Guest Claims Child In Need Denied Disney's Disability Access Service - Inside the Magic

2022-08-20 06:06:12 By : Mr. Peter Wang

It should be the same as Disneyland Paris, you need to show proof of your disability to get the pass.

I wish all the parks handled DAS like Paris. I simply provided a copy of my disabled parking permit and didn’t need to prove anything else, this level allowed my party almost no wait time . My daughter who has PTSD and anxiety was able to get a DAS that allowed her to do standby return times. Anxiety is a very real issue for many. Without DAS my daughter wouldn’t be able to enjoy her Disney day.

If you have a disabled parking pass for your daughter’s PTSD and ANXIETY then you have abused the system. Those passes are for physical disabilities not mental health problems. And if your daughter suffers from that much anxiety why in the world are you abusing her by taking her to a place that has so many anxiety causing sights, sounds, smells and people? As a nurse I am appalled that you would place her at that much risk.

Ken, your ignorance is simply stellar. A disability is just that, a disability and the parking permit is NOT just for physical disabilities. It’s for all disabilities, and sorry skippy, PTSD is a very real mental disability.

How does the parking pass her with anxiety at all? The idea of disabled spaces is to help those who physically struggle to get to the store. Not someone because their feelings might be hurt doing an everyday task

Your ignorance on this issue is profound.

Yes it is getting abused a lot and real disability has to pay the price. I don’t think ADHD OR Anxiety should qualify for DAS,everyone claims it these days. and if u have it so bad Disney may not be a place for u cause it may aggregate the condition. My son had ADHD he grew out of it and is 10 years in the service now with no problems.

Yes it is getting abused a lot and real disability has to pay the price. I don’t think ADHD OR Anxiety should qualify for DAS,everyone claims it these days. and if u have it so bad Disney may not be a place for u cause it may aggregate the condition. My son had ADHD he grew out of it and is 10 years in the service now with no problems.

Why the hell should I have to provide proof I’m Autistic and ADHD, as well as physically disabled? That’s very discriminatory toward disabled people. NO! That is incredibly ableist.

It’s a special Pass for disabled people. Reason non-disabled park goes do t need proof is because they’re not seeking special accommodation.

So people dont just say im disabled and get one its sad to say people arent honest today. Besides what does it matter i have to let people know im diabetic so i dont get food i shouldn’t have its no different get over yourself

it’s ableist that you have to prove you’re eligible for preferential treatment instead of just being taken at your word? lmao, the entitlement is off the charts. if your disability is so bad that talking about it sends you into fits of PTSD-induced breakdowns then perhaps you shouldn’t be attempting to interact with anyone outside the comfort of your own home.

Why?? WHY?? Because everyone would try to abuse it.. you think they’re just waiting to screw u over …grow up

You are exactly why. Try getting Social Security Disability with your attitude. Proof of a driver’s license, proof of insurance whether auto, home, medical etc., proof of registration and so forth and so on. It is what intelligent humans know what is needed in ALL OF LIFE!!! Get off of your pompous wagon and deal with it. BTW, next time you go to a concert make sure you have your tickets because that’s your PROOF OF PAYMENT!!!

Definitely needs to be supported by physician documentation of the diagnosis.

Yes it is abused. We have seen many groups of young men and women claiming to be disabled, when they are not. Actually having an autistic grandchild, these people cause the disability lines to be much longer. It’s a shame that they have to act this way.

I can say that I have a das (I am high functioning autistic with ADHD depression anxiety and claustrophobia) however you would never think it by looking at me …my coworkers even think I am lying when I tell them I’m autistic. So just because YOU don’t see anything wrong doesn’t mean they are cheating the system

Agreed! Too many people have anxiety (which is a normal thing to feel) so it’s an overused diagnosis. There’s extreme debilitating anxiety (and those people, my son, cannot bear to go in public places let alone a theme park) so Disney is doing the best to weed out fakers. There needs to be proof of disability, it’s sad but it’s a fact, you can’t just park in the handicapped spaces if you’re truly not qualified for it and honestly people with disabilities would rather not have them.

