Parents using their children’s disabilities to skip the queues at Disneyland

TangerinePlate · 04/02/2025 15:00

I’d gladly swap my child’s autism for waiting in any queue.

Don’t worry OP.His autism makes it impossible for us to go anywhere so you’ll keep your precious place.

NotThatWitty · 04/02/2025 14:52

Moonpye · 04/02/2025 09:54

"I just don't understand" - this is it, you don't. Diabetes isn't well controlled by magic, even with a pump. Get it wrong and worst cast your child can die. I'd imagine without a pass the fear of disruption to routine from hours of queuing would be enough to deter a lot of parents who will en understandably anxious about there child
Should those children miss out on Disney as well as having to deal with a lifelong medical condition?

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This.
T1 diabetic here. I can't wear my inulin pump on some rides, due to electromagnets that are used in some; on most rides, I chose not to wear it, as I simply don't want it to get squashed in a harness, or damaged at all. But hey, it's only a £4000 piece of life-saving medical that the NHS kindly paid for (yes, I do have insurance for it).

Could I wait in a normal queue, and remove my pump as I get close to the end. probably. Would I prefer to remove it, in a safer/more private environment before I head to the ride? Absolutely.

Do I carry hypo treatments with me? Yes. Could I eat some of these in the queue. Yes. Do I feel more comfortable sitting down at the nearest seat, and dealing with my hypo that way, you know in case I fall/faint in the middle of the queue? Absolutely. Does this allow me time to take as long as I need to recover from my hypo, without having to constantly be aware of those standing in a queue around me, or me having to stand and move forward, whilst I am sweating like crazy, and struggling to stand? Yes. Not to mention the privacy it gives me, due to not having people stare at me in the queue.

For the record, I am an adult. My diabetes is extremely well-controlled (my Hb1Ac is that of a non-diabetic), and I rarely have hypos now. The last time I went to Thorpe Park, I had four hypos in one day. This was due to the change in normal daily activity (lots more walking), the adrenaline. It being a random day ending in y ...

Moonnstars · 04/02/2025 14:41

I am also in a lot of theme park groups and actually seen that a lot of people are disappointed with the way queue jumping works in many UK theme parks and that they now find so many people have a pass that the disabled queue can be longer than the normal queue!

I don't know how you would identify those in most need and I also imagine that it does sometimes depend on the day whether the individual would cope or not.

Moonnstars · 04/02/2025 14:36

I agree. I heard one family talking on the train about a theme park and their teenage daughter saying how her friend got a pass to skip the queue as she was autistic, so why didn't she get one too as she also had autism. Her parents (I assume) replied that she didn't need it as was able to wait.

Locutus2000 · 04/02/2025 14:34

satsumaqueen · 04/02/2025 10:55

@YaWeeFurryBastard absolutely, I have no problem with anyone getting a pass if they need one, I just didn’t understand at the time of writing of this how having some conditions mean that children have no ability to queue. That’s why I asked this question.

I know I have caused offence to alot of people which I really didn’t mean to do, I just wanted to understand why someone with a condition such as ADHD can’t wait in line with everyone else when not all people diagnosed with ADHD or autism will need to skip the line. It just seemed the group I was on that regardless of whether their child needed the pass they were going to apply for one anyway because they had that condition, and as you said it just means that some people now can’t access these passes or have to wait in longer lines themselves when the reality is they should be straight to the front.

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With respect OP, you should probably stop digging and read the responses you have had properly as all your questions have been answered.

Banging on about causing offence suggests an ulterior motive, that's why you are getting grief.

Rumors1 · 04/02/2025 13:52

I dont know about Disneyland but I have been to Emerald Park in Ireland and its very easy to get one of these passes. My sis got one for her DS who has ADHD.

The problem is that when they are easy to obtain and you can include all your guests on it, it makes the queues move much slower. The last time we were there, the "fast pass/disability" queue constantly had loads of people in it that got priority, with that queue often taking up the full ride. It did seem to make a mockery of the system.

