Disney theme parks have seen use of their disability services program skyrocket over the past five years. Is it because cheaters are using the program to avoid what most park-goers simply endure: the ride line?
For years, park visitors have expressed suspicions online about abuse of the program. And now Disney appears to be responding.
This week, the company “reset” elements of the Disabled Access Services system, the use of which has tripled since 2019, a Disney spokesperson confirmed to The Times.
Shannon McEvoy says she knows some people have tried to misuse the system.
For the past four years, the Florida-based travel agent has booked specialized vacations for families and individuals with a variety of disabilities and needs.
McEvoy has become a go-to resource for trips to the Orlando area, particularly Disney World, and plans about 100 vacations a year, he said.
He added that he knows Disney. Disabled access service “inside and out” and works with clients who have mobility issues, autism spectrum disorders, celiac disease and other issues.
Typical questions McEnvoy receives from customers center on the use of scooters and strollers, strollers and DAS passes, which reduce wait times in the park for visitors with special needs.
The work is particularly rewarding, said McEvoy, who suffers from gluten intolerance and knows the rigor of meal planning at theme parks where pizza and churros are king.
However, McEvoy's success has recently attracted “concerning requests” from potential clients.
“I've had able-bodied people come up and ask how they can get a DAS service pass and a guest pass, and they don't have a particular disability,” McEvoy said. “It's sad that these people are trying to game a system that is very dear to me.”
On Tuesday, Disney also seemed to acknowledge something was wrong as it made changes to the 11-year-old program that a Disney spokesman said has become the most popular at its parks in Orlando, Florida, and Anaheim.
The announced changes will go will go into effect on May 20 at Disney World and June 18 at Disneyland.
For the record:
14:34 April 15, 2024An earlier version of this article said Disney would work with Health Alliance, a health insurer, as needed to determine eligibility for DAS. She is working with Inspire Health Alliance, a healthcare consultancy.
They include:
- The parks will hire more cast members overall and provide more training so additional workers can help guests better understand Disney Accessibility Offers.
- Disney will work with healthcare professionals from Inspire Health Alliance, a healthcare consultancy, as necessary to determine eligibility for DAS applicants.
- DAS verification will be expanded and passes will expire in 120 days instead of 60.
- Pass group sizes will be limited to three people plus the pass holder.
The DAS program is “intended to accommodate a small percentage” of park visitors who are developmentally disabled and cannot wait in line. according to Disneyland Guest Services.
Several media reports about changes to the DAS program rules have noted the punishment for people who make false claims when applying for a DAS pass: a permanent ban from access to Disneyland and Disney World, with tickets, annual passes and other services from the park immediately. revoked.
However, that policy is not new and is already in effect. It is explained in the “Frequently Asked Questions” section of the Disney Disability Access Service website.
A DAS pass does not automatically put the recipient at the front of the line. Instead, it provides guests with one hour to return to an attraction, where they will be placed in line with those who have paid more to skip normal wait times.
Currently, Disneyland guests who want a DAS pass have two methods to apply for one: they can speak with a park representative online between two and 30 days before their arrival, or a guest relations employee can meet the applicant at person.
The Disney spokesperson, who did not want to give specific figures on the growth in the use of DAS passes, stated that the increase “is complicated.”
Since the program's introduction, park visitors have complained about reddit and disney forums on people suspected of abusing the system, while debating the benefits of extending DAS passes to people suffering from health problems such as irritable bowel syndrome and neuralgia.
However, some people who have obtained DAS passes are concerned about the revised approach.
McEvoy said she was concerned that Disney would begin denying passes to some people with disabilities who relied on them. He also said park officials had not been clear about what steps they would take to combat abuse.
“I'm concerned that they're going to take a tough stance and enforce what's on their website, which is only for people with cognitive and developmental disabilities,” she said. “That's not fair to people with multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy or something like that, where waiting in a traditional line will certainly diminish the experience.”
A Disneyland spokesperson said park staff “would not speculate on an individual's eligibility,” while acknowledging that “not all accessibility services will be available to all people with disabilities.”
Sydney C. of the Midwest, who asked that her last name not be used for fear of retaliation from Disney fans, says she is a frequent visitor to Disneyland and Disney World.
Sydney, who suffers from PTSD and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, chronicles her experiences using the DAS system on TikTok.
She said she was grateful that Disney was extending the verification validation process to 120 days, which “reduces the anxiety” people with disabilities face by continually having to apply.
One change bothering Sydney is the impending reduction in the group size allowed to accompany a DAS pass holder in line. He said Disney “allowed five or six people to accompany” a DAS pass holder previously.
The Disney spokesperson said the company would accommodate all members of an immediate family and that the reduction was intended to reduce the number of non-nuclear friends and family in line.
Sydney said some of the backlash Disney parks had faced in recent days was due to its inability to “properly communicate what has changed.”
The modifications to the DAS program surprised Lauren Rosenberg, a resident of Boulder, Colorado.
In November 2022, Rosenberg and her husband flew with their 5-year-old daughter, Sophie, for a three-day dream stay at Disney World.
A highlight for Sophie was the Frozen Ever After ride at EPCOT, inspired by the smash hit animation “Frozen,” according to Rosenberg.
Sophie, a fan of the characters Elsa and Olaf, received the DAS pass. The young woman was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis in March 2020. The disease is a type of arthritis that can cause “persistent joint pain, swelling and stiffness” in children. according to the mayo clinic.
Rosenberg said arthritis has affected Sophie's bones and kidneys, leading her to fatigue quickly.
“When I think about that trip,” Rosenberg said, “there's no way Sophie could have done this without the pass.”
Rosenberg said any change in her son's eligibility would likely make her “reconsider” a return trip.
“It was a magical vacation, one we will never forget,” he said. “I hope the pass continues to help others enjoy their magical moments.”
