Disneyland Paris Resort is under fire following claims of poor disability access during a recent Annual Passholder event. This controversy adds fuel to the growing criticism surrounding Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort’s updated Disability Access Service (DAS) policies, which have been met with backlash for their negative impact on disabled guests.
In 2024, both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort overhauled their DAS, citing concerns over widespread abuse of the system — especially after the paid Lightning Lane Service replaced the former free FastPass+ system. This overhaul rendered thousands of former DAS users ineligible and encouraged the use of alternative accommodations such as mobility devices and return-to-line services.
Disney’s official statement on DAS specifies that it is “intended to accommodate those Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.” However, guests are required to re-register after 240 days.
The controversy surrounding the new DAS policies reached new heights in February when a California woman filed a lawsuit against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. The class action lawsuit accuses Disney and its third-party contractor, Inspire Health Alliance, of discriminating against individuals with specific disabilities by denying them access to DAS. The legal battle is ongoing.
Meanwhile, at Disneyland Paris Resort, disabled guests are raising concerns about their experience during the Annual Passholder event. A video posted by Instagram user @dlrptips highlighted the poor treatment of disabled guests in the designated disability seating area during a show at Disneyland Park. The user wrote, “The choreographer forgot about this and created the party’s opening show as if this area would have been empty. As a result, everyone with a disability pass was watching the backs of the characters and dancers.”
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The Instagram user went on to accuse Disneyland Paris Resort of mistreating disabled guests at previous events, noting that they were left stuck in the designated seating area long after a fireworks show had ended. In the comments, other visitors shared their own negative experiences with disability access at both Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park.
“I went in November and was told there was no visibility area so we didn’t even see the backs,” wrote @disneyconingrid. “We saw nothing as we couldn’t get close.”
“Thank you for the honesty,” said @nastiarl. “…It is a magical place and we all love it, but is still a business and as clients we deserve better.”
However, some guests argued that the issue wasn’t exclusive to disabled guests at Disneyland Paris Resort.
“I am a priority pass holder but have to say that this isn’t just a disability issue,” @sarahirregularvoice replied. “I’ve seen at least four different one-off shows from different locations on the hub where the characters only faced one direction. Half the people watching are only getting their backs. It’s bad choreography not knowing the performance space but it’s not discrimination.”
It remains unclear whether Disneyland Paris Resort has changed the choreography of this specific show or relocated the disability access seating to better accommodate guests.
Have you attended an Annual Passholder event at Disneyland Paris Resort? Disney Fanatic would love to hear your thoughts on the experience in the comments!
So much for INCLUSION, which is one of the 5 Disney Company Keys to success. The 5 Keys are supposed to be an integral part of keeping the Magic alive!