Talking about my injury nearly 31 years ago is still painful, and grief can just creep up on you very unexpectedly, hence why I got emotional. Disney holds a very special place in my heart and carries a lot of emotions for me. SCI story here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/fHiMl8-dYdTIlJc.htmlsi=V1SjYaHBDSJeVlZG Please note, my Disney vacation when I was 9 was not a “Make a Wish.” I love making Disability News for you, however April has been a MONTH, personally, professionally, and there has been a lot of disability news. I sometimes get messages saying my Disability News is too “fluffy” and why am I not talking about “XYZ.” But please remember I am a human with a lot of emotion, and some topics can be a little too close to home and too difficult for me to talk about. I also don’t want to trigger you too much either. Because there has been so much news that has affected me personally, I decided to do a Disability News special. Roll on May….

@ivansmith654

3 ай бұрын

All by best wishes to you PEACE!

@katewalsh3786

3 ай бұрын

Love the title of the video my Disney holiday was ruined but I was meant to be going to Paris and it wasn't just the priority pass that was a problem it was the whole holiday.

@lovedfriend2020

3 ай бұрын

I'm sure Disney will change as soon as people who can't tolerate the Sun faint left and right, and then they have to call emt.

@lovedfriend2020

3 ай бұрын

Sadly, this needs doing. You know this is just for Disney to make more money with Genie Plus, and they don't care about the harm it is going to do to the disabled people who need it. I am sure they are breaking the ADA law.

@mmh290

Ай бұрын

I know it’s difficult to ignore the haters, but you do you. Your followers watch you for a reason. Thank you for sharing your story. 💕

even IF people were abusing the system, the solution should never be to make it harder for disabled people to access the accommodations they need. shame on disney

@JustCliff

3 ай бұрын

Yes, yes, yes. All disabled people should have accommodation

@yesterdaydream

3 ай бұрын

This. Err on the side of kindness!

@JustCliff

3 ай бұрын

@@yesterdaydream exactly, it can lead to people judging based on looks which isn't what determines someone's disability

@kpwxx

3 ай бұрын

I mentioned this on another post but even if it wasn't ethicallly awful, like Gem said, people who are going to be arseholes will continue to find a way. If they lie anyway, they'll adjust their lies. It will literally only hurt people who genuinely need the accomodations.

@CharityAngelSpectrum

3 ай бұрын

You know, you could exchange "Disney" for "the DWP" and it would still make sense, what with all the nonsense they have been spouting recently. Shame on ANYONE who makes life harder for people with disabilities. But especially an organisation that can most definitely afford to swallow the extra costs, like Disney.

Since when is a Disney cast member qualified make these kinds of decisions!

@110311DONTWANTCHANNE

3 ай бұрын

all employees are cast members, even medical staff

@pjaypender1009

3 ай бұрын

Some of them absolutely are qualified. Every Disney employee is called a cast member, including doctors.

As an insulin dependent diabetic, I struggle with loads of exercise (25,000+ steps or more at WDW a day) in warm weather. I'm going to go low. There's no ifs, ands or buts about it AND I can't lower my basal insulin anymore to counter act it or I'll go into DKA. What people don't realize is standing is activity. You're engaging very large, very glucose hungry muscles. Add to that shuffling along in line and you're low. DAS allowed me to rest and get my blood sugar up (without having to eat tons of sugar) and prepare for line because even the DAS lines sometimes have 20-30 minute waits. Sitting and being pushed around in a wheelchair also isn't an answer because the lack of activity would make my blood sugar go in the other direction which can also be dangerous (my vision gets affected big time for example). So yea, I think my days at Disney are done. I'll go to local parks on off days where I can rest, wait and pretty much walk on.

@AmberZak83

3 ай бұрын

I’m also a type one diabetic and I have the problem of hot weather dropping my sugars.

@dirtxpert9930

4 күн бұрын

Bring some snacks. I'm diabetic and live and work outside all my life. Your not disabled sorry to break it to you stop trying to be a victim and entitled.

This is awful! Thank you so much for telling us. I use a wheelchair due to an energy limiting illness. I have dysautonomia too. If I have to be in the sun for 2 hours, I will probably die! There’s no way I can do it. I just really hope that they reverse it.

@Bethxxx-py9hm

3 ай бұрын

That was why I got it-Dysautonomia but I guess that wouldn’t count anymore 😢

@trinidadchapa4287

3 ай бұрын

It's The Governor of Florida, Does Not! Care . And Been Trying to get rid of the park.

@sammyjugheadsumpter7343

2 ай бұрын

Yea I know how you feel I have POTs syndrome I would pass out in the heat. I can't regulate my body temperature either so even in really cold I could pass out also. It's sad that they think they will get away with it but if I ever get back to Disneyland I live in los angeles so I will go through the ADA because legally under federal laws they can't stop someone with disabilities to use the Das pass that really need it like we do and it's illegal to ask for proof of disabilities! Hints my service dog cards there is only 2 questions that can be asked now.

This sounds like a major HIPAA violation! According to the ADA, a business cannot ask for or require a diagnosis. My son has a service dog and used to qualify for a DAS. I think we’re just done with Disney completely.

@pjaypender1009

3 ай бұрын

This has nothing to do with HIIPA. I think you're looking for the ADA, as Gem notes.

@redhatbear1135

Ай бұрын

@@pjaypender1009 Many people misunderstand what HIPAA covers -- it’s not the general public it addresses but what the health system must do and not do.

This feels gross. I find it strange that I would qualify for DAS pass but you wouldn't. I'm autistic but I was never accommodated early in life and I've only sought out accommodation as an adult when travelling solo by air. I never use accommodations in a group setting. I have no physical conditions that would make line waiting accommodations necessary. Why can I qualify when people with physical conditions can't?

Me and my son have disabilities also, so this honestly puts me off going to Disney even more. The amount of money they charge and the amount of hoops we have to jump through is ridiculous

@wellhellothere6347

Ай бұрын

What we need to know is how large the legally disabled population is for Disney goers. Because if the population is small, they aren't going to care. If it is large enough to tweak their bottom line, there could be things done IF we did it as a group.

