On June 1st, LGBT+ Disney fans from around the world celebrated the start of Pride month as Disneyland Paris became the first Disney park to officially host a Pride-themed event. Although LGBT+ groups have held independently organized events for years at the famed parks, this event is the first to be promoted and organized by the park itself.
LGBT+ people are no stranger to celebrating in Disney, with events such as Gay Days occurring at Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in Anaheim, California since 1991 and LGBT+ happy hour drink events have been organized by a British Travel Agency in Disneyland Paris for the past four years.
Tickets for the event, entitled Magical Pride, retailed for €89, which included admission to the park and a concert including a lineup of Years & Years, Boy George, Corine and SindyKatz DJs.
According to Disneyland Paris, at their event one could “Dress like a dream, feel fabulous and experience Walt Disney Studios Park like never before – loud, proud and alive with all the colours of the rainbow!”
The event served up an exclusive Pride parade, Pride merchandise, extended access to attractions, and a lip sync battle to remixes of Disney songs such as Let It Go from Frozen and How Far I’ll Go from Moana.
Twitter user Daniel Megarry shared a video of the Disney-themed lip sync’s finale to Shakira’s Try Everything:
https://twitter.com/ED92live/status/1134949321693114370?s=20
According to a review from a Scottish guest at the event, the event did not disappoint and managed to be ‘Inclusive and diverse’ while promoting ‘love and acceptance.’
On Twitter, Dads of @DaddyanddadBlog celebrated the family-friendly event with their children.
Bonjour! We're back from @DisneylandParis – straight back to school-runs, lunchbox packing, hanging washing out life again!@MagicalPride was the most spectacular family #Pride party we've ever been to! If you're a same-sex family you really must get tickets next year! [AD] ??️? pic.twitter.com/b0vxDx1QDV
— Daddy & Dad (@DaddyandDadBlog) June 3, 2019
Official Disney accounts also recognized this historic event on Twitter:
As #DisneylandParis keeps moving forward with even more opportunities to share the Disney magic, I’m thrilled that our resort is hosting #MagicalPride! pic.twitter.com/aMMSlfbKTc
— Disneyland Paris News EN (@DLPNewsEN) June 1, 2019
Our iconic Minnie ears are currently more colourful than ever! ?? #MagicalPride pic.twitter.com/XaOXSrZR9o
— Disneyland Paris EN (@DisneyParis_EN) May 30, 2019
Similar Pride events have occurred at other theme parks including Universal’s ‘Pride is Universal’ event in conjunction with Los Angeles Pride, which offers LGBT+ people and allies special late-night access to the Universal parks.
The first Magical Pride was well received and attended, leaving guests wanting more.
If you’re looking to find Disney Pride merch, but aren’t able to make it to the parks, check out the second floor of the Disney store on Grafton Street in Dublin for a selection of ears, t-shirts, pins, and other merchandise.
For information on the event see here.
© 2019 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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