Disney announced it is making changes to its policy to help guests with disabilities avoid lines after people who don’t meet the criteria exploited the current rules.
The company’s Disability Access Service (DAS) program was launched in 2013 to serve guests who cannot wait in transportation lines for an extended period of time, according to Disneysite.
It allows visitors with “developmental disabilities such as autism or similar” to return to an attraction at a certain time without having to wait in line – similar to a fast pass.
Under current policy, six people from the same group can use the pass at the same time, but starting next month, in some parks, that number will be reduced to four.
It is not clear from the guidance on the company’s website whether families of six or more will be exempt from the changes or not.
Guests will also have to wait 120 days before they can re-enroll in the DAS program, double the current 60 days.
A Disney spokesperson said Friday that DAS is the most popular requested service at Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California and applications have tripled in the past five years, Sky News’ U.S. partner network NBC reported. .
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 Guides to Walt Disney World and Disneyland, said in an email to The Washington Post: “The system has always had some level of questionable use, if any. not from abuse. “
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Currently, guests are required to meet with a Disney team member – known as cast members – prior to their visit to determine their eligibility for the DAS program.
Disney said that when necessary, staff will work with healthcare 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 visitors and do not plan to do so in the future, according to NBC.
Those who lie about a disability may be permanently banned from the parks, and any remaining tickets or passes will not be refunded, the company’s website states.
The new rules are expected to come into effect on May 20th, in Floridaat Disney World and on June 18 at Disneyland, California.
A Disney official told NBC: “Disney is committed to providing a great experience for all guests, including those with disabilities, which is why we are so committed to providing a wide range of innovative support services designed to help guests. our guests with disabilities to have a wonderful experience. moment when visiting our theme parks.”
This story originally appeared on News.sky.com read the full story
