Remember all the controversy surrounding the proposed changes to the Guest Access Card (ie. disability assistance services at Disneyland?
Well, in an unplanned turn of events, I actually visited the park on days 1 and 2 of the new changes.
The first day of changes, I actually only took the 2 bigger kids, partially because I thought it would be fun to have a day free of strollers and diaper changes, but also because I was intimidated at the prospect of navigating a new system without a second set of hands.
While we were there, under child bribes of candy if they were patient and didn’t interrupt, I spent a good 40+ minutes talking to a very friendly cast member at City Hall about the new system. Turns out, it’s not nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be, although I still think there are some things that are problematic and could be addressed. More on my concerns in a bit…first, let’s get talk about how it actually works:
There are two different “arms” of the program. One category is for people who are physically handicapped and use a wheelchair or similar device. The other category is for those who struggle with sensory or behavioral issues.
PHYSICALLY DISABLED:
If a guest is physically disabled, there are few discernible changes to how you use the park. For now. If you are in a wheelchair, you no longer need a special card indicating you are disabled (since it’s pretty obvious being that you’re in a wheelchair and all), so no more waiting in line at City Hall for a card at the start of your day. Just go ahead and enjoy the park. Where lines are accessible and can accommodate your chair, you wait in line. In the case of older/original lines that are much too narrow, or include stairs, you would access the ride through the exit or alternate entrance just like before.
My friendly cast member indicated that there were already plans in the works to build every ride queue to be fully accessible to wheelchairs within the next 2 years. “Because the end goal is that everybody waits.”
HOWEVER, there are now 9 rides (the most popular) where a wheelchair bound guest will receive a Return Pass. Basically, if the wait is 45 minutes, the guest will receive a card with a return time of 45 minutes later. They will access the ride through the exit like before, but rather than getting to “cut the line”, they will have to wait before they can actually get on. The passes for these 9 rides are obtained at the ride itself. I cannot remember all 9 off the top of my head, but it was stuff like Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Autopia, etc. I wish I would have written them down, but I didn’t. If my memory serves me right, I think it had just started raining at this point in the conversation, and my kids were playing sword fights with their umbrellas in the courtyard.
Now…for those of us who are able to use a stroller as a wheelchair, we do have to stop by City Hall to get a bright, red luggage tag. This tag alerts ride operators that we need an alternate entrance point and/or are eligible for a return pass.
In the meantime, there were already some ride lines that we had previously used an alternate entrance (Roger Rabbit Car Toon Spin) , and had been changed to accommodate a chair. So we did already see some changes of having to wait in line with everyone else where we had previously gone through the exit. (More on this in a bit.)
SENSORY/BEHAVIORAL DISABILITIES:
Now, for those guests who have sensory or behavioral disabilities, an entirely new system is in place. It is now called the Disneyland Disability Access Service (or DAS, pronounced like the old computer doohickey). In this case, you would receive a pass and then visit one of several kiosks distributed throughout both parks to get a return time. What this does, for those with sensory disorders is that they do not wait alongside their wheelchair bound counterparts. Instead, they visit a kiosk, tell the cast member which ride they want a return time for, and kill time in whatever way they choose until the appointed time (that mimics the current wait times, minus 10 minutes for waiting in line at the DAS kiosk). (You can read a much more detailed review of the DAS here. I can’t speak much to it since I didn’t use it.)
An interesting aspect of this new DAS system is that there are only a handful of kiosks. In fact, there are only a total of 7 between both parks. However, you can get a return time for any ride, at any kiosk. In other words, you can request a return pass time for Radiator Springs Racers (in CA Adventure), from the kiosk in Tomorrowland. The benefit of this, frankly, is that if you’re clever, you can work it so that you can use your normal (still valid) Fast Pass option, your DAS Return Pass, and take advantage of short lines during the waiting, and the time it takes to walk to the next popular attraction, you can actually knock out a lot more rides over the course of the day. (In theory, of course. Because most children with sensory disorders may not be able to handle that much stimulation. But in general, if you plan your day out, and maximize your options, it’s a cool possibility.)
Friendly Cast Member marked up some maps for me with a Sharpie with the locations. I’ve highlighted them with a yellow starburst to make it more visible.
(TO SEE THE MAPS LARGER, CLICK THE PHOTO…IT WILL TAKE YOU TO A SECOND SCREEN WHERE IT WILL BE SMALL…BUT CLICK IT AGAIN AND IT WILL FILL YOUR SCREEN.)
Now, if you’re still with me, I’ll share my thoughts on this new program.
#1) It’s really not as bad as I was afraid it was going to be, or as bad as all the articles made it sound. Maybe everyone jumped the gun and didn’t give the program a chance before they started getting their feathers ruffled, or maybe Disneyland saw some holes in their program and made quiet changes before implementation based on the concerns being aired. It wouldn’t be the first time a company makes tweaks behind the scenes when people start pointing out the flaws. Either way, it’s a creative way to a very complicated problem.
That being said…
#2) The luggage tag system for strollers is problematic. Friendly Cast Member cheerfully informed me that “You don’t need a card anymore! We’ll just give you a luggage tag that’s big and red and will alert ride operators that it’s her wheelchair! It’s so much easier. I could see it from across this courtyard!” He smiled as he told me how easy this would all be, but I cringed from behind my oversized sunglasses. I don’t think it’s appropriate to slap a big, bright red sticker on someone’s property that screams to every passerby that “Hey! This little kid is disabled!” I can imagine that many families would prefer to not advertise their child’s medical issues as they wander the park. Granted, if that child grows and eventually needs a wheelchair, their needs will be abundantly obvious, but it still seems to me that they should be allowed to make that transition on their own timeline (and for anyone who has navigated that transition from invisible to visible you know it’s a tough one). Maybe it’s a good exercise in ripping the band aid off of living in the relative obscurity of invisible disabilities…but I’m not sure it’s the best way to go about it, or that it’s Disney’s place to facilitate that. I can’t imagine that anyone would suggest it would be a good idea to give all the little disabled kids special t-shirts that say “I’m handicapped!”. Because of course not. A big red luggage tag isn’t much different when you really stop and think about it.
Secondly, for those annual pass holders who are hyper-local and visit the park often: it’s nice that Disneyland will date the luggage tag with a two week window. This keeps guests from having to wait (in the oftentimes 30+ minute long) lines at City Hall at every visit…but it also means that they have to do every errand, shopping trip, and walk to the park…with a Big, Red Luggage Tag on their stroller announcing their child’s disability. Maybe it’s one thing to walk around Disneyland with it, when you know you need it to have the necessary accommodations, but it’s another thing altogether to have to have it while you wander the mall and join a play date. (Cutting it off invalidates the tag.)
Luckily, assuming anyone else agrees with me on this issue, it’s a fairly simple fix. Going back to a card you can carry around more discreetly in your pocket is a more dignified approach to a sensitive subject.
