s/o Disney - disabled line "pass"

MrMrsandBaby

Ok, this was in the news because some fancy mom's were "renting" a disabled person to get through the lines faster at Disney.  But I have a legit question on this concept.  I'm not trying to be rude or insensitive but I really want to know...

Why do people in a wheelchair, etc. get to essentially skip the lines?  I get having an enterance that is wheelchair accessible, that totally makes sense.  But what I don't get is why are those parties not standing in line and when they get to the front just using the accessible enterance?

It really bugs me when I have to wait in line for however long (now with a squirmy toddler) and someone in a wheelchair can just walk right up and get right in...with their whole party.

Seriously, what am I missing?  I know I'm not PC about a lot of this stuff but I think this is a fairly common thought...anyone?

Mar5195

I totally get where you are coming from. I also wonder about those in rented themepark wheelchairs or mobile scooters. I mean you should have to prove you need one but that might be an additional burden to those who truly need one.

I remember when we were kids (I live in So Cal) we took my Grandma to Disneyland. And she had her own wheel chair as she couldn't walk/stand for long periods. Someone told us about entering the back of the line with her. It was really awesome because she was able to get on things instead of just sitting and waiting for us. And the short wait was just the cherry on top.

lancyjo

::sits and waits for answers with MM&B::

and Oh. My. Gawsh. I almost typed "with -your irl name-" GAH! Facebook is killing me.

MrMrsandBaby

lancyjo:

::sits and waits for answers with MM&B::

and Oh. My. Gawsh. I almost typed "with -your irl name-" GAH! Facebook is killing me.

lancyjo, I need my anonymity!

ssimon621

I was listening to this on the radio today and wanted to post about it.  The radio host felt just like you (and me) felt, he said, "If a person can make it 8 hours in a theme park why can't they wait in line like everyone else?" 

I heard one caller who made a good point about it and changed me view slightly.  She has a 21 year old son who has severe autism with behavior problems.  She said when he was younger they used to get the passes because he was unable to handle the crowds in small areas and the stress of waiting in lines so the only way he would have enjoyed the park is with the pass.  Which they received only after sending various paperwork from their doctor.  I don't know how easy it is to get one of these passes or what proof you have to provide, but in her case I understand the need.

I would assume that some of the people who have some physical disabilities would need to take lots of breaks, or may only be able to last in the park for a few hours so if they have the pass they will be able to enjoy more than a couple rides.  If you are wheel chair bound for maybe a broken leg or a few other issues I think you should be able to go through the line like everyone else and just use the handicap entrance.  But, because I don't know their policy I can't say I agree or disagree with it, but I do think it should be given on a case by case scenario.

Either way, I think these parents are cruel and are teaching their children to use others impairments to their advantage.  It's a sad world that we live in.  Although, I am glad that they were paying these people lots of money for it instead of a really low rate.

Lena122

Disabilities can obviously vary quite widely so there are legit disabilities that might prohibit someone from waiting in line. An example might be bladder issues, anxiety issues, maybe even temperature issues. But for MOST disabilities I'd think waiting line with everyone else is perfectly possible.

mkarns

I think the main concern is these people with disabilities cannot stand for long periods of time. Some lot of them are just doing it for the free ride, though.

aracelyluna

There are a wide range of disabilities that would cause a person to qualify for the shorter wait. It's not just oh I broke my leg let me skip the line. There are people with all kids of needs that would seriously not enjoy the park if they had to wait 2 plus hours in lines. I know when DH went to Disney World they got to bypass lines because his little brother had Down Syndrome. I am not sure all the details of what all they had to do in order to get to bypass the line. I really have no problem with people that have a legit need getting this pass. I do have a problem with people taking advantage of it.

SevenT7Switch

Another thought just to throw in for people in wheelchairs- the way most lines are set-up at Disney do not allow room for wheelchairs. Because they want to shove in as many people as possible, they tend to be tight areas and some of the turn radius's would be impossible! Although, in more recent years, Disney has redone quite a few set ups so wheelchairs can wait in the general line for at least a bit.

So sad that a few people have taken advantage of it- now people who use the feature for legit reasons will  get side-eyed.

Hunterloren

I used to work at a theme park and had one family ask for their son to be put on ahead of the line. He had behavioral issues- I believe he was autistic? It was not something like ADD. It was definitely necessary and everyone was perfectly willing to let him on. 

However, someone who can't stand as long, I personally feel, should have no problem waiting in a wheelchair in line with everyone else.  

goldenleaves

I think it's great for families that have kids with autism, ADHD, physical disabilities, etc. For some people it is not feasible to wait in line for 3 hours.

If the special needs pass still exists after this fiasco in a few years, we'll use it. We'd go regardless but something that is available to us and our family would qualify for? Sign us up.

kayladay

When I was taking chemo, I couldn't stand for long periods of times and actually if if I would've made going to Disney World as my wish with Make A Wish, I would've got a pass to go ahead of everyone else. Chemo makes you weak and tired so I think it would be okay to skip then. Not saying that other people shouldn't be able to skip as well.. just mentioning one way that it should be okay to skip.