Disneyland may need to rebrand themselves “The Unhappiest Place On Earth,” as they’re currently doing a brisk business in shattering young children’s dreams.
Although a three-old-boy named Noah was conspicuously “buzzing with excitement” upon learning that Disneyland Paris was offering a “Princess for a Day” Celebration, he nonetheless found his fantasy Day of Beauty crushed by the powers that be in the magical kingdom.
In no uncertain terms, they outright forbid him from being glamorously made over as Snow White, Cinderella, Elsa from Frozen (his personal fave), or any other cartoon princess that might tickle his fancy.
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Their reasoning: Noah is a boy. Noah is not a girl. Princesses are girls and not boys. Noah is not a princess. On and on…
Hayley McLean-Glass, mother of Noah, took her outrage to the blog Sparkles & Stretch Marks, writing that she was shaken up and quite saddened by the decision.
She reveals she tried in vain to make the booking, but received a curt email that said, “At this time it is not possible to book princess for a day for a boy.”
“So let me get this straight,” she writes.
My son, who fell in love with the concept of Disney Princesses at Disneyland, is not allowed to have the same experiences as the little girls who visit you simply because ‘He’s a boy?’”
“I just think that it’s unfair,” she told ITV News.
“I mean if there was an activity such as a pirate dress up or a Spider-Man event, little girls would be allowed to do it.
If anyone told a little girl that she couldn’t do that there would be absolute uproar, but I just don’t understand why it’s different for a boy.”
Unsurprisingly, after the incident made the news, Disneyland Paris quickly reached out to say sorry to McLean-Glass, and make sure their stance on the issue was understood:
Thankfully, Disneyland have now contacted us to confirm that the response we received is not reflective of their policies and have promised to update all of their staff on this, AND they have now changed the wording on their website to remove the line that the Princess experience is to “grant little girls’ wishes” to make it more inclusive.
Which further proves the point that their original response to my request was wrong in every way…legally and morally.
Here’s the statement Disneyland Paris sent to ITV:
We are taking this situation very seriously and sincerely apologize to Hayley and Noah for the distress caused.
An isolated incident, the cast member’s response is not reflective of any policy or belief held here at Disneyland Paris. We are going to ensure this does not happen again.
Diversity is near and dear to our hearts and we want to make sure that all our guests enjoy their experience at our resort.
Of course, both boys and girls are welcome to enjoy The Princess For a Day experience in addition to all our other special activities.
h/t: Unicorn Booty
PRINCE OF SNARKNESS aka DIVKID
Disney Princess is an insipid air-headed aspiration for boy OR girl. Parental fail.
blawrence
Wow, you really are a sad old wanker. Is internet trolling your only happy time? Pathetic excuse for a life.
PRINCE OF SNARKNESS aka DIVKID
How very unladylike of you. No tiara for you
MikeE
considering the fact that the little boy’s favourite princess also happens to be the one where no “love of a man” solves the situation, the one that teaches that true love comes in many forms, the one where the princess isn’t “insipid and air-headed” to use your terms, I’ll have to agree wit the other poster. You are a sad and bitter person. Your opinion in this case really isn’t well thought-out and you simply sound like a pretentious hipster. Why don’t you simply refrain from posting?
Danny595
Sorry to see that Disney caved to that lady. It shouldn’t be transgenderizing little boys, even for a day. They should have a “Prince for a Day” experience for boys.
blawrence
“Transfenderizing”?? Wow, yet another pathetic troll on, that’s right… and LGBT forum that SHOULD be a place of tolerance and acceptance. You trolls really need your own “losers” forum and complain about everything amongst your pathetic selves. Maybe you can post things like the decor of your grandmothers basements or something. Hahaha!!!!
mhoffman953
@blawrence
Wow. What a response! I love transgenders now. Not!
Women and girls fight for equality and now they have boys taking over their “Princess for a Day” experience. Where are the people who are going to yell misogyny over this?
Danny595
blawrence – LGBT is BS. Some activists invented it in the 1990s. There is no logical or ethical basis for lumping LGB people and T people into one group.
Gaytaffuk
Danielle595 – lovely to hear from you again, even if you are talking shite again!
Why is it a shame that Disney changed their bigoted initial position? Why should they stop one little boy enjoying himself by expressing himself as he sees fit and not being forced into a little box dictated by narrow minded bigots?
Where in the article did it say that anyone was ‘transgenderizing’ boys? (is that even a real thing or just something from your fevered, twisted imagination?). This situation applies to ONE boy and only because he wants to participate, no-one is, or would, force anyone else to join in.
