“And even if it does bring more, it’s going to be very small and insignificant.”īy making such a decision, he added, Disney is “just being politically correct,” which might cost it some patronage from members of the Boy Scouts while enhancing its image as a progressive company that’s open to all. “I don’t think it’s going to bring more business,” Adibi said.
With its vast size and broad customer base, Adibi said that Disney’s narrow policy change will unlikely have any significant financial impact on the theme parks or the company as a whole. “Over the years, Disney has really shown that they’re not against the LGBT community and always showed signs of inclusiveness, so we think this is a good step forward,” said Yumi Hirata, treasurer of Orange County LGBT Pride, in response to Disney’s stance with the Boy Scouts.Įsmael Adibi, a Chapman University economist, said that Disney’s action buys the company some favorable publicity in the realm of public opinion, which has shifted toward greater acceptance of gays and lesbians. Locally, this has no practical effect, because Disneyland Resort has not provided direct donations to the Boy Scouts in recent years.Īnd no other company has cut off funding in recent years to the Orange County Council of the Boy Scouts of America, which has 30,000 members, said Jeff Herrmann, the council’s president.ĭisney officials long have offered employee benefits to same-sex partners, began offering Fairy Tale Weddings to same-sex partners for commitment ceremonies in 2007, and last year signed a court brief supporting same-sex marriage.įormer Disneyland Resort President George Kalogridis, who now heads Walt Disney World, is openly gay. Disney officials declined to comment, so it is unclear what prompted the new stance with the Boy Scouts. Obviously, the Covid-19 pandemic is still creating a fair bit of confusion and uncertainty, but here’s our guide to some of the. Gay Days have been a part of Disneys American Parks for decades. In the US, June is officially Pride Month, but Pride celebrations are normally happening throughout the year in different parts of the world. They can enjoy the rides, activities, and entertainment instead of. Magical Pride was first introduced in 2014 as an unofficial event at the Paris attraction. According to Disney’s policy, a group receiving a donation can’t discriminate on any level, including sexual orientation.Īlong with the Boy Scouts, other groups barred from Disney donations include religious organizations and labor unions. Whether they are at Disneyland for a day or a week, there is a plan for any group or family.