Disney to allow gay "Fairy Tale Weddings"

Posted by Richard Blair at 9:38 AM on April 6, 2007.

Guest post by SpinDentist.

Countdown. . . 10. . . 9. . . 8. . . 7. . .

Yeah, the Radical Right Wing Conservative Christian Clerics are going to go nuts. Oh, they already hate Disney for participating in Gay Days, where gay and lesbian visitors are treated as. . . paying customers. But they're really going to be upset at Disney allowing gay marriage/commitment ceremonies not just on the property, but in Cinderella's Castle.

THE Walt Disney Company has changed its policy to allow same-sex couples to have a Fairy Tale Wedding.

The package runs mainly at its two US resorts and cruise line.

Disney previously allowed gay couples to organise their own weddings or commitment ceremonies at rented meeting rooms at the resorts, but had barred them from purchasing its Fairy Tale Wedding package and holding the event at locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World set aside specifically for weddings.

"We are updating our Fairy Tale Wedding guidelines to include commitment ceremonies," Disney Parks and Resorts spokesman Donn Walker said.

"This is consistent with our policy of creating a welcoming, respectful and inclusive environment for all of our guests."

Mr Walker said the change was prompted by "an inquiry from a guest that asked about this service."

Disney had allowed gay couples to take part in its vow renewals program but excluded them from buying wedding packages by requiring a valid marriage license from California or Florida, which do not permit or recognise gay marriages.

Last month, gay Website AfterElton.com criticised Disney for not allowing same-sex couples to participate in the Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons program.

Disney's Fairy Tale Wedding packages start at $US8000 ($9791) and include a wedding planner, the ceremony, food and drink, flowers and table decorations.

The Lavish Wedding Option also includes a ride to the ceremony in the Cinderella coach, costumed trumpeters heralding the couple's arrival, and attendance by Mickey and Minnie Mouse characters dressed in formal attire.

Little Jane and Johnny are sure to get scarred for life when they see Mickey and Minnie helping out a smartly dressed gay couple from the Cinderella Coach, don't you think?

Seriously, I'm going to be on the lookout for Donald Wildmon's answer to this. Given that his boycotts of Disney has only increased the popularity of Gay Days in the past, it'll be fun to watch.

Tagged as: gays, disney, religious right

SpinDentist blogs at All Spin Zone.