Iconic tourist attraction makes major change affecting thousands of visitors

Disney its changing its rules for disabled visitors (Picture: Orlando Sentinel/AP)

The iconic theme parks of Walt Disney World in Florida and California attract about 58 million tourists each year.

But a major change to the parks’ accessibility rules for rides comes into effect in May.

While long lines for rides are a fixture of most theme parks, Disney’s disabled access has allowed it to be very inclusive for all visitors.

The park has a fast track line for disabled guests which allows them to take six members of their group with them.

The company’s Disability Access Service programme (DAS) was launched in 2013 and, under the current system, guests with a ‘developmental disability such as autism or similar’ can apply for the DAS and wait for it to be approved.

If approved, disabled visitors can access the attraction without having to wait in line, and take their loved ones with them.

Disabled visitors can currently skip queues with their families and friends (Picture: TNS via Getty Images)

However, Disney is now cracking down the number of people it lets people join this queue, taking the figure down to just four people who can accompany someone with a disability.

A spokesperson for the company suggested on Friday that the DAS service was being used by those who it wasn’t intended for, implying those who don’t have a disability may be taking advantage of the fast-track queues.

Guests revisiting the attraction will also wait longer to get their DAS approved as Disney has doubled the waiting time.

Now, visitors will have to wait 120 days before they can reapply to the DAS, double the current 60 days.

According to a Disney spokesperson, DAS applications are the most requested among Disney World in Florida and California, with applications trebling in the last five years.

The company feels some people are taking advantage of the provision.

Len Testa, president of itinerary planning website Touring Plans and co-author of the Unofficial Guides to Walt Disney World and Disneyland, told The Washington Post: ‘The system has always had some level of questionable use, if not abuse.’

Currently DAS applicants are required to meet with a Disney staff member before their visit to ascertain their eligibility.

Soon the rules will change for how many people you can bring with you in accessibility queues Getty Images North America

Disney says it works with healthcare professionals where necessary to ‘determine eligibility for appropriate accommodations and ensure that these accommodations are provided only for the guests for whom they are intended’.

However, it says there is no requirement for guests to provide documentation for proof of disability, with no plans to introduce this in future.

Anyone who is found to be lying about their needs will be banned from the parks, without their tickets being reimbursed.

The rules are expected to come into effect in Disney World California on June 18, and in Florida on May 20. There are no reports of the changes coming into effect for Disneyland Paris.

A Disney official told NBC: ‘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.’

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