Video of a gathering of protesters chanting “Boycott Disney” outside Disney headquarters on April 6 has now been viewed more than 1.1 million times. Thousands more people are sharing posts on social media calling for a boycott. A letter recently published in the Wall Street Journal was signed by grandparents stating they had canceled a trip to Disney World with their grandson, and they are “ashamed to be stockholders.”
©Disney | Walt Disney Corporation Headquarters
The latest movement to boycott Disney comes after the corporation issued a statement saying it would seek to have Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act, dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law by its critics, repealed by the Florida Legislature or struck down by the courts.
But Disney has drawn arrows on both sides of this fight. Before the statement above and others by CEO Bob Chapek, Chapek was criticized by the bill’s opponents for not speaking out about the issue.
Dr. Joel Best, a professor of sociology and criminal justice at the University of Delaware, said criticism of Disney’s stance on this issue is inevitable, given its positive reputation and its place in society.
Disneyland
“People believe that Disney stands for goodness,” Best said. “So whatever ideology you are, if you think there is something bad out there, and you can associate the Disney name with it, that provides you with an interesting claim – ‘Look at this! Even Disney is doing it!’”
This Isn’t Disney’s First ‘Family Values’ Fight
Disney has certainly been the subject of calls for boycotts before, including a boycott that was widespread among Christian conservative groups and lasted for 9 years.
That boycott was started 26 years ago by the American Family Association. The Tupelo, Miss.-based organization – known for its more recent boycotts of Target for its restroom policies and Kellogg’s for its production of a Pride-themed cereal – said it called the boycott because of the company’s decline in the family values intended by Walt Disney.
Magic Kingdom
The following year, messengers at the 1997 Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting passed a resolution that urged “every Southern Baptist to take the stewardship of their time, money, and resources so seriously that they refrain from patronizing The Disney Company and any of its related entities.”
Luke Holmes, a Southern Baptist pastor and SBC historian, said in an interview with Disney Food Blog that there were many factors that contributed to the call for the boycott.
Monorail in EPCOT
“More than anything the Southern Baptist Convention desired to express their continued belief in the inerrancy of Scripture as the word of God and to express their support of the values that the Bible expresses,” Holmes said.
Among the specific examples cited in a separate SBC resolution a year earlier – the hosting of so-called “Gay Days” in Disney Parks, the offering of health benefits to the same-sex partners of employees, and the publication of a book titled “Growing Up Gay: From Left Out to Coming Out” by Disney-owned Hyperion.
The SBC produced a sample letter that members were urged to sign and send to The Walt Disney Company, along with a booklet and video explaining the reasoning behind the boycott and listing Disney and its many subsidiaries. With the SBC’s participation, the boycott picked up steam and was joined by Focus on the Family and other evangelical groups.
Disney’s Classic Bambi celebrated at Animal Kingdom
While previous AFA boycotts had produced economic impacts – an AFA boycott of 7-Eleven in the 1980s led to 7-Eleven stopping the sale of Playboy and Penthouse magazines in its stores, for example – the association called off its Disney boycott in 2005 without producing a visible impact to the company. The SBC followed suit in ending the boycott at its annual convention that same year.
Holmes said that while we often think of the goal of a boycott in economic terms, that 1990s-era boycott was about taking a stand.
“The goal of the boycott was not necessarily to force economic impact but to express Southern Baptists’ belief in God’s word and that the SBC is not shifting with the times,” Holmes said. “As the times changed, the SBC was signaling that their beliefs about what is right and true has not changed.”
“No one can really speak for the SBC as a whole, but personally I think the boycott did show that the SBC still believed in the Bible and biblical values,” Holmes said. “It did bring awareness to changing practices at Disney and across media and entertainment as a whole also.”
Uniquely Positioned for Criticism
But the criticism of Disney does not come exclusively from what we commonly think of as the political right. Disney has faced criticism from unions regarding unfair labor practices, complaints from various groups about unfair ethnic stereotypes in its movies and its theme parks, and protests from animal rights groups regarding the treatment of animals at its theme parks.
Disney CEO Bob Chapek at Walt Disney World for its 50th anniversary.
Disney is uniquely positioned to draw these critiques, Best said. “People only do this with Disney,” he said. “Disney is pure and good, yet is contaminated by whatever is going on.”
According to Best, Disney built its glowing reputation for family friendliness starting in the 1950s, during a great baby boom and the widespread adoption of television. Disney transformed itself from a company making animated movies – which took years to produce at great cost – to one making live-action and documentary television shows, toys, books, and a theme park.
