Changes in Disney Park’s Policies Regarding Access Pass for Individuals with Disabilities
by Dorothea Iannuzzi

Picture of Mickey and Minnie Mouse at Disney
Walt Disney Changes Access Pass Program

The Disney Corporation recently announced that they would be making major changes to their policies regarding access to the park attractions for individuals with disabilities. The current system has been in place for many years and it has become clear that there have been many instances of abuse of the current system. Effective October 9, 2013, Disney will offer a new system which is centered around what is being called the Disability Access Service (DAS) card. This new card will allow for guests with disabilities (and their accompanying guests) to receive a return time for attractions based on current wait time, rather than jumping straight to the front of the line as the GAC previously offered.

Some disability advocacy groups have taken offense to the change, remarking that this change will negatively affect the experience of visiting the park and attractions for individuals with a disability.  It is disconcerting to think that families of non disabled individuals were actually acquiring an access pass through the use of fraudulent medical documentation or in some cases families purchased these passes through Craig’s List as a means of cheating the system.  It is hard to imagine what would motivate someone to cheat the system in an effort to not have typical children wait in line. What a horrible statement about the values and morals of individuals trying who scam the system in an effort to enhance their experience visiting a theme park. Disney has also made a statement that they are still willing to make individual arrangements depending on individual needs. For more information see: Disney Parks Disability Access Service Card