DancingOctopus · 04/02/2025 13:29

satsumaqueen · 04/02/2025 09:14

I know the title will probably infuriate some people, and I just want to say from the outset that I am not writing this thread to cause offence. I’m writing because I don’t have much experience with having children that have disabilities such as Autism and ADHD and I am genuinely curious and want to understand more.

I’ve been planning a trip to Disneyland Paris and have joined some groups on social media to get some tips etc. I’ve been really surprised at the amount of posts asking how to get a special pass from Disney so their children can skip the lines on all the rides.

I know there are some conditions which very obviously make it physically impossible to stand for a hour, however a lot of these posts are from parents whose children have ADHD or Autism. I also know there are varying levels of autism (my cousin is severely autistic), and I know there are numerous things that people with autism have to deal with like sensory overload etc, but there are also many forms of autism where people can function like every other person, and would have no issue in standing in a queue with everyone else.

ADHD I really have no experience with so can’t comment on it, but isn’t our job as parents to teach our children how to cope in society? Things like queues are part of every day life. Why does having ADHD excuse you from waiting like everyone else?

I know there will be many genuine requests for those passes, but I also feel because of the sheer volume of them, that a lot are trying to claim them because the parents can’t be bothered to wait in line and are using their child as a free way to skip the queues? This then impacts everyone else’s experience who then have to wait even longer in queues to accommodate all of the people skipping.

Shouldn't these passes be reserved for the people who really do need them?

I have young children, so believe me when I say I know what it’s like to stand in line for long periods of time with children who find it difficult to stand still/stand for long periods of time. I’m just struggling to understand why parents with toddlers have any less of a difficult time in the queues than those with children who have ADHD as a example, but they are expected to stand in line for a hour with no option to skip. - I will just add I’m not expecting parents with young children to skip the queue, I just don’t understand why a child with ADHD or mild autism (sorry if this is the incorrect terminology) couldn’t wait in the same queue as everyone else?

We know that walking is an important part of society. Why don't parents teach their disabled children to walk and stand rather than pander to them and push them around in a wheelchair.
Most children can walk, why can't they?

LadyKenya · 04/02/2025 13:24

Exactly, thank you@ThatFluentTiger

ThatFluentTiger · 04/02/2025 13:23

MrsSunshine2b · 04/02/2025 13:08

I think that's commendable, but not all families are like that. I know at least 2 families, close to me, who will openly admit that their children don't need the passes, but they can get them due to ADHD/autism diagnoses, and they get "better value for money" if they can enjoy theme parks and events without having to queue. In one case, the parents divvy up rides they really want to do in advance so they can take turns to "accompany" the child- in reality the child is just a queue jumping pass in human form so they get to go on all the rides they want to go on.

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That’s a tiny tiny number of people who have these passes. I personally don’t know anyone like that.

ThatFluentTiger · 04/02/2025 13:22

Rainingalldayonmyhead · 04/02/2025 13:08

I’m not choosing to ignore it. My point was the response was rude. There are better ways of telling someone they are wrong. Two wrongs don’t make a right.

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Replace the word ‘ableism’ with ‘racism’ and you wouldn’t dare tell someone addressing it to be polite. They’re in the same category of protected characteristics, it’s just that people seem to deem ableism as much more acceptable and those who speak up are just making a fuss.
People are being rude and angry on this thread because this is the kind of rubbish we have to deal with every single day for ourselves or our children who are disabled, as clueless people like yourself and the OP come along we’re yet again forced to explain and defend ourselves. Ableism (which is glaring evident in the original OP) is never ok, even under a faux covering of ‘concern’, and like racism and homophobia, politeness is not owed to anyone who participates in it.

LadyKenya · 04/02/2025 13:14

Rainingalldayonmyhead · 04/02/2025 13:08

I’m not choosing to ignore it. My point was the response was rude. There are better ways of telling someone they are wrong. Two wrongs don’t make a right.

