A UK woman has sparked serious backlash after revealing her husband’s controversial plan for their upcoming vacation to Disneyland Paris to pay a disabled person to join them so they can use their access pass to skip lines.
As reported by PEOPLE Magazine, a now-viral post on the popular UK forum Mumsnet is sparking debate after the anonymous woman admitted she was conflicted about the idea, explaining that her husband had found someone online who, for just over $100, promises a “seamless and fun” day at the park using their disability access pass.
“I didn’t even know these things existed,” the woman wrote. “Apparently it’s a thing that people go with their disabled parents just so they can skip queues for rides and to see characters etc.?”
She then asked the internet whether she should go through with her husband’s plan or trust her gut. “Can anyone corroborate this? It seems mad to me and beyond unethical,” she added. “Anyway, AIBU [am I being unreasonable] or should we really use someone like this to help us skip queues?”
Thousands of commenters jumped in, and they did not hold back. “I would be thoroughly ashamed of my DH [dear husband] if he suggested this,” one furious commenter wrote. “To think that some people would be so deceitful and scheming is profoundly depressing!”
Another shared a heartbreaking perspective,“I’ve been to DLP with my severely disabled child, and even with the queue pass, it was difficult and stressful. People abusing the system make it harder for families like mine.”
But not everyone was outraged. A few commenters defended the idea, arguing it was morally gray but technically legal. “My first reaction was that this seems a bit off, but he is not doing anything illegal,” one person replied, comparing it to buying a Lightning Lane.
A Deeper Dive Into Disney's DAS Program
In the early 2010s, The New York Post reported that wealthy families in the U.S. were literally hiring disabled individuals to act as their “tour guides” at Disney, exploiting the company’s old Guest Assistance Card to access attractions through alternative entrances. Disney eventually shut that system down in 2013, launching the Disability Access Service (DAS) instead to combat abuse.
Then, in 2024, Disney tightened the rules again, narrowing DAS eligibility in the U.S. to primarily cover guests with developmental disabilities like autism. The update requires a virtual interview with Disney’s Accessibility Services Team and limits how many people can join a DAS user, all in an effort to curb misuse by large groups.
The policy change sparked backlash from disability rights groups, who say it unfairly excludes guests with chronic illnesses and mobility issues. A class-action lawsuit in California even accuses Disney of discrimination and privacy violations.
As for Disneyland Paris, their Priority Card offers priority access, though not instant boarding, and can be applied for online ahead of time. Those with long-term chronic diseases may be eligible for slightly quicker entry, but even that comes with restrictions.
Do you think Disney should update its DAS program again?