Fairy Tale Weddings Opening To Gay Couples

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hmgolden

<font color=deeppink>Disney Bride June 25, 20
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I know there are some couples who will be intereted in this. This was just on MSNBC.com

LOS ANGELES - The Walt Disney Co. has changed its policy to allow same-sex couples to participate in a popular Fairy Tale Wedding program it runs mainly at its two U.S. resorts and cruise line, a Disney spokesman said on Thursday.

Disney previously allowed gay couples to organize their own weddings or commitment ceremonies at rented meeting rooms at the resorts, but had barred them from purchasing its Fairy Tale Wedding package and holding the event at locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World set aside specifically for weddings.

"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."

Disney had allowed gay couples to take part in its vow renewals program but excluded them from buying wedding packages by requiring a valid marriage license from California or Florida, which do not permit or recognize gay marriages.

Last month, gay Web site AfterElton.com criticized Disney for not allowing same-sex couples to participate in the Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons program.

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.

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.

"We are not in the business of making judgments about the lifestyle of our guests. We are in the hospitality business and our parks and resorts are open to everyone," Walker said.


Here's the link directly to the article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17972793/
 
It really is the Year of a Million Dreams! I am officially planning a wedding! OMG!!! Thank you Disney!!! Maggie

http://money.cnn.com/2007/04/05/news/companies/disney_gayweddings.reut/

Disney gives gay couples 'Fairy Tale Weddings'
Walt Disney allows same-[gender] couples to enjoy popular marriage tradition by adding commitment ceremonies to policy.
April 5 2007: 7:20 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -- The Walt Disney Co. has changed its policy to allow same-[gender] couples to participate in a popular Fairy Tale Wedding program it runs mainly at its two U.S. resorts and cruise line, a Disney spokesman said Thursday.

Disney previously had allowed gay couples to organize their own weddings or commitment ceremonies at rented meeting rooms at the resorts, but had barred them from purchasing its Fairy Tale Wedding package and holding the event at locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World that are set aside specifically for weddings.

"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."

Disney had allowed gay couples to take part in its vow renewals program but excluded them from buying wedding packages by requiring a valid marriage license from California or Florida, which do not permit or recognize gay marriages.

Last month, gay Web site AfterElton.com criticized Disney for not allowing same-[gender] couples to participate in the Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons program.

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.

Disney has come under fire from religious conservatives, including the Southern Baptist Convention, which 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-[gender] 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.

"We are not in the business of making judgments about the lifestyle of our guests. We are in the hospitality business and our parks and resorts are open to everyone," Walker said.
 
I personally think this is a good move. Disney doesn't discriminate against anyone. I happen to be Southen Baptist, but I was taught Hate the sin, Love the sinner. Kudos for Disney for keeping us ALL equal, regardless of who we choose to love.

*edit* I guess I should clarify, I don't agree with the bigots at the SBC, I think everyone has to answer to a higher power at one time or another, and I personally don't think that gays are gonna get sent straight to hell. I have gay friends who love WDW and I would be honored to attend their DFTCS!

Happy planning!
 
This is fantastic news!

I'm so glad that DFTW is now going to help EVERYONE plan the wedding of their dreams!!

:yay: :yay:
 

That really is awesome! I'm so proud of Disney for taking a step in the right direction and standing firm by equality and diversity!:cheer2: It's the place where everyone's wishes can come true!
 
I am excited about it. Pretty In Tink, you and I are from the exact same place!! I thought that the ban was ridiculous. I think that this is a good deal for everyone. This does not make gay marriage legal in Florida, it just allows gay individuals to have full access to Disney's services.
 
I think Cinderella already said what's in my heart:

Have faith in your dreams and someday
Your rainbow will come smiling thru
No matter how your heart is grieving
If you keep on believing
the dream that you wish will come true

I'm grateful to know that if my DS10 wants to get married at WDW someday, he'll be able to, regardless of the gender of his someday partner. :cloud9:
 
I have a question:

Gay marriages are not legal in Florida right? So will these be civil ceremonies? :confused3

I feel like Disney has finally come thru for some of their most loyal fans! :wizard:
 
I just wanted to pop in to say hello and YEAH! WOO HOOOOO! I've often been disturbed whenever I thought about how my partner and I couldn't have a commitment ceremony in my favorite place in the whole world. It saddened me from time to time. But I just kept thinking positively and figured that one day in the future, it could happen.

And LOOK!

I can't even begin to express how happy this makes me!

After reading it on the 'net, I ran over to my partner of 16+ years and told him the great news. He knew how happy I was and he said, "So when are we doing it" I responded, "We are getting married in Disney World on our 20th year together in 2010 and you aren't stopping me." Grinning like a fool I was!

His response? "Why wait so long? Why can't we do it sooner than that?"

I have the best partner in the entire world!
 
Rick!!

I'm so happy for you both!

I can't wait to hear about your plans!:yay: :yay:
 
I just wanted to pop in to say hello and YEAH! WOO HOOOOO! I've often been disturbed whenever I thought about how my partner and I couldn't have a commitment ceremony in my favorite place in the whole world. It saddened me from time to time. But I just kept thinking positively and figured that one day in the future, it could happen.

And LOOK!

I can't even begin to express how happy this makes me!

After reading it on the 'net, I ran over to my partner of 16+ years and told him the great news. He knew how happy I was and he said, "So when are we doing it" I responded, "We are getting married in Disney World on our 20th year together in 2010 and you aren't stopping me." Grinning like a fool I was!

His response? "Why wait so long? Why can't we do it sooner than that?"

I have the best partner in the entire world!

How great is it that finally you can have your "Dream Wedding" too. I've very happy for you both.

I love his response :rotfl: Exactly what my DF said.

Congratulations to you both.
 
Oh this is fantastic news!!! Go Disney!

Rick: I actually thought of you while I was reading this. I hope to see you on these boards planning soon! :thumbsup2

TinkBride: They will be commitment ceremonies. The couples will be promising the same commitment a straight couple promises in their ceremonies, just without that piece of paper called a "marriage license".
 
I'm glad Disney has opened it's doors on this and allowing couple to make commitments to eachother no matter what gender.

Being from Massachusetts, where same-sex marriage is legal, I think it's great to see other entities opening up for all.
 
awesome

I just gotta say to RickinNYC we better be seeing you soon on these boards asking for advice and tips on your planning! :goodvibes
 
WOW....i think this is pretty cool of disney.

Im so glad to see how excited some of you are!!

Welcome to the boards!!!

We welcome ALL & ANYONE who wants to get married here

I need to email my cousin....she will be so excited;)
 
awesome

I just gotta say to RickinNYC we better be seeing you soon on these boards asking for advice and tips on your planning! :goodvibes


Oh you'll see me here, probably freakin' out big time.

And wait until the dress fittings.... KIDDING! KIDDING!
 
And wait until the dress fittings.... KIDDING! KIDDING!

OMG my biggest fear. You will look better in my dress than I will. :scared1: :laughing:

Rick. I occasionally lurk on the gay/lesbian board. You are one of the nicest people on the DIS. I feel very lucky that you have started posting on the wedding board. Congrats on the Disney Wedding. I can't wait to hear all about your planning. :goodvibes
 
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