Disney began its new initiative on July 1 when fireworks returned to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.
What We Know:
- Before any performance, Walt Disney World plays an automated announcement. Usually, it will say “ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,” but audiences heard something different before the Happily Ever After fireworks spectacular. From now on, guests will hear “dreamers of all ages” before any of Disney’s shows.
- A Disney spokesperson told Newsweek that Disney Parks officials want to promote diversity as part of Disney’s Diversity & Inclusion Policy. Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Josh D’Amaro wrote in an April blog post that Disney wants their guests to see their own backgrounds and traditions reflected in all their interactions at the parks. Additionally, they also want their cast members to feel a sense of belonging at work.
- Disney Parks fans expressed mixed feelings on the changes via social media. Some stated that although it felt odd to hear the new introduction, they liked feeling validated.
I just saw that Disney World removed the phrase “ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls” from before the fireworks. And yeah it was a little odd to hear after all these years, but I’m just so happy to be included now.
— 💜 Mx Ackerman 💜 (@levis_dartfrog) July 2, 2021
- Others said they did not think the change was necessary.
I’m about 99.99% positive no trans, binary,gay whatever the rest are ever came out & complained they didn’t feel “included” while at Disney bc of some “announcement”stating”boys and girls”. All of this “racist”& “inclusion” hype all of a sudden is gov made. To change our country.
— kaymarie (@kaymarie631) July 2, 2021
- Walt Disney World suspended all their fireworks last March when they shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic. Alongside Magic Kingdom’s Happily Ever After, Walt Disney World also brought back Epcot’s Epcot Forever on July 1.
Disney’s international parks, such as Tokyo Disney Resort, already started implemented gender-neutral greetings. The company’s flagship resort, Disneyland, rolled out its new introduction when they re-instated their fireworks show on July 4.