Disabled Guests React to Disney DAS Changes

DAS Defenders, a group representing over 15,500 disabled Disney fans, has expressed concerns over Disney’s recent decision to extend the Disability Access Service (DAS) validity period from 120 to 240 days. The group argues that this change distracts from the more pressing issues affecting disabled guests at Disney parks.

Related – Group Petitions Disney World & Disneyland Over Changes in DAS Program

Key Issues the group has with the DAS Program

• Unqualified Evaluations: Inspire Health professionals often lack the expertise to assess specific conditions, such as psychologists evaluating seizure disorders.
• Autism Denials: Despite DAS promoting that it is for autistic guests, many have been unfairly denied access.
• Re-traumatizing Processes: Disabled individuals are often re-traumatized when Disney staff question their medical condition after going through years of difficult diagnostic procedures. 
• Safety and Lines: Long waits and crowded lines pose safety risks, even with “return times,” making the process difficult for many disabled guests.
• Inconsistent Accommodations: Accommodations are left to untrained cast members, resulting in inconsistent and inadequate support.
• Conflict Risk: Line-cutting perceptions can lead to harassment or violence from other guests.
• Family Separation: Disabled guests and their families are often separated, further isolating them from group experiences.
• Inadequate Space: Wheelchair or scooter users struggle to exit queues not designed for mobility devices to travel through a crowded line. 
• Inappropriate Disclosure: Repeatedly explaining one’s disability in public is invasive, frustrating, and anxiety-inducing.
• Medical Emergencies: Crowded lines make it difficult to address medical emergencies or provide basic care.
• 120 Day Bans: Disney has been banning disabled people from trying to request accommodations for a 120 day period if they are denied. 

Many disabled guests view Disney’s decision to extend the DAS validity period as an empty gesture. While it may alleviate the need for frequent application interviews, it fails to address the underlying issues that impact their experience at Disney parks. DAS Defenders argues that Disney needs to focus on resolving these core problems rather than implementing superficial changes.

“Disney continues to bury its head in the sand,” said a representative of DAS Defenders. “We’ve been very clear about what needs to change, yet they’ve ignored the specifics and made this superficial tweak to distract from the real issues.”

DAS Defenders remains focused on achieving real improvements for park accessibility. While acknowledging the recent extension of the DAS validity period, the group highlights it as an insufficient measure.

Their detailed letter to Disney executives outlines significant flaws in the current system and proposes solutions. Despite a petition with over 32,000 signatures urging change, meaningful dialogue with Disney is yet to occur.

DAS Defenders emphasizes a desire to work collaboratively with Disney. They call for a meeting with disabled guests to explore solutions that create a truly inclusive experience for all visitors.