Asking if it’s being abused is like asking is the sun hot… You know damn well it’s being abused like crazy especially if no proof is needed. I would have zero issues of showing proof of my son’s disability of it hasn’t Karen over there pretending just to get in a faster line didn’t get her way.

ADA laws as well as judgments from lawsuits prevent Disney from being able to require proof on the U.S. and for good reason. Disney used to require proof many,any years ago and someone that was denied assistance got trampled by people in the queue. Additionally, there were tons of places just outside of Disney that would sell fake documentation on the street corner for a few dollars and it created increased demand on the system, not decreased.

That’s a folk tale, oh and crazy! No one was trampled in line and ADA not really Das reason. Most parks offer the support to disabled people like me. Disney could require doctor to fill in a Disney form- aviods ADA issues and greatly reduce abuse

We went in November of 2021 and I have been disabled for 14 yrs and I am permanently on forearm crutches. I have paperworkfrom my doctors and all. I did the video chat and was told get a wheelchair it was aweful.

Which is exactly what you should have been told to do. The DAS is not for disabilities that can be addressed with a mobility device, since most of the lines can accommodate such devices.

Disney is obligated to provide an accommodation, not the accommodation that the guest prefers.

We live in a world of accountability and I totally agree that a person should plan ahead and bring proof out of all fairness. Jl

Show proof to a non licensed minimum wage teenager so they can establish a medical diagnosis. Yeah….nope. That’s between my doctor and I.

Cool. Then just don’t get the pass and feel free to wait in the stand by line with the rest of us.

Depends on how severe the ADHD and anxiety is. Some kids really do have both on a severe level. My child does but he also has autism and combined makes any theme park intolerable. I would try it again when entering the park.

Stop using “severe” as if it’s a sliding scale. It’s ableist to use functioning labels.

LOL!! Maybe YOU should stop pretending to be disabled. “Lines make me nervous” LOLOLOLOL…just because you have a weak mindset it doesn’t make you disabled. Useless attention whore is all you are

You’re such a woke weirdo! Are you triggered? She has a kid with those issues and she even knows there’s levels of anxiety disorders as I do with my severely anxiety riddled son who can’t go to ph lic places with having full on panic attacks.

Severity is very much a part of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental diagnosis. It is not ableist to say that some people present a less severe symptom set than others. That’s what’s called diagnostic.

My last trip to world in Orlando, I was in Hollywood and overheard the following between the alpha-moms of two large families, “Oh honey just go get a disability pass. Just tell them you are autistic. Its easy. They can’t ask for proof.” The gist of the rest of the convo being that they paid way too much to stand in line with us commoners and that people were stupid to NOT get DAS. So I was in disbelief at that one, but figured ok. But THEN in Epcot, same trip, SAME THING! Two golf dads in front of Canada and the one instructing the other what to tell them to get it and they were laughing about it, basically saying the same thing that they paid too much money to just stand in line all day. The privilege was disgusting. It was all I could do to not say something. Some kind of proof should DEF be required.

Agreed. I have three young boys, and my middle son has an autism and ADHD diagnosis. I have no issue with providing a doctors note to get the DAS pass if it helps to crack down on people abusing the system. My son has a difficult time even waiting in the grocery check out line – some ppl just really don’t get it. The sense of entitlement is disgusting.

Demanding proof of disability is major discrimination. I shouldn’t be forced to show proof I’m Autistic and ADHD and physically disabled. Stop making things harder for us oh my god.

No, if you ACTUALLY have a disability then you should have No problem showing proof! I have two kids with anaphylactic allergies. My 2yo standing in an hour long line while other little kids in front of us eat PB/nut sandwiches and wipe their hands all over the rails and walls, is not safe for my kids. I would/will show proof that it’s not safe for my kids. These people who abuse the system should not get DAS simply because ‘they pay too much money to stand in line’, it’s ridiculous! I agree there should be proof needed, before they take away the option for most/all people.

Disney needs a form for all, would your doctor sign it? Mine would and I don’t mind- stop being a self righteous a**hole prove you issue or stay home!

