Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Disneyland Has Always Been About Family Entertainment... and Still Is, Despite Politics

The year was 1955 and my sisters, brother, cousin, and I went to Disneyland when it first opened the doors to the magic kingdom for all to see and enjoy.

I was five-years old, and the day was magic. I'll never forget the spinning teacups and seeing Disney characters everywhere talking with other children.

I have fond memories of taking our three boys to Disneyland in the late seventies and early eighties. People from around the country and foreigners flocked to experience Disneyland then, and they still do today.

The House that the Mouse built has always been a shining example of American family entertainment and the gold standard for innovative and interactive rides.

Since 1955, Disneyland has been a mecca of merriment that all children (and many adults) want to go to.

When I read about Florida governor Ron DeSantis' war on Disney World that began in February, I was stunned.

What triggered the Trump wannabee to go after an American institution?  

The answer is Florida House Bill 1557, which critics call the "Don't Say Gay" law. Standing up for LGBTQ family community rights the Disney Company issued a decree saying its "goal as a company is for this law to be repealed by the legislature or struck down in the courts."

In retaliation, a vengeful DeSantis forced a Florida House vote that revoked Disney World's designation as a special tax district - a privilege that Disney has held for 55 years.

Florida Disney World will no longer be considered a self-governing Special Zone (called the Reedy Creek Improvement District) with its own fire department.

Instead, the two counties Disney World is in are going to have to pay taxes to make up for the lost revenue to repair roads and all of the other improvements the Disney Company was paying for over a half century.

I applaud the Disney Company's stance in support of the LGBTQ community. It's an example of what Disneyland has always been; a family park for everyone.

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