Overview
- An investor-backed resolution sought an independent assessment of Disney’s Disability Access Service, but a November SEC policy change means Disney can exclude the proposal without staff review.
- Disney previously told the SEC it would block the measure as misleading and as micromanaging operations, disputing claims that DAS changes drove attendance declines and citing hurricanes instead.
- A federal lawsuit filed earlier this year challenges the narrowed criteria, arguing the program has become too restrictive for many disabled guests.
- Under updated rules, DAS primarily serves guests who cannot wait in standard queues due to developmental disabilities such as autism, with eligibility decided via a video interview and contracted medical vetting; guests who lie can be banned.
- Disney defends the changes as ADA-compliant and necessary after reported growth from about 5% to roughly 20% of guests using DAS, while critics point to Universal’s more inclusive certificated approach.