Good morning, Disney fans! It’s Wednesday, Aug. 28, and as we gear up for the Labor Day holiday weekend, there’s sizzling news coming out of the Magic Kingdoms.

For many parkgoers, especially those facing daily challenges with disabilities, Disneyland and Disney World’s recent changes to their Disability Access Service (DAS) pass have stirred up quite the whirlwind of emotions. Originally introduced in 2013, the DAS pass was a game-changer, allowing individuals to skip the long standby lines by registering via the park app or at guest relations for a return time at rides. However, with mounting misuse over the years, Disney felt the need to tighten the reins, leaving many genuine users feeling left out in the heat.

The surge in DAS pass applications has reportedly tripled since 2019, pointing to widespread reports of abuse. Unsurprisingly, this escalation prompted Disney to revise its qualification criteria recently. The new guidelines restrict the DAS pass to those with developmental disabilities that inhibit their ability to wait in conventional lines. While Disney hopes to curb the misuse, the recently implemented changes have left even some deserving guests struggling to prove their eligibility, leading to deeply personal and often uncomfortable vetting processes.

Despite the backlash, Disney spokesperson Jessica Good confirms, “We are listening and continuing to work to help you have an enjoyable experience when visiting Disneyland Resort.” Disney reassures that they remain compliant with the ADA, but critics, including legal experts, argue otherwise. They contend that excluding certain disabilities could run afoul of ADA stipulations, and Disney’s policy requiring nonrefundable ticket purchases before applying for a DAS pass compounds the problem for many families.

Among the voices rallying against these changes, an online petition by the group DAS Defenders calls for the policy reversal, citing the exclusion of conditions like PTSD, cancer, and multiple sclerosis. The petition has garnered a strong following, with over 31,000 signatures, underscoring the community’s concern over these dramatic shifts in policy.

Let’s keep the conversation going! Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know how you feel about these changes to Disney’s Disability Pass. Have you or someone you know been affected? How can Disney strike a better balance?

Source: Daily Pilot