Since this post launched, Meg Crofton, President of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, has released another statement on this issue. Please click here to read that statement.

Guest Assistance Cards have been a hot topic on Babes In Disneyland in the past and the three posts I have published on this topic have ranked as some of the most popular pieces ever written on the blog in it’s history. As you may or may not have heard, the Disney Parks will be changing the current system. Up until this point, I have not published information on these changes because the information floating around the internet was rumor and we have a very strict policy of not reporting on or commenting on rumors.

Today, the Disneyland Resort reached out to me to ask that I share the information that is currently available on the program with my readers. Here is the information I have received directly from Disney.

• After careful consideration, the Guest Assistance Card will be replaced with the new Disability Access Service Card on Oct. 9 in order to create a more consistent experience for all Disney Parks guests while providing accommodations for Guests with disabilities. The new program will offer guests a return time for an attraction based on the current wait time.
• Disney has been working with disability groups to develop the program, and Autism Speaks was instrumental in providing feedback as Disney developed this new process.
• The program change is in response to the increasing volume of requests Disney receives for special access to attractions and the hope for the new program is to provide a more consistent experience for all guests. 
• The goal of the program is to accommodate guests who aren’t able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities).
• Guests visiting through wish-granting organizations will have attraction access through a separate program. Until October 9, Disney Parks will continue to use Guest Assistance Cards. 

More specifics on this program will be shared as October 9 gets closer and I will work closely with Disney to provide official information on the new program as soon as possible here on Babes In Disneyland.

Here is our other coverage on the issue:

• A look at special needs access at Disneyland and Walt Disney World through the eyes of a special needs mom.
• My experiences as a Guest Relations Cast Member with the special assistance program.
• My thoughts of the abuse of the Guest Assistance Card program.

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