Article: Is Disney Dissing the Disabled?

[OneLittleSpark1]

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.

Nicely said.

 

[buckeev]

..., he spends the same amount of money on a ticket but can't stay long so we should just let him on all of the rides first with no wait......

ReallY...? I did not see his letter say that.

...

 

[OneLittleSpark1]

Is Disney Dissing the Disabled to Solve Its Cheating Problem?

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2013/10/03/disney-dissing-disabled-solve-abuse-problem/

ReallY...? I did not see his letter say that.

...

I assume that the letter link quoted above is the one your referring to. If I am correct, why in fact it does say that...

"When we go to the parks, it's never an all-day affair. Like many children with ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome, and other autistic strains or afflictions that cut social outings short, we're there for a couple of hours at best.

Armed with charter annual passes and the Guest Assistance Card we've been able to tackle a lot before it's time to head out as the crowds storm in. We were never able to conquer as many rides and attractions as all-day guests despite paying as much. The new Disabled Assistance System will make visits by parents of autistic children even less productive before meltdowns and stern looks from judgmental park guests cut short treks even shorter."

 

[becpee]

This is a very fine line, and I can see both sides.

As somebody who spends thousands of dollars to get to Disney before I walk in the gates of ANY Disney park, I want my trip to go as seamlessly as possible.
I plan to the enth degree, I read tour guide Mike, I plan my meals to get the most our of my families experience.

When I see a dozen people getting pushed through the line that i've been waiting in for what seems like a damn long time because one of them *may* be suffering a disability (I realise not all disabilities are out there for all to see) it irks me, yep, it does, and that doesn't make me a bad person.
I question the outgoing policy wholeheartedly because of those that have knowingly abused the system for years, blame them for people questioning the old policy.

I don't think they're dissing the disabled, I think they're trying to make a fairer system for ALL guests, disabled or not, obviously they've realised the old system hasn't worked the way they've wanted it to because alot of people have abused it.

My sister has just returned from DL, last week in fact, after her first visit.
One of the first things she brought up was having 10 people running through the fast pass line with the one child in a wheelchair, then yes, getting off the ride and running through the fast pass line again while they were still waiting, extremely frustrating for those that are waiting and seeing this.

This may sound harsh, but if you think Disney are dissing the disabled, stop giving them your money, try and give them solutions that work for all guests and make the system fair for all.

 

[Crazy4Disney72]

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.

Sharon, I feel for you. My middle DS is on the spectrum and cognitively impaired, and like your son, he loves Disney and always responded well there and was far more interactive there than he ever was at home. He learned to recognize his name there, his colors there, and even finally, at almost 8 years old, was finally potty trained there. People who do not have a child with disabilities simply cannot understand what everyday life is like for families with children with disabilities. If our lives seem 'easier' the one week a year we are at Disney because we might be able to get on an attraction faster than someone with typically developing children can, they should look at our lives the other 51 weeks a year.

Fortunately for us, our DS has come a long way. He is 16, with a mental age of 7 and PDD, but he is communicative. I think for him, Disney's new policy will work, because he is able to tolerate moderate waits, particularly if he is not stuck in a small space with other closely crowded around as is the case in the regular lines. When he was little, it probably would not have worked, especially on the days when the meltdowns were so frequent and we were lucky if we could do 4-6 hours in the park. For families that currently have those challenges, and even worse challenges that this policy is not going to work for, I feel very sorry for them, and angry at those who abused the system.

Here's my question.....people say Disney can't check for 'proof' of disability, hence why it was so easy to scam the system. My question is, why not? Why is that a violation of privacy? My dad has a handicap placard for his car, and I'm pretty sure he had to have a doctor's note detailing his need for it before it was issued. How is this any different? To me, if you are asking for accommodations that differ from what everyone else gets, you should have to prove it. Anybody that has a problem with that probably doesn't really have a true need! And yes, I do know of several families who have children on the spectrum who did not truly need the GAC for faster access to attractions (because really, that is what it typically provides, not always, but generally if it's not a mobility issue), but heard you could get it so they did. These are families who go to Hershey Park, Dutch Wonderland, and other places and stand in the regular lines and the kids are fine. So yes, I do believe this system was abused even by those who were not totally lying, their child had a disability but they greatly exagerated the needs in order to get the GAC. Shame on them.

