Disney Seeks Dismissal of Wrongful Death Suit Citing Disney+ Subscription and Epcot Ticket Purchase

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is pushing to have a wrongful death lawsuit dismissed, arguing that the case should be resolved through arbitration due to the plaintiff’s previous use of Disney+ and online ticket purchases.

Jeffrey Piccolo has filed a $50,000 wrongful death claim against Disney following the death of his wife, Kanokporn Tangsuan. The lawsuit alleges that Tangsuan suffered a fatal allergic reaction to food served at Raglan Road Irish Pub in Disney Springs, part of the Walt Disney World resort in Florida.

Disney argues that Piccolo’s sign-up for a Disney+ trial in 2019, which included an arbitration clause, obligates him to settle disputes through arbitration rather than a court trial. Additionally, Disney contends that Piccolo’s purchase of Epcot tickets through its website further exempts them from legal action regarding the incident.

Piccolo’s attorney, Brian Denney, has criticized Disney’s position as “preposterous,” claiming that the arbitration clause tied to Disney+ should not preclude legal action for a separate matter involving Disney’s theme park services.

Denney asserts that Disney’s attempt to sidestep the lawsuit by invoking a Disney+ agreement is “outrageously unreasonable” and aims to shield the company from accountability despite the case’s clear relevance to their operations.

In the lawsuit, Piccolo seeks damages under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act for mental suffering, loss of companionship, lost income, and related expenses. Disney has expressed condolences over Tangsuan’s death but maintains that their responsibility does not extend to the operations of the Raglan Road Irish Pub, which they claim is not owned or operated by them.

The incident in question occurred in October 2023, when Tangsuan, Piccolo, and Piccolo’s mother dined at the pub, believing it would accommodate Tangsuan’s severe food allergies. Despite assurances from the restaurant staff that the food was allergen-free, Tangsuan suffered a severe allergic reaction and died after dining.

Disney’s request to dismiss the lawsuit and move it to arbitration is currently under review, with significant implications for the ongoing case.