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Making Every Visit Magical: Disney Parks News

September 22, 2013 By Lena

A little bit of news sharing today, friends – straight from the good folks at Disney. If you are visiting a Disney Park in the future and a guest in your party is not able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including a non-apparent disability), please read on for an important change to the Guest Assistance Cards.

“Disney has an unwavering commitment to making our experiences accessible to all Guests.  After careful consideration, we will be replacing the Guest Assistance Card with the new Disability Access Service Card on October 9th to create a more consistent experience for all our Guests while providing accommodations for Guests with disabilities. Until October 9th, we will continue to use Guest Assistance Cards.”

Okay, so you’re planning a trip – or have one coming up in the near future – and you’re wondering, what the heck does this mean? Lucky for you I have a handy set of FAQ’s:

How will the new Disney program work?
The Disability Access Service Card will offer Guests a return time for an attraction based on the current wait time. Guest Assistance Cards will continue to be in effect until Oct. 9. We look forward to sharing more information as we get closer to implementation.

Did Disney receive assistance in developing the Disability Access Service Card?
Yes, Disney is engaging disability groups, and Autism Speaks was instrumental in providing feedback as we developed this new process.

Why is Disney making these changes?
Given the increasing volume of requests Disney receives for special access to our attractions, we are changing our process beginning Oct. 9 so that it creates a more consistent experience for all our Guests while providing accommodations for Guests with disabilities.

Who will be eligible for a Disability Access Service Card?
Our goal is to accommodate Guests who aren’t able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities).

Will Guests on wish trips also use Disability Access Service Cards?
No. Guests who are visiting through wish-granting organizations will have access through a separate program.

What should Guests do if they have concerns?
Guests should contact Guest Relations to discuss their assistance needs.

I understand that this change may impact some of my readers who are planning a Disney vacation. More information about the Disability Access Service Card will be available closer to implementation on October 9th. In the meantime, please help spread the word if you know someone who may be affected or interested in learning more.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Disability Access Service Card, Disney News, Disney Parks, family tavel

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Heidi C.

    September 22, 2013 at 8:46 pm

    That’s great that Disney is addressing the special needs of certain individuals so their park-going experience is better! Way to go, Disney!

    • Lena

      September 23, 2013 at 6:40 am

      I think this is a great move to enhance the experience for ALL the visitors! Thanks Heidi!

  2. Anne Taylor

    September 23, 2013 at 1:03 pm

    I applaud Disney for doing this but at the same time wonder why it took so long? (Not taking any thing away from them)

    • Lena

      September 23, 2013 at 3:10 pm

      I suppose that any change is a huge change when it affects so many people… I’m happy that they consulted the right people to make sure they were doing it right.

  3. Marissa

    September 23, 2013 at 2:14 pm

    It’s great to know that Disney is moving in the right direction by showing consideration for people with disability (including a non-apparent disability). This is awesome!

    • Lena

      September 23, 2013 at 3:10 pm

      It is – but that’s the Disney Difference!

  4. Flora M

    September 23, 2013 at 2:28 pm

    Glad they are doing this – I know first hand what it can be like waiting in any line with a child that has ASD. Good for Disney ! And thanks for passing on the info Lena :o)

    • Lena

      September 23, 2013 at 3:10 pm

      You’re very welcome, Flora :)

  5. Judy C (Cowan)

    September 23, 2013 at 4:24 pm

    Love Disney! The fact that they are doing this shows how much they care!

    • Lena

      October 7, 2013 at 3:52 am

      Couldn’t agree more!

  6. Chandra Christine O'Connor

    September 28, 2013 at 4:55 pm

    I never could convince my hubby to take us to disney. My oldest is just out on her own now and my youngest is in her last year of univ sigh.

    • Lena

      October 7, 2013 at 3:53 am

      Maybe it’s time to take matters into your own hands!

  7. Victoria Ess

    September 29, 2013 at 2:17 am

    I don’t really understand the difference between the two card/programs, but I’m hoping the change will be positive for visitors with disabilities and their families. It’s a good sign that there were consultations with those who may be affected, to some degree.

    • Lena

      October 7, 2013 at 3:53 am

      Agreed. The changes roll out soon, so time will tell!

  8. kathy downey

    September 1, 2017 at 9:39 am

    I have a disability and this sure makes a difference for me,way to go Disney!

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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