
As many Disney theme park guests are aware, back in April, Disney announced major changes were being made to its Disability Access Service (DAS). Instead of anyone with a disability being able to use the service and wait in a shorter queue, only guests with developmental disabilities like autism would be able to use the service.
Everyone else would have to either purchase the Lightning Lane MultiPass (formerly Disney Genie+), or wait outside the attraction by themselves while the rest of their party waits in line.
Related: Disney Just Told Thousands of Guests With Disabilities That They Don’t Count
The changes went into effect at Walt Disney World Resort in May and at Disneyland Resort in June. Since then, the company has been receiving a lot of backlash, with many saying they just can’t visit the parks anymore if they don’t have a DAS pass. A group called DAS Defenders even purchased mobile billboards and drove them around Disneyland Resort during Disney’s massive D23 Expo, which took place this past weekend.
One family that is reconsidering how often they visit the Most Magical Place on Earth is ToniLynn McElreath and her two young children. They all love visiting the Magic Kingdom, but they have always relied on the DAS pass because of her son’s condition.
Ms. McElrath’s three-year-old son, Luke, is on a feeding tube and, because of this, is prone to vomiting when he becomes overexcited. With the DAS pass, they were able to make sure that he could have something to eat and that his stomach was empty before going on a ride. Unfortunately, because of the changes to DAS, Luke no longer qualified.
Related: Tempers Flare as Disney World’s Disability Changes Begin
The family visited the Magic Kingdom recently and tried to wait in the traditional queue. However, Luke ended up getting sick while they were waiting.
They were told that they could spend the extra money on Lightning Lane MultiPass, but that doesn’t work for Luke and his condition. With a DAS pass, guests are given a return time, but they can use the pass any time after the start time. But with the Lightning Lane MultiPass, they are required to return within a certain time frame.
Related: Guest Claims Disney Made Child Sick After Disability “Interrogation”
Having Luke wait outside the attraction while Ms. McElreath waits in line is also not a possibility. Luke is only three years old, and his sister is the same age. Ms. McElreath is the only adult who takes them, so it is not safe for them to wait by themselves.
Ms. McElreath spoke to local news station WFLA about how devastating the denial was for her and her son. She also said that she thinks Walt Disney would be disappointed to learn that so many people are unable to enjoy the parks because of their disability.
This is not the first time that a guest has gone viral for their shocking DAS denial. Earlier this summer, Charisma Mangahas shared her story as well. The young woman — who suffered from a terrible case of Guillain-Barré syndrome — primarily uses a wheelchair and has a tracheostomy (a tube that helps her breathe). She was told that she was not the right kind of disabled for Disney’s disability service.
Ms. Mangahas was very kind in her video and, like Ms. MCElreath, said that she understands that Disney wanted to eliminate fraud in its DAS program. However, it is simply not feasible for disabled Magic Key Holders like herself to afford to purchase the Lightning Lane MultiPass each time they want to visit a Disney park.
Despite sad stories that we have heard, and thousands of people with legitimate disabilities being denied, Disney has not indicated that it intends to change its disability policies. It also has not commented on stories like Charisma’s or Ms. McElreaths.
Do you think Disney is taking its disability changes too far? Let us know in the comments!
We recently had a similar situation with an adult who can not stand and gets anxiety in line, when surrounded by people around them. We did the lightening lane and it did not help. The times available took you back and forth across the park where as the old system allowed you to take the park in stride. This time, not many times were available, it kept us at the park way too long and we left. Needless to say, we will not be renewing our annual passes. Funny thing, even the staff we spoke to, said the change was too limiting.
It does seem harsh for those that need it but can’t get it ,and all because some people had to abuse the system and mess it up for those that need it
We live in Florida and my grandson is autistic. We are thinking of not renewing our passes if he can’t get a DAS pass. He has a ESD dog, but they are not allowed. Not sure what to do ☹️
Autism qualifies for the Disney DAS pass
I have been using the DAS since its inception. I am legally blind and when in the queue i am totally blind. I have knocked down other people waiting in the queue, knocking down a member of Disney management and he is the person who tole me about the DAS system and walked me down personally to sign up. I come to Disney World 6 times a year, have been an annual pass holder for more then 12 years. I cannot understand that people who have been a DAS member for many years is being ruled out. Grand Father rules should apply. I understand that people are taking advantage of the program, but people who are actually in need of DAS are being punished. This will be my las year as an annual member.
Did you hear about person who is legally blind by so called medical team from Das, told the person to use EVC. The denied.
I am putting of going back to WDW for these reasons alone.I have in the pass relied on the old Das plenty of times over the last 30odd years.I have severe mobility and other health issues and using the pass made my trip accessible and enjoyable.Idont want to be waiting on my own whilst my family line up for hours on end or be going back and forth which would send my anxiety through the roof.
Years ago they should have asked for medical/doctors letters to show proof of disability not take people word for it.But now it is ruined for genuine people by people who abused it.
I agree with the person above who mentioned I wonder how Walt Disney himself would feel about the amount if disabled adults/children that are no longer able to enjoy the magic he created.I think it’s very unfair
I had DAS due to my chronic IBS and always have to time out and prepare to ride since my stomach has a mind of its own. I loved that I knew the time to come to the ride so that I had time to do what I needed to do. Now, I only go on if the line is a 5 minute wait. Must I wear an adult diaper now? I’m 68 yrs old with other issues. The screeners are not even medically trained. They go by a script. I think this is illegal….HIPPA….
Terminally ill Cancer patients(some did make a wish) are being denied. Their so called medical team, some CMs have no clue what chemo can do to a body. This sometimes is the last wish, someplace to make them happy for a little while and feel safe. No more.
Terminally ill Cancer patients(some did make a wish) are being denied. Their so called medical team, some CMs have no clue what chemo can do to a body. This sometimes is the last wish, someplace to make them happy for a little while and feel safe. No more.
It is insulting to be told you are no disable enough. I am a wheelchair user who has no choice . I can not walk. I am no scared for my trip in November. This is so discriminating. What is wrong with Disney.
It’s known as Corporate GREED$$$$$, TRUTH ALWAYS HURTS, DISNEY DOES NOT TRULY CARE ABOUT THEIR PATRONS ANYMORE.. It’s not Mickey Mouse but Money Mouse. You can BUY EXTRAS SPEND SPEND SPEND SPEND . FOR EVER LET US HOLD OUR DOLLARS HIGH HIGH HIGH MONEY MOUSE…. YOU ALL GET THE JIST!
My son has autism so he will still be able to get the pass.
However, Disney should concentrate on a way to carch the ones who beat the system.
My husband has PTSD from Vietnam and has severe anxiety when in a crown or where he can’t “escape’. He has always used DAS and never had a problem. We just renewed our passes and I wonder if I should have.
I go to the parks alone and use an EVC because I can’t stand long or walk far. Used DAS and now i can’t? Can barely afford admission let alone pay extra for Lightening Lane. Come on MONEY MOUSE. Is there a class action suit i can join? Linda