My grandson is autistic. We were in WDW 2 weeks ago, and went to customer service on our first day to get a DAS pass. The cast member interacts with the disabled individual to get a sense of the need before any decision is made, and a diagnosis is not necessary. Trust me, I would trade the DAS for a grandson without these challenges he faces. To think that there are people out there who lie for this pass is such bad Karma, I can’t even.

This made tears come to my eyes. My 10 yr okd grandson also has autism and would give anything to take awsy the challenges he has and will have in his life. We will ask for a Das pass in 2023 because he really will need it.

We have had a DAS for years. I have never had a problem providing documentation for my son with autism. I have seen plenty of people abuse the das system. I would be thrilled to go back to documenting disabilities. And unfortunately anxiety doesn’t work anymore as everyone used it to get a free pass.

I receive DAS. Without going into detail on my disability, there are situations in lines where I may feel trapped, I will jump out of line in an attempt to quickly escape so having the ability to wait the conventional time somewhere else and be directed through an alternative entrance helps me so much.

I brought a doctor’s note with me to my visit to DL and WDW and I was told to put it away and that they didn’t need or want to see it.

I suppose I understand the liability aspect of asking or requiring documentation, but for a majority of us that have a genuine medical need for it and no issue providing medical documentation, it’s not an issue and we would all be happy to do so.

It’s a nice service, but I can see it being abused. We used it for my granddaughter who had cancer. She had to be present for us to receive the pass. We could only use it for rides she would go on.

My son has ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Waiting in line is not easy. I was able to obtain the pass a few years back in Hollywood Studios and I offered my son’s psychiatric report but they refused to look at it. The cast member was super nice and said he didn’t need to see it. I try to gage the crowds and his mood and make a determination then. We’ve recently decided to avoid the parks and just do other things in the area avoiding the big crowds.

I wish they could ask for documentation. Even with the new rules- half the people using a DAS do not need it. I’m not talking about invisible disabilities or cognitive issues- but people who are truly scamming the system and using their child just to avoid lines. It’s total BS. I get that waiting on line is difficult for some people but it’s not a disability. Not everything is a disability nowadays.

I wish we’d have a different park for Asperger’s/Autism and mentally disabled. My kid would feel like he belonged. And we wouldn’t have to worry when they had outbursts. Same as schools, his experience at public school almost killed him. I wish there was a school with kids just like him, mental disabilities where they’re not judged and have others to feel are in their same boat so they can be themselves.

If you’re ever in San Antonio, TX there is a theme park called Morgan’s Wonderland that was created specifically just for this! It’s an AMAZING place 🙂

I agree with a lot of the comments my son has adhd and autism but he can stand in lines better than my adhd daughter. She likely has autism too but is undiagnosed. She is so impulsive and sensory seeking she will climb all over the rails and swings her arms back and worth while waiting in line. It’s a disturbance to other guests honestly. I am so thankful for DAS and would have no issue showing proof of their diagnosis.

My last trip was my first time using DAS, since I’d never known about it before. And I’ve seen people in various groups popping up, asking what types of things they could say they have wrong to get DAS. I myself have a bad knee (patella alta, which is a raised kneecap, and it dislocates easily due to that) and I have degenerative disc disease. Using DAS was extremely helpful, because it’s not exactly easy for me to just sit while I wait, because getting up from the ground can set off back spasms from my DDD. It’s definitely being abused but is a godsend for those truly in need.

It is open to abuse , thankfully I dnt need das but if I did the same as many less abled people I would be more than happy to show a doctors note , I’m guessing those that think it’s a liberty being asked for proof dnt had any

I have one. And because of my actual disability go on only one ride a day when I actually can go to a park. I don’t look like I have a disability.

It’s being crazy abused. I’ve had strangers tell me to get one and brag that they have one.

But whatever. Maybe the looming recession will keep a lot of these people out of the parks. I’m sure they can find a new system to scam.

I agree with all who say you should have proof of your disability. I have always brought with me documentation for my sons, who are on the spectrum and my husband who has PTSD and other service disabilities. (we were told that all rides are wheel chair accessible, so not being able to sit or stand for long periods, is no longer an excuse to receive the DAS)I have also heard people in queues using DAS w/o any reason except “I don’t want to wait!” We ALL paid a lot of money to be here. Get over yourself and your perceived entitlement! You should be ashamed!

