Disabled in Disney

[Tink1024]

Hi all,

I'm sure you've all heard about the new Disney policy for the disabled, and I'd like to see what others have to say about it. Being confined to a wheelchair, I've always been extremely satisfied with the way they handled disabled guests in the parks. However, these new rules just aren't going to be compliant for the mentally and physically handicapped guests anymore. Think about all the children who visit Disney either through Make A Wish or Give Kids the World...they need these special services the most. Disney has always been so accommodating and understanding with my needs, and I'm sure they've dealt with plenty other park goers in similar situations. But, now, all of a sudden the disabled has to suffer from the wrong doings that were caused by some people who didn't have the patience to wait in line.

I wrote about my personal experiences and thoughts about the new policy on the Huffington Post. I hope that you will all take a minute to read this article as it is from the perspective of a WDW guest in a wheelchair (me!), and I hope it helps to understand how the new policy is going to personally affect us. Let's hope Disney reconsiders these new changes!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alyssa-silva/disabled-in-disney_b_4003042.html

 

[SueM in MN]

Although the abuse has been in the news recently, Disney has been looking at the problems with use of the Guest Assistance Cards for a long time.

The population is aging and there are more people going to Disney parks with disabilities all the time. They simply could not continue to accommodate them all under the way the Guest Assistance Card was working.
This article explains it very well.
http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201309/3695/
And this picture shows what can happen when a line gets overloaded with guests with special needs.

This is the handicapped line for Small World. Most lines handle guests with mobility devices thru the regular line, but some, like Small World, have a handicapped entrance because the regular line is not accessible.
All the people you can see in the photo are in the handicapped line and their wait will probably is about one hour. The actual entrance of the handicapped line is in in front of the man and woman wearing orange shirts. To their right, you can see someone trying to get out - just behind her is the main ride exit.
The 'regular' entrance is the the left of the picture, where you can see some signs.
This is a picture from the front of the ride at the same time.

You can see the 25 minute wait posted and see how widely spaced people are in the regular line.
This is one of the things that Disney is trying to correct with the new program.

Please read this thread if you have questions about the new program.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3178976

 

[SashaFarce]

I recommend getting familiar with the policy. When you do, you'll see that the MAW kids and the like aren't affected by this. Also, plenty of other theme parks use similar policies and it seems to be going well for them.

 

[SueM in MN]

I recommend getting familiar with the policy. When you do, you'll see that the MAW kids and the like aren't affected by this. Also, plenty of other theme parks use similar policies and it seems to be going well for them.

And, if you want to discuss the change itself, there is an active thread on the Rumors and News Board
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3181372

And one on the Dis Unplugged Board.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3174463

But, as the other poster mentioned, kids on WISH trips are not included and many parks use similar policies & procedures.

Also, just because people can get up from their ECV or wheelchair doesn't mean they are not disabled. Specifically, at Spaceship Earth that you mentioned in your article, many people board at the exit area because it is too difficult for them to walk the distance thru the line to get onto the ride in the usual way.
Some need a little extra time to get into their ride car from the moving walkway, which they can get by boarding there.

I am closing this thread because there are other places where the changes can be discussed.