Friend -
You know what I’m talking about…
The happiest place on earth.
Where dreams come true.
The magic is boundless.
M-I-C, See you real soon! K-E-Y, Why? Because we like you! M - O - U - S - E
I’m talking about Disney and primarily, their parks.
It’s no mystery that I’ve got kids. And you probably think that my kids are the reason I enjoy Disney and their parks. But, in the words of Taylor Swift, “It's me, hi, I'm the problem, it's me.”
Yes, I’m one of those silly Disney Adults who enjoys taking yearly trips to Disneyland or Disney World. Albeit, I have conflicting feelings about patronizing the company as a progressive and a mom of two girls. (Ahem, ‘happily ever after’ does not need a prince.)
Most recently, Disney is locked in a feud with Ron DeSantis over the control of Reedy Creek. There are countless articles on the status of Reedy Creek with many backing Disney over DeSantis. In this instance, I want Disney to win.
But there’s another dirty battle that I want Disney to lose (though not the only battle) and that’s the battle for fair wages for its cast members. For years, Disney and the unions representing its cast members have gone toe-to-toe over $$$. With tickets and annual passes continuously rising in costs, the argument can be made that Disney can afford increasing their minimum wage. And it’s true.
There is no reason, a company like Disney who touts about making dreams come true for its guests, can’t pay the individuals behind their magical pixie dust a livable wage. Especially in our current environment with inflation everywhere except wages. And that is dead wrong.
So why do I still go? Because I’m hopeful. Or a big sucker. I know that change takes time. Sometimes it takes a longggggg time. But sometimes with enough pressure, it might not. And the pressure for Disney comes from its fans and followers. If enough of us make a stink, they’ll have to listen. That’s my reason for keeping my Mickey ears.
A progressive mom’s musings,
Edil Mari De Los Reyes