I have a DAS and would happily provide documentation of my disabilities if needed. I feel it’s the same as getting a handicapped parking placard. You need your application signed by your doctor. Providing proof isn’t an ableist action, it’s to prevent fraud.

WAIT? I am confused – the disabled want to be treated normally but then they want special privledges? I worked with the disabled for over 30 years AND led trips ALL OVER the nation with folks – many to Disney. One gentleman required that we disasemble his wheelchair and carry him on his insert onto the ride. We went through the regular lines and did ALL the rides – including Star Tours and YES we took tougher people than this. Not every park experience was for everyone! This is one of the MOST abused accomodations second only to when scooters were left up the back of the line.

I don’t look like I have a problem, but I need a wheelchair. When we went up to get one we just paid for the day and got one. When I waited in line with everyone else I was asked at the end of I could transfer to the ride. I didn’t get to cut the line. I didn’t ask for special treatment. I did get the looks from other people while in line. You can’t see what my problem is. And that’s the point IT IS MY PROBLEM. having some thing wrong DOES NOT MAKE YOU SPECIAL!!!

So I find this interesting. I bet that all the ones on here complaining that all these people need to have special accommodations for their disability were and are the same ones that told me that I have no right to attend the parks or go anywhere without a mask, when masks were required and I have a proven diagnosis with documentation from my doctors that state that I have a life threatening condition that does not allow me to wear a mask. I had to show this all the time and still often was denied service and entry. Why the double standard?

I think you had every right to go without a mask and think those in your situation should still be suing the places that denied entry.

Was the “life threatening condition” condition being an ass? What “life threatening condition” allows you to do to Disney but prevents you from wearing a basic cotton mask?

Require medical documentation for DAS pass and use of wheelchair too. That would solve the problem. I use a wheelchair and could easily show proof of why. No problem for me to prove it. There are others though that abuse the system. A young cast member cannot size up those with disabilities in a matter of minutes. Sometimes it takes years for the professionals to give proper mental diagnoses.

I’ve used DAS since it’s inception because of sensory issues I have. Waiting for an extended time wasn’t so much a problem as waiting in loud crowds with no easy ways to step away when I got overwhelmed. DAS has been a godsend, allowing me to ride things most days, though I still have to wear ear plugs for some queues as they are just so loud and anxiety inducing. I ride *maybe* one or two rides per day I visit. It’s a shame that people w/o any issues are abusing the system to the point that people who really need it won’t be able to get it. It’s similar to the service animal situation. Just very disappointing how selfish people can be.

So you can go on loud as anything ride, but when its people your “sensory issues” kick in? Sounds like making an excuse to not get into a queue.

Just like with the wheelchairs and ECVs, people abuse the DAS system. If you or your kid can’t handle crowds and waiting, then maybe Disney isn’t the place for you.

I understand that there are some people who abuse the system, but Disney has gone beyond normal reasonability when it comes to the disabled. They actually won in court against a lawsuit filed against them when they denied a child with autism access to DAS (look it up). This is just another reason in addition to numerous others we stopped going to Disney ten years ago. Our son is non-verbal and severely autistic. It wouldn’t even be feasible for him to stand and wait in a line. So, we got resident annual passes for another theme park that does not hassle anyone or make them jump through hoops over their disability. After we enter the park, we go to guest services and get a pass in one or two minutes.

Disney wasn’t sued because they denied the DAS to the the young man, they were sued (and Disney won) because the young man’s mother said the DAS wasn’t good enough…she demanded instant access to (at that time) FP+ lines and the guarantee of no more than a 15 minute wait. She was being ridiculous, and happily the judge saw right through her

Ok this is the MAIN REASON WDW is cracking down!!! 1)as stated above people are trying to abuse the system 2) people have HIRED “DISABLED PERSON” to be in their party to GET a DAS pass Why do I know thattis from being both a guest/mother of a child w/a disability (autism,ADHD, anxiety,&PTSD) I also worked as a wdw customer service representative. So yes I know the ins & outs of the system. Unfortunately the new guidelines that has come out have changed. It’s hard just like airlines not all disability are considered anymore. It’s hard since I also have a disability to.

