Opinion: Has Walt Disney World Gone Back In the Closet? Today is June 12th, 2025, the horrific anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub massacre, where 49 members of the LGBTQ+ community lost their lives in a hate-fueled attack. It has been 12 days since Pride Month started, a time dedicated to honoring the Stonewall Uprising and acknowledging the profound impact of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history.
It’s a month-long celebration filled with diverse events like parades, festivals, and rallies, all aimed at promoting acceptance, equality, and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. For many, this global celebration extends to places like Disney Parks, whose parent company, The Walt Disney Company, has a long history of supporting and celebrating its LGBTQ+ community through various initiatives and events. Walt Disney World, in particular, has always been an advocate and an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. So why the silence in 2025?
The silence extends beyond official Disney channels. A notable absence of Pride-related content has also been observed across many Disney-focused influencers and blogs, raising questions about the availability of Pride-related snacks and treats or a broader shift in focus.
We have seen individual eateries at Disney Springs make social media posts. Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin, Everglazed Donuts, Patina Restaurant Group, which runs The Edison, Maria & Enzo’s, along with Morimoto’s. Furthermore, Paddlefish, Summer House on the Lake, and Splitsville have each at least acknowledged Pride Month with social media posts. Silence from the Disney Eats / Parks Social Media Team!
We are in the Disney World Parks and at Springs multiple times a week, and we have seen with our own eyes the Pride snacks and treats being offered at various eateries, although much less than in previous years. The Pride Dome Cake at Sleepy Hollow, Rainbow Mickey Cereal Treat at Main Street Confectionery, and the Tropical Rainbow at Coca-Cola in Springs, among others that Disney Eats would in past years post about.
Example of past posts related to Walt Disney World:
- May 25th, 2023 – Disney Eats: Foodie Guide to Pride Month 2023
- May 30th, 2024 – Disney Eats: Pride Month Foodie Guide 2024
- June 1st, 2024 – Disney Springs Instagram – Share your pride! 🌈 Join us during the month of June.
- June 24th, 2024 – Disney Springs Instagram – This piece celebrates LGBTQIA+ pride and authenticity, along with the transformative power of community.
This year, many have noticed that Disney, including Walt Disney World and Disney Springs, has been much quieter about Pride Month. This isn’t a criticism of anyone specifically, as Disney has supported the LGBTQ+ community publicly in the past. But in 2025, their silence is very noticeable to some, including us.
This change seems to be happening while Disney faces more political challenges, especially in Florida. After Florida passed the “Don’t Say Gay” law and Disney had public disagreements with the state, some think Disney might be trying to avoid more controversy or keep its brand out of politics.
For many LGBTQ+ fans and their allies who appreciated Disney’s past support, this quiet approach in 2025 feels like a step back. It makes people wonder if Disney’s commitment to inclusivity is as strong as it once was. It’s also possible Disney is simply choosing to highlight its support for guests and employees behind the scenes rather than making public statements. The political climate in our Country is crazy right now. People are basing their whole personalities on one party or the other. Could this division be why Disney is being silent? We do not know, but we have noticed.
Let’s be clear, inside Walt Disney World parks and Springs, there are Pride Walls, Pride Snacks, and Pride Merchandise. There is just silence to the outside world about these offerings. We would guess 2025, and probably the next few years, are going to be low-key. When and if there is a post about Disney World and Pride Month from any of the social media team this Pride Month, we will gladly make sure to shout that out also.
Opinion: Has Walt Disney World Gone Back In the Closet?