#3) Disneyland is categorizing disabilities. Truthfully, this is my biggest concern, and yet, the one I can’t quite articulate fully. I realize that Disneyland is in the unfortunate and complicated position of trying to provide accommodations to a wide variety of people, while trying to cut back on fraud. It’s an awful place to be, and I don’t envy any of the administrators on the Disney payroll who have to make these decisions. However, I can tell you that it was unnerving to have a Disney cast member question me at length about the specifics of my daughter’s disabilities…and then have them make the value judgment of which of the programs she qualified for.
“Okay, well does she have any cognitive issues?
“Um, well, she’s cognitively delayed…”
“Well, will she fall apart or throw a tantrum if she has to wait in line too long?”
“Um, no. I’m not sure. But she doesn’t have a behavioral disorder if that’s what you’re asking.”
“Oh, okay. So she doesn’t have Autism?”
“No.”
“Okay, then you just need your red tag! Have a great day!”*
To say that one guest’s disabilities don’t warrant a DAS…but this one does…that this diagnosis gets this…but this diagnosis doesn’t…Jill gets this, Bobby gets that, Susie gets both. I really wish I could speak more clearly as to why this bothers me so much…but I can’t quite pinpoint it. All I can say is that it doesn’t sit well. Maybe one of you will get what I’m thinking and are smarter than I am to put it into words? I think, that on some level, while I would be perfectly happy to provide documented proof of my daughter’s condition (which I realize federal law prohibits Disney from requiring), it seems inappropriate to me that a layperson makes the final decisions as to what my daughter’s accommodations should be. But really, that’s not even it exactly…just that it seems wrong to classify our disabled community.
#4) I don’t think it’s going to curb fraud. Sure, maybe right now, and over the next year or two there will be a sharp decline in fraud. After all, it’s all the talk and most people are aware that it’s the hot button issue for the parks right now. But once the newness of the changes fade, and the hyper-vigilance of the cast members wanes…and certainly once people realize how much more you can do if you time your day right, I’m not sure much will change. After all, Disney still can’t require proof…so all it will take is someone with a crappy conscience, and we’re right back where we started. Because really, absolutely NOTHING has changed for the Pretenders, and just about EVERYTHING has changed for those who are actually disabled.
*Just a note to keep it honest: next time we visit, I will be asking for the DAS card. While she does not have a diagnosed behavioral/sensory disorder, I found while waiting in long lines (that had recently been widened to accommodate our wheelchair/stroller) she would get frustrated and tantrum because it’s uncomfortable to sit in her stroller that long…yet, the crowded lines made it impossible to pop open her walker mid-line. So I think we can ethically request the DAS card on our next trip. I’m not sure why I feel the need to tell you that. Just that I do. And it proves a good point: you never really know how something is going to play out until you actually try it. So there.
Also, I would just like to clarify that we LOVE all things Disney. Anything said in regards to this topic is with a spirit of wanting nothing but the best possible scenario for everyone involved, including Disney’s bottom line. No system will be perfect for every single person. I realize that. But working together and finding the Middle Places where the holes are filled and the quirks are tweaked makes everyone a happier Mouseketeer.
Besides, see how happy that little face is? I want to keep that going.
Nothin’ but love.
[UPDATE: we’ve since visited Disneyland using the DAS card, and honestly? It’s a pretty great system. We were able to navigate the park effectively and it actually worked really well. For us. My only heart burn comes from the use of the Red Luggage Tag, but all things considered, that’s a pretty easy fix. And overall, it’s a good solution to a complex problem. I wonder if ultimately, a phone app (with a limited time use and password protected) could eliminate the need to seek out kioks? That would be pretty awesome.]
Latest posts by jeannett (see all)
- Dirt in a Jar, Laundry Scientists, and Clean Water - October 20, 2015
- Because Cake. - October 11, 2015
- How to design a luxury bathroom for less - August 12, 2015
Hold on tight- I have a lot to say. (shocking)
I have about a million thoughts on this and unfortunately all are sad. I am grateful you went and reviewed because I’ve been really bummed out with Disney. It pisses me off to no end that jerky people with no conscience screwed it up for the rest of us. I have always said that the DL pass was one of the few “perks” of having a child with special needs (other than the obvious- unconditional love from my boy, learning a lot, teaching my other kids things that they would’ve never ever known, etc). It was our happy place. For some reason J loved it despite all of the over crowding, loud noises and over stimulation. We could go and be “normal” for the day. Our version of normal, but still….
You validated all of my fears and concerns. It is BEYOND frustrating that we can’t provide documentation of disability, but that some random cast member deciphers what my kid should be classified as. The same way I fight with the school district because they spend exactly 12 minutes with my kid and think they know what’s best for him… it’s that. Only worse. Because it’s 3 seconds, not knowing my kid from any other kid and then putting him in a group. OY.
I hate that we’ll be “segregated” to the kiosks. As if J melting down isn’t enough, now we all have to be sequestered to the “special kiosks.” I fight hearing the “R” word EVERY DAY (just this week like 4-5 GOOD FRIENDS said it and it broke my heart) and this seems like a step in that direction. It’s unnerving.
I know they are doing the best they can but at this point they lost me. I’m REALLY hoping they come up with some better solutions. And fast. Because there is no way I’m paying gobs of money to go with the changes they made. With a name like “Mique” I was destined to be a Disney fan. I have been. Until now.
