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.

All event dates are also available for the Very Merriest After Hours event, which may signify people being fed up with Disney’s pricing methods.

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