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Disney is known for creating magical experiences for children by either letting them come face to face with their favorite characters or turning them into one. This is why Hayley McLean-Glass was shocked when she was told that her son Noah could not participate in the “Princess For a Day” experience at Disneyland Paris simply because he’s a boy.
Noah loves “Frozen” and his favorite character is Elsa. So when he found out Disneyland Paris would dress him up and make him look just like his favorite princess, he was “buzzing with excitement.”
When Mclean-Glass emailed the park to sign Noah up for the event however, the response she got was not what he expected. The email from a Disney cast member read “at this time it is not possible to book princess for a day for a boy.”
“I was so angry I literally couldn’t stop shaking for half an hour afterwards,” McLean-Glass said to itv News. “I was just so shocked. I mean, I’m his mother and if I’m ok with him doing it, who are Disney to tell me that he can’t do that?”
McLean-Glass went on to point out that Disney does these kinds of experiences all the time with different types of characters and if a little girl was told she couldn’t do a Pirate experience or a Spider-Man experience, “there would be uproar.”
Disneyland Paris later released a statement apologizing to the family.
“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.”
