the mainlines that I can (and use fastpass where I can), there are areas/rides/shows that I cannot navigate easy. Certainly not a God given right that I should have access to everything -- but it is an America given right. And Disney understands this -- Walt certainly did. He wanted a family park, not a park for just families that had the ability to wait, but for all families.

I have never felt the need to use a GAC. Hopefully I never will need the new access program either.

If I could only walk out of the parks at the end of the day saying "My feet are KILLING me."

Your lack of compassion toward a parent with a child who has been thru hell is astounding. I would gladly wait a few extra minutes and be happy not to be in either the parents or child's situation.

I truly hope that you and your family always enjoy good health (from the bottom of my heart!), but I do hope you can find some compassion. And as an aside, this is not "what is driving you nuts" -- you are choosing to go nuts all by yourself. Neither this parent nor Disney said "Let's see how we can drive MidwayState crazy" -- all they did was try to make it easier for a sick child and his parents to have a little enjoyment. Relax, go with the flow. And don't drive yourself nuts over other's misfortunes.

Now if you want to go after the cheaters..... I'm in.

Sometimes they are one and the same. I've heard more complaints about the change coming from the parents of the autistic that can no longer get immediate access to their favorite ride, and sometimes the fact that they admit to wanting to ride that ride over and over and over again making all of the rest of the "world" wait and "have compassion" all because junior just won't understand if I tell him no. Believe me, I do to an extent. What I don't like is the sense of entitlement and the "I'm not going back then" attitude of these parents that expect the world to stop turning for their child. It's gotten to a point of "who's kid has to wait the longest?" I'm just over it, and apparently so is Disney. Like the CM's said in that article. it's not some mass amount of fakers and cheaters, it's people using every little ailment from high blood pressure to my kid will have a meltdown if he's told no that is the problem. ADHD isn't a good excuse for the GAC IMO. I'm sorry, but I sincerely think people like that are the problem. I'm sure that is not what Disney had in mind when creating the GAC.

 

[MidwayState]

My son has lots of sensory issues, although doesn't technically fall on the autism spectrum (which creates its own set of issues!). When we were at Disney in September, I did not request a GAC for him. I am sure I could have gotten one, but we used this as an opportunity to practice all of his therapy.

I think FP+ really helped us. I loved being able to reserve FPs for the absolute must do rides, especially for times in the evening when we would have never had a chance of getting a FP in the old system. It was super easy to switch the times up when we had a meltdown or needed to change our plans. I did lots of FP+ changes through the week and was always able to find what we needed.

I really encourage people to give the new process a try. It might not be as bad as you are thinking because the FP lines will actually move faster! Disney will be able to get a better idea how many guests are using each FP line and include that data into the FP+ system.

I completely applaud you for working with your son like that. People constantly talk about how spectrum kids can't deal with change etc. yet they are quick to point out that they are on vacation at Disney so they want to leave the teaching behind?? So everyone around them is left to be subjected to their child's meltdown while on THEIR vacation? How nice of them. My friend does the same as you with her special needs child. She is well aware that the world doesn't stop spinning for her kid and she will need to know that something good comes at the end of a wait in line in real life. What better place than Disney where the reward at the end can't be beat!

 

[lockedoutlogic]

As for Fleury, you're just mad because he shut out Jersey last night. lol

The most meaningless shutout in NHL history...he puts the puck in his own net in the playoffs when it counts.

(Context... When I was about ten I was flipping through our TCI cable and I came upon this sport played on ice...not much to do in the winter in the hills...and I saw this big, gliding French Canadian moving around and fighting off defenders like gnats on KBL broadcasts...best hands in the history of the game...his number was in the 60s. Watched probably 90% of every game since...including 15 years out of market. Circa 85-86
Not to hijack the thread... But what's your story?...for curiosity purposes)

And if the "State" in your name is what I think it is...I been there, done that too. The "state" is blue and shouldn't sound like Oklahoma...no offense to boomer sooner.