Mique´s last blog post ..Pity Party 161
I agree 100 percent with your assessment. In addition I personally have had 51 orthopedic surgeries and have been blessed with the ability to walk with out much assistance but I do fatigue quickly and pain increases with standing. I cannot sit for long periods as I need to move so I do not get a DVT OT a clot. I. The past the assistance card was a blessing. I always wear shorts partly because that way people see the scars I have bi laterial knee replacements 4 Achilles surgeries 4 right ankle and 4 shoulder and the rest were on my knees prior to the replacements, as when I don’t I get the looks like I am abusing the system. It took a lot of Thearpy and perseverance not to end up into a wheel chair. I love with pain everyday, all day. I choose to do things by how much fun am I going to have verses the pain I am going to have. Having said that I am blessed. I can walk. But sometimes it’s all I can do to get into one of those rides because my legs don’t bend as much and or trying to get out quickly is a struggle. So the pass helps me in many ways. I alway have thanked each cast member uoon entering a ride and exit. I have brought my niece and nephew and always made them be just as grateful for the assistance to go with their Aunt. I am a pass holder. Maybe not for long. I recently visited the park with my husband and the extra walking to the kiosks and the explaining to the cast members over and over, as there seems to be a lot of miscommunication between them about who gets help and not. I cannot afford the scooter every time I cannot afford the wheelchair every time. I refuse to be told by a Disney cast member that if I don’t want to rent one of these to bad I most suffer because to her I didn’t look handicapped. But the worst was trying to explain all this to city hall with 20 people listening in and then having a lady walk up and say she has OCD and a panic attacks get one of the new passes is frustrating. I am not saying she doesn’t have those conditions but why is that more disabling than my inability to stand for long periods or do stairs. Having a 16 year old grill me on my disability and the disregard by the Disney cast members at city hall with out any medical training tell me to just tough it out is wrong. You can’t ask me for a letter or a note from my doctor but you can ask all the other questions skirting around that specific question is wrong and also a violation of HIPPA. if I meet the requirements of the state of California for a disabled parking permit then that should be enough for Disney. I teach disable children to swim. My nephew has mild Autism, so I am familiar with the struggles of disabled children and damn it they deserve to be a little special. Disney should have addressed the abusers of the assistance pass just like they do with people who use fowl language and inappropriate dress. As them to leave. Take their ticket or pass. I sent my husband to get the pass stamped at a kiosk and they wouldn’t do it. I have to be there. So with all the extra running around and not being able to get fast passes because they either were given out for the day or we had one for 5 hours later, it made for a very disappointing day and a exhausting and painful day. I know other people with disabled children who were leaving early also be use it wS just to much. It it that big a a deal to people to let a few disabled people ahead of you? Is five more minutes in line going to really hurt you, it does me. How about chalking it up to a random act of kindness and getting some good Karma points by letting these handicap people get on the ride and enjoy being a little special. Believe me if I could swap the pain in exchange for standing in line I would do it right now. I know if others could swap their child being ill or handicap I am sure they would too. If Disney thinks they can afford to lose the business from a lot of people who come because of the ability to be accommodated with their disabilities and enjoy themselves then stick with this new system. As for myself I will try again one more time. If it doesn’t improve or a solution isn’t found to help everyone then I will discontinue my pass and my husbands. It isn’t worth the pain literally for me. It’s sad that a company that prides itself with being a leader and innovator couldn’t come up with a better solution.
Thanks so much for sharing! We are headed to Disneyland in a few weeks and I have been apprehensive about how the new system is going to affect our trip. I think what bothers me the most is this line, ”Because the end goal is that everybody waits.” I would like to know how Disney is going to explain why it is okay for individuals in wheelchairs to wait in the regular line and then have to wait in separate wheelchair loading queue at the end of the line. Or we have to pull out of line to wait for the designated ADA vehicle. Sometimes that additional wait is as long as the original wait time if not longer. I am not as familiar with Disneyland as Walt Disney World but that happens at many of the attractions there. Fair doesn’t always mean equal and I think that is what society doesn’t get.
Joni´s last blog post ..InstaFriday
Excellent point!
We had to wait for several trains until the one that had a wheelchair ramp arrived. While we watched others pile in and wave happily.
We had to wait several trams to get a space in the wheelchair car.
We had to wait for our red luggage tag.
But most of all: FAIR DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN EQUAL.
Amen.
“However, I can tell you that it was unnerving to have a Disney cast member question me at length about the specifics of my daughter’s disabilities…and then have them make the value judgment of which of the programs she qualified for.”
Isn’t this illegal? Like, ADA illegal? I know, for example, that if you have a service dog and you bring them somewhere, businesses are not allowed to ask you about the nature of your disability that requires you have a dog. Maybe this is different, but it seems awfully intrusive and not really legal.
I’m not sure, but it was certainly uncomfortable. Not because I’m ashamed of anything (um, hello BLOG) but it was a weird place to be questioned. Especially by someone not in the medical field. Maybe that particular employee made a faux pas in asking (it happens, we’re all human…even if we work for Disney), but how else would they decide who gets a DAS card and who doesn’t?
Of course they can ask. The ADA only requires that companies make reasonable accommodations. Therefore the company has to have enough information to be able to ascertain what is reasonable. The reason they can’t ask for diagnosis is HIPPA. Of course Disney in many cases is going above and beyond reasonable accommodations by taking people at their words for often dubious claims. By asking questions about the types of accommodations needed and not the cause for them they aren’t asking for medical information and still getting the information needed to determine what accommodations are needed.
Wow, I am surprised someone replied to me over a month later!
At any rate, no, I’m not an expert on ADA, HIPPA and all they entails. So I admit that. And I can sort of see what you’re getting at.
However, you bring up an important aspect of all of this. You have a lay person with no medical training asking disabled people what accommodations they need while at the same time not being able to ask for personal medical information while in a park with hundreds of different scenarios from different rides to different set ups for waiting in line, many people who have never been there before and may not go ever again, and these people are not allowed to reveal to the lay person what the actual medical problem is and the lay person is supposed to discern from all of that what exactly are reasonable accommodations. All under the guise of making things fair for everyone. Well, it’s not fair for me to have to wait a little longer in line because some scammer wants to claim a disability that they don’t have. But it’s also not fair that I don’t have to be on alert 24/7 because my kid might have a life-ending seizure at anytime. It’s not fair that my kids can walk around on their own with no problems whatsoever. So, given that life isn’t fair and people make dubious claims regardless of the system, I’d rather err on the side of being unfair and letting families like Jeanette’s go to Disneyland without getting the 3rd degree from someone who doesn’t know epilepsy from aspergers (and even if they did the disabled person in question couldn’t tell them!). It doesn’t make sense at all.
I am so glad you sampled it for us. My sister has spina bifida and we have dealt with this for 30 years, and I was wondering how it would go next time we went. I am glad they are trying at least to slow down the fraud, because nothing makes me more angry when someone abuses a system that is set to make things easier for just a moment, when they usually have it harder than everyone else everywhere else. I want to punch the people who lie and take advantage of the disabilities system, but the only answer to all of that is Jesus. I agree with the seeming “segregation” and classification being uncomfortable. Hopefully this is a starting point, not an ending point.
Amy K.´s last blog post ..instafriday {september & october}
Well said! Carry on, Mama, Advocate, Friend, Comedienne, Writer!
I agree with Jodi, isn’t asking about your specific disability illegal?
I also agree with Mique, I hate the whole wait at the kiosk thing. Please draw more attention to yourself by waiting at the kiosk. And also, isn’t one of the points of the sensory/behavior disability “arm” that these individuals have a hard time waiting in line? So, let’s make them wait in a line before they wait in a line. I mean, it’s only fair.
My child has Type 1 Diabetes. She wears an insulin pump. It is impossible to predict when her blood sugar will be in range, when it will suddenly drop making her feel shaky, weak, dizzy, and physically unable to stand or walk. (We’ve been in the middle of the grocery store when she just lays down in the middle of the aisle because she is low, weak, and unable to think straight.) She has to eat and drink on a schedule and we can’t allow her to get dehydrated because that could lead to worse problems.