Honestly, I don't know why they don't just do timed ticketing for the big rides for everyone. Where would they rather their customers spend their time: stood in a queue getting bored and restless or getting refreshments, riding the smaller rides and buying things from the gift shop? I do wonder what evidence they actually have for fraudulent use of the current pass. I truly hope it's not just some people don't "look disabled" to them. Hopefully Disney get their act together soon and ensure their pass is inclusive of everyone who needs it. Personally, Disneyland / World sounds like my idea of hell, but those who enjoy it should be able to go and enjoy it!

We literally leave in a few weeks and have been saving for our short, 'economy' Disney trip for over a year to celebrate my 5 year old's birthday. I am devastated to think that my husband who has MS and a page of conditions that come with that may not be able to enjoy ANY of it if our DAS pass interview doesn't go according to plan. I've already started listing "problems with queueing" and "problems with rider swap and/or line return" in preparation. To think our family's COSTLY trip may be ruined over a last minute policy change is keeping me up at night. :(

I just signed the petition. It has over 25,000 signatures. I've had three heart operations, can't stand in line, period. I was told that my heart condition is a mobility issue, go rent a wheelchair. Yes, I was dismissed that easily. I wonder what kind of medical training made Disney employees diagnosticians.

We need to all write to Disney and let them know that they are being discrimatory of physical and invisible disabilities

@undefinederror40404

3 ай бұрын

She linked to a petition in her description, have a look :)

@louisearellano5427

3 ай бұрын

Do you know if visual impairment counts? Just curious

@libsybum3591

3 ай бұрын

@@louisearellano5427it probably wouldn’t count. The only reason you can get DAS (or could before this new system) is if you physically want wait in the line due to sensory issues or bathroom problems. If it’s a mobility issue they tell you to rent a wheelchair, which is a whole other problem on its own

@Roadent1241

3 ай бұрын

​@@louisearellano5427 Why wouldn't it? Sight is a survival thing, the lack of it tends to count as a disability in general.

@louisearellano5427

3 ай бұрын

@@Roadent1241 i' was only curious because gem never talked about it in the video, that's all

I’m autistic and have several co morbidities, and I was denied despite using das for years. The suggestions listed towards the end of the video did not do anything. I suffered a tremendous meltdown in public because it’s like you said, I was deemed “not disabled enough” for accommodation by medical professionals who don’t know me met me for two hours and cast members who are totally strangers having to list my symptoms in detail was humiliatingly mortifying.

I had 12 years an invisible illness, before I used my wheelchair. Take care!

I have lupus, pots, ME, fibromialgea and dysautonomia. I struggle with energy levels, temperature regulation, blood pressure amongst other things, and if I stand still for to long I faint. I would happily provide proof of my conditions as I'm sure everyone genuine would!

I truly believe that Disney could have handled this DAS pass abuse differently. This new system discriminates against guest ho have a Legitimate disability under the ADA. i also believe that involving a third party company is a HIPAA violation. Lawsuits have already been filed against Six Flags and Universal Studios for the same thing. This issue of abusing the DAS pass system has been going on for years, but Disney made ir WORSE when they took the FREE fast pass system away and introduced Gennie+ to forced guest to pay for it as another way to make guests pay more for their Disney experience.

@amielawson8344

3 ай бұрын

Six flags already won their case. There is a list of accommodations available for a variety of conditions. DAS pass is only one option and it is for specific conditions. Physical disabilities are assisted by mobility devices which fit in the queues. Conditions like diabetes they allow you to eat and drink in the queue line. Something that pops up and you need to leave the line, speak to a cast member and they will also accommodate you. These are all accommodations. Everyone wants the DAS, but not everyone needs a DAS.

@wellhellothere6347

Ай бұрын

@@amielawson8344 How much does Disney pay you to write such ableist comments?

@amielawson8344

Ай бұрын

@@wellhellothere6347 Well that’s funny considering I have been permanently disabled for 16 years and myself require a mobility device and I also have a child who disabilities who requires the DAS pass. But by all means make all kinds of accusations and assumptions simply because you don’t like the truth. That speaks to your character, not mine. Oh and I’d love Disney to pay me, but sadly, they don’t. Likely because my opinion stands strong whether the opinion and topic benefits them or criticizes them.

This information is so unfortunate, I read an article about a person with a heart condition passing out in standby line because she did not qualify for DAS and was waiting too long

I have autism and adhd but i also have scoliosis wich makes it hard for me to stand for longer than 15 minutes, so in my case the scoliosis is the biggest reason for needing a pass.

@amielawson8344

3 ай бұрын

If the autism doesn’t stop you from being able to wait then a wheelchair or ECV are the accommodation you need.

@wellhellothere6347

Ай бұрын

@@amielawson8344 Tell me, where did you get your medical license?

@MilouLois

Ай бұрын

​@@amielawson8344you don't know about my specific situation, i do have some aids and can walk so i rather do that than be in a wheelchair. Don't assume what others do or don't need please.

@MilouLois

Ай бұрын

​​​@@amielawson8344and i never said i can wait dispite me being autistic, cause it does stop me from being able to wait. But my scoliosis is even worse for waiting.

@amielawson8344

Ай бұрын

@@wellhellothere6347 A medical license isn’t need to express the truth, but since you have such a need to know, I have career experiences as a disability claims analyst prior to becoming permanently disabled myself AND I have a child with disabilities that fall under the DAS pass. I am literally the definition of having experience when it comes to this topic.

We are a family who does a Disney vacation every few years and they are some of our favorite memories. Since our last trip my husband has had brain surgery and he would now have to do the park in a wheelchair. Many rides he would no longer be able/want to ride. We have had very real conversation around if we want to do a Disney trip in the future, what a trip would look like now and how we would handle the challenges. The changes to the DAS pass just make a Disney trip feel impossible. It does make me sad that this family experience that we have loved so much in the past just might not be for us anymore.

