Disney World Autistic Guest, Denied Accommodations
Walt Disney World is considered to be The Most Magical Place on Earth; however, it allegedly wasn’t for one Disney World autistic guest. Supposedly, a Cast Member denied the Guest disability accommodations.
The Allegations
The female guest recently visited EPCOT, and she tweeted about the treatment she claimed to receive while riding Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. The Guest, @MickiKMouse, asked for accommodations during the preshow.
Autistic individuals tend to struggle with loud noises, so the preshow was too overwhelming and stressful for the Guest. Then, allegedly, a Cast Member refused to accommodate her saying, “We know the preshows are medically safe. so if you can’t handle the preshows, you shouldn’t ride the ride.”
“we know the preshows are medically safe. so if you can’t handle the preshows, you shouldn’t ride the ride”
– Joe, the Coordinator at Guardians to me, an Autistic, visibly shaking and trying to skip one (1)room— micki’s 23rd birthday bash (@MickiKMouse) July 26, 2022
The Disney World autistic guest attempted to explain the reasons for her request. However, according to @MickiKMouse, the Cast Member forced her to stay in the queue and simply asked her to close her eyes. The Guest said she began to rock, cry, shake, plug her ears, and close her eyes during the preshow.
wait wait i got another
“when you enter the second room just close your eyes for a few seconds. when there’s no more light then you can open them”
me: rocking, crying, shaking, plugging my ears and closing my eyes for the whole room https://t.co/rEPIGLzzCb
— micki’s 23rd birthday bash (@MickiKMouse) July 26, 2022
The Assumed Reason
Twitter users, claiming to be Cast Members, said the Cast Member should have allowed her to skip the preshow. However, @MickiKMouse believes that she wasn’t taken seriously, because she does not look disabled.
In addition, the Guest claims that Universal Orlando Resort’s accessibility accommodations are much better than Walt Disney World’s accommodations. Regardless, she plans to speak with a Guest Relations Cast Member, so a similar experience does not happen to someone else.
also id like to say that as a neurologically disabled person, accommodations at universal are far and beyond what disney offers. but i guess i don’t agree with a “one size fits all” accommodation. the CM at Guardians today was incredible rude to me
— micki’s 23rd birthday bash (@MickiKMouse) July 26, 2022
Disability Access Service
Walt Disney World Resort utilizes Disability Access Service for disabled Guests. This service provides Guests with an “inclusive environment and accessible experiences” according to the Walt Disney World website.
Photo: Disney
Qualified Guests for Disability Access Service are allowed to make preselections for attractions prior to their trip. In addition, they may select return-time windows for attractions throughout their park day.
Both privileges allow disabled Guests to avoid standing in a long line, which may be difficult for their disability. Unfortunately, this Disney World autistic guest had a less-than-magical experience.
Our Hopes
We certainly hope that everyone has a great time during their Disney vacation. However, if you have any issues, always contact Disney management for resolutions.
Article Information: www.popcrush.com
Photo: Disney
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