©D23
“I grew up in this period, and we were absolutely surrounded by Disney,” Best said.
Walt Disney himself came into homes each week, providing families with tours of Disneyland, animated features, and live-action shows.
©D23
“Disney’s brand was clear,” Best said. “You could take your family to a Disney movie or watch a Disney TV show, and they wouldn’t see anything inappropriate.” Best points to Disney+ as a way that Disney has now “solidified its lock on a family-friendly reputation.”
Changing Family Values?
Dr. Susan MacManus, a Florida-based political analyst and distinguished professor emerita of political science at the University of South Florida, points out economic forces at work in Disney’s position on the new Florida law.
Widely known labor market woes – namely a shortage of younger people to fill theme park jobs – are at play, she said.
© Disney | Disney has been holding job fairs and advertising its employee perks to attract more workers
“They are heavily reliant on attracting young workers, and for young workers the LBGTQ+ issues are more relevant,” MacManus said in an interview with Disney Food Blog. “The generational divide on that issue is deep.”
Disney has long portrayed itself as a defender of family values in Florida in an effort to keep gambling away from Walt Disney World. The company spent more than $15 million in 2018 to support a Constitutional amendment that handed control of where new casinos could be located to voters.
Hard to resist those Disney balloons!
But in its 4th quarter 2021 earnings call, Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek said Disney is “aggressively” pursuing opportunities in the gambling industry, namely sports betting.
MacManus said this contradiction between portraying itself as a beacon of family values and then taking a stand on social issues that don’t align with some of the population’s ideals on family values leaves Disney open to questions like those being asked today.
“I think that’s what has grabbed some people,” she said.
©Disney Cruise Line | DCL remains the only major cruise line that doesn’t have casinos on any of its ships.
The fact that Disney drew sharp criticism from people on both sides of the controversy over the new Florida law just illustrates an evergreen problem for Disney, Best said. “Both sides think they are on the side of goodness. Both of them are p***** off, because Disney is not falling in line with their definition of good.”
Renewed Calls for a Disney Boycott
California-based Christian worship leader Sean Feucht’s Hold the Line movement is behind a series of protests that have been held outside of the Disneyland entrance. In an April 12 tweet, Feucht said the petition he has launched has been signed by more than 50,000 people.
Parent have not even begun to fight!!
Tonight at Disneyland felt historic!!!
A movement is underway! #HoldTheLine pic.twitter.com/2uOEewcskE
— Sean Feucht (@seanfeucht) April 14, 2022
The American Family Association that started the 1990s boycott is once again calling for a Disney boycott, as well, this time of the Pixar movie, “Lightyear,” set to be released on June 17.
As for the Southern Baptist Convention, this year’s annual meeting is being held at the Anaheim Convention Center in June. One of the special offers for the messengers attending the convention is a discount on Disneyland tickets, according to The Tennessean.
How many SBC messengers visit Disneyland, and how many families cancel Disney trips or movie plans or Disney+ subscriptions remains to be seen.
The Liberty Belle Riverboat in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
But, if history is any indication, Disney may just go about its business, boycott or not.
“I think that the Disney corporation figured out a long time ago that it’s going to take a certain amount of flack, and you just keep sailing,” Best said.
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
What do you think about the latest calls for a boycott of Disney? Let us know in the comments.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
The small # of people who are boycotting and/or selling their shares of stock is probably not keeping Chapek up at night. For every person staying home, there is probably someone out there deciding to go, so it’s probably an even wash. The only thing Disney really cares about these days is making money for their shareholders. Even raising prices on tickets, hotels, and food like they have, along with the not-so-popular Genie+, “pay to ride” attractions, loss of transportation between the airport and resorts, cuts in hours for those staying on property, etc., they still are drawing record crowds. So those who want to boycott, feel free — it’s not going to make any difference whatsoever to Disney (just like it hasn’t in the past). The only thing that will shake Disney up is when they have priced themselves out of the vacation market.
Yeah but that’s not the problem here. The problem is Bob took a stand on the situation when he should’ve kept his mouth shut. You can’t favor one or the other when you’re at the top. That is not your job. Everybody is equal. Everybody has a right to feel the way they wan to feel. As a CEO, you stay out of that. Your job is to run your company, make money for your stockholders, and take care of your guests. He missed that memo. And there will be major ramifications to come.
