By: Lindsey Nolette
The Disney Company will no longer be allowing disabled patrons to go to the front of the line. This system has been a long-time victim of a continuously growing number of abusers; now those who suffer from real disabilities will be forced to use a new and somewhat faulty setup.
Currently, those with disabilities are allowed to acquire a guest assistance card, which grants access to the front of the line, usually through exit doors, in order to bypass long lines. The new system is similar to Disney’s Fastpass. Guest can get a new disability access card, which has a time to enter the attraction based on the wait time.
“We have an unwavering commitment to making our parks accessible to all guests, given the increasing volume of requests we receive for special access to our attractions, we are changing our process to create a more consistent experience for all our guests while providing accommodations for guests with disabilities. We engaged disability groups, such as Autism Speaks, to develop this new process, which is in line with the rest of our industry,” said Disney spokeswoman Suzi Brown to CNN in an attempt to quiet the backlash this new system is creating.
And who can blame Disney for making an effort to crack down on violators? The New York Post ran an article about rich Manhattan moms hiring handicapped Disney World tour guides in order to cut the lines.
“The woman said she hired a Dream Tours guide to escort her, her husband and their 1-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter through the park in a motorized scooter with a “handicapped” sign on it. The group was sent straight to an auxiliary entrance at the front of each attraction,” the New York Post reported.
With the high number of abusers one would think that the public would be okay with the enforcement of this new system, but many parents are outraged that Disney is no longer as accessible as it once was. CNN quotes Erin Moya, mother of a 4-year-old son with spina bifida, as saying, “For example, my son, similar to many others living with disabilities, has special medical procedures that have to be done at a specific frequency throughout the day.” Now their trips must be scheduled around these procedures as well as with the enforcement of designated times, turning Disney, which was once a haven for those vacationing with disabilities, into a stressful experience.
Disney World is known for giving their guests everything they need and making sure they have a good time at the parks. Following the mantra of “Welcome Home,” the enforcement of the new system for disabled patrons will follow this mantra like every other service in the parks. Disney still wants their guests to feel comfortable and to have great memories. Although the new system is hesitant and fragile, we know as consumers that Disney will do everything in their power to make sure guests with disabilities have as much enjoyment as a non-disabled guest. Whether this system works out perfectly or is rejected and a new one is created in its place, disabled patrons have nothing to fear. Disney will take care of all their needs.