I bet you’d look lovely as Prince Charming! I bet you’d fill out a pair of tights wonderfully!!
Mhoffman953
‘Women and girls fight for equality and now they have boys taking over their “Princess for a Day” experience. ‘ How does the participation of one little boy constitute a ‘taking over’? And how in god’s name does a “Princess for a Day” represent the women’s equality movement?
Think these things through before you comment, this is just lame!
mhoffman953
@Gaytaffuk
Why did you call the guy named “Danny595” by the name “Danielle595”? Was that a way to put him down with a snide remark by calling him a name of the opposite gender? Why do you think calling someone a woman is an insult? Is being a woman an insult in your opinion, hence the reason you changing a male name to a female name is a good way to put people down?
“And how in god’s name does a “Princess for a Day” represent the women’s equality movement?”
Because its an event for little girls, not little boys. Imagine if there was an even for African Americans and white kids complained because they couldn’t be part of the event. Something tells me that based on your response, you’d argue about white privilege or something and agree that they shouldn’t be part of the event.
If you want to argue that the “Princess for a Day” even isn’t for little girls, then why call it “Princess for a Day”? If it was a gender ambiguous event, then they’d call it “Royalty for a Day”. Should grown men be allowed to become “Princess for a Day”?
Gaytaffuk
Mhoffman953 – Wow, you, like Danielle595, do seem to get your panties in a bunch don’t you?
Yes, my refering to Danny as ‘Danielle’ is a means of equating him to an effeminate persona but it is no way a degradation of women or feminine traits.
It’s predicated on Danielle’s intense dislike of any display of effeminancy by any man (or in this case boy) as shown in his many comments against such behaviour. Its a way to denigrate his desire for hyper masculinity in all men and his negation of the effeminate in any person not female and by subverting, so cast in high relief, his negative attitude.
In fact my defence of a man/boys right to express his femininity could be seen as an expression of my admiration of women, what they do, how they do it and their immense strength. Your expression of my feminisation of Danielle as a negative is more obviously a sign of your misogyny!
To be clear, I am not ‘putting down’ Danielle by feminising his name, I am highlighting his bigotry in denying men/boys the right to express their love and admiration of the feminine.
In response to my question: ‘And how in god’s name does a “Princess for a Day” represent the women’s equality movement?’
You say:
‘Because its an event for little girls, not little boys. Imagine if there was an even for African Americans and white kids complained because they couldn’t be part of the event. Something tells me that based on your response, you’d argue about white privilege or something and agree that they shouldn’t be part of the event.’
If there was an event for African Americans it would, I presume, include aspects specific to African American culture which would be intrinsic to the event. In that case it would be totally inappropriate for white kids to participate and of no value for them to do so. So your assumptions is incorrect – don’t jump to conclusions about my views on another subject based on this one, it undermines your argument and makes you look stupid.
You also say:
‘If you want to argue that the “Princess for a Day” even isn’t for little girls, then why call it “Princess for a Day”? If it was a gender ambiguous event, then they’d call it “Royalty for a Day”. Should grown men be allowed to become “Princess for a Day”?’
I’m not arguing that the ‘Princess for a day’ isn’t for little girls, no-where in my comment does it even imply that! What I am arguing, by statement and implication, is that a little boy who enjoys dressing up as a Princess should be allowed to do so without bigots like you and Danielle piling in and forcing your heteronormative agenda on him. EVERYONE has the right to express themselves as they would like, you do not get to force your beliefs onto anyone else.
You also neglected to answer my question: How in god’s name does a “Princess for a Day” represent the women’s equality movement?’
You may have missed it but grown men ARE able to dress as a Princess if they what to, Ru Paul’s Drag Race is a great example of men expressing their femininity in proud and creative ways, I believe the term is ‘fierce’!
You also seem to have missed the huge movement called Cos-play where adults get to dress up as their favourite sci-fi, manga and comic book characters, many men, and women, dress in costumes not of their own sex.
Good old fashioned transvestism is also another option for men, and women, to dress in clothing of the opposite gender.
It seems that you are quite ignorant of many aspects of modern society, that goes a long way to explain your 1950s views. Come on, roll with the times and just admit it, your views are outdated, backwards and just plain nasty!
mhoffman953
@Gaytaffuk
You mention cosplay but this isn’t a cosplay event. If it was a dress up as your favorite Disney character then you’d have a point but that’s not the purpose of the event.
