Disneyland Paris Resort is facing criticism after accusations surfaced regarding the park’s treatment of disabled guests during a recent Annual Passholder event. The backlash comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding the changes made to the Disability Access Service (DAS) at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, which have caused many guests to cancel their planned vacations.
In 2024, both United States Disney parks overhauled the DAS, citing the need to address what they described as widespread abuse of the system, particularly after the introduction of the paid Lightning Lane service, which replaced the free FastPass+ system. As a result, thousands of previous DAS users were deemed ineligible, forcing them to explore alternative accommodations such as mobility devices or return-to-line services.
Disney defines DAS as “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.” Guests must also re-register after 240 days of use.
Amid these changes, a California woman filed a lawsuit against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, accusing the company and its third-party contractor, Inspire Health Alliance, of discriminating against individuals with certain disabilities by denying them DAS access. The legal battle is still ongoing.
Disneyland Paris Resort is now at the center of its disability access controversy. After a recent Annual Passholder event, an Instagram user, @dlrptips, shared a video that sparked outrage among disabled guests. The video, which shows the view from the disability seating area during a show at Disneyland Park, revealed a frustrating oversight. According to the guest, the choreographer “forgot about [us] 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 also accused Disneyland Paris of mistreating disabled guests at previous events, citing experiences where they were left stranded in the designated viewing area long after the fireworks show had concluded. Other guests chimed in, sharing their frustrations with the lack of proper accommodations for disabled visitors at both Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park.
“This happened to me at the last annual pass holder party at Christmas,” @jessicalouiiiise commented. “Why do they not work turning around into the choreography?”
“We deserve better,” said @nastiarl.
Others noted that the issue may not be exclusive to disabled Disneyland Paris Resort guests.
“I am a priority pass holder but have to say that this isn’t just a disability issue,” said @sarahirregularvoice. “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 is still unclear whether Disneyland Paris Resort has taken any action to correct the issue by adjusting the choreography or moving the disability access seating to a more suitable location.
Have you used disability accommodations at Disneyland Paris Resort or another Disney park? We would love to hear about your experience in the comments!
I used the DAS pass for a couple of years as an Annual Pass Holder to WDW. It was great. I do not qualify for it any more. I go to WDW about 4 or 5 times a year. I can not wait in line for much more than 30 minutes because of restroom issues. Last trip I was told my only option was to have my adult son wait in line then I could meet up with him. Good in thery. I also have mobility issues and could not meet up with him on a couple of rides and some rides you must change to a wheelchir. I can’t push myself up inclines like Rockin Roller Coaster, TOT and others. Also sometimes he goes off on his own or sleeps in when I rope drop which limits the rides i can do on my own. I am indepentant. I am 60 and still teach full time but Disney is making it hard to enjoy the parks. No, I can’t afford to by lightning lane tickets every day.