We went to Walt Disney World a couple of years ago, and the Guest Assistance Pass saved us so many times! There were several times that she dropped unexpectedly. We were able to exit the line, tend to our daughter, and return to the line to wait again without feeling jilted for spending time in line and then leaving and losing our place in line…or making our two non-Type 1 kids miss out on riding because we had to leave to take care of the other. When it was hot, humid, sunny (which really makes it easier for blood sugar to drop or for a person to get dehydrated) it was nice to wait in the shade and help keep the dehydration at bay.
And…um…we were never granted immediate access to the ride. We always waited. Maybe not as long as the “regular” line, but we did not have immediate access. And we were also only allowed 7 people with the pass (the disabled one and 6 guests). Our party had 8 in it because my parents and brother were with us. So if we used the pass, one or two people opted out and didn’t ride.
We also used the Fast Pass system, just like everyone else. And there were several lines that were shady, or we had just eaten and not scared of the lows, or the wait was only 30 mins, or whatever other perfect scenario, and we (gasp!) waited in the normal line. Just like everyone else. We chose not to flash that fancy card and skip ahead. Because we didn’t need it right then and didn’t want to take advantage.
And I think that’s what makes me the maddest. The people who need it, the ones that it really does make their day more smooth, they don’t abuse it. But they are the ones paying the price.
Jenni´s last blog post ..You might be a Texan living in Colorado…
I’m exhausted just reading about your day! :(
As for waiting in line at the kiosks, I was told that the average wait time was 3-5 minutes…and they deduct 10-15 minutes from your return pass time to cover the waiting and walking to/from the kiosks. So I think that’s how they justify it. But I’m still struggling with the idea that lay people are categorizing disabilities and frankly, making them more noticeable.
Yup. We’ve waited in line when Andy felt comfortable carrying her the wait time or when we thought she could stand holding onto railings and our hands.
I hate jerky people. Bad apples.
It will be interesting to see what the wait times really are at the kiosks. If the lines at City Hall were 15 to 20 mins long at times, I don’t see the kiosk lines being much different. Do you go to City Hall at the beginning of your visit and get some sort of tag/card (similar to your stroller tag) and show this at the kiosks every time you visit them?
Jenni´s last blog post ..You might be a Texan living in Colorado…
Yes. With the DAS/Kiosk program, you get your card at the beginning of your visit either at City Hall (I think you can also get it at an Info Booth, but I’m not 100% sure on that one).
I feel like we’ll be going straight to City Hall the next time we get to Walt Disney World just to make sure we’ve got our bases covered. We’ve got the wheelchair, but John has never met a category he completely agreed with (and no one does). I don’t feel as strongly about the red tag. We have now made the transition to wheelchair. But when he was still in the stroller we got a lot of line cutting comments. If people could have seen a red tag maybe they would have backed off a little. I know I look when I see another disabled family. But I always try to make sure I say something positive along with it. They might not realize I’m just looking for tips on things they are doing that might help us out.
Katie´s last blog post ..Hey Jealousy! Monster Dash Half Update
Thanks so much for the honest review. As I expected not as bad as some thought it would be.
We live in the Midwest and haven’t made the trek to Florida or California to Disney. I’m not sure that this set up will ever affect my family and I pray it never will. My 18 month old twins both wear glasses and have for about 4 months. We get all types of questions about if the glasses are “real” or how cute they look REGARDLESS. (Um, hello? They’re adorable! Period.) They’re currently in developmental and physical therapy since they’re behind in both these areas. It’s frustrating and the last thing I would want is a huge red sticker on our stroller announcing our arrival and eliciting more stares than we already get with four boys 6 and under in tow. I appreciate the review and couldn’t agree more with the statement that nothing has changed for the pretenders and everything has changed for the families who need the service. Thanks for keeping it real.
I was at dland yesterday with my service dog and I never felt more uncomfortable which is hard to do cause people do look at you differently and treat you differently. Some cast members and other people (most are not this way) were very rude to me and behind my friends and my backs when we can still hear them were saying she is just using a dog to cut lines. I agree that there are way to many people cheating the system and saying they have disabilities when they don’t or say that there dog is a service dog when they aren’t cause they don’t have to show proof of anything. It gives people who really do need a service dog or have a disability a bad name especially when they are to be on best behavior at all times ok dogs just like people make mistakes or have bad dogs but they should never try to bark at other dogs or people unless a medical issues is about to happen and the warning signals are not being obeyed and NO way should they ever try to attack another service dog and unfortunately that has happened to my dog and two other service dogs I know and two happened at Disneyland. Well I have been there and tried waiting in the regular lines but they don’t let you for one reason is if the dog has to go to the bathroom well there are no areas and two dogs have been hurt in lines not only by getting stepped on but by getting up and down over and over (repetitive motion causes problems with people of course it could do the same in a dog). Three they heat u faster then us so I have always gotten a pass not to cut in front of lines but because I had to but even before they changed things people with service dogs have waited longer then people in regular lines and the people with wheel chairs for some extractions others its a little less wait. I know this cause we have had friends go in the regular line and get off the ride sometimes more then once before we even get on, Anyway yesterday when I went to the desk to ask about what I do now that everything has changed the person asked me well do you need a pass just because I have a dog with me. EXCUSE ME …. no I have a dog which is a registered/licensed and trained medical alert service dog to keep me alive I need to know what to do with rides because of this sweet innocent life saver. Then the man asked me well what’s wrong with you and why would you need to pass a line. Again EXCUSE ME… that’s not what I asked and finally I take my doctor notes out cause I have to have them on me anyway just incase something does happen to me and they said I am sorry we cant even look at that I am going to have to ask you to put that away. Then the man went in back for 15 minutes while my friend and I had to listen to all the complaints and concerns they have. Finally the man came back and told us to just go up to the ride and ask for a fast pass and you return when they tell you to. They never showed us a map or told us about the kiosk. I actually didn’t mind the fast pass cause my service dog could go to the bathroom or have water when needed or just walk or lay down with putting undue stress on the hips and knees. But I do have a really big issue with the fact I had another friend that tested the possibility of fakers still getting passes when there are other people who are crucified for being physically and/or mentally disabled. Yes it was easier for my friend to have no problems to get a ticket time stamp looking card and they told them how to get several passes at one time then it took me and other people who really do need special accommodations a simply hi how are you today. I 100% would be ok having to show a doctors note with all my issues then have to be judge and labeled but people who are not qualified to make those judgments in the first place. If its illegal to ask me what my medical issues are how do they get away with judging me or anybody else with or without a service dog, wheel chair or any other medical devices. I am in my 30 I have learned for the most part to deal with things but that really was hard on me to especially see the kids with red tags on them that is the worst thing you can do trust me I know what that feels like. I don’t think anybody needs to have an unnecessary judgmental label on them plus they still have people getting away with cheating the system its sickening. I am in favor but they have a lot of work to do before it will be a great thing. Sorry if I seem upset or got off subject but somethings just didn’t sit with me the right way hopefully you understand and can put words to my frustrating rants.
