Investors Are Demanding Sweeping Changes to Disney’s DAS Policies, Claiming It’s Hurting Attendance

Few changes Disney World has made in the past few years have sparked more outrage than the overhaul of its Disability Access Services (DAS). After years of abuse, Disney changed the system, locking out most people who had previously qualified for that service.

Disney Disability Access Service — Credit: Disney

Disney narrowed the eligibility criteria to anyone who cannot wait in line, “due to a developmental disability such as autism or similar.” That eliminated the program for thousands of guests who had previously qualified, forcing them to either wait in lines at Disney World or pay for Lightning Lane passes.

Since Disney made the change, advocates at Disney World and Disneyland have been urging the company to revert to the previous criteria; however, Disney has thus far refused.

Three young girls in festive dresses joyfully walk and roll along a park path. One girl in a wheelchair, holding a scepter like a Disney princess, smiles broadly. They're surrounded by green grass and flowers, with buildings in the background, showcasing the magic of inclusivity and accessibility. — Credit: Disney

“They are making a determination about whether you’re disabled enough,” said Shannon Bonadurer, a professional travel adviser from Michigan. “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.”

After facing a lawsuit in California over changes to its DAS policies, Disney is now facing a revolt from its shareholders, who are hoping to force a vote at the next shareholder meeting to force Disney to revert to its old system.

Mickey Mouse with a young boy — Credit: Disney

A group of investors has submitted a proposal to Disney’s Board on behalf of DAS Defenders, an advocacy group of Disney fans opposed to the DAS changes. The proposal would require Disney to hire an independent commission to study the changes made to the DAS program and release its findings publicly. The hope is that by releasing the findings to the public, it would shame Disney into changing the current system.

The group of shareholders that submitted the proposal argues that changes to Disney’s DAS program have led to lower park attendance, which has harmed the company’s stock price. For its part, Disney told the Securities and Exchange Commission that it plans to block the proposal from coming to a vote, and that it is “false and misleading,” instead claiming that hurricanes caused the decline in attendance, despite there not being a hurricane that hit Disney World or Disneyland in 2025.

Charisma Lei is denied a Disability pass — Credit: Charisma Lei

Disney also argued that allowing this proposal would amount to letting shareholders have a say in day-to-day park operations. If Disney gets its way, the proposal will never see the light of day, leaving those looking to use Disney’s DAS program still on the outside.

Universal has a similar DAS program, which allows guests with a card from an international organization that certifies venues for their accessibility. The program at Universal is much more inclusive and limits the fraud that was rampant in Disney World’s old system.

A torn image reveals three girls in Disney princess costumes, one in a wheelchair, smiling in front of a castle. To the left, a digital screen reads "Access Denied" in red letters, creating a stark contrast between the joyful scene and the message. — Credit: Inside The Magic

For now, it appears that guests who are no longer eligible for Disney’s DAS program will either need to find alternative methods to wait in line or purchase Lightning Lane passes. There is currently no third option.

What do you think of the changes Disney made to its DAS program? Let us know in the comments.