Gay Fairytale Weddings Given the Go Ahead by Disney Co

Two of the United States Resorts and Cruise-lines belonging to Disney Co. have agreed to allow Gay Fairytale Weddings and Commitment ceremonies. Up to this point Disney had allowed Gay couples to rent meeting rooms for their ceremonies, but required anyone participating in their elaborate wedding packages to present a valid marriage license from either Florida or California, where their two major resorts are established. Gay marriages are not legal in either Florida nor California.

Disney Co. has several famous resorts and parks located throughout the world. Their original park created by Walt Disney, was first started in the 50's in Anaheim, California. The second park was created in Orlando, Florida and named Walt Disney World. There are also resorts in France and Japan. One representative from Disney Co. has stated that Disney is updating their 'Fairytale Wedding Packages' to include 'Commitment' ceremonies. The spokesman claimed that this "change is consistant with its policy of creating a welcoming, respectful atmosphere and inclusive environment for all of Disney's guests." The representative also stated that "Disney is not in the business of judging the lifestyles of it's guests. It is also to be stressed that their facilities and parks are to be opened and available to all."

In the late 1990's Disney was under attack by the Christian conservatives and accused of having or 'promoting a Gay agenda.' The Boycott of the Southern Baptist Convention was lifted in 2005. Disney Co. had been accused by the Convention and some other conservative groups, as helping to promote the Gay lifestyle by offering (Partner) health benefits along with coverage for married couples. They were also condemned for allowing what is now known as, "Gay Day," in their parks and resorts.

The Disney Fairytale Wedding Packages are expensive and elaborate and come complete with a Wedding Planner, ceremony, food, beverages, flowers, and table decorations. The "Lavish Package" also includes a ride to the wedding nuptials in Cinderella's Coach, drawn by horses. It comes with costumed, trumpeteers heralding the arrival of the Bride, to the wedding. Mickey Mouse and his true love, Minnie also wear their formal wear to the celebration. The wedding packages start at $8000.00. This year for the first time, a wedding night can be purchased for an exclusive stay at the 'Sleeping Beauty Castle.'

There has also been much criticism of Disney for airing on it's ABC channel, a Prime-time T.V. show which stars commedian, Ellen DeGeneres, who is openly Gay. Disney has been noted for having some of the strictest hiring policies for it's "Cast" to be found. Women are not allowed to wear moe than one pair of pierced earings, nor have their hair colored a distracting or un-natural color. Their make-up must be natural appearing. Men were only recently allowed to have facial hair. Hair cuts must have hair off of the man's collar. No visible tattoos are allowed on either sex.

Last month Gay web site, afterelton.com criticized Disney for not allowing same sex couples to participate in their Fairytale weddings or Honeymoon packages. Disney Co. was known in the early 1970s, for not welcoming long haired 'Hippies' or anyone appearing to beGay.