Parents of Autistic Children Sue Disney Theme Parks, Say Disabled Kids Shouldn't Have to Wait In Line for Rides

Disney may boast that its parks are "Where Dreams Come True," but there are at least 16 parents that would beg to differ.

Last week, 16 parents with autistic children sued Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for an unspecified amount of money and a reversal in their newly implemented disability policy. The lawsuit was filed in a federal California court on April 3 and claims that by ending the Disney Guest Assistance Card service, Disney was discriminating against children with disabilities and violating the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Disney initially created its Guest Assistance Card with the intention of providing convenience to autistic and other disabled children who usually have a more difficult time waiting in line than the average child. The card allowed for disabled children to bypass Disney's long lines and move right up to the front of the line to their desired rides.

The Guest Assistance Card, however, was discontinued in Oct 2013 due to a large number of visitors faking disabilities and even hiring disabled people to help them obtain the card to skip lines without merit.

Although the Guest Assistance Card proved to be ineffective to Disney, the multi-billion dollar company has implemented another disability service card in its place. Insert, Walt Disney World's Disability Access Service.

Similar to the Disney FASTPASS service, the Disability Access Service cardholders are given a scheduled time to come back and access a ride. The Disability Access Service card also includes a photo ID of the cardholder to prevent the kind of fraud similar that happened with the former Guest Assistance Card.

Despite Disney's efforts, the 16 plaintiffs are not satisfied and are demanding a change in policy.

Disney has responded to the lawsuit in a recent FOX News statement.

"Our Disability Access Service is designed for guests who, due to certain disabilities, cannot tolerate extended wait times at attractions. In circumstances where the service might not meet guests needs, we work individually with guests to ensure we are able to accommodate them," Disney said, adding that they have "...an unwavering commitment to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all our guests. We fully comply with all ADA requirements and believe that the legal claims are without merit."