Disney announced it was making changes to its policy aimed at helping guests with disabilities avoid waiting in line after people who didn’t meet the criteria exploited existing rules.
The company’s Disability Access Service (DAS) program was launched in 2013 to help customers who cannot wait in lines for an extended period of time, according to Disneythe website of.
It allows visitors with a “developmental disability such as autism or similar” to return to an attraction at a certain time without having to wait in line – much like a skip-the-line pass.
Under current policy, six people from the same group are allowed to use the pass at the same time, but starting next month in some parks this number will be reduced to four.
It’s unclear from guidance posted on the company’s website whether or not families of six or more will be exempt from the changes.
Customers will also have to wait 120 days before they can reapply for the DAS program, double the current 60 days.
A Disney spokesperson said Friday that DAS was the most requested service at Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California and that applications had tripled in the past five years, Sky News’ U.S. sister network reported. NBC.
The spokesperson said the increase in numbers includes those trying to use the service when it is not intended for them.
Len Testa, president of the itinerary planning website Touring Plans and co-author of the unofficial Walt Disney World and Disneyland guides, said in an email to The Washington Post: “The system has always had a certain level of questionable, even abusive use. “
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Guests are currently required to meet with a Disney staff member – known as Cast Members – prior to their visit to determine their eligibility for the DAS program.
Disney said that if necessary, staff would work with medical professionals to help them “determine eligibility for appropriate accommodations and ensure that these accommodations are provided only to the guests for whom they are intended.”
A spokesperson reiterated that the parks do not require proof or documentation of disability from guests and do not plan to do so in the future, according to NBC.
Those found to have lied about having a disability may be permanently barred from the parks, with remaining tickets or passes not refunded, the company’s website states.
The new rules are expected to come into effect on May 20 at Floridaat Disney World and June 18 at Disneyland, California.
A Disney executive told NBC: “Disney is committed to providing a great experience for all of our guests, including those with disabilities, which is why we are so committed to providing a wide range of innovative support services aimed at helping our guests with disabilities have a wonderful time when visiting our theme parks.