Disney ends disabled privileges

DISABLED Disney fans will have their queue-jumping privileges revoked because too many people are cheating the system.

Disneyland

DISABLED Disney fans will have their queue-jumping privileges revoked because too many people are cheating the system.

Currently, visitors with special needs are entitled to either enter rides via the back door or make their way to shorter lines at both Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Florida, the Daily Mail reports.

Under a new system, the theme parks will issue tickets with a time to return and an ensured shorter wait, somewhat like having a restaurant reservation.

The new policy will take effect from October 9 for guest with park-issued disability cards. Those legitimately accompanying a disabled visitor will continue to be able to get assistance cards.

In the past few years, a rise has been observed in disable 'tour guides', who charge sometimes hundreds of dollars to accompany able-bodied guests, giving them accelerated access to rides.

Some families of children with autism and epilepsy have criticised the new system.

Rebecca Goddard takes her autistic sons, age 4 and 6, weekly to Disneyland, adding their condition makes them aggressive if they stand in line to long.

"My boys don't have the cognition to understand why it's going to be a long wait," Goddard says. '"There are so few things for my boys that bring them utter joy and happiness - to mess with it just makes me sad."

Disney consulted with disability groups including Autism Speaks on the change, which they say brings them "in line with the rest of our industry."

Autism Speaks Southern California executive director Matt Asner said he understood the current policy was not working.