Disneyland Improves Disability Access Service
People with disabilities will find it easier to enjoy a comfortable trip to the DisneyLand theme parks, after updating its service to allow visitors to make their arrangements before they arrive.
Previously, they had to wait until they turned up to choose their accommodations. However, from next Monday (December 20th), those heading to the DisneyLand parks in California will have the option of planning their experiences in advance, reported Disability Scoop.
The new Disability Access Service (DAS) Advance, which was launched at DisneyWorld earlier this autumn, enables guests to register their schedule from two to 30 days before their visit.
According to a Disney spokesperson, the DAS Advance initiative was introduced to help “guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to a disability”.
Its “enhancements” to its disability policies involve having a live video chat with a cast member prior to the trip, during which they can pick two experiences per day from a list of options, with a one-hour return window for those experiences.
This means, they do not have to stand in a queue and can enjoy other features of the park while they wait. They then simply return to the attraction at a return time that is comparable to the standby wait. Once it is their return time, they can enter through the Lightning Lane.
DAS remains valid for up to 60 days, after which the guest has to re-register to be eligible for the program again.
When they are actually in the park, they can still ask for return times for each attraction by requesting it on their DisneyLand app, so they do not have to queue with the rest of the public.
This is not the only service available for visitors to Disney theme parks with disabilities. For instance, there are several experiences that can be accessible by wheelchair or Electric Conveyance Vehicle (ECV) users, including Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough, Star Wars Launch Bay, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, and Goofy’s Playhouse. There are also some wheelchairs or ECVs to hire, making it easier to traverse the park, as walking can becoming very tiring due to the size of the resorts.
Disability parking is available throughout, and Disney allows service animals to come into the parks with their owners, so long as they remain on their leash or harness.
Disney also makes accommodations for guests with hearing difficulties, lighting sensitivity, visual impairments, and cognitive disabilities.
For the latter, this includes Advanced Ticket Purchase, stroller or wheelchair rentals, break areas to allow guests to have some time away from all the stimulation, companion restrooms for those who require assistance, and the rider switch, enabling parties to take turn on rides without having to queue up again, if one member has to wait with a guest.
Making Disney theme parks as accessible as possible is essential for such a huge brand, as it promotes inclusivity and making sure everyone has the same opportunity to enjoy its attractions.
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