Disney World Under Secret Service Orders: Park to Close Temporarily

The United States Secret Service will “close down” Walt Disney World Resort for several days soon to pave the way for a massive LGBTQ+ takeover of the theme parks.

Walt Disney World Resort Is No Stranger to the United States Government

Disney World is no stranger to hosting exclusive events, with various government entities occasionally “taking over” the parks for special occasions throughout the year. This past summer, the Department of Defense brought annual disability games to the Magic Kingdom.

Department of Defense Warrior Games athletes and their families watch a fireworks display during an event at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Fla., June 21, 2024. The Warrior Games enhance the recovery journeys of wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans through sports. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jeff VanWey)

– @ReporterMcCabe on X

Department of Defense Warrior Games athletes and their families watch a fireworks display during an event at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Fla., June 21, 2024. The Warrior Games enhance the recovery journeys of wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans… pic.twitter.com/FiNxdETZ6w

— ReporterMcCabe (@ReporterMcCabe) July 4, 2024

Throughout the year, Disney World has become a prime location for various high-profile government events, ranging from military gatherings to special interest summits. These events often lead to partial park closures or restricted access, much to the dismay of unsuspecting tourists. The parks offer a unique blend of security, privacy, and amenities, making them attractive to federal agencies looking for a controlled environment to host their events.

However, these arrangements can significantly disrupt regular park operations, forcing guests to rethink their vacation plans. The latest instance is the U.S. Secret Service’s upcoming participation in the “Out and Equal” Workplace Summit. This LGBTQ-focused event will be held at Disney World from October 7 to October 10. As a result, certain areas of the parks will be temporarily inaccessible, leaving many guests scrambling to reschedule or rethink their vacation itineraries.

The Summit and Its Impact on WDW Guests

The “Out and Equal” Workplace Summit is one of the largest LGBTQ-focused workplace conferences in the world. The event attracts Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and thousands of attendees who gather to discuss and promote DEI initiatives. This year, the U.S. Secret Service will be a crucial participant, sending representatives from its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) office to the summit.

The Secret Service’s involvement in this conference has raised eyebrows, particularly given the agency’s current operational demands. With the presidential campaign season in full swing and security requirements at an all-time high, some question whether the agency should dedicate resources to attending a conference, even one as high-profile as this.

The summit’s timing couldn’t be more challenging for the Secret Service, which is already stretched thin as it juggles its regular duties alongside the heightened security needs of the campaign trail.

The Secret Service’s participation means more than just a temporary park closure for Disney World guests. It signals a significant government presence at the parks, likely leading to increased security measures and restricted access to certain areas. Guests planning to visit Disney World during the summit should be prepared for potential disruptions and consider adjusting their travel plans accordingly.

The Secret Service’s Dei Efforts: A Double-Edged Sword?

The Secret Service’s participation in the “Out and Equal” Workplace Summit is part of a broader effort by the agency to diversify its workforce and improve its image. An internal agency email, shared on social media by reporter Susan Crabtree of RealClear Politics, revealed that the DEIA office actively seeks nominees to attend the summit. The email, distributed agency-wide, encouraged participation and highlighted the importance of DEI initiatives within the agency.

However, not everyone is convinced that the Secret Service’s focus on DEI is well-timed. Critics argue that the agency is already overburdened with its primary mission—protecting the nation’s leaders—and that attending a conference could detract from its ability to fulfill this role. “I would like to know with the operational tempo [we’re under], how they think this is an appropriate use of manpower?” a source within the Secret Service community told Crabtree.

Adding to the controversy, many Secret Service employees already work seven days a week and have hit their “superman limit” for overtime pay. With the agency reportedly tapping into the Department of Defense for supplemental personnel to cover its increasing security needs, some question whether now is the right time for the Secret Service to focus on DEI efforts.

The Secret Service’s involvement in the LGBTQ summit at Disney World highlights the agency’s ongoing efforts to adapt to a rapidly changing cultural landscape. As the agency seeks to diversify its workforce and improve its DEI practices, it must also balance these efforts with its core mission of protecting the nation’s leaders.

This balancing act is becoming increasingly difficult as the agency faces mounting challenges, from the pressures of the presidential campaign season to the demands of high-profile events like the “Out and Equal” Workplace Summit.

For Disney World, hosting such a high-profile event further cements its reputation as a destination for government and corporate gatherings. However, for the average guest, it means navigating potential disruptions and rescheduling plans to accommodate the needs of these remarkable events.

As the Secret Service takes over Disney World for a few days this October, park-goers will experience a unique convergence of government, corporate, and cultural forces. This intersection reflects the complex realities of modern America.