Disabled visitors to Disney theme parks in the US will no longer be able to automatically skip long queues from next month due to a change in company policy.
Instead, those with park-issued disability cards will be issued with timed tickets with a shorter wait time, according to a report in the Daily Mail.
The change, which takes effect from October 9, is believed to be down to the fact that too many able-bodied visitors had been abusing Disney’s policy to allow visitors with special need to go straight to the front of queues or to access rides via the exits.
The report claimed the rise of disabled ‘tour guides’ who charge able-bodied guests to accompany them on rides was to blame for the recent clamp-down. However, those who are legitimately accompanying disabled visitors will be able to get assistance cards in future.
Walt Disney World issued the following statement: "We have an unwavering commitment to making our parks accessible to all guests. Given the increasing volume of requests we receive for special access to our attractions, we are changing our process to create a more consistent experience for all our guests while providing accommodations for guests with disabilities.
"We engaged disability groups, such as Autism Speaks, to develop this new process, which is in line with the rest of our industry."
Disney said further details will be announced once park employees have been briefed
