Disney implements new disability policies at Disneyland and Disney World
Disney has updated accessibility policies for both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort to ensure accessibility services and resources are only used by guests who need them.
At both resorts, specially trained health professionals from Inspire Health Alliance will assist Disney cast members in determining a guest’s eligibility for accommodations and ensuring that those services are only provided to the intended guests. More cast members will also be added in Anaheim and Orlando to assist guests in the parks and help them understand the options available based on their needs.
Disney sent us a statement that said, “Disney is dedicated to providing a great experience for all guests, including those with disabilities, which is why we are so committed to delivering a wide range of innovative support services aimed at helping our guests with disabilities have a wonderful time when visiting our theme parks.”
Changes to Disability Access Service
Disney told us the Disability Access Service (DAS) has become the most-requested service at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, with usage more than tripling over the last five years; however, many guests requesting DAS are not the service’s intended recipients.
Disney will be continuing DAS for guests, but only for those who are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period due to a developmental disability like autism or similar. They are also making the following changes to the DAS service:
- DAS enrollment will be extended from 60 days to 120 days, meaning a guest only needs to apply once every 120 days.
- The DAS party size will be adjusted to immediate family members only, no more than four people
These updates to DAS will go into effect on May 20, 2024, at Walt Disney World and on June 18, 2024, at Disneyland.
Accessibility Services Team Evaluation Required
Guests who feel they are eligible for DAS must speak to a member of the accessibility services team and/or a health professional from Inspire Health Alliance to determine if they’re eligible and/or require alternate accessibility services based on their unique needs (before arrival is recommended).
Disneyland
Guests planning visits to the Disneyland Resort can use a virtual video chat system before arrival to discuss their needs with the accessibility services team to determine the services they may need once they get to the resort. Disneyland guests can also talk to cast members in person at a new designated window in the esplanade between Disneyland and California Adventure Parks.
Walt Disney World
Guests visiting Walt Disney World can also access the virtual video chat system before they arrive at the resort. If they’re unable to discuss their needs with the accessibility services team before their trip, they can access that same virtual video chat feature onsite (there will be no option in Orlando to talk to someone in person).
Conversations with the accessibility services team may or may not result in a guest being registered for DAS, but they will share information about all the services available, including a defined “return to queue” process for guests who need frequent restroom breaks, as well as ASL interpreting services at select experiences, rider switch, service animal relief areas, and wheelchair access.
Disneyland Park will offer a Location Return Time option for certain attraction for guests with mobility devices or other physical restrictions that won’t allow them to go through their older queues.
At this time, Disney will not be asking for any medical documentation for accessibility services; however, guests who falsify information may get much more than they bargained for.
Click here for more information about accessibility policies at Walt Disney World Resort, and click here for more information about accessibility policies at Disneyland Resort.
For information about accessibility policies at Universal parks in California and Florida, read our previous story here.
