Are you boycotting (or have you boycotted) any theme parks for a similar or different reason? Feel free to vent your passion here.
I am interested in knowing why your brother has difficulties with the new policies at the Disney Parks. I know everybody is different, but it would be helpful to understand.
Also, instead of boycotting, I would let Disney know your concerns. From what I hear, they have been pretty accommodating with questions and concerns on the new policies. I have heard both good and bad around the internet. Disney (or any theme park company) cannot improve unless they are given feedback.
Your reasons for boycotting Disney are valid, and it is a shame that people who didn't need the access abused it to the point where they eliminated it. That TV show (60 Minutes, I think) where the producers family hired the disabled guide and were bragging about skipping the lines was certainly the last straw.
We had visited Disney many times, were never able to get a FastPass at any time of the day for any ride. We aren't going back simply because my girls have outgrown it.
I do blame our peak Summer season visits on my distaste for Disney, however.
All guest can still get regular fast passes at the ride kiosks or can get FastPass+ reservations prior to visiting the park (if staying on-site).
In addition to the use of fast passes, guest with special needs can get the Disability Assistance System card.
The person in need gets a photo ID card good for the length of their visit (up to 14 days). They can add up to 6 persons on the card to ride with them.
The card is presented at the ride and a return time equal to the current stand-by time minus 10 minutes is written on the card, come back any time after that time and enter the fast pass line or handicap entrance line.
The person who's card is being used MUST be riding for it to be used. Only one return ride time can be on the card at any time.
So, when you combine the fastpass/fastpass+ system with the new DAS card, a day at the park can be full and enjoyed by all. I hope you learn the new system so that your family member has an enjoyable time.
But every FP we tried out was emptied for the day. The Magic Kingdom made the grand opening of HP at IOA look like a ghost town. It was wall to wall people and a sea of strollers you couldn't fathom.
I have video of all four consecutive trips, which is on Sony 8 tape. I need to transfer them to digital or DVD so I can give you an example..... madhouse.
Many of those with mental difficulties do not grasp the concept of time or waiting. We nearly stopped going to the parks years ago before the former program was enacted. My brother wants to go on a ride now. He does not understand, nor can he tolerate, being told he has to wait 45 minutes.
I agree that there were many people who had the old cards that simply were scamming the system. Change was needed. But the change that was instituted was detrimental to a certain portion of the special needs crowd.
I know my family has gone less since the program was instituted, and I know of several other local families that have also cut back on their visits. I was at Hollywood Studios yesterday and observed two families going through difficulties with this population based on the current wait and return system.
Unfortunately, there will never be a plan perfect for anyone. I would like to see some flexibility though. I know the park cannot ask for medical documentation (although it was required at the very beginning for these programs), but perhaps guests can voluntarily submit documentation and receive special privileges if medically required and proven.
This is a debate that will rage on for some time, but one system does not properly serve all.
And I am boycotting Six Flags Saint Louis due to a fear of both weeds and trash.
