Disney won a lawsuit earlier this week in which a plaintiff was suing Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts saying that the Disable Access Service Card (DAS) violates the American with Disabilities Act. Not only winning the judgement granted, the court also required the plaintiff to pay all of Disney’s legal fees.
In 2014, 16 children and young adults with autism along with their guardians and parents filed ADA violations in federal court.
Disney’s disability program changed from GAC (Guest Assistance Card) program to DAS (Disability Access Service) to stop so many non disabled people from scamming the system. The lawsuit claims that the new system often results in having to wait on long lines causing meltdown behaviors and that cast members who used to be caring and helpful are now inadequate and “robotic”. There is also claim that the new system makes it impossible for the autistic individuals to keep up with their routine, order, and consistency which is very important for people with autism.
Judge Ann Conway said in a statement:
“The Plaintiff was given an opportunity to experience Magic Kingdom in a similar manner as guests that do not need accommodations, Non-disabled guests visiting Magic Kingdom for rides and attractions have to wait more than an hour to experience them,” “Comparing this to Plaintiff’s experience, DAS (Disability Access Service) and readmission passes allow him access to those same rides in a fraction of the time thus, DAS and readmission passes afford Plaintiff a similar, or better, experience as those not needing them.”
Glad to have this case behind them a Disney representative said:
“We fully comply with all ADA requirements and believe that the legal claims are without merit,”
Do you feel like this case was handled correctly? Comment below!
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People were scamming the system. Whether you want to believe it or not, they made it fair.
As a paralegal I do understand what the court is trying to say, but as the mother of a mentally challenged daughter, the court is 100% wrong. Yes every disabled guest is given the same opportunities as a “typical” guest but it still involves waiting in lines. I’ve been trying to get a handle on this since they changed their policy. There is no way the new system works. Whether its letting only one person in your group go to get the return time so the disabled guest doesn’t have to see the ride, you are still going back, like a fast pass, at the recommended time and have to wait in the fast pass line. Before the system was changed we just went to a ride, presented the pass, an were led onto the ride through the exit. No waiting. No meltdowns. Total Enjoyment. Now there is nothing but tears, meltdowns, and so totally not worth the money to put my daughter through this.