 

[SueM in MN]

I posted this information earlier this morning on the disABILITIES Board

Here is the link to the WDW website page for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/guests-with-disabilities/disabilities-cognitive/

A page with more information, which includes a link to a page with DAS FAQs (the same as in post 9:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/guests-with-disabilities/disabilities-cognitive/

It includes a link to the new guidebook, which looks very complete(41 pages)
It has a wonderful table listing each attraction in one place, with information on things like bumps, surprises, getting wet.
https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me...disabilities-services/wdw_cognitive_guide.pdf

The information for Disneyland is also available
Link to DL page for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities, including a page link for DAS FAQs (which is the same information as in post 9)
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/guest-services/cognitive-disabilities/

And a link to the new Disneyland Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities. It also looks very complete - 19 pages, but Disneyland is smaller than WDW. It includes a nice table listing all attractions and things like bumps, surprises, getting wet, etc:
https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me...nd-Resource-Guests-Cognitive-Disabilities.pdf

 

[OneLittleSpark1]

If our lives seem 'easier' the one week a year we are at Disney because we might be able to get on an attraction faster than someone with typically developing children can, they should look at our lives the other 51 weeks a year.



Here's my question.....people say Disney can't check for 'proof' of disability, hence why it was so easy to scam the system. My question is, why not? Why is that a violation of privacy? My dad has a handicap placard for his car, and I'm pretty sure he had to have a doctor's note detailing his need for it before it was issued. How is this any different? To me, if you are asking for accommodations that differ from what everyone else gets, you should have to prove it. Anybody that has a problem with that probably doesn't really have a true need! And yes, I do know of several families who have children on the spectrum who did not truly need the GAC for faster access to attractions (because really, that is what it typically provides, not always, but generally if it's not a mobility issue), but heard you could get it so they did. These are families who go to Hershey Park, Dutch Wonderland, and other places and stand in the regular lines and the kids are fine. So yes, I do believe this system was abused even by those who were not totally lying, their child had a disability but they greatly exagerated the needs in order to get the GAC. Shame on them.

This is where so many people don't seem to understand. Again, I am going to say I am disabled myself, and have a DD with special needs before I continue....

The GAC or DAS was never intended to be a "feel bad bc we have a hard life 51 weeks of the year" pass. It is not about who has it the hardest. Believe me, as a parent of a special needs DD, I get it, I get how hard it is. I also know that there are others much worse off than my DD and my family, for that I am grateful. They could never base the GAC or DAS on who's life is harder. Who is to say, especially not Disney, who's condition is worse, and who deserves shorter wait times bc of it. If people are upset, they should be upset with the people you write about it your last paragraph...the ones who abuse by exaggeration and wanting the perks and the outright cheaters. There got to be too many people needing this accommodation and the purpose is defeated.

As far as the proof of a disability, from what I understand it comes down to HIPPA and ADA requirements. They can not ask it's the law.

I posted this information earlier this morning on the disABILITIES Board

Sorry this has nothing to do with anything, but your avatar pic writing intrigued me. What is like combining the tea cups with a roller coaster? I am interested...not bc I want a ride, tea cups make me sick.

 

[Nigel Channing]

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!!

They always have someone complaining that they won't be able to get their golden fastpass any longer as well. Lots of assumptions in this post.

One article I saw was a parent complaining that her kid won't be able to ride Space Mountain 8 times in a row any longer. EIGHT TIMES! To me, that is abuse and is almost as bad as people lying for front of the line access.

 

[Schmeck]

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.

There's nothing about fairness or equality in the ADA - it's about the opportunity for equal access. So, while I'm sure people feel your pain, there is nothing in the ADA that states that you should get a pass to get past others who are waiting, and may have issues as well. WDW is giving you the opportunity for equal access. You can use FP and get a DAS. If you stay onsite, you can get 3 FP+s scheduled for convenient times as well.

BTW, would you like to walk in my cousin's shoes? Her 3 yr old died, and one thing that haunts me every time we go to WDW is that I never got to take her on the trip that I promised her, as she was never healthy enough to go.

 

[Lsdolphin]

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.

Thank your for your response. As the parent of a young adult with multiple challenges I was horrified by what I read on these dis boards. We have used the GAC card to get access to an average of 2-3 non headliner rides (no roller coasters) in a day as we are only able to remain in a park for approximately 2 hrs before having to leave. I understand that no one ever said that life is fair but Really! We truly appreciate all that Disney does to try and "level the playing field" for our kids.

 

[Robbi]

According to the Guide, those with cognitive disabilities will be able to use FastPass and Fast Pass+. So, FP will still be available.

Also, how will these changes make it more difficult for people not to cheat the system? If they lied before, they can lie again.

 

[SueM in MN]

This is where so many people don't seem to understand. Again, I am going to say I am disabled myself, and have a DD with special needs before I continue....

The GAC or DAS was never intended to be a "feel bad bc we have a hard life 51 weeks of the year" pass. It is not about who has it the hardest. Believe me, as a parent of a special needs DD, I get it, I get how hard it is. I also know that there are others much worse off than my DD and my family, for that I am grateful. They could never base the GAC or DAS on who's life is harder. Who is to say, especially not Disney, who's condition is worse, and who deserves shorter wait times bc of it. If people are upset, they should be upset with the people you write about it your last paragraph...the ones who abuse by exaggeration and wanting the perks and the outright cheaters. There got to be too many people needing this accommodation and the purpose is defeated.

