On April 9, Disney shocked and angered guests when it announced major changes to its Disability Access Service at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. For years, guests with nearly any kind of cognitive or medical disability could use the parks’ DAS program and wait in a shorter line.
On that day in April, Disney said that beginning in late May, only guests with cognitive disabilities would be able to use the service at Disney World. The changes go into effect at Disneyland in mid-June.
Related: Disney Just Told Thousands of People With Disabilities That They Don’t Count
Well, those changes are now in effect, and dozens of people are sharing their stories of being rejected for a DAS pass, even though they desperately need one. This has been especially upsetting for guests who have been able to use Disney’s disability service in the past.
It appears that Disney knows people will be upset by the changes and is trying to avoid trouble. They are so afraid of getting sued that they are making those who do manage to get a DAS pass agree not to file a class action lawsuit against them. The class action clause is found in the new terms and conditions section of the agreement. If they do choose to sue, they must do so on their own.
The new clause reads:
“I understand that after an individualized decision regarding my personal circumstances I may be offered DAS, alternative accommodations, or no accommodations at all. I agree that any lawsuit I may file, or participate in, challenging this decision, the individualized discussion, or the overall process itself, shall be conducted only on an individual basis and not as a plaintiff or class member in a purported class, consolidated or representative action or proceeding.”
This clause is very similar to the one guests sign when they buy a Magic Key (AKA Annual Pass) at the Disneyland Resort. The class-action clause was added to the Magic Key agreement after Disney settled a multi-million dollar lawsuit.
Magic Key Holders claimed that Disney created artificial blackout dates by limiting the number of theme park reservations available to them at any given time. The Dream Key — now called the Inspire Key — was the top-tier Magic Key and allegedly had no blackout dates. However, by limiting the number of reservations available, those Magic Key Holders found themselves unable to make reservations for weeks at a time.
With regard to Disney’s new disability changes, guests whose medical conditions might force them to exit the line will have to speak to a cast member. That cast member will then let the guest rejoin the queue when they are physically able to do so. The people with the guest must remain in line and wait for the guest with the medical condition to return.
Related: Disney’s Own Greed Destroyed Its Disability Program
Many angry Disney fans have threatened to sue the Mouse House for violating the Americans With Disabilities Act. Disney’s accommodations for guests with medical conditions do not seem like actual accommodations. For guests with certain medical conditions, getting out of line and then getting back in when they are better is not a solution that works.
Do you think guests should be able to sue Disney over its disability service changes? Let us know in the comments!
All these people that have faked it all along are upset because they can’t abuse the system anymore. I can easily say I have a condition and post all over social media to make it sound like I’m being mistreated by Disney. Grow up and stand in lines like the rest and leave the DAS passes to people who actually need them.
You are so right.
Waaaaay toooo many freeloaders.
It’s nice to be considerate of everyone but those with a disability and their hoards of “family”, can wait in the same line as the rest of us.
Of course there are always exceptions and should be honored.
This entitlement of sueing has gotten waaaaaaay out of hand.
These frivolous, unwarranted suits make us look like a society of loosers.
SHAME ON US!!!
If you think that someone with a history of sudden onset bloody stool from things like Crohn’s disease is trying to take advantage of a DAS pass, you are just heartless! I do not have that, but it is an example of who is getting turned away.
My husband has bad knees so it hurts for him to stand or sit for long periods of time. I understand they need to tighten up for those abusing the system but if you have a note from your doctor proving this info you should be aloud to have access to DAS.
I have an injury that allowed me to use DAS in the past. I have chosen not to re-apply for DAS currently and use the regular waiting line for admittance to attractions. One of the main things I’ve noticed, since the change, the regular waiting line is moving so much faster without the freeloaders using the lightning lane. I totally applaud Disney for taking this stance!! It truly appears the people screaming the loudest are the ones that didn’t deserve DAS in the first place.
To all the people that are threatening Disney with lawsuits I truly hope you lose!! I also hope that Disney keeps track of those sueing and permanently bans them from all Disney attractions for life. Then Disney will once again be the happiest place.
About time that Disney is fixing this situation. Guests should not be allowed to sue over this. My child was able to sit in the wheelchair in the queue. And if my child was in need of more assistance, then I should not be putting my child on a ride. Cognitive disabilities is different, waiting for a long time is not a good idea. All people want to do these days is sue. I’d like Disney world to be around for a long time. So I’m glad Disney has included that clause.
I have had a Disney Das pass for years, but I have not tried to renew it this year yet I have multiple disorders such as degenerate disease, Crohn’s disease, IBS, epilepsy, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis and problem with my knees the generate this disease doesn’t allow me to sit or stand for long periods of time Because then my legs and feet go numb and then I can’t stand or walk. the epilepsy causes me to twitch constantly and if I’m standing when I’m twitching, I’ll drop to my knees and have a seizure and if I’m sitting I’ll still have a seizure but if I have anything in my hand I will drop them.And I use a scooter because of my DDD and how does that work when trying to get out of the line with one of those?
I would think any type of restriction that could dissuade one from applying for an accommodation that BY LAW one must get
and which Disney must give be illegal as Disney cannot place restrictions on a persons ability to apply for an ADA Accommodation that FEDERAL LAW requires be given.
Requiring one agree not to join a class action if a problem occurs. Before allowed apply via their DAS to get an accommodation their disability BU LAW requires be given would seem to be Illegal. It would dissuade people with a legitimate right to be accommodated from exercising their Right under law with a restriction placed before allowed to apply for that accommodation.
I doubt a court would allow Disney to block one from a class action in regard to accommodation. Perhaps if its about something that has nothing to do with disability nor being accommodated.