Baseball Star Voices Concerns About Disney Cruise Experience
Former MLB All-Star Ender Inciarte recently shared his thoughts about an aspect of Disney Cruise Line that left him feeling uncomfortable. Taking to social media platform X on Sunday, the three-time Gold Glove winner expressed appreciation for Disney cruises overall but voiced concern about what he described as men dressed as women on a cruise line that primarily caters to families with children. “Hey @DisneyCruise.. love your cruises! Except for the part that there are man dressed as woman,” Inciarte wrote. “Thought you already got over it.” While his post didn’t provide specific details about what prompted his comment, it quickly generated responses from users with varying perspectives.
When faced with criticism suggesting his comments were spreading hatred, Inciarte defended his position, explaining that he was simply sharing his personal viewpoint based on his own values. “It wasn’t hatred or a personal attack. It was an opinion based on my convictions,” he responded to one critic. “I believe in respecting everyone, but also in calling things by their name without mockery or contempt. Living in peace doesn’t mean silencing one’s conscience.” In response to another user, he elaborated further on his concerns, particularly as they related to his role as a parent: “All I am saying is having my kid enter a place where a 6ft tall guy is dressed as a woman and acting like one would traumatize my kid on a family cruise. I don’t think it’s hate, I just don’t want to normalize that behavior.”
The baseball star’s comments highlight the ongoing cultural conversations about gender expression and family entertainment. Inciarte, who played nine seasons in Major League Baseball between 2014 and 2022, received both criticism and support for his remarks. Among those expressing support was Payton McNabb, a former volleyball player associated with the Save Women’s Sports movement, which advocates against transgender inclusion in women’s and girls’ sports competitions. Disney Cruise Line, known for its family-oriented vacation experiences, had not issued a response to Inciarte’s comments at the time of reporting, according to Fox News Digital.
Inciarte’s MLB career spanned nearly a decade, with the Venezuelan native spending most of his time (six years) with the Atlanta Braves. He also played for the Arizona Diamondbacks for two seasons and had a brief stint with the New York Mets. His standout year came in 2017 when he earned his only All-Star selection, finishing the season with impressive statistics: a .304 batting average, 201 hits, 27 doubles, and 11 home runs. Throughout his career, he was particularly known for his defensive excellence in the outfield, earning three consecutive Gold Glove awards from 2016 to 2018.
The situation raises questions about the intersection of entertainment, family values, and individual expression on vacation experiences designed to appeal to diverse audiences. Disney’s entertainment offerings have long featured costumed characters and theatrical performances as part of their signature experience. While Inciarte’s comments specifically addressed Disney Cruise Line, they reflect broader conversations happening across society about gender expression, parental concerns, and what constitutes age-appropriate entertainment in family settings.
In sharing his perspective, Inciarte joins other public figures who have used their platforms to voice opinions on cultural matters extending beyond their professional domains. His comments, while generating mixed reactions, demonstrate how social media has created spaces where celebrities and athletes can directly share personal viewpoints with the public, sometimes sparking larger discussions about values, entertainment, and the evolving nature of family experiences in today’s diverse society. As these conversations continue, they reflect the complex balance companies like Disney must navigate between maintaining traditional family appeal while also embracing inclusivity and evolving social norms.
