AI Chat Search Browse Media On This Day Map Quotations Timeline Research Free Datasets Remembered About Contact

Disney Fairy Tale Weddings for gay unions

Sat 7 Apr 2007 In: International News

The Walt Disney Co. has changed its popular Fairy Tale Wedding program to allow for commitment ceremonies between same-sex couples. Disney had previously limited access to the program to couples with a valid marriage license. The company said it will now include ceremonies for gay couples at its theme parks and two cruise ships after being contacted by a gay couple that wanted to participate in the program. "We believe this change is consistent with Disney's long-standing policy of welcoming every guest in an inclusive environment," Disney Parks and Resorts spokesman Donn Walker said on Friday. "We want everyone who comes to celebrate a special occasion at Disney to feel welcome and respected." The Fairy Tale Wedding service offers packages starting at US$8,000 (NZ$11,098) and running to US$45,000 (NZ$62,428) or more. Ceremonies are offered at Disneyland in California and at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, as well as on Disney's cruise ships. Packages include flowers, dining, music and other extras, depending on the location. Walt Disney World has a dedicated wedding pavilion and for an extra fee, couples can exchange vows in front of the park's iconic attractions, including Cinderella's castle. The more lavish packages also include having Mickey and Minnie Mouse in formal wear as guests. Groups not affiliated with Disney have held annual ‘gay days' celebrations at Disney parks for several years. Company officials have taken a tolerant attitude to the weekend, allowing party promoters to rent out parks after hours and rebuffing religious groups that condemned Disney. In 2005, Southern Baptists ended an eight-year boycott of the Walt Disney Co. for violating "moral righteousness and traditional family values."     Ref: 365gay.com (m)

Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff

First published: Saturday, 7th April 2007 - 12:00pm

Rights Information

This page displays a version of a GayNZ.com article that was automatically harvested before the website closed. All of the formatting and images have been removed and some text content may not have been fully captured correctly. The article is provided here for personal research and review and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of PrideNZ.com. If you have queries or concerns about this article please email us