I have congestive heart failure and, even though I do not usually use a wheel chair or scooter at Disney, would not be able to wait for an extended period of time out in the heat to get on a ride. Disney has got to think of something else. Maybe require a signed note from a physician proving your disability to qualify for a das pass? But for Disney to basically close the rides to people who have physical differences that mean they cannot wait in the queue seems like an issue the ADA should address. Disney overcharges for everything, making Disney vacations unattainable for most, and now they are pulling this?! Seems like it might be time for a boycott.

@amielawson8344

3 ай бұрын

Six flags was sued for the same type of changes and they won in court. Accommodations are just that, something that helps with your condition. In your case a mobility device is being able to leave the line are the accommodations you need and Disney provides those to you.

@alyf283

3 ай бұрын

​@@amielawson8344 Disney does NOT provide you with a wheelchair or scooter. You have to pay $20 for wheelchair and if you don't have someone to push you have to pay $70 for a scooter. Plus scooters and wheelchair rentals do run out. They are basically punishing people with a physical disability by not letting them get the pass.

The thing that gets me is, able-bodied people see that a large number of guests are using DAS and they jump to the conclusion that that means some of them must be fraudulent, without considering the fact that the Disney parks are a very popular destination for people with disabilities and their families, making the ratio of disabled to able-bodied people inside the parks higher than it is in the general public. And that's before taking into account the people who generally don't need much assistance or accommodation in their everyday lives at home but do need it to navigate the parks.

@disneyenchantedyt

3 ай бұрын

Some will be thats a fact

@duffyellie

Ай бұрын

*some* able bodied people. Please don't generalise.

I was denied my Das Pass... was told its ONLY for autistic guests.

I heard people were on tick tock teaching others on what to say (lies) to get DAS so they didn’t have to wait in line or buy LL / Genie +. They ruined it. Disney takes very good care of their make the wish guest. I have a AP & orlando native and I personally see it all the time Here - you are teaching people what to say.. this will just continue to make it harder to get a DAS pass. People need to be authentic and use their own words to see if they qualify

So much of the new rules make sense: limit to 4 people unless immediate family is more than 4, submit request ahead of time, ... But to say that BASICALLY only 1 condition qualifies is so bonkers it makes my head spin. You are right Gem: surely they didnt consult ANYONE in the disabled community!

At 79 I am in my first wheelchair and adjusting to being disabled. This further disappoints me with my choice of state to reside in. I have POTS, HBP, heart issues, degenerative disc disease, etc. I won’t even try to visit Disney. As a FL resident I see a different view of them, their charges, etc. They aren’t as caring as what they advertise. (My personal opinion) Thank you for all you’re doing.

This announcement put a MASSIVE halt to planning my disney honeymoon. It could actually kill me to have to wait in queue. It's heartbreaking 💔 it's not disney. Disney content was always a happy place for me and to be completely forgotten is really upsetting

Hi Gem and thanks for the video and all the research you are doing! Oh no, what the heck are they doing there!? I can't believe what I am hearing! It feels so bad! And SIGNED!

I never had the opportunity to go to Disney... from the sound of things... guess I never will now. 🤬🤬🤬

@disneyenchantedyt

3 ай бұрын

Why not never say never

@sharonobryan9713

3 ай бұрын

Same here

@JustCliff

3 ай бұрын

I do think there will be a case by case basis. I think Disney is using Autism heavily to scare other disabled from applying. We have your back

@alyf283

3 ай бұрын

Go to Disneyland in California I read Disneyland is still letting guesting with physical disabilities get DAS or use the ride's exit because many of Disneyland's rides aren't wheelchair accessible

I shared this video on FB, signed the petition & shared them petition on my Twitter. I have epilepsy (although under control with medication I may struggle without a DAS pass) as well as Autism. I also have several friends with different disabilities. No one should be discriminated against & left out.

@vicdog4440

2 ай бұрын

EXACTLY!! My friend is color blind and my other friend farts alot, and then my OTHER friend cant smell! WE DESERVE SPECIAL TREATMENT!!! SUE THEMM!!

Just to be clear, DAS was always meant for those with developmental disabilities, not physical. Disney just failed to make that clear, until now

I used DAS in 2021 and it was wonderful. Idk why they would have a problem with it because its not like we get to the front of the line without a wait time and most of us who have used it are spending money while were waiting for DAS.... wouldnt they like that yhey are making more money during the time that people would be waiting?

I have chronic fatigue and can't stand for more than 15 minutes even with my walking stick. I live in Australia so we don't have a Disney land anyway but those changes are not fair at all 😮

Very Good Gem! Looking forward to the premier at 5pm. This needs to be brought to attention for everyone with additional support needs including wheelchair users and especially for children with on Make a Wish trips etc. This type of trip could well be their only one.😢 Would like to think there are some exceptions.

Thanks for having the petition in the description! I hope it'll be able to accomplish something

I’ve posted this in Australia to our disability sites.. many of us plan to go to Disney in the USA at some point.. because it is accessible.. NOT happy with this new decision by Disney.. I signed the petition. And paid for it to be posted further! Absolutely disgusting.

I am not disabled at all so I might not have a say in this at all, but I heard the reason they changed it was because people were abusing the system. Selling their DAS passes to people who didn't need them to make side money when they weren't using them. Just some bad people ruining things for others.

@jentidwell4022

3 ай бұрын

You can't sell a DAS pass. It's connected to your park ticket. You cannot ride a ride without the DAS Passholder present. And, again, even if some people were finding ways to abuse the system, the answer is NOT to remove accessibility accommodations from disabled people.

@alyf283

3 ай бұрын

The only thing Disney cares about is money. The only reason Disney is doing this is because not enough people are buying Genie Plus and so they are pushing anyone with a physical disability or medical to buy Genie plus and rent a wheelchair for $20 and a scooter for $75

@ttintagel

3 ай бұрын

They have no way of knowing if this is going on or not. It's speculation at best.