I’m glad to hear it’s not as bad as you thought it would be. It is still a system that is far from perfect, and I HATE the big “hello, I’m disabled!” red flag. I wonder if they had anyone who has a disability or a loved one with a disability to help make their decisions (somehow I doubt it). I think the worst part about the whole situation is instead of addressing the people who take advantage of the system, they’re just making it more difficult/complicated for the people who actually need it.
Rachel´s last blog post ..InstaFriday + Miscellany
There are still so many things wrong with this as everyone has mentioned. Absolutely shocked that they can’t ask for a medical letter but can ask personal medical/behavioral questions. Although these were all the things that I happily shared with the cast member to explain why we needed the pass. And I will make mention that we deal with sensory and physical disability both of which are not visible so that makes us look like FRAUDS. It was so unnerving at first…thinking everyone thought we were lying to cut in line. I wanted to scream to them…come live our life for one day….it is nothing like your normal. Finally my hubby said…just pretend we are rock stars and make them wonder why we get to go through the exit. The wait and long day at the park is un-doable for so many…wheelchair or no wheelchair. And it was our ONE special place that Blake was OK being special. In fact, we felt normal that day because it is such a drawing place for children with special needs. I remember when he was three months old cathing him next to a woman who was tube feeding her little baby. I finally felt like I found a place I belonged….and guess what…we were rewarded for that specialness. OH….so much confusion here in my thoughts I can’t even articulate how I’m feeling. Thanks Jeannett for sharing and hopefully Disney will listen and read your posts and all our comments. After all….we are who they are trying to take care of…right?
The red stroller tag is not just for you and the Cast Members, it is for the other guests in the park who would love to also take their stroller into the queue with them but they can’t.
Almost all other guests have to unpack the stroller, wake up the sleeping child, secure personal belongings and take all valuables with them and leave the stroller outside the ride. Meanwhile, the Latino or black mother who was told no strollers in line watches the white lady with cute blonde children taking their stroller right into line. The CM’s are then yelled at and accused of racism and other horrible things and they demand to know why can’t their stroller go to? This happened routinely with the GAC and the red stroller tag was approved by Disney execs on strong suggestion by park CM’s who needed a visual cue to point to in able to defuse those recurring situations. Even if it doesn’t end with yelling and accusations of racism to the CM’s, the stink eye you got from others in the queue is now defused once they spot the wheelchair tag.
And finally, I can’t think of a kind way to say this so I’ll just be blunt and I hope you’ll indulge me, but… it’s not all about you. There are 75,000 other people in the park besides you, families that have planned and saved for years to visit Disneyland. Disney CM’s must be good hosts to everyone, and a successful day at Disneyland without a GAC or DAS takes advance planning as if it were the invasion of Normandy. You must juggle Fastpass times, lunch reservations, staking out parade and Fantasmic viewing, waiting in 90 minute Standby lines when Fastpass runs out at Racers, etc., etc.
DAS sounds like a wonderful extra courtesy to extend to those with disabilities. And it is managed much better than the other local parks that do basically the same thing (Universal, Knott’s, Six Flags and Sea World). But really, it’s not always all about you and your children. There are tens of thousands of other parents in the park that day who love their children just as much and paid just as much (if not more due to the extreme discounting the AP program allows per visit) to have a great day in the park with their kids.
Hi Thor!
Thanks so much for your comment. I’m really enjoying the dialogue on the topic.
I actually agree with you 100%. It’s NOT all about me. Or even my daughter. It’s about how we, as a society, treat one another…in this case, those with disabilities. I can appreciate that other families who have to wake sleeping children would feel scorned at the sight of my own stroller in line, but to say that we should slap a big sign on her back so as to not offend another guest seems undignified. Children with autism often throw tantrums and cause scenes…many (all?) mamas to Autism can attest to glares and stares and even rude comments about “disciplining their children” or “getting them under control”. Would it be simpler for everyone if they wore a shirt that said “Hey, I’m Autistic”. I suppose. But it would do nothing for their dignity as human beings. Perhaps you disagree, but that’s how it feels with the stroller tags. (I won’t really respond to the claims of racism. While I can appreciate that it’s true for some, and has happened, I would imagine plenty of other “white moms” and their own “cute blonde children” giving me stares too.) If there was serious concern, they could always ask me (and I’d happily explain), or even the cast member once I was on the ride and out of sight. But most people won’t, because it’s easier to judge silently. But at that point, no one can be faulted for the miscommunication, or lack thereof. Frankly, I’m sure we get enough stares anyway…tag or not…because when she’s in the stroller, she doesn’t “look” disabled. So we’re hosed no matter what we do.
Here’s the real thing: it’s not about waiting in lines. It’s not about getting a perk. It’s not about special treatment. It’s not even about Disneyland. It’s about the tiny ways that we quietly operate under as a culture, including private enterprise, that weaves the fabric of our society. It’s in the everyday itty bitty ways that the disabled are an afterthought. It’s in the simple things we all take for granted (myself included), that are almost impossible for those with cumbersome equipment. Today alone, I could hardly navigate the aisles of a major craft store without toppling over products, squeezing through impossibly narrow aisles, and knocking packets of stickers to the ground because end caps were jam packed with product. It’s about walking two doors down to the hardware store and literally not being able to fit through the aisle to the cash register. Realizing Register 5 had an ADA sticker (yet was closed), I was instructed to walk around to the front. Asking everyone in line behind me to please back up so I could get back out and around…and then “losing” my place in line when the cashier helped the guy behind us even though it took me 10 seconds to walk around. It’s the entire chains of stores that I cannot take my stroller/wheelchair so I’ve stopped shopping there altogether, not because I’m boycotting, but because we cannot navigate the store. It’s the ramps that are on the building’s backside near the loading docks and/or dumpsters. It’s how I’m suddenly exhausted at the sheer thought of navigating the overstocked aisles during the holidays when customers leave merchandise strewn through the walkways and you can’t reach over to pick it up and move it so you’re constantly backtracking and reversing. It’s all of these tiny things. Each truly no big deal. Each simple inconveniences. But together, added up, day after day, place after place, encounter after encounter, you can’t help but feel like a second class citizen. And I don’t even deal with it all the time. Only when I take our big stroller out. But someday, my girl may have to deal with it all day every day. And many people live this life constantly. It’s like a little bird pecking…at first it doesn’t bother you, but after a while, you can’t ignore it anymore.
Let’s face it: Disney is a leader. They are modeled after. Studied. Used as the basis of collegiate level business courses. What they do, and what they don’t do, will be watched and will leave a indelible mark. We may not realize it as consumers, but companies are paying attention to what’s going on in this arena. And they’re waiting to see what happens. The trickle down of whatever (both good and bad) ends up sticking, will be felt. Maybe not by you and your family…and maybe not for 10 years…but it will. Disney is a trail blazer. And I love that about Disney. Truly. It may sound a little “the sky is falling!” but I do believe it’s naive to believe that this is just about waiting in line. It’s about so much more. I hope you see that. And I would hope that Disney would understand the far reaching implications of policies they create.