I don’t think they are getting out of this one quite as easy…
Thank you for this article. It makes me so sad that people spend so much time protesting this issue with “Disney and family values” instead of aiming that energy where it does more to help people who are hurting in this country. Disney will remain Disney whether there are protests outside their gates or not, or you watch their movies or not.
Our family just came back from Disney World and unfortunately that will be our last time. Not just because of this , but mainly for this reason that’s it . The pricing is now out of control and the wait lines at 120 minutes made it a very awful experience. Sad times. An era gone by ?
I think the line above says it all:
” . . . Disney may just go about its business . . . ”
I think Disney’s business is to entertain and isolate families from the realities of the world. It’s supposed to be a place you can go to escape your problems and avoid conflicts. There is no need for it to get involved in social or political issues. That is simply a no-win situation and a stupid move by Chapek and those in charge.
Why would you expect people to support your company if you alienate them? Just doesn’t make sense.
Boycotting doesn’t work, it just raises attention and awareness. Disney is too big to fail, with or without Bob, Disney will bounce back sooner or later.
The good thing is if people actually do boycott and stop going as many have posted, that means less crowds for the rest of us. 🙂
We are WDW AP holders. We’ve had DL APs as well. We lean right. It would be nice if Disney stayed IN the business of creating magic and stayed OUT of divisive politics. Seems the 1% are running the other 99% by forcing major changes in how Disney operates. Oddly enough if an adult discusses these topics at work, they’d likely get admonished. Kids K-3 should be learning to read, write and do math. This other stuff is just noise.
We don’t care who anyone loves and we can integrate easily in environments that are not aligned with our personal beliefs.
We’ve considered cancelling our passes but, we love our family times at Disney. I’m not going to let some squeaky wheel stop that. We see couples/families of mixed race and mixed or same gender having a great time. I applaud Disney’s inclusivity because it’s fun and should be fun for everyone. I would never approach someone at Disney because of my family beliefs or politics. Our experience in the parks have been awesome with politics as no factor. Matter of fact, when you walk in the gate, none of this drama is in your face. “If” someone approached me or my family and was rude (rude people are right, left and center leaning) would be the only time I would engage. If it escalated, I have no problem being 86’d from Disney after going hands on.
Other experience: Our daughter was in the DCP, it took a few months before her beliefs (politics, COVID, Christianity) came out. Once it did many of her left leaning pals turned into mean people. She knew said people were on the other side of the aisle but she never treated them any different than anyone else. < that was frustrating.
In closing, you can't control other people so live and let live. Disney, stay out of the hot button issues and get back to creating magic.
Boycott Disney? Good grief is all the price increases and rules about what days/parks/resorts etc. have not kept the crowds away nothing will. People love the magic. Apparently, they continue to find what they are looking for there. If the problems of cleaning up chewing gum and cigarette butts means they are not welcome in the park I love it. Who wants to try to get gum off the bottom of their flip flop in 90 degree heat. I have a lung condition. Breathing cleaner air is great.
I was not pleased with the introduction of alcohol but cast members are vigilant at keeping over imbibers under control so that does not seem as big a problem as it can be on an airline. (Was on a flight to New Orleans taken over by a gang/group going to a big football game there. They had started their party the night before flying. Flight attendant had to tell them the flight would not take off unless they sat down and put on seat belts. Also mentioned if the pilot had to make and unscheduled landing at a different airport they could miss their game.) : )
CAN Boycotts work? Sure. Will this one work? It’s very doubtful. Most people just won’t commit. They might post about in on socials, or posture in some other ways, but at the end of the day there aren’t that many of us (humans. But especially Americans) that are willing to go through the inconvenience. Avoiding anything that belongs to Disney is a pretty difficult endeavor. They own a lot of varied properties and services.
Mr. Chapek, as the CEO, should be less concerned about taking a moral stand on either side. As CEO, his PRIMARY concern should be keeping his shareholders happy. Speaking as a Disney shareholder who has watched his DIS stock value nosedive in recent weeks, Mr. Chapek has completely failed at his job.