Wait a minute - Disney wants me to discuss my private medical information with some high-school dropout so THEY can decide if I’m DISABLED ENOUGH to skip a line?!? Um, no. I ALREADY had a long-standing hatred of Da Rat - now I have an EXCELLENT excuse to stay away!

@Roadent1241

3 ай бұрын

I assume this is what my mum had to do back in '08 and '12 so as far as I'm concerned this is just normal, it's something you HAVE to do because abled people are disbelieving and love to judge and say no we're not. But I'm a hearing-aid wearer, not a scooter user. I can't ask her now, I can only assume. She was used to carrying something around to prove her doctors words anyway. We had enough trouble just getting on the plane without them forcing her to walk (read marathon) down the path from the boarding area to the plane which to me is a two minute walk on my little dwarfish legs, took like twenty for her crawling along hanging onto me.

@madderandmadder

3 ай бұрын

Insult the company, not the cast members. Implying they're high school dropouts is incredibly rude and unnecessary.

@Dolcevita_bakes

3 ай бұрын

Just so you’re aware of the language used it’s not line skipping, if anything people with disabilities. Wait even longer than the average person and standby. These people have to have a return time and then once they get back to the lines are likely waiting another twenty minutes to thirty minutes to get on that ride so they’re waiting a very long time to ride. There’s no line skipping happening. There’s nothing like that happening But that’s what Disney is putting out there they’re making it seem like it there demonizing disabled people and making it appear to others, that we are line skipping, when that couldn’t be further from the truth.

@vicdog4440

2 ай бұрын

See ya!

If it takes 2 hours for an able-body person have to queue for 2 hours I can't imagine how anyone could enjoy a trip to Disney. Instead of reducing the DAS system why not go the other way and change it for everyone including all the able-bodied people so that everyone queues virtually. Surely they can do something with mobile phone technology and setup a virtual queue system like that, so that everyone can have an enjoyable time at Disney.

@JustCliff

3 ай бұрын

They probably don't want to increase the lightning lane even further. Lightning Lane in general can already be long as it is (at least in Disneyland/DCA), if everyone did virtual queue, which is the same as DAS the lines would be longer and ineffective to disabled people walking or in a wheelchair

@JennaGetsCreative

3 ай бұрын

@@JustCliff So switch everyone to this system but open a limited number of reservations before the park opens/the day before to premium ticket holders. Premium tickets still do something, nobody has to physically queue for 2 hours.

@toddhensley880

2 ай бұрын

@@JustCliffyet their answer to people who didn’t qualify for DAZ is to buy Genie+

It is difficult to for me to know that the only way I could keep myself safe with a DAS pass with the changes would be to divulge very private and traumatic information about my personal health and disability. I understand they don't want dishonest people to take advantage of it, but they will regardless of how they tweak it. All this does is punish the disabled community, and we go through enough of that.

@vicdog4440

2 ай бұрын

Cool. Stay home in your "safe space" then.

Listen I'm actually glad I gave up my annual pass at Walt Disney World in 2008 because they actually treated me the same way I asked not to be in a standby line because I have seizures

I wonder if it’s a PR deterrent more than a coming change.

There’s no way I will go now as I couldn’t handle it, also it’s not just disabled people but their families who won’t.

As an American, I hate having to describe my disability. Before being confined to a wheelchair, I had a service dog. To access I have to explain what service my dog provided. It is very intrusive.

@vicdog4440

2 ай бұрын

Cool. Stay home. no one will "intrude" on you there.

@redhatbear1135

Ай бұрын

I believe you now only have to state one service your dog provides, and of course that that’s your service animal.

I have a big, heavy, tilt-in-space powerchair, For basic safety; I do not want to be in a queue of people, especially where they are bored kids. I have lots of pain problems, and so I can normally only do 1 or 2 rides a day. High temp trigger fits, so I normally want to be in and out of the parks before lunchtime and can only go between endish of Oct to march anyway.

Evening Gem, just saw this upcoming Premiere on KZread. Unfortunately I won't be able to see it while the Premiere is live, as it's happening at 2024-04-29 02:00am AEST / 2024-04-28 04:00pm GMT/UTC. What Disney are dong with the DAS system, to 'prevent abuses of the system' need to be publicly called out for what it is. Greed and active abuse against the disabled.

@Wheelsnoheels

3 ай бұрын

I understand, hope you can watch it at a more reasonable hour. 🍿

I had expected it would be harder to get a DAS pass for mental disabilities than physical ones. I have autism and don't like standing still outside for ages but i find this crazy. It would make much more sense for this pass to be accessible to those physically affected.

@JustCliff

3 ай бұрын

I see the direction they're going for, kids with autism can be overstimulated easier than adults. This is supposed to be helpful to families. But, physical disabilities shouldn't be ignored just because the queue is wheelchair accessible as not everyone who uses one for the same reason or has multiple conditions.

@LovelyLawla

3 ай бұрын

I think the unfortunate reality is that someone has decided that a person with "autism or similar" would potentially be too disruptive to other guests in the queue if they got overwhelmed/had a melt down, so by allowing them to use the DAS Pass, they can mostly be hidden away from other guests vs a full queue of people and an autistic person who has vocal stims for example, which would affect the "normal" guests. All it will take is for people with physical disabilities to be fainting, collapsing or having other [minor] medical emergencies in the queues for this to be reversed. They think a tiny number of people abusing the DAS Pass is affecting everyone at the park, wait until queues are stopped because someone has passed out or had a seizure in the middle and they have to clear out a load of the guests to get medical assistance to the person, including getting the patient (and their wheelchair) out of the long queuing area will affect the experience of "normal" guests at the park. Personally I think if anyone has minor issues that wouldn't cause them any long term complications, (and they live locally and have an annual pass for example), should make a point of going and then having complications occurring while in the regular queues they have been forced to use. Obviously I'd never expect anyone to do this if not preventing a medical complication could impact their long term well-being or to put themselves in danger (ie: fainting from standing while surrounded by hard surfaces). But I know some people do have more minor complications that have no long term side affects - like fainting or passing out while in a wheelchair (and they can feel it coming on so they could take appropriate action to ensure their safety), or maybe them having to delay everyone at the front of the queue because they have had to stop and take meds or some sort of treatment. Someone with mild POTS having to lie on the ground in the middle of the queue to prevent them from passing out for example, meaning the queue can't move forward unless people literally climbed over a person on the ground.

