Most people have experienced the magic of Disney World’s theme park at least once or twice in their lifetime. Everyone knows that feeling of excitement they get once arriving, just ready to run through the park and go on the rides. One of the best things about Disney World was that disabled people would also get the same experience. Now, some of that magic and excitement is being taken away from them.

Disabled people will no longer be allowed to go to the front of the line at Disney World and Disneyland. “Disney says that too many people were abusing the system for them to keep that rule….[S]tarting on October 9th, disabled visitors will be given a ticket with a return time and a shorter wait” (NbcLosAngeles.com). This is very similar to the fastpass system that is available to every visitor. Suzi Brown, a Disneyland Resort spokeswoman said in a 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.” NbcLosAngeles,com says, “The advocacy group, Autism Speaks, consulted with Disney officials on the change and urged parents to see how it unfolds.”

 There has been a lot of criticism for this new rule, especially from families that have children with autism or epilepsy. They say that it is too hard for them to wait in a line. Rebecca Goddard is a mom of two disabled children, ages four and six. She takes her sons to Disneyland every week. She is not happy about the new rule, and says that it negatively affects her children. “My boys don’t have the cognition to understand why it’s going to be a long wait. There are so few things for my boys that bring them utter joy and happiness – to mess with it just makes me sad.”