 

[Shauna123]

K. I am usually just a lurker on these boards but Midway has really angered me. My 19 year old son has cerebral palsy and has a motorized wheel chair. We have a family of 6 and we have been going to Disney since he was young. My husband injures his back every time we go yo transfer him onto rides like Thunder Mountain just so he can have a normal experience and smile. Yes we have used the GAC card and yes we have gotten onto rides at times more quickly however other rides like Toy Story Mania we wait longer so that he can ride in his wheelchair-there is a special car for that. I will trade you any day of the week your "waits" at Disney for my son's disability. How about that?! You people that say you have "compassion" don't have a freaking clue and until you can "walk" a mile in our shoes you will NEVER understand a thing about fairness and equality. Rant over.

 

[sharadoc]

K. I am usually just a lurker on these boards but Midway has really angered me. My 19 year old son has cerebral palsy and has a motorized wheel chair. We have a family of 6 and we have been going to Disney since he was young. My husband injures his back every time we go yo transfer him onto rides like Thunder Mountain just so he can have a normal experience and smile. Yes we have used the GAC card and yes we have gotten onto rides at times more quickly however other rides like Toy Story Mania we wait longer so that he can ride in his wheelchair-there is a special car for that. I will trade you any day of the week your "waits" at Disney for my son's disability. How about that?! You people that say you have "compassion" don't have a freaking clue and until you can "walk" a mile in our shoes you will NEVER understand a thing about fairness and equality. Rant over.

Yep, these threads always have one - they know EXACTLY what's wrong with us and why we should shut up and not expect special treatment, etc. etc. It's our lot in life to accept that we have a disabled child and we don't deserve to do anything but take care of them. After all, how dare we ask for something special!!

Oh yeah, and 9 times out of 10, it's a man. Usually it's the man who walks out on the family when their son is diagnosed with autism too. They just can't understand it and they'd rather leave than deal with it. I think they just like to stir the pot. Make them feel like a big man!

I guess they'd like to take away all the privileges WISH kids get too. What did Ebeneezer Scrooge say - "decrease the surplus population". Yeah, right.

We're in this together!!

 

[Planogirl]

Somewhere between the two extremes I see on this thread is likely the rational truth. I would just suggest giving the new system a chance first. If you believe that Disney means well then I'm sure that they'll tweak it if it's needed.

 

[OneLittleSpark1]

K. I am usually just a lurker on these boards but Midway has really angered me. My 19 year old son has cerebral palsy and has a motorized wheel chair. We have a family of 6 and we have been going to Disney since he was young. My husband injures his back every time we go yo transfer him onto rides like Thunder Mountain just so he can have a normal experience and smile. Yes we have used the GAC card and yes we have gotten onto rides at times more quickly however other rides like Toy Story Mania we wait longer so that he can ride in his wheelchair-there is a special car for that. I will trade you any day of the week your "waits" at Disney for my son's disability. How about that?! You people that say you have "compassion" don't have a freaking clue and until you can "walk" a mile in our shoes you will NEVER understand a thing about fairness and equality. Rant over.

I am not understanding your beef. I didn't personally read anything from anyone on here that had to do with wheelchairs. Disney has already said that accommodations are in place for those with mobility issues, and a DAS won't even be needed.

Speaking only for myself, but I bet others would agree that it's understandable that sometimes wheelchair users get on a ride quicker, as they have to wait for an assessable vehicle to come, and when it does it does. I would never expect someone to possibly wait twice as long as myself for another wheelchair assessable vehicle to come back around, just bc you didn't wait have the same wait as the standby people. (Did that make sense? I really tried). I also don't think anyone would disagree with me that no one minds waiting so your son can board. From what I have seen on here, most of the beef has to do with the kids who will have a meltdown if they can't ride this ride NOW or multiple time...in a row even.

Yep, these threads always have one - they know EXACTLY what's wrong with us and why we should shut up and not expect special treatment, etc. etc. It's our lot in life to accept that we have a disabled child and we don't deserve to do anything but take care of them. After all, how dare we ask for something special!!