Then you say, “Yes, my refering to Danny as ‘Danielle’ is a means of equating him to an effeminate persona but it is no way a degradation of women or feminine traits.”
But it actually is a means to denigrate feminine traits because you’re using it as an insult to him. If straight people argue and one calls another a f*ggot, it’s a way to equate gay with weakness and use it as an insult. You can write as many paragraphs defending your word choice but it doesn’t change what you did.
Then I think you lack reading comprehension because you wrote this, “In that case it would be totally inappropriate for white kids to participate and of no value for them to do so. So your assumptions is incorrect”.
My assumption was that you would not think white kids should participate. Thus my assumption was correct. The event mentioned in this blog was for girls, not boys. Therefore, boys should not participate. The event was not a RuPaul drag show, the even was not a cosplay event, and the event was not about transvestism.
Stick to the facts and make sure you actually read people’s response please.
Gaytaffuk
Mhoffman953 – My, you seem to get your panties into even more of a bunch then Danielle, and that’s saying something!!!
In your well thought out and argued response you state:
‘You mention cosplay but this isn’t a cosplay event. If it was a dress up as your favorite Disney character then you’d have a point but that’s not the purpose of the event.’
The alternative options I cited are ‘examples’ of other activities where men and women are able to dress up as characters they enjoy, be they make or female characters. The fact that it has nothing to do with Disney is irrelevant, it still supports my argument. Besides, this was an occasion where kids were dressing in costumes and playing in character – the very definition of cosplay!
‘Then you say, “Yes, my refering to Danny as ‘Danielle’ is a means of equating him to an effeminate persona but it is no way a degradation of women or feminine traits.”’
You have your time line confused here, I discussed this point at the start of my response, not after the cosplay comments. It seems it is you who ‘lacks reading comprehension’ if you cannot order your arguments correctly!
‘But it actually is a means to denigrate feminine traits because you’re using it as an insult to him. If straight people argue and one calls another a f*ggot, it’s a way to equate gay with weakness and use it as an insult. You can write as many paragraphs defending your word choice but it doesn’t change what you did.’
As I outlined in my previous comment, I am not calling Danny Danielle to denigrate feminine traits, it is to get a ‘ride’ out of him as he seems to have a problem with femininity in men. This has nothing to do with women per se, if that were the case any mention of feminity could be seen to be an insult which is patently rediculous.
‘Then I think you lack reading comprehension because you wrote this, “In that case it would be totally inappropriate for white kids to participate and of no value for them to do so. So your assumptions is incorrect”.
My assumption was that you would not think white kids should participate. Thus my assumption was correct.’
I apologise, my wording at this point was awkward and I should have checked and corrected this. I should have said:
If there was an event for African Americans it would, I presume, include aspects specific to African American culture which would be intrinsic to the event. In that case it would be totally inappropriate for white kids to participate and of no value for them to do so. So your assumptions is correct – I would argue for white kids not to participate as it is culturally inappropriate for them to do so. This does not bear any relation to dressing in clothing associated with the opposite sex, cultural appropriation is not comparable to ‘cross dressing’. You need a different example here, try again!
‘The event mentioned in this blog was for girls, not boys. Therefore, boys should not participate. The event was not a RuPaul drag show, the even was not a cosplay event, and the event was not about transvestism.’
The event mentioned was for children (no mention of girls or boys in the piece) also evidenced by Disney ultimately asking the boy to participate. Again, my mention of Ru Paul’s Drag Race, cosplay and transvestism were examples to support the argument. That you don’t understand that is a concern and highlights your lack of comprehension.
Your final shot was:
‘Stick to the facts and make sure you actually read people’s response please.’
Please explain where I did not stick to the facts, this statement is misleading and vague. You need to be far more accurate to win arguments like this.
When you look at others comments on these threads, take care as your reply speaks to your character and, sadly you are coming across as weak and lacking in understanding.
You also failed to counter any of my arguments with cogent points of your own, you need to do better then that!
mhoffman953
@Gaytaffuk
Holy wall of text, Batman. You must be angry to type all of that out.
“The event mentioned was for children (no mention of girls or boys in the piece) also evidenced by Disney ultimately asking the boy to participate…Please explain where I did not stick to the facts”
The event was called “Princess for a Day”, if that isn’t a dead giveaway to you as to who the event is for then I feel sorry for you. Boys can’t be princesses just as men can’t be moms or wives.
