Walt’s disenchanted kingdom: Disney loses the magic of its pro-family legacy

Is Disney part of the culture, or is Disney shaping the culture?

That’s a question posed by Tony Perkins, president of Family Research Council, in the new documentary Walt’s Disenchanted Kingdom: How Disney Is Losing Its Way. The film is available on Prime Video or on DVD from the Catholic League, which released it.

Disney had long produced family-friendly viewing fare, and its theme parks offered good clean fun for children of all ages. Recently, however, Disney has gravitated away from family values, charges this documentary, by inserting homosexual and transgender characters into its programs and supporting a broader LGBT+ agenda that contributes to the sexualization and gender confusion of young children.

In March 2022, Disney condemned a Florida bill barring schools from teaching K-3 students about sexuality and gender identity. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill, believing children should not be exposed to such content without parental consent. Many school officials — and Disney — disagreed.

There’s more, the film notes. Disney parks no longer greet guests as “ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,” but as “dreamers of all ages” or simply with “hello, everyone!” It’s a nod to the LGBT+ movement: as a Disney spokesman explained, it’s “part of a broader effort around diversity and inclusion” — evidently, to include those who identify as neither male nor female.

The now-“woke” Disney has added warnings to some classic films about “stereotypes” and “outdated cultural depictions.” Culprits include the Siamese cats in Lady and the Tramp and King Louie — now labeled a racist caricature of a black man — in The Jungle Book.

Florida’s political battles and Disney’s leftward lean have not gone unnoticed by the public. Rallies and even many Disney employees have signaled distaste for Disney’s troubling trend.
 
Walt’s Disenchanted Kingdom sounds the alarm, but also a note of hope: that perhaps this once-great brand might reverse its present disastrous course and embrace traditional family values once again.