Last time I was at wdw we had our DAS and the people beside us did to. The only thing was they had rented a wheelchair and were taking turns riding in it. YES the DAS is abused.

Make your child queue, there is no reason why your child can’t queue. Almost every child hates queues, but its part of life and they have to learn they can’t just be given everything they want as they are “special”

Overall, FYI no one is happy or calm or fantastic waiting in a line all day that doesn’t make you disabled- your kinda normal- get a doctor’s note, I have requested a standardized form for local Busch Garden’s to reduce abuss!

Wow, so many tolls! Not all disabilities are seen and sometimes being able to use a DAS let’s a person be able to experience an attraction when without that support they couldn’t. My daughter and niece have very different autism(s?)…ones a ride junkie…she loves that sensory input…the other loves the wonder of the ride (think small world or winnie the pooh). Both get and use a DAS and it helps them have a better day at the park. Sadly DAS does get abused…but Disney tries…they try and make every guest have a wonderful time.

All these comments saying “if you’re really disabled then you’d have no problem showing proof!” are so incredibly ableist. I am a disabled person who can’t afford insurance and doesn’t qualify for assistance. I have no proof. And I have no way of obtaining proof. But that doesn’t magically make my disabilities disappear. I’m in the same boat as a ton of Americans who have zero access to healthcare. Maybe just taking in that perspective can help people be less judgemental. Yes, people scam the das system, people scam anything they can. But that doesn’t mean we should limit access entirely. That directly harms the people who need it. Just some food for thought I guess.

If they were to run it the same way Magic Mountain does, that could work. Magic Mountain (for passholders) has you bring in a form letter from a Dr stating why the disability access is necessary and they scan that letter into their system and attach it to your pass. If you are there on a one day ticket you just explain why you need it and they decide if it’s warranted. I would LOVE for Disney to attach something to my pass that worked for as long as you have the pass, it’s a bit of a pain going through the signing up every so many days. I would have no issue giving proof, and actually would prefer that to the judgement of an individual who may or may not understand where you are coming from.

It’s always been a very abused system, people claim to have a need, but may not actually have a need. However, as a disabled person who has used DAS for years, for myself, as well as being a parent with two children on the autism spectrum that cannot always tolerate line queues without a complete meltdown that leads to needing to leave sometimes not just a line, but the whole park, I am so sick of people who are not disabled in some way thinking they are qualified to decide that everyone must be abusing it. Also, can we please end the idea that one person using something means it’s being taken away from someone else with a need? It’s not a finite thing with a cap. And even if you do have it, there is still usually somewhat of a line, just a shorter one. It’s not a magic cut the line pass. But it does allow those with medical needs to take care of those needs outside of the line. If we were taking medication in line, having meltdowns, etc. I can only imagine the complaints people would be posting. Disabilities are not always visible. You can’t look at me and decide that my chronic conditions that cause extreme fatigue, ibs, and pain, do not exist. My teenage son isn’t lazy or lying, etc. If anxiety was not covered for someone, they either need to explain it a little differently, or it’s actually possible that the DAS pas wouldn’t have actually been any different and doesn’t address their need. The WHY is key here. I have anxiety, but that doesn’t affect the lines waiting for me personally. But for a child that cannot be in close quarters with large numbers of people without a panic attack, that may be different. If the child in question is in need, then the parent should absolutely go into guest services in person once at the park so attempt again and I’m so sorry they had this experience. But I can also understand why advanced requests are easier to deny. Right now lots of people are outright talking about using them for the ability to book two rides for their party in advance, not because they actually need it. I wish people could be honest and were not trying to cheat the system, I see a lot of people online also asking for what to say to get DAS, but generally it’s pretty easy for people to do when there is a need and cast members have always done my family and a few friends well with assistance. It’s really a shame that the parks have changed ride passes for fast pass and added the genie stuff, it’s all awful. Still it’s not a reason to fake, and people with actual needs aren’t getting more than others. It’s not getting every ride right away, it’s getting a few rides and maybe lunch during one of those waits so a kiddo isn’t in need of leaving entirely. Disabled people would like occasional peaceful vacations as well.

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