I’ve been a massive Disney Parks fan for a LONG time, so it should be no surprise that I’m active in several Disney-related groups on Facebook. I tend to pop in and answer questions about fitting on rides, allergy menus, and some Disney basics for first timers (Yes, your 1-year-old needs to be counted on your dining reservations. Yes, you HAVE TO be 3 before your reservation day for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. You can find this character at this location.)
Yesterday, a parent in one of the groups asked a question about their daughter who wants to go to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. The question was about how to prevent their kid, who is trans, from getting misgendered. I typed a response, but when I went to hit “send,” I learned that the post was no longer available. I then posted asking what had happened… and then my post was also deleted almost immediately.
It’s pretty frustrating that the moderators in the group are just deleting posts relating to the queer community, as opposed to actually moderating the comments and removing bigots from the group.
When I first came up with the idea to create this blog, a few years ago, I knew I wanted it to be a safe place. You can find the full inclusivity statement here, but the short version is this:
Access the Mouse is a Fat-Positive, LGBTQIA+ Inclusive, Anti-Racist space.
So here’s what I’ve got to say for transgender guests in Disney World, including parents of trans kids:
First of all, BE SAFE. The political climate in Florida is scary right now. The “Disney Bubble” is wonderful, and Orlando is more progressive than much of the rest of the state. And the state government, led by Ron DeSantis, is actively trying to tear trans families apart. SB 254, which just passed in Florida’s legislative body, legalizes state-sanctioned kidnapping of trans kids from loving parents on the sole basis of the child receiving or being “at risk of” receiving gender-affirming care. The original draft of the bill also included taking cisgender children from their parents if a parent or sibling was transgender, but that was scrapped in an amendment. There is also a transgender bathroom ban that is headed to DeSantis’ desk for signature, and it’s currently unclear if this ban will be something to worry about on Disney property – but it will affect the airport if you fly in. If you have a trans kid, I’d strongly recommend you consider taking your Disney Parks trips to the West Coast for the time being.
If you are headed to the parks with someone who has a My Disney Experience account under a deadname, you ARE able to get the name changed. You don’t need to set up a new account for them, but you can’t do it on your own. You will need to call Disney at (407) 939-5277, and a Cast Member can get the name switched for you, you just have to be sure you’re linked. It’s super easy, and it works for accounts for both adults with their own MDE accounts and children who are managed by you.
If you have a party member who is uncomfortable using the gendered restrooms (for any reason) there are a number of companion restrooms located in the parks and resorts. I’ll put together a full list of these locations soon, as not all areas with a restroom have a dedicated companion restroom. (I learned that the hard way in the Adventureland Breezeway when I was having a medical problem and needed the extra space and an helper, and the bathrooms there were not set up in a way that worked for my family). The companion restrooms are single-stall, fully-enclosed, gender-neutral restrooms, and are an option for those who need them.
Pride merchandise is available in the parks, though it’s pretty limited right now. However, I’d expect it to pick up soon since Pride Month is coming up. I have seen trans flag pins among all the usual rainbow gear. I haven’t seen Disney-created pronoun pins yet, but you can always bring your own pronoun pins if you want to ensure pronouns are recognized.
In terms of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique specifically, the reservation is based on the name on the My Disney Experience account (so I do highly recommend getting that changed if a child is uncomfortable with the name currently on their account), BUT the Fairy Godmother’s Apprentices are wonderful and they will make notes of how your child wants to be addressed and introduced.
Like I said, within the “Disney Bubble” the Cast Members are great. Many of them have also moved toward more gender neutral greetings like “friend” instead of “sir” or “ma’am,” though this isn’t consistent and is something that could definitely be improved upon.
And if you have Memory Maker, be sure to get ask the PhotoPass photographers about where you can get the Rainbow Magic Shot! (I totally forgot to do this last trip and am still so bummed about it.)
I started this blog to help people who are often left behind by traditional “Disney Guides.” As member of the queer community, and as the Disney nerd I am, I’m here to share everything I know. If you have any questions or are looking for information I haven’t covered (whether it’s related to Disney for LGBTQIA+ guests, Fat Access at the Parks, Disney with Disabilities or a Mobility Device, Disney for Homeschoolers, Eating Safely at the Disney Parks with Food Allergies or other Dietary Restrictions, or just a general “How-To Do Disney” question) drop a comment or shoot an email over to accessthemouseblog@gmail.com and I’ll get back to you ASAP. I love helping people access the magic of the Disney Parks!
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