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Ok you find the response rude, so what? I don't know why you feel the need to point that out, instead of focusing on the rather disingenious posts coming from the OP, but hey no matter. You carry on focusing on whether you feel people are being polite, or not.

lifeturnsonadime · 04/02/2025 13:11

BoldBlueZebra · 04/02/2025 11:35

I’m not sure what it’s like in Paris but the USA Disney has got rid of the old access pass and incorporated it into the fast pass system - you get a time slot to return rather than jumping to the front of the queue seems a much fairer way of doing things and hopefully gets the service to the right people

This is the fairest solution but the theme park should also have quiet areas for people to wait. These are few and far between.

MrsSunshine2b · 04/02/2025 13:08

Taysonic · 04/02/2025 11:13

I haven't read all the responses so someone may have pointed this out - but it's probably worth highlighting that just because someone applies for a Priority Pass, doesn't mean they're necessarily going to use it.

My child has ASD/ADHD, receives DLA and attends a special school. He also loves rollercoasters. He's currently 8, and although I've not been to Disney, we do have an annual pass for Drayton Manor that we use frequently. I've managed to find the things that keep him occupied in a queue (I basically become his personal entertainer and snack provider!), and I also can spot the signs of whether he's regulated enough to cope with a queue or if it's best to guide him towards a different ride with a shorter queue (luckily at Drayton Manor, there's always an option available with a shorter queue!) or take a break from rides for a bit.

I'm lucky that my child, when regulated, is capable of queuing. And I'm glad for that. And so, we queue. But, when going to somewhere new like Disneyland, I'm not sure how he'd cope there. I can definitely imagine situations where parents like me may apply for a priority pass, in the event that they may need it, but not use it unnecessarily.

I'm really proud of DS when he queues. I'm really proud that he's learning the skills he needs to help keep himself regulated. Queuing feels like a massive win. Not every child is capable of that. And we need to trust the parents who know their child best to know what is best for them.

I think that's commendable, but not all families are like that. I know at least 2 families, close to me, who will openly admit that their children don't need the passes, but they can get them due to ADHD/autism diagnoses, and they get "better value for money" if they can enjoy theme parks and events without having to queue. In one case, the parents divvy up rides they really want to do in advance so they can take turns to "accompany" the child- in reality the child is just a queue jumping pass in human form so they get to go on all the rides they want to go on.

Rainingalldayonmyhead · 04/02/2025 13:08

LadyKenya · 04/02/2025 12:57

Well you can choose to overlook her obvious attempts at veiled ableism , if you want to, but it is plain to see.

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I’m not choosing to ignore it. My point was the response was rude. There are better ways of telling someone they are wrong. Two wrongs don’t make a right.

LadyKenya · 04/02/2025 12:57

Rainingalldayonmyhead · 04/02/2025 12:48

No it isn’t but she came here to ask. People can be clumsy with words and I don’t agree with the sentiment but the response was wrong too.

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Well you can choose to overlook her obvious attempts at veiled ableism , if you want to, but it is plain to see.

Rainingalldayonmyhead · 04/02/2025 12:49

Cremeeggtime · 04/02/2025 09:46

do you honestly think the OP's motives are as pure as that?

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But we really don’t know do we? Maybe they aren’t or maybe she is clumsy and other language but the response wasn’t okay. Two wrong landing make a right.

Rainingalldayonmyhead · 04/02/2025 12:48

LadyKenya · 04/02/2025 09:51

It is not up to other people to educate the OP. She has titled her thread in a way to antagonise people. She could have done some basic research herself, and asked her questions in a less accusatory way.

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No it isn’t but she came here to ask. People can be clumsy with words and I don’t agree with the sentiment but the response was wrong too.

BoldBlueZebra · 04/02/2025 11:35

I’m not sure what it’s like in Paris but the USA Disney has got rid of the old access pass and incorporated it into the fast pass system - you get a time slot to return rather than jumping to the front of the queue seems a much fairer way of doing things and hopefully gets the service to the right people

Ariela · 04/02/2025 11:33

For those that quote my post about introducing their toddlers to queuing @LoveSandbanks & @Koimand , - it was directed at OP and her toddler NOT those who do gradually introduce their kids to the idea of queuing or those with disabilities or special needs or other requirements to not be able to queue.
I just forgot to tag OP, sorry!

