Last night, I attended Disneyland’s PRIDE NITE, coinciding with the first day of Disney Park’s new DAS (Disability Access Service) system. Here’s my experience, unvarnished:

Despite using a power wheelchair and having generalized anxiety disorder and chronic PTSD (from an abusive family, not war), I was denied DAS. This is what happened and why I didn’t get a DAS.

I entered Disneyland from the Harbor Blvd./east side, coming by public transit as I live in Anaheim. After passing security, I searched for where to apply for DAS. I saw a small sign for “Accessible Services” pointing left. Another sign in the center plaza directed me back to the ticket booths. At the far south of the booths, I found a line with visibly disabled people, presumably for DAS.

Entering the line, Cast Members asked us to agree to the website’s Terms and Conditions via a QR code, which seemed pointless. The line was about 40 people deep and moved slowly. Many of us wondered if we’d be approved and why DAS started on the same day as the After Hours event, considering many LGBTQIA+ individuals have disabilities.

A person with a mobility scooter and service animal joined the line, worried if their DAS from two weeks ago was valid for PRIDE NITE, as it didn’t appear connected. They were also autistic and anxious, starting to panic due to the slow line and lack of information. We asked Security to get a Cast Member for urgent help, but the Cast Member misgendered them, worsening their anxiety. I didn’t see them again and hoped they were okay, especially since they traveled over 100 miles to attend. This incident triggered my anxiety.

After 40 minutes, I reached a window. The Cast Member asked why I was there and who was with me. I explained my need for DAS due to my rare neurological and genetic disability, anxiety, and PTSD. I shared that chaos triggers me, making Disney Parks’ controlled environment appealing. I also mentioned my bladder issues and inability to wait in long lines.

She said I could get return times but not DAS. She then asked about my goal for the night, which felt irrelevant. In the end, she gave me two free Lightning Passes, which I didn’t need as the lines were short.

So, that was my experience. Your DAS experience may differ, and you can decide if you want to continue visiting Disney Parks.