Despite its long-standing reputation for inclusiveness and its focus on accommodating guests with disabilities—or perhaps because it has been so successful in promoting them—Disney is now revisiting its Accessibility Services program and adjusting the program’s qualifications, registration procedures, and length of validity. The goal, it says, is to make sure guests with legitimate special needs receive the accommodations they need.
The Accessibility Services websites for both Walt Disney World and Disneyland this week unveiled new resources, but also modifications to some of the services and options they offer. The goal is to cut down on the misuse of the program, as the number of guests using it tripled over the past few years.
“Disney is dedicated to providing a great experience for all Guests, including those with disabilities, which is why we are so committed to delivering a wide range of innovative support services aimed at helping our Guests with disabilities have a wonderful time when visiting our theme parks,” the company said.
Effective May 20 in Florida and June 18 in California, the Disability Access Service, which holds a place for guests with disabilities without making them stand in line, will be limited to those with autism or a similar developmental disability. And rather than accepting a doctor’s note or an Americans with Disabilities Act card, Disney now will be using a third-party service, Inspire Health Alliance, to evaluate guest eligibility. DAS parties also will be limited to immediate family members only, or a group of four if they are riding without family.
Guests are encouraged to enroll in the program in advance via a virtual video chat system, where they can talk to the Accessibility Services team about their individual needs and the services they might require. On-site options will remain available, however. At Disneyland, there will be designated windows at the esplanade between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure; at Walt Disney World, guests can make same-day arrangements on-site through a virtual chat.