Disabilities & virtual queues in Disneyland Paris

[Karin1984]

Hey all,

I am curious what people on this board think of a development we have here at Disneyland Paris. Causing a bit of a stir, and I like to hear more opinions.

In Paris we have 2 types of disability passes, 1. Where you can get into a ride or show using a back entrance, no return time necessary. You just show up. 2. Where you get a return time.

They have now implemented for the indoor characters (at fixed locations) a virtual queue. Twice a day, 9.45am & 2.00pm a batch of tickets is released and you book a slot in the app. The app determines your return time. There is no choosing and there are no alternatives. It is virtual queuing only. As tickets can go incredibly fast, it is system based on luck, and a bit of experience and skill to quickly navigate in the app.

Those with disability passes are in the same boat as all other guests. They have to book like all the other guests.

There are some with pass #1 who have issues, saying it is less inclusive as there only 2 chances a day (what if you have slow starters, you have to be in the park to book), what if you need a medical break and can't be book on time or cant be back on time, you can still have a wait when you return.

Issues having to explain this system to those in your party who have difficulty understanding the concept of a line. To have to explain to a child with cognitive disabilities, for example: "no, you cannot meet Mickey this time as mommy wasn't able to book a slot."

The only really valid issue I have heard is for those who are blind or visually impaired and cannot use or have difficulty using the app. No idea how Disney solves this.

I have pass #1, and I am not a fan of this system, however I do think it is good all guests have equal chances. Most of the issues mentioned could also happen under the old system.

There are also those with a pass who like the system, as this gives them a chance. In the old system lines at the princesses & Mickey could still be 45 minutes even with a pass, so some never did meet these characters.

But I cannot think of every scenario with any possible disability, so, I am curious. What do you think of this system. How do the virtual lines in the US work if you use DAS?

Thank you!

 

[lanejudy]

It sounds similar to how Virtual Queue worked at WDW. Everybody had the same chances to obtain a VQ (7am or 1pm). If you weren't lucky or quick enough to get one, you didn't ride. DAS holders also had to obtain a VQ in the usual manner, however could report to the attraction within the VQ window and be allowed into the FP+/LL queue immediately instead of waiting in the regular queue.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I don't see an issue with it at all - everyone has the same chance, disabled or not.

 

[SueM in MN]

It sounds similar to how Virtual Queue worked at WDW. Everybody had the same chances to obtain a VQ (7am or 1pm). If you weren't lucky or quick enough to get one, you didn't ride. DAS holders also had to obtain a VQ in the usual manner, however could report to the attraction within the VQ window and be allowed into the FP+/LL queue immediately instead of waiting in the regular queue.

I agree.
We used Virtual Queue with DAS at WDW multiple times when it was in effect and found it worked pretty well. Were we always lucky enough to get the Virtual Queue spot? No, but pretty much no one was. So, anyone might be in the circumstance of having to tell their child(ren), "no, we can't go. We didn't get a spot."

It gives everyone the same chance of getting the Virtual Queue attraction. At WDW, the first Virtual Queue availability was at 7 AM and guests didn't need to be in the park for it. The guest with a disability didn't need to be the one registering for Virtual Queue; it could be anyone in their group.
At WDW, guests did need to be in the park for the 1 PM Virtual Queue drop. That one usually didn't fill up as quickly, so there was a better chance of getting it.

And, as lanejudy mentioned, guests with DAS could report to the attraction during the Virtual Queue time window and enter with a shorter wait than other guests with Virtual Queue in that time window