The Wonderful World of Disney, an update

I have said it before, and I will say it again... We are Disney Fanatics. We totally embrace all things Disney and our next visit is a revolving topic at our dinner table.

With that being said, we put the brakes on planning our next trip to the Wonderful World of Disney when we heard that the Guest Assistance Card was being revamped. As first reported by the Today Show, it became apparent to Disney that there was significant abuse to the old system, and a new one was needed to ensure fair and equal access to rides, for all guests. I called Disney, when talk of the new system began to circulate, to hear their plan firsthand. While they didn't have much information to offer, they did indicate that October 9th was the magical day for change.

So... here we are, it is October 9, 2013 and today is the day that Disney Theme Parks have unveiled their new "Disability Access Service Card". While a large part of me wants to protest the new rules, I am holding out hope that Disney will take each family and their unique disability, as a separate case, rather than lump all disabilities together. Diary of a Mom had the privilege of speaking directly to a Disney representative last month, and voiced her concerns (our collective concerns) regarding the rumors of the new policy and procedures. She also was given the opportunity to offer insight on things that would work for families who have children with sensory processing disorders, Autism, and other related diagnosis'. Diary of a Mom truly believes that though Disney will not allow for the previous system be abused any longer, they recognize the need for each family and their needs to be addressed on an individual basis.

The more I dwell on the topic, the more I play devil's advocate, the more I realize that Disney had to make a change. Unfortunately, there are those who abused the system. Disney could no longer allow the Guest Assistance Card to be a "Get out of line free card". We have had nothing but positive experiences with the Disney Cast-members and Guest Relations, and while we were not privy to the knowledge that such a "Card" existed on our last trip, we have every intention of being better prepared when we do return. I did say "When". We know we will return. We will wait until Disney has the quirks and nuances of their new system worked out.

What we need to recognize is that Disney, unlike many other theme parks, has a system for our families that allow everyone to enjoy their day. We don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on a family vacation that may lead to meltdowns, tantrums, overload, etc. Disney knows that there is a need to allow every guest the opportunity to enjoy their park in an equal way. Equal for our kids sometimes means that the joy is brought to them in a different manner than others. I applaud Disney for seeing the need, changing the system to stop it's unfair use, and addressing that they will need to continue to "perfect" the new system.

If you plan on visiting Disney in the very near future, and if you have a family member who is in need of additional assistance, be open minded. Allow the Disney Team to work with you to ensure that your vacation is as memorable and wonderful as you envisioned.  


For more information, visit the Disney Blog. They have updated the page to include the new policy, as well as a list of FAQ's.

"We come to love not by finding a perfect person but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly", Sam Keen