@JustCliff

3 ай бұрын

@@LovelyLawla agreed, as someone who has fainted at Disneyland I can say it would be a huge liability for Disney if all the people they kicked from DAS have a medical emergency in line. We'll just have to see how things rool out

@alyf283

3 ай бұрын

​@@JustCliffThat is not true. My sister uses a wheelchair and got hurt in a line quene. Those lines quenes are like death traps. Most line quenes are uphill, Most are in the hot sun,some are completely in the dark,some are extremely bumpy,most have many obstacles in the way, All are in confined space with twists and turns. Many people are in wheelchair because they have underlying conditions some the can't afford to get hurt if on these quenes if something goes wrong and some people can't be in the sun for long periods of time. Also do you also stop to think some people are by themselves and can't push themselves in a wheelchair. A scooter is $70 people can't afford that.

@alyf283

3 ай бұрын

​@@JustCliffI completely agree! Also anyone can lie about an invisible disability but cast members are able to see if someone is physically disabled. So if I really don't understand this change. Obliviously people in a wheelchair who can't walk are not lieing.

In Disney's defence, I recently saw a post on a 'visit Florida' forum saying 'skip the lines, hire a wheelchair from X'. As a pretty new wheelchair user getting used to all the weirdness that goes with it, that made me feel sick to my stomach. I kicked up a fuss and the moderators took it down but it does show the mindset that Disney have to contend with. Like you, I'd be fine with providing a doctor's letter. I've just had to do it to get out of jury service in a courthouse with a billion steps, doing it for something a bit more fun would be no problem at all. Disney need to do more research, but I do sympathise with their problem.

@ttintagel

3 ай бұрын

Wheelchairs don't skip the lines at WDW, so the joke is on anyone who hired the wheelchair thinking they could.

@valtin7568

3 ай бұрын

@@ttintagel I paraphrased their post for the sake of brevity, but yeah, the thrust of my complaint to the moderators was that it was a scam as well as bloody disgusting.

@redhatbear1135

Ай бұрын

@@ttintagelThey did at one time in Disneyland but I believe that’s now changed. And yes WDW only gets you a placeholder to stand in another line as I recall, but a 15 minute guaranteed window. I only used it once, with a scooter, they put me on at an exit because I’d have more space to board.

You are quite okay to get emotional. This is a scandal and should be widely known.

@disneyenchantedyt

3 ай бұрын

😅

I love that you didnt refilm this or edit out to wipe the tears. Its not silly to cry, your heartbreak is felt and shared by many others - you are not alone ❤ never be embarrassed to show your humanity and empathy

I am completely disgusted by Disney. The "wheelchair accessible" lines aren't even accessible. I pushed my sister in a wheelchair and those lines are incredibly hard to push a wheelchair through some those quenes. They are uphill,they are in the dark,they have MANY obstacles in the way etc. My sister actually got hurt in her while on line. Which is why we got DAS. Those lines quenes are a death trap and Disney not subject physical disable people those unsafe lines. I hope Disney gets sued.

@jordangriffin3785

3 ай бұрын

I completely agree. Almost none of them are level, they narrow at dark points, ... Before my husband got a power chair I almost needed a DAS pass after trying to push him through a few queues. 🤪

It feels pretty unreal that this is the situation! As a person with a developmental disability, I have been in so many situations where my condition have not been seen to be ‘disabling enough’ to count for disability accommodations. And Disney seems to have turned this experience on its head. Bonkers!

Aww, are we still calling them Cast Members? Or maybe Gatekeepers fits better now? Cast Members sounds so fun and informal for Disability Security Guards. 🤷🏼‍♀️😎

I went to Disneyland in October with my son and we used the heck out of the DAS pass. I'm an ambulatory wheelchair user and I have Lupus which does not allow me to be in the sun or over heated. With this new rule I will only be able to go if I'm willing to go sit somewhere by myself while my companion queues. How sad and isolating is that?

I feel like this has been really calculated (and of course disappointing) decision from Disney. When I heard that it's mainly for people with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, my first thought was - if this is true, it's very atypical (as usually people seem to accommodate different groups of disabled people first) - and for a reason. As someone with autism, Disney probably knows that huge part of their fans is autistic kids and their parents. Those autistic kids who have Disney-related special interest and will want to watch the movies repeatedly, buy all the merch and visit the parks frequently... So that was the group that they thought of first, that they can't "afford" to leave them out of things, because that would possibly create the most backlash... Another thought that I have is the same as yours - that it could be possibly about making more money in multiple different ways. For example I saw someone say that many people who normally don't use wheelchairs will be pushed to borrow one in a situation where they aren't accommodated and need to stay in line, however borrowing a wheelchair there is expensive, so it's not even like people could do it for free. Disney will definitely make more money off of this in multiple ways. And besides that, I have hard time believing that it's about people who misuse it. Simply because if it was about that, they wouldn't go and try to cross out groups of disabled people, but rather trying to create better evaluation systems. Maybe - just a speculation - they're possibly annoyed with accommodating disabled people, because many people became disabled over the past couple of years as a result of what's been going on (so many people have conditions like POTS and CFS/ME)... so they simply call it misuse (everyone will believe it) and remove it from many people who need it... Also, even if some people were misusing it, I'm wondering if it would be such a big issue? Don't get me wrong, as someone with both mental and physical disabilities, I disagree with people using accommodations for disabled people when they don't need them, but with the DAS pass it's not like it's a limited resource such as disability parking spaces, right. And it's not even like people get to skip the line. Theoretically if they wanted to be really modern they could offer this ability to book the attractions for everyone imo and nothing would happen. It reminds me of how my country gatekeeps disability cards extremely, including the one that only gives you the right to sit on public transport. It makes me think - I'd rather have few people who don't desperately need it to have the the right to sit than see those in dire need fighting years for it and being denied (I have that experience too, unfortunately).

