Disney Parks around the world are changing, and embracing gender inclusion. A subject that is in the news a lot these days, gender inclusion is the notion that all opportunities, services and establishments are open to all people. This means that male and female stereotypes do not define societal roles and expectations. As for Disney, they want to ensure that all their guests and employees feel included and comfortable in their parks.
Disney accommodating social changes
For some time now, Disney has been making changes to various aspects of its operations in order to accommodate the latest social changes. So far, changes have included making amendments to rides, such as Jungle Cruises and Splash Mountain. It has also been extended to placing warning labels on the streaming of its classic films on Disney+. Basically, Disney Parks around the world want to make sure that all their guests and employees feel included in their parks.
The latest move came to light at the preview of the Orlando, Florida theme park’s “Happily Ever After” fireworks display on Wednesday. However, the change does, apparently, extend throughout the Disney empire and is being used in more than just fireworks displays, according to a spokesperson for Tokyo Disneyland.
In the case of Orlando, Florida, the park’s automated announcement before the firework display was different. The traditional phrase, “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,” was conspicuous by its absence, as they played, instead, “Good evening, dreamers of all ages.”
In the tweeted video included here, readers can hear the original recording as at 2020, followed by the new announcement for 2021. In the video itself, Jack Wagner, the Disney’s voiceover person, says, “I think I’ve said ‘Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls’ about 8 million times.
Disney removes ”Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls” from Happily Ever After pre show announcement.
Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls FOREVER! pic.twitter.com/joWLcYBgMf
— Showcase of Wishes (@ShowcaseWishes) June 30, 2021
Immediate responses on social media tend to condemn the move, with many users believing the embrace of diversity and inclusion has been taken a step too far. The tweet above is an example, as in their caption they write, “Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls FOREVER!”
Changes throughout Disney Parks
Meanwhile, similar changes have already started to roll out in Disney’s language in parks around the world, including Tokyo Disney Resort. The changes will also be made, effective immediately, to all pre-recorded announcements in the original Disneyland in Anaheim, California.
According to Yahoo Life, Disney has made no official confirmation of the fireworks announcement or any other changes made by the parks. However, a spokesperson for Oriental Land Company, Tokyo Disneyland’s licensee, has acknowledged similar changes that the company has implemented. However, instead of “dreamers everywhere,” Japan changed the gender specificity to “everyone.” The spokesperson said the change had been made to make people of all sexual and gender identities “feel comfortable in the park.”
The spokesperson said, “It is a comprehensive judgment considering the current social situation, such as diversity.”
“Currently, information on parades and shows, Country Bear Theater in Tokyo Disneyland, and the Enchanted Tiki Room: Some attractions, such as Stitch Presents ‘Aloha e Como Mai,’ have already changed,” they added.
Anyone planning on visiting Disney’s parks can expect to hear the new announcement during their next visit.
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Photo credit: Deposit photos
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