Disneyland Faces Lawsuit Over Disability Access Service Discrimination

News Summary

A class action lawsuit has been filed against Disneyland and Inspire Health Alliance, alleging discriminatory practices related to the theme park’s Disability Access Service (DAS). The lawsuit challenges recent DAS criteria changes that supposedly disadvantage visitors with physical disabilities, specifically targeting a new screening process that favors those with developmental disabilities. The plaintiffs argue that these modifications violate the Americans with Disabilities Act and California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act. The ongoing legal battle highlights critical discussions about accessibility in entertainment venues and could significantly affect Disneyland’s policies.

Orange County – A class action lawsuit has been filed against Disneyland and Inspire Health Alliance alleging discriminatory practices regarding the theme park’s Disability Access Service (DAS). The lawsuit was initiated on February 10, 2025, in the Orange County Superior Court, targeting recent changes to the DAS criteria that reportedly disadvantage visitors with physical disabilities.

The updated DAS program, implemented last summer, introduced a screening process that primarily benefits individuals with developmental disabilities, such as autism. As a result, individuals with physical disabilities who are unable to endure long wait times have reportedly been excluded from accessing necessary services. Trisha Malone, a resident of San Diego and the named plaintiff, claims she was unfairly denied access to the DAS despite her physical disability.

The complaint argues that the modified DAS violates the Americans with Disabilities Act and California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act. It seeks to amend the DAS policies to ensure the inclusion of all individuals with disabilities. The plaintiffs are requesting statutory damages of no less than $4,000 per violation alongside legal fees.

The lawsuit also raises concerns over privacy violations, alleging that Disneyland’s new screening process requires sensitive medical information to be disclosed in public, exposing guests to unnecessary scrutiny. For guests who do not qualify for DAS, the lawsuit claims the alternative accessibility options provided do not offer equitable access and fail to meet the needs of those affected.

Disneyland representatives have responded by claiming that the lawsuit lacks merit. They assert that the changes made to the DAS are necessary due to a tripling of usage over the last five years, which has led to longer wait times and additional strain on the services provided. Disney insists that the updated program is functioning well to accommodate the intended audience.

In addition to the criticisms regarding the new screening process, the lawsuit alleges that guests are coerced into waiving their rights to partake in class-action litigation when applying for DAS, further complicating the matter. Malone’s legal team argues that the modifications to the DAS marginalize a significant number of individuals who also require assistance but do not fit within the limited criteria established by Disney.

Disney has maintained that it offers a range of disability accommodations to assist guests, including various re-entry policies, Rider Switch passes, and alternative assistive services that can help those who may struggle with traditional queue systems. However, the legal representatives of Malone argue that these options do not sufficiently meet the needs of individuals requiring physical assistance.

The lawsuit, prepared by the McCune Law Group based in Irvine, represents Malone along with other unnamed clients who believe they have been adversely affected by the alterations to the DAS. Malone asserts that the criteria for DAS should encompass all individuals whose disabilities hinder their capability to wait in standard lines, advocating for broader inclusion beyond those with developmental disabilities.

This ongoing legal battle highlights the critical discussions surrounding accessibility within major entertainment venues and sets the stage for potential changes in how disability services are managed in the future. The outcome of this lawsuit could significantly impact Disneyland’s policies and provide clarity on the matter of equitable access for all guests.

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Additional Resources

• Disability Scoop
• USA Today
• Los Angeles Times
• FOX LA
• SFGate
• Wikipedia: Disability Access
• Google Search: Disability Access Disneyland
• Google Scholar: Disneyland Disability Lawsuit
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Disneyland Disability Access
• Google News: Disneyland Disability Access Lawsuit