The wonderful thing about Disney is that it has something for everyone. Whether you love fairy tale movie musicals, superhero movies, or even Star Wars, Disney has got you covered.
With such a wide variety of fans it’s surprising that a large portion of them would also belong to the LGBTQIA+ community.
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Some characters have even become icons within that community.
And yet, until now, there has been no official Pride events held at Disney parks and resorts.
That’s not to say that Disney hasn’t been working towards being more inclusive. In 2007, they began allowing gay couples to purchase wedding packages, even before same-sex marriage was legalized.
And in 2018, they introduced the “Mickey Mouse Rainbow Love” hat for purchase.
But until now, Pride events held at parks weren’t official the way that Halloween or other holiday events are.
Most parks simply looked the other way when Pride gatherings were organized by outside groups. Many even rented out the park after hours to those groups.
One of those unofficial events has been held at Disneyland Paris since 2014.
But in 2019, that event, “Magical Pride,” has become official ! Not only is The Walt Disney Company actively promoting it, but they’re also organizing the event, which is scheduled for June 1st, 2019 at Disneyland Paris.
There are even special vacation packages and events planned!
Costumed characters will be out in force, special photo op areas will be set up, and there will even be one of Disney’s famous parades just for the occasion, called the “Magical March of Diversity Parade.”
The park will be open from 8 p.m. through 2 a.m. for the Magical Pride Party.
The party includes DJs and live music performances, plus the chance for some karaoke fun. I’ll bet my #PrincePhillip4Eva travel mug that “Poor Unfortunate Souls” and “Let It Go” will be two of the first songs performed.
Bonus points to anyone in the crowd that knows the hyena choir’s backing lyrics to “Be Prepared.”
For the record , it’s: We’ll have food! Lots of food. We repeat. Endless meat.
And no, I did not have to look that up. It’s one of my favorite bits of hidden lyrics in the movies.
While this is the only official Pride event announced at Disney parks so far, I’m sure there will be more in the future.
It’s clear that The Walt Disney Company is working toward making their events more inclusive and if Magical Pride goes well in Paris, it’ll likely have the chance to expand.
And really, is there any doubt that the event will be spectacular?
I mean, the unofficial event was so popular that Disney decided to support it officially. It’s going to be huge!
I won’t be able to make it all the way to Paris to check it out, but I’m looking forward to the chance to visit a Magical Pride event closer to home in the future.
h/t: CBS News
