Mickey and Minnie to welcome gays to Disney weddings

BURBANK, Calif: Several US newspapers have run a report that Walt Disney Co. has changed its policy to allow same-sex couples to participate in a popular Fairy Tale Wedding programme.

The programme runs at Disney’s two US resorts and on its cruise line.

Disney previously had allowed gay couples to organise 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 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.”

Disney had allowed gay couples to take part in its vow-renewal programme but excluded them from buying wedding packages by requiring a valid marriage licence from California or Florida, which do not permit or recognise gay marriages.

Last month, gay website AfterElton.com criticised Disney for excluding same-sex couples from the Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons programme.

Disney’s Fairy Tale Wedding packages start at US$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 who have accused the company of promoting a gay agenda.

“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.

In China, Disney has not yet decided the location of a second theme park.

The company said last year it was in talks with Shanghai authorities about building a theme park in the city after its first park in China opened in Hong Kong in September 2005.

“We are sure to build a second park in China in the long run, but we are now reviewing the market and have yet to work out the location and specific construction plans,” said Wing T. Chao, vice-chairman of Asia Pacific Development at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

He said the company is focusing on the development and expansion of its theme park in Hong Kong to meet increasing demand.