What Is Disney's DAS Program?
Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS) program is designed to help guests with disabilities bypass long wait times at its theme parks in California and Florida. The program allows qualifying visitors to reserve ride times in advance and access expedited lines, making theme park experiences more accessible for those with physical or cognitive impairments. Introduced in 2013, the DAS program was created to address past abuses while ensuring that disabled visitors receive fair accommodations. However, recent changes to the program’s eligibility requirements have sparked controversy, leading to legal and shareholder challenges.
Changes to Disney’s Disability Access Service Program Spark Legal Challenges
The dispute centers on the eligibility criteria for the DAS program. The program was designed to address abuses by “tour guides” who charged money to enable able-bodied guests to skip long lines. However, over the years, the number of DAS passes issued has surged, prompting Disney to introduce changes aimed at cracking down on what it views as misuse of the program. According to Disney, the percentage of guests receiving DAS passes grew from about 5% to 20% in just over a decade, signaling a need for reform to prevent further misuse.
Under the new guidelines, DAS passes are now more restricted, primarily available to guests with developmental disabilities such as autism or similar conditions that make waiting in long lines difficult. To qualify, guests must undergo a video chat interview with a Disney employee and a contracted medical professional, who will determine eligibility. If visitors are found to have lied about their condition, they risk being barred from the parks altogether.
Disability Advocates Criticize DAS Changes for Excluding Vulnerable Populations
Critics, including disabled Disney fans, argue that these changes are too narrow and exclude people with other disabilities who also face challenges in waiting in long lines. Shannon Bonadurer, a Michigan-based travel adviser who uses an ileostomy bag, was denied a DAS pass, as was her 25-year-old son, who is blind and has cerebral palsy and autism. Bonadurer contends that Disney is wrongly making decisions about who is “disabled enough” for special accommodations.
“They are making a determination about whether you’re disabled enough,” Bonadurer said in an interview. “I would love to wait in line with everyone else, and so would my son, since that would mean he has a normal life. But we don’t, and unfortunately for us, we need adaptations to how we wait.”
Disney Defends DAS Changes as Compliance with ADA Guidelines
Disney has defended the policy changes, stating that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not require equal treatment for all disabilities. The company emphasizes that it continues to offer alternative accommodations for guests who do not meet the new DAS criteria. For example, visitors who do not qualify for DAS might still receive priority seating in movie theaters or access to other services, such as Braille maps, wheelchair transfer devices, and American Sign Language interpreters.
However, the new policy has sparked a broader conversation about Disney’s role in determining who qualifies for disability accommodations. Disney fans, especially those who rely on DAS, have rallied against the changes, claiming they are too restrictive and hurt the park’s accessibility for disabled visitors.
Shareholder Proposal Calls for Independent Review of DAS Policy
In response to these concerns, a shareholder proposal has been filed by DAS Defenders, a group of Disney fans opposing the changes. The proposal calls for an independent review of Disney’s disability policies and a public release of the findings. The group argues that the restrictions on the DAS program have contributed to a drop in park attendance, as some disabled visitors may feel excluded.
Disney, however, has rejected the shareholder proposal, stating that it is based on inaccurate assumptions. The company has told the Securities and Exchange Commission that it plans to block the proposal ahead of its 2026 shareholder meeting. Disney’s attorneys claim the proposal is misleading about the reasons for the attendance decline, attributing the drop to weather-related events such as hurricanes rather than the changes to the DAS program.
Accessibility vs. Abuse Prevention
As the legal battle continues, and with shareholders gearing up for further discussions, Disney faces growing pressure to find a balance between accommodating disabled visitors and curbing abuses of the DAS program. While the company insists it remains committed to providing a positive experience for all guests, including those with disabilities, many fans are calling for a more inclusive approach that recognizes the diverse needs of disabled parkgoers.
The outcome of the lawsuit and shareholder proposal could have lasting implications for how Disney, and other theme parks, navigate the complex intersection of accessibility and policy enforcement. As Disney works to maintain its reputation as a leader in inclusive entertainment, it remains to be seen how the company will respond to these mounting challenges.
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