Disney Cancels Free Ticket Program which Served Underprivileged Kids
Disney is canceling its free ticket program which served underprivileged kids, and they are citing the pandemic as the reason why. Do you think this was a wise decision in a time when prices are higher than ever and experiences have been cut?
Walt Disney's Special Relationship with Anaheim Schools
The Walt Disney Company has a special relationship with schools in Anaheim, California - specifically the school named after Walt himself.
It all started in the 1950's when Walt Disney would visit the school. At the renaming ceremony, Walt spoke to the students at the school and then took them all to Disneyland Park.
He would occasionally show up for years after, treating teachers to lunch and visiting with the students.
"Happiest Class" Program
For the 60th anniversary of Disneyland, the "Happiest Class" program began in 2015. 6th grade students who completed a service project were given free tickets to the park.
Set to last 10 years, the promotion was so popular everyone knew about it and wanted to participate. Some would fundraise for non-profit organizations, send letters to troops overseas, or volunteered at senior centers.
One teacher at the school said it encouraged group work and service learning. They also gained lifetime memories, and of course, looked forward to going to the Happiest Place on Earth.
Decision to Cut the Program Early
However, the program has abruptly ended 5 years into the program. Disney cites the pandemic as the reasoning along with making other business-related decisions.
This will be a huge blow to the students who have looked forward to this for years. Students living in the Magnolia district of Anaheim are overwhelmingly underprivileged. Almost 90% of the students qualify for free or reduced lunches. For many this program was the only way they could go to Disneyland, a park they live so close to, during their childhood.
Teachers say they are distraught over this decision, and the students will be heartbroken when they learn the news.
To make matters even worse, the schools had to contact Disney because they had still not given out the tickets from the 2019-2020 school year. Fortunately, those students will be receiving two tickets instead of one, but it is unclear whether 2020-2021 students have received theirs.
Consequences of this Decision
Not only is this devastating to the people of the Anaheim community, it also is not a good look for The Walt Disney Company. Disney has made many decisions in the last year and a half that are making it harder for people to justify a Disney vacation.
Increasing ticket prices, hotels, and food along with cutting park and event offerings has really made look the company look greedier than ever.
Many have voiced their opinions of the new paid Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane programs that will soon take over the previous free FastPass+ and MaxPass.
While we at Kenny the Pirate write about the magical great things about Disney, we also do not shy away from the bad stuff either. It seems to be one bad decision after another that is driving a wedge between Disney and its visitors.
What do you think of Disney's decision to cut the free ticket program for underprivileged kids? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below or on Facebook.
Source: OC Register
Here I thought budget cuts started with the top brass - overpaid executives & overzealous VIP spending. But the Disney Board Admin. thinks it's best move is to start with the benefits for underprivileged kids first- seriously? No college degree here-and even I find this and ignorant and laughable decision. Shame on all of you. Karma is a b**** you never want to meet, just saying.
They are canceling a program for underprivileged kids - because of the pandemic- while others are allowed to go during the same pandemic. What complete and utter bull----.
Cheapek has gone too far. Cares only about money....ruining the Brand and the Magic. Worst CEO ever! Bye bye Disney World. Time to start exploring the rest of rhis great country.
Incase anyone is confused, Disney no longer wants to serve the plebes. They increased prices so only the rich can afford to go to any US Disney resort. Somehow they figure that they can make money doing this. When they've run those operations into the ground, they won't be able to revive them again. Maybe that's the plan, for someone at least.
This is such a bad look for disney. With everything else they are doing, to end this program for underprivileged kids is really rock-bottom. Are they that anxious to show they have absolutely no soul or conscience? Bad idea in my opinion.
Very Bad move Disney. Shows no heart
So Chapek can afford a multi million dollar home but they have to cancel the program for underprivileged kids! It’s a disgrace and I’m ashamed of Disney! This is beyond the pale.
Chapek needs to GO! how disgusting. I have much more to say, but I'll stop here because it'll turn into a novel with some un Disney like words
Wow. This is so disgusting! I am SO sick of hearing that the pandemic is the reason for all of the crappy services & products! Enough is enough!! I read this article after reading about the new annual pass prices/offerings so forgive me for feeling SO completely disgusted. Enough is enough.
Not a good look for Disney at all. Just another point that Disney is becoming just a rich person destination. Makes me sad. Disney is a business and has a right to make money... but not by pushing the poor and middle class families...
Horrible decision by Disney! Just another example of the greediness of Bob Chapek and other administrators who run Disney. I think Disney could well afford to continue giving out tickets to these underprivileged kids. Just another reason I'm happy to have cancelled my vacation to WDW. The more I hear, the more angry I get with them. Disney has certainly lost its magic! All they care about is money - no longer about its customers.