I realize you probably aren’t a regular reader (and I don’t expect you to be…after all, it’s not about me) but I would hope that you would spend a few minutes poking around to see that I’m not one to stir controversy and that I rarely get in the fray. So truthfully, posts like this are fairly out of character (and certainly context!) for this blog space. And, like I said, it really worked better than I had anticipated. I was just being honest in how I viewed some of the pieces.
(Also, not that it matters to this conversation, but I feel the need to bring it up because there was implication that we’re somehow rich because we have annual passes. The truth is that this is the first time we’ve ever had them…we scrimped and saved for over a year to afford what was supposed to be a two day trip, but when we saw that AP were just a little more it seemed to be a better value. We pack in lunches and bring our own water bottles. And I can’t compare the services to Universal, Sea World, or Legoland because we’ve never been there. You know, because we can’t afford to jump around to parks.)
This response is right on. It is about the ways we treat each other – and the fact that we make those with disabilities into second-class citizens in innumerable ways each and every day. The only thing I think is missing is a direct response to this comment: “a successful day at Disneyland without a GAC or DAS takes advance planning as if it were the invasion of Normandy. You must juggle Fastpass times, lunch reservations, staking out parade and Fantasmic viewing, waiting in 90 minute Standby lines when Fastpass runs out at Racers, etc., etc.” I guess I’d respond by saying that it is presumptuous to assume that having a GAC means any LESS planning…or that the experiences of those with healthy bodies in any way approximates the amount of planning and negotiation that goes into something as enormous as a trip to Disneyland with a child with a disability. In fact, I visited the park with my medically-fragile daughter today and I had to do all those things mentioned on this list and more even WITH a GAC.
The thing that rankles me more than any other is this attitude that it isn’t “fair” to the able-bodied when those with disabilities receive some “benefit.” You’re right, Thor, it’s not all about me, it’s also about the 75000 other people in the park who “planned and saved for years” (who said I didn’t, when I also had to buy things like MRIs and drugs that cost hundreds each month, and a million other things 95% of those individuals would never even know existed much less dream of having to budget for – and actually, when you consider a dollar-for-hour scenario – actually I paid more to be there because my daughter is not healthy enough for a full day at the park). Yup, I did have to wait in long lines, plan out paths, add in wait times, etc., etc., etc. Unfortunately, I had to do that without the benefit of FastPasses, a system that is too restrictive for us to be able to take advantage of since it requires leaving and returning within a certain window of time – in short, it presumes a healthy body. I also had to leave the park before 7 p.m., before we could take in the much-anticipated World of Color, before the fireworks and the snow. You know…all those wonderful events all those other parents who “love their children just as much” get to experience with their kids – simply because they have the gift of health. I had to leave because my daughter was fatigued from all the additional walking back and forth to the kiosk to get my “benefit” of not standing in a line, but waiting the same amount of time to make it “fair.” Believe me, I’d trade the “perk” of having a “special access card” (which in reality isn’t all that special) in a heartbeat if it meant my daughter would be healthy. I’d trade the hours I spend at Children’s Hospital for hours standing in line at a theme park without a second thought. In truth, this world is designed for the “75000 other visitors.” The fact that Disney attempted to make their world a little bit special for those with disabilities is wonderful. Too bad some of those “75000 other visitors” decided to abuse the system because the only ones who got hurt were the few who really needed it to begin with.
Thor,
You are right! It is amazing how many people Disney serves in one day, and the Cast Members do need things to help them gauge situations. I like the idea of the Red Tag, but until you experience a trip to Target (smaller space and less people than Disney, but equally challenging) with someone that’s disabled, its hard to understand the challenges that their families face each day. I think there is more tweaking to the system that could benefit everyone.
Katie´s last blog post ..Hey Jealousy! Monster Dash Half Update
You said that very well Thor.
My son is 5 and as down syndrome. He has been to the park only a handful of times. The few ones required constant moving and parking of his stroller, plus I had to carry him through the lines as well as larger than most back pack for all his special needs. Only on the last visit was I made aware of the GAC .The big red luggage tag was a gift from heaven. We enjoyed a few decreases in wait times as well, and that made things even nicer. However I think the new system is fair and while it may require some adjustments for some who have been a little spoiled by the old one.
I very happy to have and display the Big Red Tag.
Ok, my kid went to Disneyland today and tried out the kiosks. Overall, they worked ok for her.
But imagine my shock, when Jimmy Kimmell showed up and WAIT!! WAIT! Got to cut to the front of all line because, because…he is a celebrity. You know how tough it is for them at Disneyland? I am not happy. And all I could do was think of Jilly. Seriously annoyed, D-land. Not good.
That just made me throw up in my mouth a little bit.
As long as celebrities are paying for that perk, that’s one thing….But I think the average joe who has special needs should get a little special treatment. (more thoughts on this to come but had to touch on the celebrity idea first).
Katie´s last blog post ..Hey Jealousy! Monster Dash Half Update
Just an FYI on the celebrity thing. Sometimes they pay for a Disney Guide, which does come with perks. Other times it becomes necessary to just let the celebrity through the line. Why? Because once they get spotted standing in line for something, they can easily get mobbed by people wanting photos and autographs. And that can create a big scene, a bottleneck of people, and in some cases, a safety hazard. Disney does not want any of those things happening. It then affects all guests in the area.
Many celebs choose to just wing it, and hope they don’t get spotted. I’ve worked for a few that have. They don’t want to bring attention to themselves. But some try that, and then have to be escorted around quickly, because it becomes a complete mess wherever they go. (This is also why celebs normally have escorts at airports and ride those carts to the gates.)
I popped over from FB when I saw you mentioned you wrote the longest response ever and Im all riled up! Dude doesn’t have a clue… I hate that you have to defend yourself (even the fact that you have passes in the first place….like church congregation members that get all riffed when their pastor buys a boat and have NO frickin clue that maybe its always been their dream to have a boat and theyd been saving for years kinda thing). Even though we just came from Disneyworld NO ONE there would have noticed by looking at my darling what we have walked through the last four years. How the Lord created her is mostly hidden from passersby… you wrote nothing wrong in any of your Disney posts…you wrote the honest heart struggles from a momma whose heart has been slaughtered and parents who have healthy kids just.dont.get.it. They never, ever will…not possible. What an unfathomable joy it would be so live so naively blissfully that your concerns would go as far as wondering why other people got to carry their dang strollers in and you didn’t. Just wanted to make sure you know (with all the crap you have to deal with bc of the popularity of your blog) Im with ya…from TN…but still, you know, in heart and all.
