Walt Disney World and Disneyland are changing their Disability Access Service (DAS) program policies. Qualifications, registration procedures and length of validity will be adapted and guests who lie about having a disability in order to cut the parks’ lines will face a lifelong ban from the California and Florida resorts.
“Disney is dedicated to providing a great experience for all guests, including those with disabilities, which is why we are so committed to delivering a wide range of innovative support services aimed at helping our guests with disabilities have a wonderful time when visiting our theme parks”, a spokesperson said in a statement.
The Disability Access Service doesn’t mean guests don’t have to wait in line. However, they don’t have to do so in person but they can instead join the queue virtually and wait for their turn wherever they want, before joining the line for a short period of time. This rule doesn’t apply to just anyone with a disability, for exmple, it does not apply or as guests who are equipped to be able to wait in line just as long as anyone else. Disney defines the service as one for “Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.”
In order to determine whether or not someone qualifies for the DAS, guests could previously meet a specially trained cast member online or through a physical check at one of the two resorts. This now changes. Starting from 20 May, guests at Disney World may only enroll in DAS with a virtual video meeting beforehand or on the day of their visit. Disneyland, on the other hand, continues organising online meet-ups and will be moving checks in person to the outside esplanade area between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Once the DAS is assigned, it can be used by the person with a disability and up to four companions, or more if there are more than four direct family members.
As far as lying about disabilities goes, Disney now has a dedicated answer on its Frequently Asked Questions page: “If it is determined that any of the statements a guest made in the process of obtaining DAS are not true, the guest will be permanently barred from entering the Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort, and any previously purchased Annual Passes, Magic Key passes, tickets and other park products and services will be forfeited and not refunded.”