Honestly I wonder why that virtual queue/return time isn’t more standard. People would spend a lot more money at the parks if they could buy some snacks before a ride and maybe they could also experience more of the lesser ridden attractions. I get that’s how the Genie thing works but think of how much food and souvenirs would be purchased if the queue was all virtual/time based (eg your ride time is 2 pm, please be in the queue 5-10 minutes before so you don’t miss your time slot)

@jordangriffin3785

3 ай бұрын

I totally agree. I would be out spending money left and right if I weren't stuck in line!

But let’s be real, most disabled people can’t even afford a Disney holiday anyway, if they are on disability in their country and now they should pay even way more to actually go on a Disney vacation, to even excess any rides! That’s crazy.

@disneyenchantedyt

3 ай бұрын

Luckily i can and do

A reason more why I don’t travel to the US and rather go to Paris

@disneyenchantedyt

2 ай бұрын

Dlp is great for disabilities no issues

Disney needs to do more research and re-consider things. If they want to change the system then change it so everyone has to have a one on one call and consider if the person needs a pass or not rather than cutting down on who can get it.

I am ambulatory wheelchair user. I can stand and walk very short ddistances but I cant stand or walk for a long time. I have FND(Functional Neurological Disorder), PTSD, anxiety, depression, and neuropathy. My body doesnt r3gulate heat well and due to FND, I am prone to sizures. Its sad that this is not a friendly, family experience for families anymore. As far as having to show "proof", here in the U.S., it is actually against the law for them to make a person prove a disability, unless you have witness that person blatantly being completely capable. If this doesn't change, not only will I not return to any of thier locations, I will no longer support them in merchandise or streaming app(s).

I have severe anxiety and ptsd. My sister has anxiety and claustrophobia. We have both broken down in a long queue. Our disabilities may not seem like much to outsiders, but they affect our day to day lives. Discovering the DAS pass was a God send to us, and Disneyland became almost like a safe space. I’m devastated to hear this news. I signed the petition. I hope Disney listens to what we have to say.

@vicdog4440

2 ай бұрын

OHHH mY FUUKKKENN GAWWWDD!!! 🙄🙄 GTF OUTTA HERE with that SHHHT !!! Unbelievable. "I'm scared of people so I go to the most packed place on the planet 5 times a week and I deserve special treatment!"

@disneyenchantedyt

2 ай бұрын

@@vicdog4440 what a lovely person you are 🙄

Hi Gem, this is so very sad to hear. I took my son to Disneyland Paris many times when he was a child and with the new rules in the US it would have been impossible. Is the Paris Park implementing the same restrictions? Many of us are unable to wait long periods of time in the heat or cold and it isn’t like we were queue jumping we still waited the normal waiting time but sort of in a virtual queue. Maybe virtual queuing for everyone would be possible so that you returned to a ride in numerical order. Thank you for all the time you put into helping us all! ❤

@KxNOxUTA

3 ай бұрын

I always wondered why they didn't do that. At this rate, the best would be a digital system (maybe with a tented tablet for ppl without own device). You can sign up for things virtually and get reminders but you can also not cue at all places at once just cause you ran through the park first, grabbing numbers. You can only e.g. cue at 3 places simultaneously. One problem is though, that ppl not waiting at the line means that all these ppl are now elsewhere and where will that be. Aka ppl in line are ppl out of the way in the rest of the park, thus there's concerns with visual cues only, too.

@Thatclimbingirl

3 ай бұрын

Paris can’t do the same as most of the lines aren’t wheelchair accessible at all. They aren’t changing anything at all.

@louisethompson839

3 ай бұрын

Not as far as I'm aware. I have an annual pass to Disneyland Paris and when I renewed it in November, was also able to renew my priority pass (I'm a Type 1 insulin dependent diabetic). Having a priority pass has made visiting the parks so much easier/more pleasant, not being able to use a similar scheme in Disney World would really dissuade me from visiting (my husband's keen to visit).

Luckily I'm autistic AND a wheelchair user [sarcasm off]

We did get the access pass for Universal and other theme parks whilst we were there which meant that we were able to access the parks. I had to hire wheelchairs at the parks, as although I do not usually use a wheelchair, I do need to rest a lot at home. I have functional neurological disorder, which can present with stroke like symptoms when I have a flare up. There is no way that I would be able to walk around the parks all day, plus I would be slowing down every one in my family. I was quite shocked to find that the parks actually charge to hire wheelchairs. Some of them $40 a day. In the UK, it is free to hire wheelchairs at the theme parks, even though you may need to leave a deposit. My 12 yo son also has developmental delays and disabilities. He has incontinence, so you can imagine how fun it is to go on holiday or out any where. These new rules are just another added stress to planning a holiday

Exactly just have an app with a timed entry.

I lost a leg to a hit and run 6 months ago. I have been wanting to go to Disney again but knowing this change, I guess I am no longer interested in going there since they don't consider loss of limb a viable disability.

My sister is 50+ with quadriplegic cerabal palsy and a full time wheelchair user. We use to use fast passes and occasionally a time to return which was brilliant. Last year we were told she wasn’t allowed the das pass but I too few problems queuing with my back and hips. I explain this to a cast member and was told to get a wheelchair to which I replied how can my hubby push 2 chairs? They said nothing they could do hire an ecv which I would want to as I’ve never driven one and in those crowds no thanks. I also have witness really bad drivers on them. I went to another park and was told the rules again but he agreed I needed it and it was issued, we didn’t use it that often. But it really helped when I was in pain. This year I dread to think what it’s going to be like for us. People think wheelchairs queue jump however in buzz light year you queue normally and then join another queue behind the scenes which the regular doesn’t see and you wait again so we actually wait longer than the normal queue which really is unfair, considering she can’t transfer from her wheelchair to a ride she has to stay in her chair and there’s lots she cannot ride. Disney used to make her feel so special I know feel like you they are discriminating against disabled people. 😢

I looked into it, and I don't think this video has it correctly. Disney has stated that they are looking to allow anyone who can't wait in conventional lines to have a DAS pass. The only way you could know if you are disallowed would be to have the interview and see what they say. I would be curious if anyone with a legitimate difficulty waiting in line got turned down for the pass.