Jordan´s last blog post ..Redemption Day – Four Years Later
We visit Disney World (you know living in FL and all ;o) ) and neither of my children have disabilities. I can’t say that I’ve seen the way Disney has handled how people with disabilities visit the parks, other than wheelchair guests of course. But I have read about how people were abusing the system that was in place. It deeply bothered me.
I have absolutely no problem waiting in line a tad longer while a person with a disability goes to the front. My family and I are perfectly capable to stand in line for a ride, where as someone else might not be for whatever the reason. It just seems like a fair trade, you know what I mean? And for people to abuse that system is just so beyond me. How can that not play on their conscience?
Then I heard about the new system and the uproar it was causing. I really liked having an insider perspective of the new changes. We are planning a trip to Disney next year for my youngest 5th birthday and even though it doesn’t effect us personally, I like being aware of the new changes. It will allow me to have an understanding of what the guests that it does effect are dealing with.
So thanks for this post, I think you put it very eloquently.
“To say that one guest’s disabilities don’t warrant a DAS…but this one does…that this diagnosis gets this…but this diagnosis doesn’t…Jill gets this, Bobby gets that, Susie gets both. I really wish I could speak more clearly as to why this bothers me so much…but I can’t quite pinpoint it. All I can say is that it doesn’t sit well. Maybe one of you will get what I’m thinking and are smarter than I am to put it into words? ”
I agree with what’s been posted before me, I don’t see how this can be legal when it’s not legal to question someone why they have a service dog. Not to say that this is the same–but hopefully you get what I mean.
Legality aside, I think the whole situation is most unsettling because they’re personal questions! It’s one thing to be sitting in an IEP meeting discussing these questions with people that know and care about your child–trained professionals and a completely different situation to be standing in line for 20 minutes with the hot California sun beating down on you, to finally have a 16 year old lackadaisically ask you these questions.
Sounds to me that the disabled are actually waiting about 45 minutes longer than the regular line in addition to going through the hassle of getting the fast pass?
My 8 year-old daughter has Down Syndrome so she doesn’t need a T shirt to declare her disability . . . her facial features make it obvious. I guess that has made it easier for our little family to navigate at Disneyland using the GAC without having to hear so many comments.
I am grateful that we were able to make our recent trip last month before these changes went into place. I realize that Disney felt they needed to do something to curb the abuse, but really . . . telling kids who can’t emotionally handle waiting in line that they now have to wait in a line to get a ticket to wait . . . ugh! Our issue isn’t even with the waiting. Our issue is waiting IN THE QUEUE. My daughter gets overstimulated and could have a meltdown at any time in the queue. In some of those lines, there is no way out if we sense that the meltdown is imminent. We don’t even ride any of the fastpass rides (except for Autopia), but we need an alternate entrance to ride Dumbo. I hope that there is a better system than going back and forth to a kiosk in order for us to navigate Fantasyland. I guess one of us parents is going to be the “runner” to the kiosk every time we’re done on a ride.
Jeannett, I was mentally “amening” everything you said.
I do have to say that there was one very nice couple who actually gave my daughter their place in line (because even a GAC doesn’t help you with a line to meet characters) so that she could meet Snow White. We got to the line as the cast member was cutting the line off so that Snow White could take her break. My daughter couldn’t understand why she couldn’t meet Snow White when she was right there. This couple gave her their place. There are a lot of nice people out there. :-)
I wanted to say thank you for this post, which I found along a grapevine of links. It’s one of the more reasoned and less kneejerk responses, and I appreciate your thoughtful comments. I’m a Floridian, so it’s WDW for me, which has a different method of using the DAS, but your post has both encouraged and worried me.
Within the last year, I have gained a chronic disease (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), and have found that it has negatively impacted my trips to the Magic Kingdom. I can’t stand as long as I used to, and have to sit down or stop more often. I also have to drink a LOT more water, because I dehydrate too easily. 20 minute lines are about my limit, if they’re steadily moving. If it’s a stand-in-one-place line, I can do maybe 5 minutes without needing to sit down. But I don’t need a wheelchair, and in fact my cardiologist doesn’t want me to use one, so long as I can just sit or lie down with water to drink.
So this is encouraging, because I think the new DAS for physical disabilities will be very helpful. I can sit in the shade for my wait instead of in a snaking, slow moving line (during which time I might run out of water, which happened to me at DHS last month, when the wait was longer and slower moving than I anticipated, but luckily by the time it ran out, I was almost at the load area, and there was a water fountain not too far from the exit). I have never minded the wait and have mostly managed to use FP and early arrival to be able to minimize my line-standing, or else just skip things that are over 20 minutes, so I never asked for a GAC.
But now I’m also worried that because my dysautonomic condition is intermittent and mostly invisible (my doctor doesn’t want me to use a wheelchair unless I’m literally about to faint and need to get to a space that’s safe for me to lie down, because walking helps keep my blood flow going), I’m going to be denied the DAS pass for waiting outside the regular lines. I don’t need to use it all the time, but if I want to enjoy the park on my upcoming trip with friends from Washington, I’ll need a way to wait seated while they go through the regular line, since I won’t be 100% in control of what we do. And then there’s things like the China or Canada movies in Epcot that I LOVE but can’t do because I can’t stand through the entire thing anymore, and they won’t let you sit down.
(I was just reminded about my last trip to Epcot as I was writing this. My brother, a CM, was with me and he backtracked to counter service restaurants/stands no less than 3 times to refill my water bottle for me because I had to sit down so my heart could calm and I’d run out of water in between places (and CS restaurants will give you ice water for free). I might have to get a wheelchair for my Epcot days, if I’m going to be alone, and thumb my nose at my doctor. He sure as heck isn’t walking around Epcot in the heat and humidity guzzling water like a dehydrated camel and unable to even talk because of tachycardia and low blood pressure from standing up too long.
I visited Epcot on 10/12 and I walk with a cane and cannot stand very long. The state of FL says I’m disabled. I was denied an assistance pass because the cast member said I was fat to my face in front of a lot of people. Then her manager said the same thing. I am an AP holder and can no longer use the parks. It’s a useless system for me.
That is very distressing to hear.
There is NO reason for anyone to blame disability on weight. I mean, what if your weight is CAUSED by the disability, for one? (Mine is exacerbated by the fact that I can’t exercise easily without hurting myself, and I’m not even that fat, but people still blame my tachycardia on being fat and out of shape. It pisses me off! I also have sacroiilitis and am developing arthritis in my hips, so many types of exercise are physically painful.)
Since I made my post, I saw where someone else reported that she was told she could not use a DAS, because her mobility problems meant she should just use a wheelchair instead. There was a bit more to it that made me wonder why she didn’t use an ECV, but still – if you’re on an ECV and alone in the parks, you don’t really have the option of walking when you need to, because you can’t exactly push the thing.
