Disney Now Allowing Same-Sex Couples to Participate in the Fairy Tale Wedding Program

Fox News is reporting the Walt Disney Corporation is revising its policy regarding its popular Fairy Tale Wedding program at both Walt Disney theme parks in the United States, its resorts, and on its popular cruises. Prior to the policy change, same-sex commitment ceremonies were excluded from the company's popular Fairy Tale Weddings program. However, the company never outright prevented same-sex ceremonies on its properties. Prior to including same-sex ceremonies in its Fairy Tale Wedding packages, Disney prevented same-sex couples from purchasing any wedding services by requiring valid marriage licenses from either Florida or California, neither of which currently recognize same-sex marriages.

According to the Fox News article, "Disney's Fairy Tale Wedding packages start at $8,000 and include a wedding planner, the ceremony, food and beverages, 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." (Fox News article) Such options were not available for vow renewal ceremonies; the only option previously available to same-sex couples prior to the new announcement from Disney.

Not everyone is pleased with Disney's new announcement, however. "Disney has come under fire from religious conservatives, including the Southern Baptist Convention, who have accused the company of promoting a gay agenda. The groups, which lifted an eight-year boycott of Disney in 2005, had criticized the company for such corporate policies as giving health benefits to same-sex partners of employees, allowing 'Gay Day' celebrations at its theme parks and airing a prime-time television show on its ABC network featuring openly gay comedian Ellen DeGeneres." (Fox News article) At this time, there is no new information regarding how such groups will react to the announcement.

Disney has also come under attack by gay rights activists for excluding same-sex couples from wedding and honeymoon services. According to Disney, the decision wasn't based upon considerations of such criticism. Instead, the change of policy appears to simply be an update of earlier policies created prior to the prevalence of commitment ceremonies in the gay and lesbian community. "'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.' Walker said the change was prompted by 'an inquiry from a guest that asked about this service.'" (Fox News article) The policy appears to be consistent with other Disney policies welcoming everyone, regardless of sexual preference.