TIME FOR A RANT!!!!! Today Show story

[Robin"D"]

Has anybody else seen this??!!??

ARE YOU KIDDING ME???!!???

WHAT ARE PEOPLE THINKING???!!!???

http://www.today.com/news/undercover-disney-deplorable-scheme-skip-lines-6C10131266

SOME SORRY PEOPLE.....

Robin & Angel "D"

 

[timmac]

At this point, the story is actually pretty old news, been out for a few weeks now.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

At this point, the story is actually pretty old news, been out for a few weeks now.

True, but this is the first time there's been video evidence of it happening.

 

[WaltD4Me]

I'm rather speechless right now. The comments made by the "tour guides" are unbelievable. So they don't care about bypassing people who have been waiting in line, but how about how their actions may very well effect other disabled people? I hope they catch these people and ban them for life.

 

[rteetz]

These people are insane. Those two don't even look disabled one bit I can't believe these people don't care about what they are doing. Disney needs to put together a new policy for there disabled guests even though it may not be fair this is unacceptable. if you dont want to wait in a long line get a fastpass they are free for everyone and give you little to no wait times. I think maybe disabled guests should maybe automatically get fastpasses and not sit and wait in line all day long. this is not acceptable to hire a "disabled" guide and get on rides with no problems what so ever.

disney lover at heart

 

[wiigirl]

 

[WebmasterJohn]

I didn't want to believe this story was true when we first read it on the show. It seemed so despicable that it had to be 'made up'.

Seeing the video shows just how awful these people are and they should be ashamed of themselves.

Not sure what Disney can do to stop this from happening altogether but let's hope Ryan and Mara get stopped at the gates and banned from the parks for life!!!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

This video was at Disneyland.

At WDW the Guest Assistance Card specifically states it is not intended to bypass lines.

Also, at WDW the normal and official response from Guest Relations for mobility and/or stamina issues is to recommend renting a wheelchair or ECV.

At WDW almost all lines are "mainstreamed" where a person with a disability will go through the regular line to the Load area. If there are stairs, at a certain point in the line the people with the wheelchair or ECV will then be led to a special area. But they still have gone most of the way through the line.

And there are very few attractions where you bypass the line entirely.

And I have noted that when I am in an ECV certain attractions actually have a longer wait for people using the alternate route.

 

[darrengs]

...Those two don't even look disabled one bit...

Please be aware that you can't "see" all disabilities.

 

[JimmyV]

I didn't want to believe this story was true when we first read it on the show. It seemed so despicable that it had to be 'made up'.

...or at a minimum, overexaggerated. Maybe a one-off instance that someone blogged about and it caught fire on social media. But no. It is real. And it is really disgusting. The biggest problem is that it is situations like this (with Ryan and Mara waltzing in with GAC cards, seemingly able-bodied and profitting all the while) that will cause people to continue to question the legitimacy of other people's "invisible" disabilities. That sort of insensitivity has always been a problem when it comes to wheel chairs, scooters and GAC cards. And people like Ryan and Mara will only make the problem worse.

 

[WaltD4Me]

...or at a minimum, overexaggerated. Maybe a one-off instance that someone blogged about and it caught fire on social media. But no. It is real. And it is really disgusting. The biggest problem is that it is situations like this (with Ryan and Mara waltzing in with GAC cards, seemingly able-bodied and profitting all the while) that will cause people to continue to question the legitimacy of other people's "invisible" disabilities. That sort of insensitivity has always been a problem when it comes to wheel chairs, scooters and GAC cards. And people like Ryan and Mara will only make the problem worse.

This ^^^ It bothers me so much how a story like this will effect people who are legitimately using GAC cards. An FB acquaintance already sent me a link to the video with an "I told you so" message.

 

[kbelle8995]

I recently just last week toured the park with a person in a wheelchair. We did not go the front of the line nor did we expect to. It was my parent who is having a hip problem. He can't walk the park but still wanted to go. Like stated on the podcast the line has been mainlined. The only one that sent us to the front was the Land boatride but I think that will stop with time.

These people just make it bad for everyone and that's the big problem here.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

1. The ADA does not allow requiring proof of a disability if the individual is granted access equal to that of a person without a disability, to the extent possible. It only requires proof if a person will be granted access that is more than a person without a disability. Accordingly, Disney in the United States is not legally permitted to ask for any proof of a disability.

2. I found that in Disneyland Paris they do require proof of a disability. But the equal to the GAC is automatically a front-of-the-line pass. And even though I was in my ECV (which I brought with me) I still needed to get their Access Pass. Luckily I knew this in advance and brought my car hang tag.

3. It is unfortunate, but here is a sample letter from a doctor. I will analyze it afterwards.

(Starting with the doctor's letterhead, with the Doctor's name, address, phone, DEA Number, etc)

To Whom It May Concern:

My patient, Alfred E. Neuman, suffers from severe multiple onychocryptosis. Due to Mr. Neuman's condition he is unable to stand for prolonged periods without extreme pain; accordingly, please allow him immediate access to seating for all rides and shows. Any other considerations and courtesies which can be offered to Mr. Neuman will be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely

/s/ Heinz Doofenshmirtz, MD

If I am handed a letter such as that (which I cannot ask for) and the Guest demands that I read it I will do so.

