Part 6/8:
The decision to expand into the UAE, particularly given the LGBTQ+ community's vocal opposition to many prevailing attitudes in the region, has led to frustration within Disney’s traditional fan base. Many consumers now wonder who Disney is trying to serve, questioning how the company's decisions align with the values they believe it once stood for.
The juxtaposition of promoting LGBTQ+ rights while traveling to and forming alliances in areas where such rights may not only be frowned upon but punished underscores a fundamental challenge for Disney's identity as a brand. The expectation that the former fans may place on the company to hold true to its values introduces a dilemma regarding financial gain versus ideological consistency.