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Many disabled Guests utilize Disney’s Disability Access Service in order to have a positive experience in the parks. However, Disney is reportedly cracking down after it saw an uptick in people requesting the service. The connection between DAS and third party tours may surprise you.
Disney Tours
Have you ever seen a Cast Member in a plaid vest escorting a group of people to the front of the line? That is a VIP tour guide, and those Guests pay big money to receive the best possible park experience.
These tour guides provide snacks, front row seats for shows, and private transportation to the parks. Pricing can range anywhere from $200 to $800/hour depending on the time of travel.
I don’t know of many people who could afford that, so oftentimes Guests hire third-party tour guides to come tour the parks with them. They receive planning services ahead of the trip and in-park touring for a fraction of the cost of a Disney tour guide.
Trespassing
According to Insider, many third-party tour guides received trespass notices from Disney. One such guide recalls how he was pulled out of line by security while waiting to enter the park with his clients.
Disney told him he was permanently banned from all Disney Parks but could appeal one year later. Why? Because he conducted unauthorized commercial activities on property.
And, he’s not the only one. Several other third-party guides tell Insider they received similar notices. They are distraught because they have been able to earn a living for years and years with no issue. The guides want to work with Disney for a solution but are receiving no response from Disney.
The Connection Between DAS and Third-party Tours
So, how does DAS come into the picture? A Disney spokesperson told Insider that A) they are serving trespass notices because of the unauthorized activity, and B) there is an uptick in abuses of DAS and other services, “which impede park operations.”
Many of the guides Insider spoke to said the third-party tour industry does not always act ethically (ie: many ask clients to lie about a disability). Instead of putting in the work to get Genie+ return times and have a really great touring strategy for clients, these guides are relying on DAS to help them get through the parks.
Looking Toward the Future
Many of these tour guides have lost their park privileges indefinitely, and that has to be a tough pill to swallow. Their clients are now scrambling to figure out how to manage their Disney vacation without the service they paid for.
It also makes me wonder if/how Disney will change DAS in the future. They have already given it a major overhaul, with changes like requesting return times in the app and pre-registering. Will Disney make it harder for Guests who truly need the service in an attempt to stop the abuse?
What are your thoughts? Have you ever used a third-party tour guide? Do you think Disney will continue to make changes to DAS to prevent mistreatment? Let us know in the comments below. And, be sure to share this post with a friend.
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Terri
Friday 10th of November 2023
I'm tired of all the people who make it more difficult to get a DAS pass when it's really needed. Years ago they didn't ask any questions but now Disney asks more questions everytime. I'm sure it won't be long until you need something from your doctor like some other theme parks recently went to
Carl Nowell
Thursday 9th of November 2023
WDW has gotten so big and exspensive now that a weeks visit for a family of four can be expensive. But if a family has a mentally or physically challenged member with them the cost can become unaffordable due to the extra costs attached for special needs people. These folks need better attention and not more cost for the person who needs their help the most.
Sara
Wednesday 8th of November 2023
I’ve never even heard of a third-party tour guide. I’m surprised it is going on for as long as it has! I think banning those individuals indefinitely is a little extreme, but if there’s been abuses, I’m surprised they let it go on as long as they did. I use the DAS service. I am frustrated, because they now put us through the Lightning Lanes, which means that I often have trouble because I’m waiting in line, which is difficult for me to do. Many cast members are overzealous in the way in which they ask the pertinent questions. It is a fine line they must walk, but the power-hungry cast member, can be more than a little rude.
Ann Anderson
Tuesday 7th of November 2023
IBCCES card is what I meant. Sorry no memory; It is all used up with Disney memories.
Ann Anderson
Tuesday 7th of November 2023
I have never even heard of a third party tour guide, but I get the DAS pass for my son because he has severe ADHD and standing in line for longer then 10 Minutes with him is an ordeal. I really hope Disney doesn’t make it more difficult for us to use the DAS pass. That other theme park requires the IBBES card; Disney could do that.