Disney Faces Backlash Over Disability Access Program Changes

Mon Dec 08 2025 13:28:51 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Disney's recent modifications to the Disability Access Service (DAS) program face legal challenges from a federal lawsuit and a shareholder proposal arguing for expanded eligibility for disabled visitors.

Disney's changes to the Disability Access Service have ignited controversy, with critics arguing that the new rules are overly restrictive and infringe on the rights of disabled guests. The program, designed to allow those with disabilities to enjoy theme park attractions without excessive waiting, has undergone scrutiny as some fans and advocates claim it no longer accommodates their needs. The company's commitment to inclusivity clashes with the need to address past abuses of the system, leading to a complex situation that may affect park attendance and visitor experience.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Changes that Disney made to a popular program that lets qualifying disabled people skip long lines at its California and Florida theme parks are too restrictive, disabled fans contend in a federal lawsuit and shareholder proposal that seek to expand eligibility.

The battle over who can skip long lines on popular rides because of their disabilities marks the latest struggle by Disney to accommodate disabled visitors while cracking down on past abuses. However, some Disney fans argue that the company has gone too far and shouldn't decide who qualifies as disabled.

“This isn’t right. This isn’t what Walt and Roy would have wanted,” said Shannon Bonadurer, referring to the Disney brothers who founded the entertainment empire. Bonadurer, who has an ileostomy bag, stated that she was denied a pass for the disability program despite her condition.

In a statement, Disney emphasized its commitment to providing a wonderful experience to all visitors, particularly those with disabilities needing special accommodations.

What is the Disability Access Service?

The Disability Access Service (DAS) program allows pass-holders and their immediate family members to make online reservations for rides while in the park, accessing an expedited line that reduces wait times to about 10 minutes. Since its inception in 2013, the DAS program has evolved due to past abuses involving 'tour guides' who aided able-bodied guests in skipping queues.

Disney has made alterations to the program, citing a fourfold increase in DAS pass-holders from around 5% to 20% over the past decade, necessitating a reevaluation of eligibility criteria.

Additional accommodations for disabled visitors at Disney parks include Braille maps, mobility devices for transferring from wheelchairs to rides, quiet areas, and ASL interpreters for selective performances.

Current Qualifications

Under the revised guidelines, the eligibility criteria have shifted from a broader range of disabilities to focus mainly on guests with developmental disabilities such as autism. Potential DAS pass holders must undergo a video interview with both a Disney employee and a contracted medical professional to ascertain their eligibility.

Many disabled individuals have expressed concerns about the new constraints. Not only was Bonadurer denied a pass, but her son — who is blind and has cerebral palsy and autism — faced a similar fate. Bonadurer criticized the system's judgment on disability severity, stating that such judgments negatively impact their ability to live normal lives.

Disney has argued that the Americans with Disabilities Act does not mandate identical treatment across all disabilities and that other alternatives remain available for those who do not meet the new DAS criteria.

Future Considerations

A shareholder proposal has been submitted by DAS Defenders, a group opposed to the changes, requesting an independent review of Disney's disability policies and recommendations for improvement. Disney has indicated plans to block this proposal, asserting that attendance issues stemmed from external factors like hurricanes, not the policy changes.

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