Parents of Autistic Children Sue Disney World

Disney World and Dinseyland may be called the happiest places on earth, but several families have found the theme parks to be anything but pleasant. Last week, 16 families with autistic children filed a lawsuit against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, claiming new park policies violate the Americans with Disabilities Act. The lawsuit comes months after Disney modified its Guest Assistance Card program, which provided access to attractions for guests with disabilities. After realizing guests were abusing the policy, Disney replaced the GAC with a Disability Access Service Card, which allows guests to reserve a spot in line and return at a specified time, thus avoiding the long wait.

The families involved in the lawsuit believe the policy is "too narrow for those with disabilities such as autism" and "doesn't allow individualized exceptions for some guests." In an interview with Fox News, however, Disney representatives say that the program is meant to accommodate the majority of guests with special needs. The reps added that the park works one-on-one with families who feel their needs are not being met. As far as the lawsuit, Disney reps told Fox News that the park "complies with all ADA requirements and believes that the legal claims are without merit."