Originally Posted By smctopia Bravo, Disney. Disney Opens Weddings to Gay Couples By GARY GENTILE, Associated Press Writer 1 hour ago LOS ANGELES - Same-sex couples who want to exchange vows in front of Cinderella's Castle now have the chance. The Walt Disney Co. had limited its Fairy Tale Wedding program to couples with valid marriage licenses, but it is now making ceremonies at its parks available to gay couples as well. "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 Friday. "We want everyone who comes to celebrate a special occasion at Disney to feel welcome and respected." The company said it made the change after being contacted by a gay couple who wanted to use the wedding service, which offers ceremonies at Disneyland in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disney's cruise ships. The service offers flowers, dining, music and many optional Disney touches, from ceremonies in front of the parks' iconic attractions to having Mickey and Minnie Mouse in formal wear as guests. The packages start at $8,000 and can cost more than $45,000. Groups not affiliated with Disney have held annual "gay days" celebrations at Disney parks for 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."
Originally Posted By u k fan Of course the fact that these ceremonies "can cost more than $45,000." won't have played any part in this decision. For the record I'm all for it!!!
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey I'm actually surprised they didn't allow same sex ceremonies beforehand, considering their benefit plan allows homosexuals to include their partners. I'm glad gay men and women can finally use the wedding facilities. It's a step in the right direction, IMHO.
Originally Posted By dennis-in-ct I am happy to hear this too. Bravo Disney!! It is nice to see a company (private sector) take the lead in this matter. The US government needs to get on board.
Originally Posted By dresswhites wow now disney is going to hated futher by the conservatives. i am glad disney is taking this step, though.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 Kudos to the Mouse, even if this was ultimately motivated by the bottom line. It does send a message.
Originally Posted By BlueOhanaTerror Cool. Prince Caspian will probably still be screened for churches. He just won't be wearing quite so much spandex...
Originally Posted By Labuda I actually got a breaking news alert from CNN the other day when they posted this article and wnt right to it then started sharing it around with some friends at work. Yes, it's motivated by the bottom line, but KUDOS TO DISNEY!
Originally Posted By Labuda Oops, not a breaking news, but a news alert based on some keyword settings I have.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Maybe one day if we are lucky - this will not be 'breaking news' for our kids ......won't be news at all, just part of a world that treats all people the same. One can only hope.
Originally Posted By fkurucz >>It does send a message.<< You mean: "We'll do anything if good money is involved"
Originally Posted By DouglasDubh <wow now disney is going to hated futher by the conservatives.> Maybe a small minority of conservatives. I think most will be indifferent.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros As long as Disney doesn't try to make me marry some dude while I'm there, I still have no problem with them. : )
Originally Posted By ssWEDguy >> just part of a world that treats all people the same. << Observation of historical events over the millenia wouldn't support this wish. Except maybe on Star Trek.
Originally Posted By ssWEDguy >> I guess Prince Caspian won't be getting screened to churches << Okay, I'll ask. I've not read these books, so I don't know what this reference means. Please advise.
