MickeyBlog News for April 15th, 2024
Disney just cracked down on cheaters, but it may have overcorrected.
Also, a Disney theme park has confirmed its upcoming expansion plans…but it’s probably not the one you think.


Photo:visitorlando.com
I’ll explain all in the latest MickeyBlog News.
Disney Changes Disability Services Program


Photo: Disneyland
On Tuesday, MickeyBlog’s Holly Ramey posted an article with the title “Disney Announces Change to Disability Access Service (DAS).”
You may have seen variants of this article on other mainstream publications like CNN, the Washington Post, and the LA Times.


Photo: Disney
They typically went with the headline along the lines of, “Disney cracks down on disability cheats.”
That statement is factually accurate to an extent, but it doesn’t tell the whole story of a nuanced conversation.
I’ll politely go into detail about what I know, understanding that I’ve read many of your comments indicating what a difficult subject this is.
The gist is that Disney’s disability program has tripled the number of usage requests over the past five years.


Photo: Disney
When something like that happens, it triggers alarms about program abuse.
Sadly, that wouldn’t even be a first for the DAS program. Remember the fake disabilities scandal a few years ago?


Photo: D23
Once again, a sizable number of people are taking advantage of a well-intended program, one that does tremendous good overall.
Since people are abusing the system, it’s providing less value to those who need it most, though.
So, in the hopes of deterring such violations of the spirit of DAS, Disney has updated the terms of service.
Now, the language includes an out-and-out threat. People found guilty of using DAS without justification will receive a lifetime ban.


Photo: orlandoattractions.com
If you try to cheat the system at any point, and Disney catches you, you’ll never visit The Happiest Place on Earth again. Period.
I am ALL FOR that part of the announcement. It needs to be stated explicitly in writing. Basic DBAD rules apply.
About the DAS Crackdown


Photo: CollectingClovers.com
As part of this update, Disney must define abuse and what’s considered a program violation.
Here’s where the conversation takes a turn.


Disney
As of May 20th at Walt Disney World and June 18th at Disneyland Resort, management will enforce the strict DAS rules
At that point, Disney expects guests with developmental disabilities like autism and other neurodivergent guests to use the service.


Disney
Conversely, guests claiming to have conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome may no longer use the program.
Realistically, they shouldn’t have been allowed in the first place, at least not without some sort of documented medical explanation.


Disney
Disney took guests at their word, and is often the case, some behaved dishonorably.
Because of that, people with real conditions like anxiety are no longer eligible for DAS, at least not under the current interpretation.
Disney may soften the policy later or address matters on an individual basis, but that’s conjecture.
For the moment, a DAS crackdown is underway, and you should take it seriously. Otherwise, you risk a lifetime Disney park ban.
The New DAS Rules
The DAS program has updated its authorization rules as well.
You can still make an appointment two-to-30 days before your arrival, but you can no longer take care of it during a park visit.
Instead, you must use virtual chat either before your arrival or on the date of your visit.
Disney will add a “return to attraction queue” policy as well, but it hasn’t announced specifics yet.


Image Credit: Disney
Also, guests with existing DAS passes must requalify.
I’ll quote Holly Ramey on the rest of the changes since she’s a MickeyTravels agent, and I’m not.
I don’t want to get this wrong and mess up any of your vacations. So, here are the other changes of note:
- Pre-arrival DAS attraction selections will no longer be offered to every guest
- Guests who currently have a DAS pass will have to re-apply
- The maximum party size for a DAS accommodation will be four guests (exceptions will be made for larger families)
- Enrollment eligibility goes from 60 to 120 days
I realize this is a lot to digest, and it applies to parents who already face more challenges than most.
I encourage you to speak with Disney if you have questions or concerns.


Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom
Also, express your frustration if that’s how you feel.
Disney does listen to customer feedback, and management understands that one-size-fits-all solutions rarely work perfectly.
This change is about preventing abuse, not negatively impacting those whom DAS is intended to help.
Your feedback may play a vital role in shaping DAS into something better.
Goodbye, Walt Disney Studios Park


Image Credit: @shutterbug_luke1991
Bob Iger swore that he was serious about theme park expansion and improvements. Now, we have a reason to believe him.
Disney just announced wholesale changes coming to the former Walt Disney Studios Park straight down to its name.


Photo: Disney
When the Frozen themed land opens at Disneyland Paris’s second gate, the park will change its name to Disney Adventure World.
On the 32nd anniversary of Disneyland Paris, park officials revealed the concept art for some of the enhancements.


Image: Disneyland Paris via Scott Gustin
The big news is the new Tangled ride, which looks a bit Alien Swirling Saucers-ish.
If I’m wrong and this attraction works differently, there’s a chance a duplicate of it winds up in the United States.


DLP
Either way, Disney’s announcement reinforces something we learned a few years ago.
Disney took criticisms of Disney California Adventure and Disney’s Hollywood Studios to heart by plussing those parks.


Disney
Virtually overnight, Imagineers reinvented both, which they also did at Hong Kong Disneyland.
Disney doesn’t like the perception that any of its parks are lacking.


Image Credit: @shutterbug_luke1991
Many would suggest that the former Walt Disney Studios Park is the least exciting in the world.
Well, Disney’s about to change that by taking an aggressive approach.
So, here’s the first portion of that $60 billion in park expansion!
Disney Miscellany
We’ve got four other significant stories this week, which kinda summarizes Disney’s 2024 thus far.
First, I should make you aware of various summer park discounts. You should speak to a MickeyTravels agent to learn more.
At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, 1900 Park Fare has reopened after a four-year absence.
Our staff reviewed the new breakfast and dinner experiences at the restaurant.


Photo: Disney
Speaking of the resorts, details are sparse at the moment, but Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter will remake some of its rooms.
Back at the parks, Disney confirmed the two stores coming to Magic Kingdom as part of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
At EPCOT, the Friendship Boats have returned to normal after a recent modification.
At Downtown Disney, management revealed details about three restaurants coming soon.


Pretzel Lightsabers
Also, we learned that one experience from Season of the Force will stay after the event ends.
Finally, here’s the full list of what you can eat and drink at this year’s Pixar Fest.


Photo: Disney
Have a great week, everyone!


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Feature Photo: Disney