Last month, when the Walt Disney Company announced that it was utterly revamping the Disability Access Service Program at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, the blowback from those who had previously used the DAS system was brutal.
Some created petitions to return the old system, while others threatened Disney with Federal Lawsuits for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act. Despite the public pressure, Disney World will institute its new policy in just over two weeks, with Disneyland to follow on June 18.
Related: ‘Misplaced Entitlement’ Legal Expert Completely Destroys Arguments Against Disney’s DAS Changes
With time running out, Disability Advocate Kevin T. Mintz took to the pages of the Orlando Sentinel to accuse Walt Disney World of “ableism, sexism, and corporate greed,” and renounce all of Disney’s arguments for changing the DAS pass system.
Disney has chosen a policy that is blind to the different kinds of care and kinship arrangements that disabled folks create for themselves. Perhaps unintentionally, Disney is feeding into the stereotype that those with developmental disabilities are eternal children who are always reliant on parents for help. The company is living in a Fantasyland, one rooted in ableism and sexism rather than magic and imagination.
The new DAS pass system will require guests seeking a DAS pass to have a virtual meeting with a cast member before arrival. It also limits the people who are eligible for a DAS pass to those with a developmental disability such as autism.
By his estimation, Mintz believes that this new system will make 90-95 percent of the people formerly eligible are no longer eligible. This number includes those with “invisible disabilities” that would require them to use the bathroom while waiting in long lines.
However, Mintz’s main complaint about the change has little to do with the lack of inclusion. Instead, he argues that Disney is showing its corporate greed by eliminating the program.
When Disney announced the changes to the DAS pass program, it said that, as an alternative, guests and their families who could not wait in long lines could skip the lines using the Disney Genie Plus Lightning Lane pass.
However, while the Disability Access Service Pass was free, Disney Genie Plus Lightning Lane passes are not. And if a guest like Mintz requires additional assistance to get into Disney World attractions, you must pay Disney Genie Plus for every person at your party.
What frustrates me most, however, is that after all this time, Disney is again painting itself as a hero in safeguarding disability modifications from abuse. While Disney should take reasonable steps to ensure that DAS is not abused, these changes also mean that increasing numbers of disabled people will be forced to purchase expensive Disney products to skip lines and enjoy the parks.
I understand that the company has a legitimate interest in maximizing profits. But I am tired of profits making it harder for me and others with disabilities to access Disney.
For its part, Disney World and Disneyland have said that abuse has been rampant in the DAS program. Guests would misuse the program to skip the line at rides and attractions.
Disney has said that this new policy will cut down on abuse by able-bodied individuals who do not have a genuine need for the program and will allow disabled individuals to access the program better.
Well-meaning arguments and protests aside, it appears that Disney World and Disneyland will continue with the changes in the DAS pass. Disney assumes that guests who formerly used the program will continue to do so but will spend their money on the privilege of skipping the line.
What do you think of the changes coming to Disney’s DAS program?
This post originally appeared on Inside the Magic.
I don’t qualify for the DAS program, BUT WE pay the some as everyone Why is there so few wheelchair accessible rides?
I have always used the DAS system because of an invisible condition. Without this system Disney is no longer an option for me and my family. Please Disney rethink your changes and Institute a system that is favorable to disabled visitors. I have been a guest since the 70’s and now that I need a little help you have removed DAS for the majority.
I had to use the DAS SYSTEM
DISNEY DOES NOT CARE ABOUT ANYONE BUT TOURISTS DOING STUPID THINGS ALL OVER THE PARKS OR GAY RIGHTS BEING THEIR TOP PRIORITY OR CHANGING ALL CLASSIC CHARACTERS THAT PUT DISNEY ON THE MAP BY CHANGING TO BLACK CHARACTERS ENOUGH IS ENOUGH I AM BEGINNING TO BE SO DISGUSTED WITH DISNEY FOR THEIR ATTITUDES TOWARDS WHITES
about time they are cracking down on the scammers!!! I could use it but i won’t beacuase too many OTHER people abuse it….congrats Disney!!!!
Perfect Response!!!
We need the DAS, but we don’t need Disney. By by
Disney is a shallow company when it comes to guests. They would rather have the non handicapped cutesy millennial social media influencers that have the perfect family genes flood their parks to make everything look “magical” instead of the regular normal looking humans that have physical flaws. It’s like the chick that only wants the hot guy to make her look good out in public.the last three years going to DW I see guests and it’s like I’m at a model con.
While I understand Disney’s position, they need to go back to the drawing board! Perhaps a legal document from the person’s doctor stating DAS is needed WITHOUT disclosing the medical condition, this not breaking the HIPPA law.
As a parent of a now disabled adult whom is my daughter and whom I am her guardian and such we have been utilizing this pass since my child was 4 years old. It started out as GAC guest assistance card and you showed it to a cast member and could enter the fast pass lane upon arrival. That was changed to what was the DAS. You were now given a time to come back, so lets say the wait was 40 minutes you would come back to the now lightning lane 40 minutes later and they would scan the person who is eligible for the pass and those connected to it. Since the genie plus has come into play we purchase that along with using the DAS. Sadly it wasn’t the disabled who are responsible for this revamp it was those who were not disabled who took advantage of this and made it the way it is now. When we first used the GAC I had my paperwork and they refused to see it due to HIPPA LAWS. When COVID was in play they made cruise ship folks upload their vaccine cards. I wish they would allow us to upload our Diagnosis from our Dr and specialist because that would help those truly in need and hopefully make it really hard for those who choose to game the system
Disney is wrongly assuming that those that can not receive the DAS pass willl PURCHASE the LL.. THey are very wrong. There will be less visits and no rides.
We appreciate the DAS system due to the anxiety my daughter expresses due to long, loud, dark, flashing lighted lines. She does well hustling directly to the ride with the rest of us, leaving no time to get anxious! She’s now 30 and we have enjoyed Disney for almost 100 times. Thanks for all you do for inclusion!
It’s funny how a bunch of liars, cheaters, and scam artists are pushing so hard to change this crucial policy back to its original state. If you truly have a disability you will be fine. If you try to fake one to get the benefits you won’t be fine. It’s really that easy. People will do anything for the upper hand and cheaters hate it right now.