Beginning next month, Disney is introducing the Disability Access Service Card (DASC) at its parks in the US. These cards will replace the current Guest Assistance Card program currently in use at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
In recent months the Guest Assistance Card has come under fire when it was reported that some guests were abusing the system. The current Guest Assistance Card system allows disabled guests to sometimes skip the attraction queue and sometimes get back door access to the rides.
The new DASC system will offer disabled guests a pass with a specific return time that is equal to the attraction queue’s current waiting time.
Disney has provided some information about the DASC. The information was in a FAQ document and was shared over at Walt Disney World for Grownups. It states that Disney has engaged with disability groups and Autism Speaks, asking for feedback as they developed the new DASC process. The document also states that Disney is “changing [its] processes…so that it creates a more consistent experience for all [its] Guests while providing accommodations for Guests with disabilities.”
Disney cites an increasing volume of requests for special access to attractions as one reason for implementing this change.
The DASC will be available to guests who aren’t able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a visible and non-visible disability. No proof of disability is required under the current or new policy as Disney cannot ask guests to prove their disability due to confidentiality laws.
“We have an unwavering commitment to making our parks accessible to all guests,” said Disney spokeswoman Suzi Brown in a statement. “Given the increasing volume of requests we receive for special access to our attractions, we are changing our process to create a more consistent experience for all our guests while providing accommodations for guests with disabilities. We engaged disability groups, such as Autism Speaks, to develop this new process, which is in line with the rest of our industry.”
Disney has said they will be releasing more information on the new system as the launch date gets closer. Cast members are currently being trained for the new program.
Guests with questions or concerns about the new DASC system are urged to contact Guest Relations to discuss their assistance needs.
The new DASC system launches October 9.
Thanks to our friends at Walt Disney World for Grownups for sharing this information and for use of their photo. Be sure to check out the forum on their site and weigh in with your thoughts on the new system.
