Disney to debut new Disability Access Service Cards, replacing Guest Assistance Cards

Disney to debut new Disability Access Service Cards, replacing Guest Assistance Cards

In order to help make attractions at Walt Disney World and Disneyland more accessible to all guests including those with disabilities, Disney will be replacing the current Guest Assistance Card on 9th October 2013 with the new Disability Access Service Card.

The current Guest Assistance Cards are free to guests with disabilities, and allow them to skip most regular attraction lines and enter the attraction from a faster access area immediately with their families.

Disney Disability Access Service Card

With the new card, guests will receive a return time for a certain attractions based on its current wait time and enjoy the attraction with little to no wait when they return. Guests who cannot wait in a traditional queue due to a disability, including non-apparent disabilities, will be eligible for the new card.

Disney Guest Assistance Card

Although not officially announced, the new cards are thought to be more secure in preventing fraud, as was reported on by the New York Post and Today show. Some for-hire unofficial “tour guides” were exposed using their ability to get Guest Assistance Cards to help their non-disabled clients skip the lines.

Disney reports they have been working closely with disability groups and Autism Speaks for feedback into the new process. Disney provided this statement: “We have an unwavering commitment to making our parks accessible to all guests. 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.”

Those with questions about the new Disability Access Service Card should contact Disney’s guest relations to discuss their assistance needs. Those visiting with a wish-granting organizations will have access through a separate program.

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