The decision of Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS) to let gay couples have Fairy Tale weddings at its Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts has everything to do with profits and little to do with social policy.
These wedding packages aren't cheap. The $25,000 Magic Kingdom Park wedding deal in Disney World lets people get married with Cinderella's Castle as a backdrop. Guests are transported down Main Street USA via motorized cars. Costumed trumpeters herald the arrival of the couple in a horse-drawn carriage.
Sounds lovely, no?
Gay activists thought so too. They criticized Disney for only allowing gay couples to get married in rented rooms at the resorts. Disney, which has drawn the ire of conservatives for years for being too friendly to gays, relented, realizing that gays like heterosexuals are ready, willing and able to blow huge amounts of money on weddings.
Shareholders, even those who are against gay marriage, should be happy that the company is tapping into a growing market. Money spent by people with non-heterosexual lifestyles is still green.
Other companies are no doubt rejoicing over the growth of gay marriage as well. For example, the people who make tacky porcelain stuff and expensive crystal that you almost never use.
By the way, I'm giving everyone who has read this story about gays and fairy tale weddings permission to laugh. It's funny.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-09-2007 @ 7:38PM
Wanda said...
I'm a new Grandmother and I was looking forward to taking my grandson to Disney World when he is old enough. I think every child should experience the wonderful world of Disney, but I will not take him nor will anyone else in my family ever go again if Disney permits Gay Marriages. Disney better think long and hard about this and not allow "money" to cloud their better judgement. I believe Disney will lose big on this one if they allow Gay Marriages. I sure I'm not the only person out there that feels this way and Disney will suffer. I would not want my children or grandchild to see the same sex kissing at the Castle or riding in Cindrella's carriage....how do you explain that to a child!!!! I'm a christan grandmother and mother teaching my children and grandchild the right morals.
Concerned Grandma
Married proudly 22 years
to the opposite sex
4-09-2007 @ 9:45PM
Ellen Hung said...
Oh Proud Grandmother...they aren't marrying you or your grandchildren. So don't take them to Disney because they offer gay weddings that is foolish. Do you think they pass out flyers at the gate to attend the weddings. They are private and get over your ignorance. All people are not the same. My sister is gay and let me tell you she didn't choose to be that way!!! We are twins I watched he struggle for years to be what society wanted her to be! I am just glad she is out and finally HAPPY!
BRAVO DISNEY for including ALL people on the earth.
4-13-2007 @ 7:16AM
Hastings Henderson said...
Bravo to Disney for continuing to take the lead in inclusion. And GrandMa, I bet you know more gays that you want to admit. Don't pass your predjudices along to your grands, and not just toward the gays, how bout all those other folks that aren't JUST LIKE YOU!!!!!
4-14-2007 @ 9:17AM
Tim Crowder said...
Concerned Grandma has been called foolish and predjudice by two people in support of gays getting married at Disney. My opinion is that you guys lighten up. It is her opinion. Contrary to radical belief people can disagree without name calling. Try this..I disagree with you Grandma and this is why. Personally I would not enjoy seeing a gay wedding at the park either. It just isn't my cup of tea. The wedding pavillion at the Grand Floridian would be better.
4-19-2007 @ 5:58PM
charlie said...
You say in the article that stockholders should be happy about the money homosexuals are spending getting "married" at disneyland. Would i be happy at selling weapons to hitler? I think its sad what has happened to Disney and know its founder would be against it. I will not support anyting disney whle this goes and and will try to influence all those i know to do the same.
4-20-2007 @ 11:39PM
Greg said...
I think you would be surprised how many gay people are employed by Disney. The entertainment industry has a strong gay employee base. Do you not go to a Disney park because they hire gay people? As the article states, Disney is making a business move here, gay unions is big business. You can debate this all you want, but because there is a market out there, profit is the deciding factor. I live in Mass. and since gay marriage has been allowed the state has not fallen into the ocean. There really are so many other issues that face this world than this tired debate.
Disney will continue on even if the grandmothers protest. The only thing you deny is the magic to your grandchild.