Disney did ultimately ask the boy to participate but only because his crazy mother put up a huge fuss and contacted several news media outlets. Companies cave in all the time at the slightest notion of bad press
But I’m sure you’ll bring up a bunch of irrelevant points again about the rules of cosplay lol. This wasn’t a cosplay event and no one is arguing against cosplay. This is about a bizarre mom who is demanding that people put her son in a dress and makeup and make him feel like a girl or else she’ll try to ruin their business reputation
Gaytaffuk
Mhoffman953 –
‘Holy wall of text, Batman. You must be angry to type all of that out.’
– no, not angry, disappointed that you hold such bigoted views and are so willing to restrict other people’s freedom of expression so easily, especially when that person is a three year old child. Ten minutes of my time is worthwhile if I can help you to understand that your point of view harms others and restricts their freedom, I’m happy to spend that time.
‘The event was called “Princess for a Day”, if that isn’t a dead giveaway to you as to who the event is for then I feel sorry for you. Boys can’t be princesses just as men can’t be moms or wives.’
Your assertion is obviously incorrect as Noah is going to be a Princess! You also need to look at life around you as there are a rising number of gay couples who are having children (either through surrogates or adoption) so there are lots of families where men (and women) are mum and dad! You seem to be getting tied up in names, you need to be more flexible in your thinking and leave behind the 1950’s attitudes.
‘Disney did ultimately ask the boy to participate but only because his crazy mother put up a huge fuss and contacted several news media outlets. Companies cave in all the time at the slightest notion of bad press’
Just because a woman stands up for her or her families rights does not make her ‘crazy’! Do you call these people who stood up for your rights as a gay man ‘crazy’?
Of course companies ‘cave in’ to these issues, this is called ‘progress’, no commercial enterprises need to be, and seen to be, on the right side of history. With some thought, consideration and contemplation you could be too!
‘But I’m sure you’ll bring up a bunch of irrelevant points again about the rules of cosplay lol. This wasn’t a cosplay event and no one is arguing against cosplay.’
As I explained to you previously, this is the very definition of cosplay. ‘Besides, this was an occasion where kids were dressing in costumes and playing in character – the very definition of cosplay!’ Please read my comments through, and re-read if you are not clear, before you comment, it may help your comprehension and save you embarrassment!
‘This is about a bizarre mom who is demanding that people put her son in a dress and makeup and make him feel like a girl or else she’ll try to ruin their business reputation.’
Again you seek to belittle this woman and her actions by claiming that this woman is ‘bizarre’, do you really have to belittle people to make a point or does it simply make you feel more of a man? This woman is doing what any good mother should, she is making sure her child is able to participate in experience he (or she) would enjoy and find an opportunity for growth. It seems that your panties are in a bunch simply because this three year old does not conformation your gender stereotypes.
Tell me, why should he?
What have his choices got to do with you?
How can his choices affect you?
Why are you so sensitive that his choices have such an impact on you?
You are supposed to be an adult, suck it up and stop acting as if a three year old child’s choices can affect your life and how you live it.
There, another ten minutes of my time well spent!
KaiserVonScheiss
Princess = girl. Not that hard to understand. And what are the boy’s true feelings?
Is this girl stuff just being forced down his throat by ideological parents? We’ve seen such things before.
simulations
I guarantee you that a 3-year-old kid hasn’t had a lot of time to ponder modern society’s notions of gender roles and expectations of conformity.
He BGB
They didn’t see Ma Vie en Rose. What a wonderful French movie!
He BGB
Note: Actually it’s Belgian movie.
Kieran
Wouldn’t it be more inclusive and less sexist if Disneyland offered a “Prince and Princess Day” celebration. Or are little boys considered chopped liver?
Luna1979
Little kids don’t understand why they can’t do a lot of things because their view of the world is so limited at that age. My brother was determined to marry my mother at one point and it was very difficult to explain why this wouldn’t be happening. He also wanted to be a My Little Pony. As long as the parents don’t make a big deal about it, the kids grow out of these ideas and go on their happy way. A lot of times parents believe they’re helping and just make it worse.
mhoffman953
@Luna1979
Good points
Parents can’t just let their kids do anything they want. Sometimes parents have to say, “no” and move on and the kids will grow out of it
Charlie in Charge
“When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires will come to you”
Jay1
The only thing I feel concerned with this wonderful mom’s wish to have her son enjoy this activity is whether her child would have had ridiculous comments from other children or adults. Unless Noah has already all the inner maturity to handle that and just wouldn’t suffer. Number of Frenchies tend to be coarse regarding inner (and outer) personal freedom!