The only exception now is that it’s not just the ACB or AFA, it’s ALL parents who are becoming keenly aware of Disney’s offensive stances. Largely thanks to the internet, we now have the latest independent news at our fingertips and can do our own research about the companies’ interests that we are supporting with our money. These two associations are not alone (and really not a drop in the bucket comparatively) in this present-day fight to get back to wholesome entertainment. The desperation parents have to find wholesome entertainment for their kids has reached a fever pitch and new companies are stepping in to fill that void that Disney left. It’s not just about Christian conservatism (although that’s what our country was built upon, including it’s laws), but it’s about protecting children’s innocence. Although the needle of general morality is tipping further and further as time passes, I think a lot of parents are waking up and realizing that Disney is no longer providing what their children need and they are looking for better sources and going back to the basics of older programming and entertainment. I think it’s going to be a much more positive outcome for children if parents are shutting off the TV and playing a game with their kids instead, or playing outside, or getting them involved in hands-on projects like gardening. There is a reason that these mainstream streaming services aren’t doing well presently. They can blame it on password sharing but we parents know why.
I have stopped going to Disney world because it has gone as far from Walt Disney’s plan and dream as it can.It has become nothing more than a nonstop money grab. They treat Castmembers terribly. They are trying to get away with only part time opportunities to save money on benefits. The pay for top management is obscene. The price to get in really only gets you in the gate and the shows. You pay extra to get on a lot of the rides. I’ve made my last excuse for what is happening to the Disney Parks. I support the gay and transgender community.
This was a most interesting article. I have heard many businesses speak out on political issues. That’s what free speech is supposed to be about. No one has to agree. I didn’t care for Ivanka Trump, but I wasn’t going to stop shopping at Nordstrom because they sold her shoes. I’ll go to Disney as long as I enjoy it/.
Let’s see.We never miss the Flower and Garden , the Food and Wine , and the last two weeks in January.Live in Michigan and have annual passes and are DVC members with 700 points.Please boycott the dates above so that we don’t have to wait so long to do anything now that Fast Pass has been replaced with the asinine Genie +
Disney probably crossed the line when they said that they were going to get involved with the politics of over turning the bill. I think Disney does best when it stays out of things because one side or the other is going to be upset. However, saying they disagree with something is one thing. Saying that they are going to get politically involved in state politics to overturn legislation is political advocacy. That in my view is inappropriate, no matter what side you are on. Disney has spent way too much time on advocating political views. Whether they are right or wrong, they pick fights they don’t need too. I don’t hear a lot about Universal trying to get involved in things like this. Individuals may be happy to see large portions of the population leave, but its not good for stockholders to have the brand broken. For me, I just want to live and let live and not have to hear about it.
Family Values? Whose? there have always been families that didn’t “fit in to the Leave It To Beaver” picture. Many children who wouldn’t have a family have one because many Americans have seen that a family isn’t just one kind of make-up. I came from a large “traditional” family consisting of parents, siblings and Grandparents all in the same small house because it’s what my hard working elders could afford. We were taught that you can’t really know someone until you get to know them and their situation. Over a long life I’ve met many “traditional valued” people who were not all that kind,or good examples. I’ve met many people who were “different” from me and mine, who were the best human beings I’ve ever met. To those who cannot see anything but through their own lens, I feel pity. It’s a big world and we are a very small part of it. I though we were a country of open-minds. If you don’t want to go to Disney because they disagree with you..don’t go. Many other people from all over the world want to go. They may not agree with you and that is ok. It’s supposedly what this country is about. Disney is made up of many different kinds of people with varied viewpoints. “Judge not” as a wise man once said.
Very well written and resourced article.
“Disney is pure and good…”
Funny, I haven’t been hearing that for a couple of decades now. If current-day Disney is dishing out a combination of fringe political propaganda AND higher prices, it’s actually possible people will find other places to spend their free time.
I always thought that the first amendment provided the freedom to speak
Your beliefs. Many changes have come about by prominent businesses and businesspersons taking a stand . Disney’s stance on equality/equity was to appease their employees and others who were about inclusivity. If the politicians (who’ve gotten contributions) don’t like that, we’ll tough s*#%! Want to boycott Disney? Please do so then there’ll be less crowds for me!
It really doesn’t matter whether a Disney boycott works or not, it’s just the right thing to do…period.
Walt must be spinning in his grave! Replacing fast pass with genie+ is just another part of corporate greed. Alcohol in the parks is another one against family values that Walt wanted. Corporate greed is tainting Disney and forcing the lower end of society from affording a Disney visit. Family fun, not at Disney in the future!
It does not matter to me if this boycott hits Disney in their pocketbook or not. At least I can feel good knowing MY money will not be spent lining their pockets. I have been a vegetarian for the last 40 years and I know there are many people that will continue to eat meat. But, as long as I don’t add to the misery of factory farming, that’s all that concerns me. If you ask me, Mr. Walt Disney must be turning over in his grave at the way Chapek has acted.