A Disney billboard in Orlando, Florida was criticised by Pastor Eddie DelValle due to its title, "Mickey's Very Merry Party." He said the kid-enticing billboard lacked something important: God.
Pastor DelValle of With Love Ministries noticed the billboard missing the word "Christmas" while driving to Disneyland with his wife, One News Now reported.
"I just couldn't believe it," said the Pastor. "I think this is a literal element of Disney to just eliminate the word Christmas."
The whole family has been attending Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party for the past eight years as a tradition. However, due to Disney's change of billboard ad, the pastor opted not to take part of the event this year. He also removed all Disney-themed decorations in his house to express his disappointment.
In an interview with TheBlaze, DelValle said a Disney guest service staffer told him that such change was done intentionally so "they wouldn't offend people."
However, the staff's explanation was far from the company's statement. A Disney representative said the online advertising material was purposely shortened for "readability" purpose.
"Our event is still named Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, and the majority of our marketing materials reflect that," said Bryan Malenius, Disney spokesman. "For billboards and a few smaller online ads, we shortened the event name in the interest of space and readability."
DelValle was not convinced of the company's statement. He said, "I'm not buying that. That billboard is huge ... there's plenty of room to put Christmas there."
Disney made controversies prior to their billboard ad. A few months ago, "Frozen" song writers Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez said Disney "does not welcome God and religious themes into its movies."
Amy is a Press Services International Columnist from Adelaide. She has a BA in Creative Writing and Screen & Media, and now works as a freelance photographer, videographer and writer. She was runner-up in the 2018 Basil Sellars Award. Her previous articles can be viewed here: http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/amy-manners.html