VoodooRajin · 04/02/2025 11:29

I've never taken my kids cos they seem like a bit of a shit show

ThighsYouCantControl · 04/02/2025 11:27

YoungGunsHavingSomeFunCrazyLadiesKeepEmOnTheRun · 04/02/2025 09:19

ADHD I really have no experience with so can’t comment on it, but isn’t our job as parents to teach our children how to cope in society?

Problem solved then, I'll just teach my child out of her disability. Thanks op.

Gosh yes, if only I knew I could just teach the ND out of my children. Thank god the OP is here to point this out to us silly parents of ND children.

FWIW my son in particular spends every fucking day of his life trying so hard to function in society. It’s exhausting for him and those who help him. If someone begrudges him skipping the lines at a theme park to avoid sensory overload or a meltdown that might send him home early then that’s on them for letting it spoil their enjoyment.

ThatFluentTiger · 04/02/2025 11:23

SatinHeart · 04/02/2025 11:17

Children with autism and adhd often don't understand waiting and it is a very long process to help them manage. What normal children can learn by 3 or 4 can still be a learning process for autistic and adhd children well into their teens

Agree with this. We haven't done theme parks as yet, but DS doesn't understand queuing and tends to ask why we have to wait. He then doesn't really understand the answer, so will keep asking over and over again for the whole time he has to wait in a queue. I can't imagine that's much fun for everyone else in the queue either.

I have a child who does similar, answering the same question over and over again into infinity is quite an experience isn’t it!

SatinHeart · 04/02/2025 11:17

Children with autism and adhd often don't understand waiting and it is a very long process to help them manage. What normal children can learn by 3 or 4 can still be a learning process for autistic and adhd children well into their teens

Agree with this. We haven't done theme parks as yet, but DS doesn't understand queuing and tends to ask why we have to wait. He then doesn't really understand the answer, so will keep asking over and over again for the whole time he has to wait in a queue. I can't imagine that's much fun for everyone else in the queue either.

Simplynotsimple · 04/02/2025 11:16

Haven’t read the whole thread, the first few posts with the same old crap about ‘levels’ of neurodiversity is enough to show ignorance. It’s about understanding the needs of every individual child/person with a disability. Some may cope with queues despite being disabled, even if to the outside eye they seem severely affected. But no one goes through years of assessments and judgement from society for their child just to be 20 minutes quicker on a rollercoaster @satsumaqueen . Hope that helps your understanding.

sunshineandrain82 · 04/02/2025 11:13

TheWonderhorse · 04/02/2025 10:58

Okay so I have very little experience with Autism or ADHD but my understanding is that these experiences such as theme parks and crowded football matches are already on the edge of what many ND children can do. I would absolutely be happy to let any child in front of me who might only cope and hour or two in the noise. If we can make it less difficult for ND children then we absolutely should. Lots of those children have NT siblings who miss out on experiences because of their brother or sister's needs too. Can't we just be nice?

God those places are enough to overstimulate anyone.

You have quite a point about siblings. Especially when you realise yourself how much they miss out on.
My 17,11 year old girls have not been able to have a friend around to play/ hang out in 5 years because my ND son cannot manage this. For them to do so I would have to have him out of the house.

On other hand if they go to a friends, they can't go from home either because he barricades the door and has a meltdown at them "leaving him" (he has a obsession about people leaving him)

Both older girls had not been able to experience holidays abroad until recently because the worry and unknown of could I feed ND son abroad was too much for us to consider.

We don't do farm/zoo visits because he can't manage those at all.

If we wanted a trip to cinema it would be something he wants to watch otherwise he isn't going to be able to manage that. (His full diagnosis is ASD with a PDA profile)

Theme parks is one of the few things we can do as a family.