As far as the proof of a disability, from what I understand it comes down to HIPPA and ADA requirements. They can not ask it's the law.



Sorry this has nothing to do with anything, but your avatar pic writing intrigued me. What is like combining the tea cups with a roller coaster? I am interested...not bc I want a ride, tea cups make me sick.

I agree with what you wrote.

I also have a DD with multiple disabilities. There are days when we only get 2 hours in the park. I think this new system is fair to everyone.

And, as far as combining tea cups with a roller coaster, the Tag Fairy gave me that tag. I was describing Primeval Whirl.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) I feel the exact same way.
2) Disabled should get a fair chance, not an advantage.
3) Plus, I am tired of seeing a disabled with a large family accompanying them.
4) Let the family, other than a escort, go through the lines like normal people.


Partial Quote the Article:
Many will argue that the new system is more than fair.
Why should disabled adults or families with challenged children have an advantage at the theme parks?
The Americans with Disabilities Act was put into place to level the experience.
It wasn't drafted so handicapped patrons would enjoy more shows and attractions.

 

[Robbi]

I agree with what you wrote.

I also have a DD with multiple disabilities. There are days when we only get 2 hours in the park. I think this new system is fair to everyone.

And, as far as combining tea cups with a roller coaster, the Tag Fairy gave me that tag. I was describing Primeval Whirl.

So, it takes you guys 4 days to do what most families can do in a day. 2 hours/day x 4 parks = 8 days minimum. Not every family can afford 8 days or more at WDW.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . 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 . . .

1) Alas, the average non-Disney day is not the issue.
2) The day(s) at WDW is the issue.
3) The new card will give times to report to the ride(s).
4) I see nothing wrong with that.
5) Fair-is-fair and equal-is-equal.
6) Everyone pays roughly the same for admittance, so . . .
. . . EVERYONE should have a fair opportunity to ride-the-rides
. . . EVERYONE should have equal access to the rides

So, it takes you guys 4 days to do what most families can do in a day. 2 hours/day x 4 parks = 8 days minimum. Not every family can afford 8 days or more at WDW.

1) So, this should give people the right to jump in front of other paying guests?
2) Fair-is-fair, and you ride as much as you can.
3) Other families may elect to ride only 2-3 hours per day.
4) Should they get rights over guests who stay al day?

 

[OneLittleSpark1]

Warning here: I am going to make a generalized statement...

The argument of being able to only do so many attractions in a short period of time, is NO argument at all. The GAC/DAS was not created for that, it was never meant for that.

Where in Disney (website, brochures, moms panel, anywhere) does it say that each guest is entitled to a certain amount of rides?? There is no ride quota or minimum.

There are lots of guests that for whatever reason can not stay all day at a park. Disability or not. People with babies or young kids that need to nap, and elderly people are just 2 examples of many.

I don't think that anyone can expect Disney to let people go in lines and base the wait times on how long each individual family can spend in the park. That is ludicrous.

 

[OneLittleSpark1]

I agree with what you wrote.

I also have a DD with multiple disabilities. There are days when we only get 2 hours in the park. I think this new system is fair to everyone.

And, as far as combining tea cups with a roller coaster, the Tag Fairy gave me that tag. I was describing Primeval Whirl.

Thanks Sue, I appreciate it.

Aha, now that you told me Primeval Whirl...it's so obvious!

 

[Nigel Channing]

So, it takes you guys 4 days to do what most families can do in a day. 2 hours/day x 4 parks = 8 days minimum. Not every family can afford 8 days or more at WDW.

And some people can't afford to go at all. Are you going to pay for their vacations?

 

[Robbi]

Warning here: I am going to make a generalized statement...

The argument of being able to only do so many attractions in a short period of time, is NO argument at all. The GAC/DAS was not created for that, it was never meant for that.

Where in Disney (website, brochures, moms panel, anywhere) does it say that each guest is entitled to a certain amount of rides?? There is no ride quota or minimum.

There are lots of guests that for whatever reason can not stay all day at a park. Disability or not. People with babies or young kids that need to nap, and elderly people are just 2 examples of many.

I don't think that anyone can expect Disney to let people go in lines and base the wait times on how long each individual family can spend in the park. That is ludicrous.

You're right it doesn't. If we find the new system doesn't work for us, we'll stay offsite for a couple of days which means no Disney resorts, DDP, or APs and less shopping. Instead of booking multiple ADRs, there will only be 1 or 2 instead of 10-14. The tickets for the guests we bring will cost me less money. We'll book the VIP tour and ride our favorites. I'll use my DVC pts. for travel elsewhere. There is a silver lining.

 

[Robbi]

And some people can't afford to go at all. Are you going to pay for their vacations?

Actually, I am paying and have paid for right around 30 kids to go to WDW over the past 10 years who otherwise would not have been able to go.