The lines are extra long because of the Fastpass+ on top of regular Fastpass these days, too. As an AP holder, I don’t even have access to FP+ yet. (And I’m local, so I usually just visit for a day, or stay at my brother’s house if it’s just one night, so that I can afford to spend more in the parks.) I hope that I can still find a way to make it work. Epcot is my biggest fear, because I have become sick near to the point of fainting several times while going around the promenade. At the Magic Kingdom, it isn’t nearly so far to get back to the gate to leave early, and it doesn’t feel as rushed if you want to just sit down and rest for a bit. There are a lot of spots to do so. (They removed a lot of the seating around the Epcot promenade over the years to make room for F&W, besides.)
That is horrible. They should be ashamed
Thanks for sharing your experience! I just went through it all at Disney World with my children and I share your concerns. Laying out all your child’s faults to a cast member can be emotionally stressful too. Not the way to start a vacation! It was nice to see how things went in Disneyland for your family. Part of the reason we switched to wheel chair was because of the big red tag and the looks it warranted from people around us. At least now when she is in her wheelchair people are less likely to treat my daughter with dwarfism like a toddler because she is almost 7 and looks 3. I also have a son with Asperger’s. So we got a taste of all the changes. Some will be happy, but many will be frustrated with it in Florida.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I’m headed to DL with my autistic son and even though our trip is a month away, I’ve already started mapping out rides, walks, trains, etc. Your post was just the info I needed to help plan. Thank you so much for the info on the kiosks and the maps!
I just visited Disneyland for three days and thought the new system worked well. There are a few bugs that’s could be worked out but I feel so much better knowing that it’s much harder for people to cheat the system now!
I’m just curious why you think it will be harder for people to beat the system? There’s still no proof required. Nothing has changed really, in regards to the abusers…I’m not trying to be adversarial, I’m just trying to figure out how this system curbs abuse. Maybe I’m missing some perspective? (And I’m being honest, not trying to be a jerk.!)
:)
It was very interesting for me to read your Disneyland review, having just gone through the same changes at DisneyWorld. They didn’t mention the two-stage Disability Access Service system, possibly because our son can walk with his Cerebral Palsy. However, I was painfully aware how fatiguing a day out at Disney would be for his legs. We stayed at the Polynesian and trialed the new FASTPASS+ on our Magic Bands, which helped a lot! However, I did find that we were wasting time waiting for return times with the DAS and on one occasion we wandered aimlessly. Frustrating. My review is here : http://realwomendrivestick.blogspot.ca/2013/10/the-new-disney-disability-access.html
Went to guest services for my husband who has PTSD from the Vietnam War plus is physically handicapped. They questioned him in a way that is close to accusing him of being a cheater. they said your are a regular quest, correct? NO. You are from CA? NO. When was the last time you were here? 2009. It took him 20 mins to get a pass. The person was very rude and unfriendly. They really do not want to give out any passes. He finally got one from a supervisor. By, the end of the ordeal, he was shaking and so agitated, I had to calm him down.
My friend has Spina Bifida as well as several hidden disabilities. She asked for a DAS and she was also treated like she was trying to cheat the system. She had to list all her disabilities and basically was made to cry in front of her Daughter before they gave her a pass. I almost cryed when she told me about it. In the end her pass for RRacers, was no good because it broke down twice. Then she still had to wait 45 mins in soaring because only 1 vehicle was working.
On the flip side I have two kids with mild disabilities and we never have gotten a pass, or tried to. But lately we have been only able to fast pass 1 ride, as my youngest cant stay more than 6 hours, and to pay almost $90 per person and get on one ride you want to get on. That does not make for a magical day. In addition we have only ridden peter pan once in my children’s lifetime, because in my youngest kids lifetime it has only been under 30 minutes on one trip. (he cant tolerate over 20 mins)
So I hope Disney tweeks things to make it more usuable for the moderate to severly disabled like my friend. But I also hope that getting rid of the GAC means that I can shoot for 2 rides we really want on the same day and not have a son reduced to tears because there are no fast passes left.
I really enjoyed your post, it is very balanced and reflective of most of those with disabilities I have spoken with. My assessment is that the “access” (and, yes it belongs in quotes) card is probably quite beneficial for those with sensory issues, but that for those with more hidden physical issues, it is definitely a step backwards. Issues:
1. Kiosks are NOT conveniently located within the resort…how could they be with only 7 locations total?
2. The answer is NOT “just put your kid in a wheelchair” – why handicap further someone who already has a disability?
3. Neither is the answer “just send someone else in your party to the kiosk” – you went to DLand to be with your family, not to split up at regular intervals in service to your disabled party member.
4. Understand that you WILL spend more time and cover more distance with the new system – for those who are easily fatigued, this is definitely a factor in deciding whether to even go to the park.
5. The system is NOT set up to be a service to those with disabilities – it is set up to be punitive to those who try to fake a disability. Therefore, you WILL be treated as a suspect – and yes, I did end up crying at the counter because of how harshly the young cast member spoke to me.
6. FastPass still doesn’t work for those with motor or fatigue issues.
7. Giving some inexperienced cast members the power to decide who is “disabled enough” is ridiculous and demeaning.
8. I don’t see how this will curb people trying to “work the system,” at least not for long. Because healthy individuals can utilize FastPasses well, this provides them basically with the ability to hold 2 fast passes at one time. Not a deterrent.
I think that’s enough. In all, I thought the system worked better than I thought it would, and I could see how some of our friends, particularly those with autism-spectrum disorders, would be well-served. But for us it was more restrictive, and led to my daughter becoming fatigued early, and we ended up having to leave. Disneyland used to be a place where we could forget the health issues for a while, but today was all about being reminded over and over and over again.
Well said. I agree it is set for the abusers and not for the injured.
Having to wear a red tag is like a scarlet letter and discriminatory. The two tiered system leaves everyone with other disabilities and their needs out. Crohns, diabetes, tbi, sensitivity to sun/heat,
severe allergies, heart problems, stamina issues and many other reasons people need to get in and out of line easily to spend a day in the park. The fast pass system doesn’t work for many and never was accessible to them. The new system is just a type of fast pass system. No one should have to announce to the public they are disabled and wear a tag. Disney not only has created a humiliating system but has not done a thing to stop the abuse. What they have done is eliminate many disabled patrons from being able to return ever again. In that they have solved the excess of people in disabled lines. Someone will file a lawsuit and win-until then discrimination and segregation is very much alive in Disney parks. Civil rights are being stomped on!
Let me know I would live to be a part of that class action.
For hottest news you have to go to see web and on internet I found this site as a best web page for latest updates.
Cure For Diabetes´s last blog post ..Cure For Diabetes
Shockingly, egg protein powder contains no fat or cholesterol as it is formed
from the whites of the eggs, and contains no egg yolks.
Water should be the single thing in your cooler if you are planning on losing as much mass as you can in as little
time as possible. Whey, on the other hand, has been clinically
verified to not only aid in the loss of system excess fat but
also in the progress and upkeep of lean muscle mass.
best protein´s last blog post ..best protein