@beccac6812

Ай бұрын

The videos I’m seeing are showing people who have heart conditions and breathing issues etc. have been not qualifying; they can pass out if it gets overheated or the line is longer that it states

@PirateParadox

Ай бұрын

@beccac6812 thats not good at all. I was a big fan of the parks prior to the pandemic... they have been disappointing me more and more since

@redhatbear1135

Ай бұрын

Wow defines legitimate? Will a previous bill for heat exhaustion treatment in an ER count for proof? And who knows whether that’s fake? Shoot, I couldn’t even convince TSA that I couldn’t stand for long periods of time without my walker when they took it and then made me wait. I told them 3 times I needed it back or I was going to sit on the floor. I did and they panicked, but I’d warned them!

@PirateParadox

Ай бұрын

@@redhatbear1135 the temporarily ablebodied can be so ignorant

@redhatbear1135

Ай бұрын

I guess I lived a very different life. I had people with all sorts of physical restraints in my life throughout the years. My favorite story was from a friend that had been part of the movement to make public spaces more accessible - and ultimately out of the freight elevators! They got a few congressmen to spend a day or more in a wheelchair trying to go about their regular tasks in DC! They did have a better respect for the barriers. I felt they may have been too overwhelmed by all the problems. And yes we’re are all temporary a lot of things!

I think they just thought that wheelchair users need leavle access and are as there main queue lines are wheelchair accessible they are offering a reasonable adjustment. however, they havn't taken into acount that some wheelchair users have sub conditions making them unable to queue. i honistly think it will be done by case by case on a persons individual neeeds we just won't know till the new system comes into place 😊

I also think it is a Disney money grab, our interview is coming up in a couple weeks for a visit at Disney World. Nervous but we will see. However she went 14 years ago with Make A Wish and that program is different. That program walks you to the front of the line for all rides, character meets and shows. We will see. Thank you for the Jaime connection too, I will look at her stuff too.

Disneyland CA stated that physically disabled people can still get the DAS pass because most of their quenes aren't wheelchair accessible. So I personally will make my next trip to Disneyland not Disney world. Disney world is the only theme park discriminating against the physically disabled. Even Universal lists "unable to stand in line" as one of the reasons to get their Disabled pass.

@ttintagel

3 ай бұрын

Mobility and stamina issues haven't qualified for DAS at WDW for years. The accommodation they offer is wheelchair/ECV accessible queues.

@toddhensley880

2 ай бұрын

@@ttintagelthat was not our experience at WDW about a year and a half ago, although it would not be surprising to hear that DAS grants were done inconsistently.

@ttintagel

2 ай бұрын

@@toddhensley880 The more stories I'm hearing since the 5/20 changes, the more I'm convinced that inconsistency and lack of training and management support were a much bigger issue than abuse could ever have been.

This is really frustrating, I don’t have autism or ADHD, but I do have several chronic illnesses that prevent me from doing a Disney in one day. I have sensory processing problems, learning disability (doctors refuse to give me an adhd diagnosis) chronic fatigue, and a very weak immune system. I have no idea if I will qualify or not as most of the problems come from cancer I had several years ago, and I’m still liveing with side effects. Beacuse of these I can’t do Disney in one day. But it seems now that my trip won’t be enjoyable as we’re gonna need to find shade to sit in, and plan for ride that don’t have long cues so I can wait without getting sick or over stimulated. Mybe Disney really is takeing a turn for the worst.

I agree children that have a make a wish foundation it makes it special. I do feel Disney was magical and special. Could see how it affected families and children as an ex children’s nurse.

You mentioned being fine with providing proof. I understand this but I think it is a very bad idea. Chronic illness and disability is not something that's clearly defined and you don't get a government pass (at least not where I live). I don't drive so I don't have a blue badge either and in my country I won't get one since I can still walk. The only way for me to prove my disability is to show them my diagnoses reports. And there is no way I'll ever let anyone who is not a medical professional read those. Not even them when they would work for Disney. That is very private information that should remain private. The reports are also in my native non-English language so I wonder how they plan on reading those. Family doctors are by law forbidden to write notes about their own patients so we won't get a "doctor's note" either. Providing proof is a form of gate-keeping that should be be dealt with carefully. I honestly wouldn't mind a virtual talk with an employee als long as I don't have to mention my illnesses. Just symptoms and why I need the DAS pass should be enough.

Is Disneyland Paris doing a similar thing? I noticed they have an access & a priority card. Are these completely different? Does anyone know? Thanks

@disneyenchantedyt

2 ай бұрын

Yes its completely different I have the priority card . Go to dip twice per year

When did Rishi take over Disney? It is huge discrimination

I know it isnt the same, but Universal's AAP is fantastic. It does go through a 3rd party, but i found the process very noninvasive and was treated with the upmost kindness.

Thank you for sharing. So sad Disney are doing this. I to have been going since I am 10 but now as getting older and need a wheelchair I feel also “not very Disney “. What a shame

Discrimination!!!! Disney has there focus of inclusion way off the mark.!!!

@disneyenchantedyt

3 ай бұрын

😂

I bet that’s why they’ve partnered with a health care group. As a blanket policy it won’t apply to anyone that doesn’t have a developmental issue like autism, but I bet Disney would bring in that health care expert for people like you that still need it.

The Walt Disney Company is getting even more Grady with everyday that comes around

If enough people boycotted disney, hopefully they'll have to change their minds 😢

@ritadyer9295

3 ай бұрын

People won’t boycott Disney. Unfortunately. I don’t plan on going anyway but I hate for it to be ruined for others.