A. Although I am not medically trained I have some non-technical medical knowledge. The Guest should not expect me to know what onychocryptosis is.

B. We do not give a FOTL Pass, and a GAC states on it that it is not intended to bypass lines. The only Guests who get a GAC with FOTL access are children on a Wish Trip. So I cannot give a GAC for immediate seating.

C. As there does to be an indication of a need (unable to stand for prolonged periods) I will take the official stance of suggesting that the Guest rent a wheelchair, or, if 18 or older, to rent an ECV. At least this one does give a need and not just a diagnoses.

D. As far as "other considerations and courtesies", we will always do what can be best, in our opinion, to assist a Guest with their needs so they can have equal access.

E. And as far as the doctor's note itself, I have no idea if:

i. The note was actually signed by the doctor.

ii. Mr. Neuman is actually a patient of Dr. Doofenschmirtz

iii. Does Dr. Doofenschmirtz actually exist, or

iv. Is Dr. Doofenschmirtz actually a licensed physician.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

While I am thrilled that Disney is doing something about this, the conversation in another thread about “special rights” and “fake disabilities” and ECV users going ahead of people’s precious children on the bus is driving me mad.

 

[kuzco-like]

Is it just me, or is anyone else annoyed by the comment by the guy from the American Association for People with Disabilities? He says something about people exploiting people with disabilities to get to the front if the line. Can it really be called exploitation if the disabled people not only willingly participate, but also post the advertisements to offer their "services"? The way it's worded makes the disabled people sound like victims, which, in this type of situation, I don't think is completely accurate. Just my humble opinion.

 

[evildiva]

Is it just me, or is anyone else annoyed by the comment by the guy from the American Association for People with Disabilities? He says something about people exploiting people with disabilities to get to the front if the line. Can it really be called exploitation if the disabled people not only willingly participate, but also post the advertisements to offer their "services"? The way it's worded makes the disabled people sound like victims, which, in this type of situation, I don't think is completely accurate. Just my humble opinion.

No, I'm not annoyed by his comment. I'm glad that he and the organization are backing Disney. These are people who are gaming a system set up to ensure that those who are not blessed with healthy children or other family members can have as much of an enjoyable time as the next person. Taking advantage of this system does exactly what other posters have said here, it puts the "they're not really disabled" stigma on the family who truly have challenges to overcome. Also, I may be wrong, but I believe the only actual Tour Guides allowed to give tours in Disney are cast members. There is a special place in you-know-where for people who take advantage of this wonderful system set up to accommodate those and they're FAMILIES who really need it.

 

[disneyholic family]

all of this makes me very nervous about our upcoming visit..
my son in law does need very special assistance - and in his two visits, WDW was wonderfully helpful...
it is the only way he can possibly visit the parks..
i hope that all of this doesn't affect how he's treated the next time we're there...

it just makes my blood boil...

i can't understand people..

in all of our many many many visits over the past 40 years, it never would have occurred to us to try to abuse the system..
but then tragedy struck...
and rest assured, my son in law would be more than thrilled to not have to need assistance (if only he could turn back the clock to before his tragic accident)...

anyway...makes my blood boil...really...

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Is it just me, or is anyone else annoyed by the comment by the guy from the American Association for People with Disabilities? He says something about people exploiting people with disabilities to get to the front if the line. Can it really be called exploitation if the disabled people not only willingly participate, but also post the advertisements to offer their "services"? The way it's worded makes the disabled people sound like victims, which, in this type of situation, I don't think is completely accurate. Just my humble opinion.

He's not talking about the guides.

 

[Nancy F]

I'll bet those guides weren't even disabled. They are beating more than one system. Bet they're getting a nice check from the state every month too. And PLEASE don't tell me that maybe their disabilty is hidden. They looked like they could get around better than I do. (who's back, knees and every other part hurts by the end of the day) That girl is nothing but a drain on society. So is he. And shame on those who pay them.
Nancy

 

[mytripsandraces]

Is it just me, or is anyone else annoyed by the comment by the guy from the American Association for People with Disabilities? He says something about people exploiting people with disabilities to get to the front if the line. Can it really be called exploitation if the disabled people not only willingly participate, but also post the advertisements to offer their "services"? The way it's worded makes the disabled people sound like victims, which, in this type of situation, I don't think is completely accurate. Just my humble opinion.

I agree completely. That's been my main problem with the way this has been reported from the very beginning. It's never been said that people are looking for people who are disabled and offering to pay them to use their GAC. This is about people who are disabled offering to act as guides in order to let people gain access to their GAC. It's not exploitation if the "exploited" are the ones offering the service. In this case, given the actual ride access granted by a GAC, this is almost the same as buying cheap fake tickets and not getting in, so the "exploited" party is the buyer, who gets to wait in the accessible lines and maybe gains an advantage at 2 or 3 rides, but certainly not front-of-the-line access. The press and even Disney are addressing this as if the buyers of the offered services are doing the wrong thing, when they're not. If you're in a party of up to 6 people and one of them has a GAC, you can all use that access. It is not acceptable to sell the pass and, presumably, access to the pass, so the people in the wrong here are the ones selling the access.