Former Major League Baseball outfielder Ender Inciarte is known for Gold Gloves, clutch plays, and highlight-reel catches. But this week, the retired All-Star became the center of a very different conversation, thrusting Disney Cruise Line into an unexpected public spotlight after sharing critical comments about performers he encountered on board. In a social media post, Inciarte expressed frustration with men dressing as women during his family vacation, sparking debate across fan communities, parenting groups, and LGBTQ+ circles.Credit: DisneyA Controversial OpinionThe comments did not accuse Disney Cruise Line of rule-breaking or wrongdoing, but the tone and direction of his posts ignited immediate pushback. While many defended his right to voice an opinion, others responded sharply, saying the statements targeted gender-expressing performers and fell into territory that felt discriminatory or outdated. Inciarte disagreed with that framing, doubling down online, clarifying that his intention was not to spread hate.“It wasn’t hatred or a personal attack. It was an opinion based on my convictions. 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,” he wrote in response to one critic.His concerns centered around the idea of gender presentation in entertainment settings directed at families. Though he did not describe where the interaction happened or which experience involved the performers, Inciarte indicated that it involved programming available to children.In a separate post, he pushed back on accusations that his view was hateful.“Then where is my hate?” he told another X user. “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 former MLB player added that the issue for him was not Disney Cruise Line itself, but specifically the presence of men performing as women, writing that the experience felt inappropriate for a family-oriented vacation.“Hey @DisneyCruise.. love your cruises! Except for the part that there are man dressed as woman,” he wrote on X. “Thought you already got over it.”Hey @DisneyCruise.. love your cruises! Except for the part that there are man dressed as woman… thought you already got over it..— Ender Inciarte (@enderinciartem) December 21, 2025Has Disney Made Changes?No policy violation was described, and the performer referenced in his comments was not identified. Disney Cruise Line entertainment regularly features drag-coded cabaret performers, themed adult-only nightlife, and character entertainment that includes costuming across genres. The company also appears at the forefront of inclusive entertainment practices, with ships frequently spotlighting Pride-friendly programming, diverse casting, and gender-expression-affirming roles—particularly on sailings with adult nightlife venues.Still, Inciarte’s post resonated with groups who share his perspective, landing at the intersection of cultural debate, parenting decisions, and evolving expectations within family entertainment. Questions emerged across social media: Should cruise ships clearly label the nature of shows? Should parents expect inclusive entertainment as part of all Disney offerings? Should the responsibility fall on guests to research programming, or should guidelines be stricter?Fans pointed out that Disney Cruise Line designates certain events as 18-and-up, gives families the ability to filter activities on the Navigator app, and offers dozens of child-centered areas with no nightlife overlap. Others highlighted that drag performers and gender-fluid characters have deep roots in theater, Disney history, and animation—going back to the Genie, Ursula, Captain Hook, and even Bugs Bunny’s cross-dressing comedic bits in the Golden Age of cartoons.Supporters of inclusive performance culture argued that gender-diverse entertainers are standard across Broadway, cruise lines, theme parks, and live entertainment. Critics, however, echoed Inciarte’s sentiment, saying they want more clarity when booking family trips, and that entertainment involving gender expression should be separate or more clearly labeled.Rather than diffusing the topic, Inciarte’s follow-up explanations continued to circulate. While he emphasized that he was not attacking the performers personally, the posts spread widely, drawing both applause and condemnation. The debate mirrors larger national conversations surrounding representation, parental authority, and what qualifies as “family-appropriate” in public venues.Credit: DisneyWill Disney Cruise Line Comment?Notably, Disney Cruise Line has not issued a statement responding to the comments. Historically, the company has promoted inclusion as part of its brand identity, with cast member policies supporting diverse self-expression and entertainment offerings featuring performers across gender identities. In marketing materials, Disney Cruise Line highlights Broadway-style shows, deck parties, character meet-and-greets, and themed adult lounges—not specifying gender requirements for performers.The dispute also opens space for discussion among future travelers. Will more guests begin seeking clarity around entertainment categories? Will Disney update labeling, or are these incidents seen as edge cases within a vastly positive guest satisfaction record?Inciarte’s comments illustrate how quickly social media can transform a personal reaction into a public flashpoint. Former athletes often transition into broadcasting or brand partnerships post-retirement, but in the age of platforms like X, it only takes a few lines of text to generate national conversation. Whether his stance gains momentum or fades as a brief controversy remains to be seen.Credit: Disney CruiseFor Disney Cruise Line guests, little changes in practice: programming remains diverse, family spaces remain separated from adult nightlife, and policies remain consistent. For Inciarte, however, the moment appears to reflect deeply held beliefs about childhood environments and boundaries around gender expression in entertainment.One thing is certain—this moment demonstrates how cultural conversations now intersect with theme parks and cruises as much as sports and politics. Where one guest sees inclusive performance, another sees discomfort. Where one family enjoys boundary-breaking creativity, another questions where the line should be. Disney Cruise Line sits at the center of a conversation that is much bigger than a single sailing.And with the company continuing to champion diverse casting and inclusive narratives, the debate sparked by Inciarte’s post may not be the last. Whether viewed as an important cultural exchange or another short-lived internet debate, it adds a new chapter to the ongoing story of how family entertainment evolves—and who gets to decide what belongs on board.The post “Men Dressed as Women”: MLP All-Star Calls out Disney for Cross-Dressing Cast Members appeared first on Inside the Magic.