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Credit: Edited by Inside the MagicDisney World has found itself facing yet another backlash after it was reported that the Magic Kingdom first denied a disabled woman’s request for a pass to assist her visit and then initially doubled down on that refusal when she actually showed up to the Park.
Chrissy O’Neal, who says she has been a double-amputee for the last four years, says she was surprised to have Disney deny her initial request for a Disability Access Pass (DAS), given that her left leg is amputated below the knee and her right had five toes amputated, and “so balancing and standing up on my foot for a long time isn’t easy (per News6).
Related: Disabled Child “Forced To Sit on Floor” After Disney World Vacation Disaster
In a social media post on Instagram, O’Neal explained (while showing her amputated limbs) that she had assumed her disability would be enough to qualify for Disney disability services. She continued, saying, ” “Disney says this is not physically disabled.”
According to O’Neal’s doctor, “Walking for long distances or standing for long periods without the ability to rest her residual limbs can be extremely uncomfortable because it restricts the blood flow to the remaining extremities.”
However, Disney sent O’Neal a letter regarding the denial, saying, “Although we realize your condition may not ordinarily require the use of a wheelchair or scooter. Rental wheelchairs, and Electric Conveyance Vehicles (ECVs) are actually the best option for Guests with limited walking ability. Considering the size of our Theme Parks, as well as the potential length of our Attraction queues, using a wheelchair is really the only way to avoid long periods of walking or standing. “
Related: Disney World Cast Member Insults Disabled Guest
It seems that once O’Neal actually arrived at the Walt Disney World Resort, Cast Members still declined to provide her with disability services. Once she asked to speak to a supervisor, the situation was apparently quickly resolved, with O’Neal saying, “He was very kind. I couldn’t have done it without the pass.”
This is unfortunately not the first time that Disney World has treated disabled Guests with a dismissive attitude, only to change the company’s position after pressure. Hopefully, one day there will be a last time.
Inside the Magic reached out to Ms. O’Neal for comment, but has not heard back by the time of publishing.
Has anything like this ever happened to you at the Walt Disney World Resort? Tell us your story in the comments below.