A video showing a group of women holding a bible study at Walt Disney World has sparked a heated debate online. In the video, we can see that guests attending the bible study took over a handful of tables in the outdoor seating area at Backlot Express, a quick-service restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. A speaker addresses the group first, presumably covering a bible verse or verses to be studied. Smaller clusters of four to five women per table then discuss the verse or verses covered. Reactions to the clip have been sharply divided. Some guests are now questioning whether the gathering breaks Walt Disney World’s official park rules.
Bible Study at Walt Disney World Sparks Online Debate
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- A viral video shows an organized bible study taking place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Social media reactions are split on whether the gathering is appropriate for a theme park setting
- We break down what Walt Disney World’s official property rules actually say about the gathering
Instagram user itsprincesspresley posted the video that’s drawn significant attention on social media. It shows a group of roughly two dozen guests seated at tables in the Backlot Express dining area. The women can be heard discussing a bible verse or verses together. Text in the video describes it as a bible study at Hollywood Studios. It’s aimed at the “girlies who love Jesus & Disney”.
Instagram user leightonnelizabeth hosts the bible studies, according to the video. Her Instagram page links to a group called Girls Disney Bible Study. Its FAQ states that meetups happen roughly one to two times per month at Disney. Organizers describe the gatherings as a time for the group to get to know each other and study God’s Word. The plan also includes praying together, grabbing a snack, and then riding rides. Guests hoping to join need to bring a bible, a notebook, and a pen.
A separate video shows a similar bible study taking place at Magic Kingdom.
Social Media Reactions Split on the Gathering
Reactions to the video have ranged widely. Some guests have voiced support for the idea. Others have called it inappropriate for a theme park setting. A number of commenters have drawn comparisons to other organized guest meetups in the parks such as Dapper Day and Gay Days.
Beyond that, Disney influencers and fan sites have hosted meetups in the theme parks before. As for what the Walt Disney World theme park rules say about a bible study, it’s not exactly cut and dry.
What Do Walt Disney World’s Park Rules Actually Say?
Whether the bible study breaks Walt Disney World’s official park rules is less clear-cut than either side of the online debate suggests. The most direct mention of religion in the rules concerns unauthorized solicitations. Walt Disney World prohibits unauthorized solicitations of any kind, whether commercial, religious, educational or otherwise. That includes any unauthorized commercial activities, such as solicitations of money or other contributions or donations. The video posted to social media didn’t show any solicitation of money. That particular rule doesn’t appear to apply here.
A separate rule more broadly covers unauthorized events, speeches, or use of any flag, banner, sign, or other material. This is the rule where the bible study could arguably run into trouble. Someone could consider it an unauthorized event or unauthorized speech. But the rule specifically limits that language to material used for commercial purposes, or as part of a demonstration. Based on what’s shown in the video, the gathering doesn’t clearly meet either of those conditions.
Any organized gathering in the parks or resorts would ideally gain Disney’s approval, regardless of how those specific rules get interpreted. Walt Disney World is private property. Disney can deny admission or remove any guest at its sole and absolute discretion, per the same rules.
We have reached out to Walt Disney World for comment on the bible study. So far, Disney has not returned a request for comment or more information about the park rules as it relates to gatherings like this bible study.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!