Mum's open letter: 'Why can't my son be a princess at Disneyland?'
A mother from Devon has shared an open letter to Disneyland Paris after they turned down her three-year-old son from taking part in their 'Princess for a Day' makeover session.
Hayley McLean shared the letter on her parenting blog, Sparkles and Stretchmarks, saying her son, Noah, loves to dress up as Disney princesses, particularly Elsa from the movie Frozen.
After visiting the resort in France twice in the past 10 months, she planned to take Noah back to Disneyland for a Princess for a Day makeover, as an early Christmas present.
The makeover involves four different packages, ranging from €55-350, including make-up, a costume, hairstyling and a photoshoot.
Hayley sent an email about a booking to the organisers, who then replied with a brief email, stating "it is not possible to book Princess for a Day for a boy", instead offering him a cuddly toy or a playset.
Surprised by the response, Hayley went on to ask, in her open letter, if the same "rule" would apply if Disneyland were to "introduce an activity at your parks that is only for boys", going on to say that nothing is offered just for boys at the resort, as it would "never be allowed".
She said she initially sent an email to alert the team of her son's gender, in case any "behind-the-times" staff member were to make a "comment that would burst his bubble" or "doubt himself and the things he likes."
Hayley, who mentioned the resort had become "her escape from anxiety and mental health issues", says she remains "baffled" and "disappointed" and is awaiting Disneyland to give her a reason behind their decision.
Emphasising that the dress choice was Noah's, Hayley also mentions that her other two sons would "recoil in horror" at the mention of wearing a dress.
Disneyland Paris is also set to host 'Magical Pride' this October. The event is aimed at celebrating Pride and will include a private party at the Walt Disney studios and a mini-break in partnership with Manchester Pride.
Hayley ended the letter as being from "a very sad and disappointed mother of a very sad & disappointed little Disney fanatic."
Watch Noah's mother, Hayley McLean speak to ITV West Country below: