Disney has changed it’s theme park leniency for disabled guests because of the behavior of a few able bodied folks who decided to exploit the kindness extended to those who rely on it.
Apparently families with disposable income have been hiring disabled people or those who pretend they are, to take advantage of Disney’s policy, allowing disabled guests to move to the front of attraction and ride lines.
It’s been a few years since we’ve visited Disney’s Kingdom, but when our boys were young we went frequently. It was one of the perks of living in Central Florida.
Jon who walks agonizingly slow, could handle about an hour on his feet, before he’d had enough and would plunk down on a sidewalk, in the middle of a walkway or a long line, refusing to get up. A few times we had to circle him to keep him from being trampled.
He also gets irritated when jostled in a crowd and would bolt to find a quiet corner of refuge until everyone around him disappeared and we missed show times and ride starts because of it.
Eventually, we decided to rent a wheelchair and later bought one to bring along, which made our outings to Disney more fun and hassle free. The wheelchair got Jon and us through the park faster and the ability to go to the front of the line helped us avoid Jon’s crowd aversion.
Under Mickey’s new policy, families are now going to have to go to Fast Pass kiosks and come back to events at start times. For families who have kids with mental delays, autism and medical issues this could be the tipping point of a “just not worth it” way to spend a day.
Paying hefty per person admission has been a bad deal for most of our families who usually can’t spend an entire day at the park anyway. We’re fortunate to get several hours in before an issue that is part of our normal every day life forces an exit. This add-on will only delay already precious time.
For some, ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’ might not be as happy as it once was thanks to a few who used something not meant for them to their own advantage.
Disney has taken the posture of the school teacher who punishes the whole class for what one kid did. But many policies of business, government, public systems and service have originated from the abuse of a few and prove the far and wide ripple effect our actions have on others.
It’s not fair. Unfortunately is it not unusual, and originates back to the beginning of time.
All the way back to the Garden of Eden.
Romans 5:18-19 tells us, “..just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.”
The sin condition started with the disobedience of Adam and Eve and all of us were affected.
Jesus came to cure us, to offer a way out, a solution, an escape.
I doubt The Magic Kingdom will budge on this new policy change. Their interest in profits will outweigh the needs of their disabled customers.
But the top priority of Jesus is people. Me and you. He came to rescue the sick and the lost.
His life, death, resurrection and ascension, enacted a divine policy for free admission and an eternal pass to hang out in God’s Kingdom.
No waiting in line. No disability. No wheelchairs. No pain. No crying. No guilt. No shame.
No worries about missing out or someone stealing our place in line.
And to think, all we have to do is believe in Him. Because of Christ we are special, we are loved, we are blessed.
I have my admission ticket.
How about you?
“…the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10
, “… the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28