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

206 replies

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?

OP posts:

Catza · 04/02/2025 09:21

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?

Yes, but there are limits on what can be taught. If there wasn't, we wouldn't have any autistic people. No amount of teaching will make me cope with being exposed to loud noises or crowds. I simply don't go to places where I know I won't have respite or put myself in situations where I can't limit exposure. That's me coping. Outside of that, I am a fully functional adult and don't consider myself to be disabled.
Now, I am not suggesting that every person with ADHD or autism needs a disability pass but some do. You say "Shouldn't these passes be reserved for the people who really do need them?". Yes but who is better to decide if these passes are needed if not a parent of a disabled child or a disabled person themselves? People with invisible disabilities have enough of a hard time without having to prove their need to a private individual or a business.

Anonym00se · 04/02/2025 09:20

Get your hard hat on, you’re about to get torn to shreds! As a mother of an adult child with quite severe autism (needs care, will never have a job) I agree with you to an extent. I think there are cases where queue jumping is warranted, but often it’s just people using their DC’s disability as an excuse.

My DNiece gets passes for her daughter, who has very well controlled diabetes (and an insulin pump). She also gets DLA and claims as her carer.

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.

mummyofhyperDD · 04/02/2025 09:19

I used to feel like you - My DD is autistic and has ADHD - high functioning though. Having discussed this with several of the professionals involved with DD they have unanimously recommended we make use of the ability to skip the queues to prevent sensory overload and meltdowns and told me there are plenty of opportunities in everyday life for DD to learn to queue, so I'll go with the professional opinion in future and allow her to skip the queue.

ABunchOfBadBitches · 04/02/2025 09:19

Womp womp

LadyKenya · 04/02/2025 09:18

Maybe you should read up on these conditions, to help you understand why they may need these passes.

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