@disneyenchantedyt

3 ай бұрын

@@ritadyer9295 i wont boycott them or I’ll be out of a job lol

To everyone complaining. My family is a multiple disability household. Mine are physical. I use an ECV, that is the accommodation I need. With that I can wait in lines just like everyone else. Without it, I cannot. Therefore, I am being accommodated under the ADA by being allowed to use a mobility device. My daughter has developmental disabilities, hers requires the DAS because no other accommodation makes it so she can wait in line with everyone else. DAS is the accommodation she needs. If your condition can be accommodated by something other than the DAS, then you don’t need the DAS, you simply want it.

@alyf283

3 ай бұрын

Scooter rentals are limited in the parks and are $70 to rent. Not everyone can afford that plus some days Disney runs out of Scooters as early as 9:30. Some these lines quenes are extremely hard to push a wheelchair or scooter through if you are not used to using one. My sister had a very difficult time in the line quene using a wheelchair. She fell because the hills are extremely steep on almost all of these line quenes. This why we needed DAS and more people will continue to get hurt, fall,faint get sick,etc on these quenes because of these stupid new rules.

Ive used DAS for the last 10 years, I will be a few lawsuits for Disney by taking peoples ankles out in the queues on my scooter, maybe we all should as they would soon change their minds😂😂, They really should do what Universal does and use the worldwide recognised Nimbus card which I have and you cannot get without proof. I was angry when I heard about this and TBH its another reason not to purchase DisneyWorld tickets and get a Disney fix in Paris who ask for the Nimbus card.

you're absolutely right. Those who committed fraud under the prior system will continue to do so. We're going in the summer after the change. I booked this holiday a year ago, before we knew about the change. I doubt that we would have chosen to go under these new conditions as it's going to be very difficult. (i'm really not looking forward to it).

U are my favourite KZreadrs I've got cerebral palsy it helps a lot watching u ❤

@Wheelsnoheels

3 ай бұрын

Ah thank you 🙏🏼

@disneyenchantedyt

3 ай бұрын

Am i one of your favourites to lol just joking

I know it’s part of ADA law but in this instance can’t believe they can’t just ask for proof. I’m sure most people with a genuine disability would not have a problem with showing proof to allow them to access this service. You need to do it in every other place ie Disneyland Paris. Even universal in the US require poof

@ttintagel

3 ай бұрын

It can take many years to get an official diagnosis for some conditions.

Last time I looked I no longer qualified as my issue is health related and as I don’t use a wheelchair I was told I would need to use a wheelchair to enable me to Q as normal. I am told I must try to walk by medics to keep my abilities up but I need frequent breaks and cannot do long Q without rests etc. It seems they simply don’t want us! 13:08

I would like to block Bob Iger up on the ride It's a Small World from whole year and maybe he'll actually become paranoid enough to change things

This makes me sad as a white cane user I found it extremely useful to have this. I also can’t stand for to long flat feet. Hoping it comes back soon.

I read that people with disabilities other than developmental disabilities would be considered on a case by case basis.

@alyf283

3 ай бұрын

That used to be the case. Now it's stated physical or medical disabilities can't get it at least at Disney world

I think the Make a Wish program get a custom package so I am not sure if they will be affected (based on what I have been told - I work in the charitable sector, and when I inquired that's what I was told).

I honestly don't understand how this will stop people from abusing the system. You can't really prove an invisible disability. Parents are still going to lie about their child having Autism,ADHD or Aniexy. There is no way to prove someone is lieing about Aniexy and ADHD. They just say "there child is on the spectrum". How is discriminating against those with physical disabilities,heart conditions or other medical conditions going to stop people from abusing the system.

Hi gemm, this doesn't effect me or my family but I think what disney has done is just awful, it's discrimination, they should not be aloud to get away with this, il stand up for people such as yourself because even though it doesn't effect me, who knows what the future holds, anyone could end up in your position so il support you all the way but I'm really sorry you suffer this kind of discrimination, it's not right at all.

😳 I literally just planned my first holiday in years/first since wheelchair/first Disney ever...

@Wheelsnoheels

3 ай бұрын

Ahhh I’m sure you will have a magical time. 🤍

My chronic health conditions are worsened in the summer heat something the local heatwave this week has painfully brought back. Disney was one of the first places I truly felt happiness as a kid. I last went years before I was diagnosed when I just started to have symptoms. It was a rough trip and for years{ until learning DAS existed} I never planed to return. After I learned of DAS I thought it was maybe plausible but now I don’t think I’d survive a day in any of the kingdoms even if it was an after dark experience…which were my favorite as a kid.

sadly your friend was denied, i don’t know if she reapplied. But last I heard tgey told her no

This is definitely discrimination! I am disabled. I can’t walk Disneyland. I also can’t wait in the sun for a ride. I get panic attacks easily if I get too crowded in a line. Disney has changed too many things and this is the last straw.

I hate riders swap 😤. I recently went with my 2 small children, my father and my disabled mother. I stayed outside while my parents rode then my dad was allowed to go again with me so I wasn't alone. My parents waited the hour wait time then my mom took the kids and we were directed to lightning lane and 2/3 times we did this it took my dad and I longer to get on the ride leaving my disable mother with an infant and toddler by herself for over an hour. It in turned caused me alot of stress so I refused to ride anything I couldn't take the kids on. I know that's on me and I get that but the idea of riders swap is to allow parents to enjoy the park as well but if it doesn't work efficiently why offer it. I'm sure some people have had luck but as for me I'll stick we the kiddie rides for now.

This has ruined my future plans. I have several spinal issues which causes me to not be able to stand or sit for any period of time. My son also is an amputee and can’t stand on the prosthetic long periods of time. We have had season passes for years but now that DAS is gone we are not continuing it anymore. It’s just not worth it. Most people with disabilities like us don’t have money for genies plus. We all work so it’s not like we living on the government and spend it on vacations. Am I upset? Well it’s more of a bummer. We will just start finding something new to do.

The rider switch "solution" made me so mad. So you're telling me for my HONEYMOON that I planned on going to Disney for my spouse and I can't ride anything together? The whole reason we planned on Disney in the first place was because it was the first time we as a disabled couple actually felt accommodated at an amusement park