Oh yeah, and 9 times out of 10, it's a man. Usually it's the man who walks out on the family when their son is diagnosed with autism too. They just can't understand it and they'd rather leave than deal with it. I think they just like to stir the pot. Make them feel like a big man!

I guess they'd like to take away all the privileges WISH kids get too. What did Ebeneezer Scrooge say - "decrease the surplus population". Yeah, right.

We're in this together!!

Really? No one said you don't deserve to do anything but take care of your child...you are free to go to WDW anytime you want and ride what you want...at the same times as everyone else.
The issue is when you think you deserve special treatment. To quote you, "How dare we ask for something special?" Entitlement...no one there is entitled any more than anyone else, disabled or not.


The problem is not your kid alone, if they were the only one anyone had to wait for. The problem is yours, and the 10 other people in this thread alone (never mind the whole forum), and the 100 other on another forum I have been on, along with the masses that we don't know on forums. Add them all together, and at a certain point (as Disney has already acknowledged) non disabled people are in the minority and the FP line is no longer FAST. It's not a personal thing, I am not understanding why people take it so personal. If we were talking about 1 person or even 10 people it wouldn't be a big deal. We are talking 100's or 1000's of people, and if Disney is admitting that it is at in partial due to the "increasing and alarming rate" of people using GAC, how can one not understand that there is an issue.

As for your presumptions about Midway being a man...and your rant about that...wow. What presumptions, we are assuming a lot with that one aren't we...and you know what they say about assuming. I think it's hilarious that if someone doesn't agree that you and your child should receive special treatment or agree with the new DAS system or agrees that GAC was not working the way it was created to...they must be a deadbeat dad with a special needs child. :rofl2: That is quite a stretch there...you sound very bitter.

 

[cjbcam]

I think the new system is a good compromise. Our fear/issue is the change from the old way to a new one. If anyone knows someone with autism, you know that sticking to routines is common and change in that routine can lead to serious issues and/or meltdowns. We have been going since 2009 and have used a GAC for our son who is minimally verbal, but we have encouraged him to use language as much as possible at Disney World. He loves it there and really opens up and functions very well when we're there.

But, he does not understand abstract concepts or complex language. How do we explain to him that he can no longer go onto a ride the same way. That now he has to ask permission from someone and it could be a while. That's my concern - the change from the old way and the inability for our son to understand.

So, I guess we'll just be accepting our lot in life and if it doesn't work, we won't be coming back to Disney World. So that will give all of you who don't want us to take your space in line to get on a little quicker. Meanwhile you'll go home and be able to watch your kids go to school on their own, learn to drive, get married and have kids of their own while we'll sit in our living room hoping our son says more than two words at a time and live our life the same way until we are gone and he's in a group home or an institution with no one to hug him or tell him they love him.

At least for that one week in Disney World, we climb out of that sadness and despair and enjoy our life together as a family having fun, because Disney went out of their way to do that for us. And I guess that's gone for good.

So for all people that don't have a disabled child but can't afford to go every year, like you do, we should just suck it up? We should just sit back and watch all these people with unlimited fast pass go on ride after ride? While we get to go on maybe five or six rides? Oh and just because I don't have a disabled child I never have to deal with meltdowns and my 3 and 5 year olds love waiting in lines patiently (sarcastic). Too many people use the cards so it's not like we have to just wait for you, we have to wait for you and fifty other people. I am sorry you got dealt a rough hand but when I am only able and will only be able to take my kids on trips like that one or two times while they are growing up I want my kids to have the best times of their life. I am not thinking about you getting your kid on ride after ride, yes my family comes first to me not yours. My family deserves to enjoy our life for that week too. So while you are sitting there feeling sorry for yourself and resenting people with kids that aren't disabled think about how lucky you are to be able to go to Disney World multiple times. Now don't turn that back around on me saying well I would only go once or twice if my child could not be disabled. I would never want to walk in your shoes and I'm not going to pretend I know how rough you have it. You also don't know what it's like in mine either. This new way is supposed to help people like you enjoy yourself to the best of your ability and I hope it works out once given a shot. It will also help people like me enjoy our time better as well.