Guests visiting the Most Magical Place on Earth won’t hear the familiar words, “ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls” anymore. That’s because Disney is scrubbing any references to traditional gender roles at its theme parks, according to Newsweek.
The change comes in the midst of weeks of tension from a culture war amongst the Walt Disney Company, fans of Disney, and the State of Florida legislature related to Florida’s House Bill 1557, the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which was signed into law on Monday by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Disney’s inclusion and diversity manager, Vivian Ware, announced the removal of nods to traditional gender roles in a video on Twitter, posted by Christopher Rufo. In the video, Ware is giving a presentation via video call, and the “reimagine tomorrow” can be seen on the upper right-hand side of the screen. Ware explained that last summer, live announcements that Guests hear at attractions at Disney Parks were devoid of the traditional “gendered greetings,” which welcome Guests–“ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.”
SCOOP: Disney diversity and inclusion manager Vivian Ware says the company has eliminated all mentions of "ladies," "gentlemen," "boys," and "girls" in its theme parks in order to create "that magical moment" for children who do not identify with traditional gender roles. pic.twitter.com/OWsGTUoeCA
— Christopher F. Rufo ⚔️ (@realchrisrufo) March 29, 2022
“We don’t want to just assume because someone might be, in our interpretation, presenting as female, that they want to be called ‘princess,’” Ware said in the video, which is accompanied by an American Sign Language translator.
“So we no longer say ‘ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,’” Ware explained in the video. “We’ve provided trainings for all of our Cast Members and in relationship to that so now they know it’s, ‘hello everyone’ or ‘hello friends.’”
Ware said that Disney is currently in the process of making changes to its recorded messages at its theme parks. During the nighttime spectacular at Magic Kingdom, Disney Enchantment, the welcome greeting extends to “dreamers of all ages,” rather than “ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.”
Disney has announced dates for the 2022 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. Guests can sip, savor, and stroll, beginning July 14, 2022. Can’t make it over the summer? That’s ok because the festival runs through November 19.
Walt Disney World Resort invites Guests to enjoy a “smorgasbord of culinary delights” and “prepare their taste buds to go on an epicurean journey and discover new concepts and menu items at more than 25 Global Marketplaces located throughout EPCOT.”
Guest favorites that will be returning to this year’s festival include The Swanky Saucy Swine, Appleseed Orchard, Hops & Barley, Earth Eats hosted by Impossible, and Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLE. In addition to that, some Global Marketplaces will open a few weeks after the opening of the festival, just to keep things interesting during the 129-day event!
The Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare will also return this year. Internationally recognized artists will be on hand, and locals bands will take the stage at the America Gardens Theatre.
Disney World Resort invites Guests to experience even more magic at EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival this year. Guests can:
Embark on a Ratatouille-inspired adventure that’s très magnifique with Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak. Kids of all ages can search for Remy on a savory scavenger hunt around EPCOT.
Try delicious cheeses served in fun ways as part of Emile’s Fromage Montage, and collect stamps in the festival passport after making eligible purchases at select Global Marketplaces.
Commemorate your visit with official festival event merchandise, including apparel, home décor, trading pins, and more.
And as long as you’re visiting for EPCOT’s International Food and Wine Festival, why not stay and enjoy other offerings at EPCOT, like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, “Harmonious” and the Spaceship Earth Beacon of Magic.
One of the most unpopular lingering impacts of the pandemic on the guest experience at Disney World has been that guests have not been able to enjoy up-close character greetings. For over two years the iconic hug and an autograph from Mickey that for many guests is the quintessential Disney World experience has been strictly off-limits.
When Disney World reopened after the four-month closure at the start of the pandemic, character offerings began with character cavalcades only. Since then, while many characters have returned to their original greeting places, physical distancing measures have remained and there is a strict no contact rule for guests and characters. Obviously, this has meant no hugs, no autographs, and only selfies from a distance. As most things at Disney World have gradually moved back to normal (or some new version of it) the question on a lot of guests’ minds has been — when will “normal” character greetings return (and why has it taken so long)?
From a Disney Cast Member;
It’s been so great to see live entertainment returning to our theme parks, resorts, and cruise ships, and today, I’m thrilled to tell you about another quintessential Disney entertainment experience that’s on the way back. As early as April 18, we will start reintroducing traditional character greetings at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, as well as aboard Disney Cruise Line and at Aulani Resort in Hawaii. That’s right! Very soon, you will once again be able to hug Mickey Mouse, get an autograph from Mulan, and share a laugh with Goofy. We know many of you have missed these special moments, and your Disney character friends have missed you, too!
During the past two years, we’ve taken a very gradual, intentional approach to health and safety protocols. Recent trends and guidance have provided opportunities for us to bring back some of our most beloved magic, like character greetings and dining experiences. While not all locations will be available immediately, we anticipate reopening in phases throughout the spring and early summer.
This exciting milestone continues the recent, powerful momentum of returning entertainment across the Disney parks and resorts. As part of the 50th Anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World, we’ve welcomed back shows such as “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” and “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular,” along with the Disney “Festival of Fantasy” Parade and new experiences like “Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade.” This spring, Disneyland will see the return of several beloved nighttime spectaculars, including “World of Color,” “Disneyland Forever,” “Fantasmic!” and “Main Street Electrical Parade,” celebrating its own 50th anniversary. And aboard Disney Cruise Line, we’re once again delighting guests with fireworks at sea and magnificent, Broadway-style shows on every ship.
So, with character greetings coming back this spring, who’s at the top of your “must meet” list for your next Disney vacation?
This is a welcome change. Since character greetings returned last fall with “individual time” physical distancing measures such as a barrier (rope, fence, planters, etc) have been used to keep guests distanced from the characters. Also, no autographs have been allowed.
Guest interest in when the policy would be updated spiked recently when guests noticed that there are no physical distancing measures in place at the new Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser hotel. Guests have seen videos of characters hugging and mixing with guests with no precautions, which begged the question if it’s okay in the trendy hotel where guests pay thousands for a two-day experience, why is it not okay in the parks?
Thankfully, the measures will be dropped and we’ll be able to hug Mickey and other characters again!
EPCOT’s newest quick-service restaurant is almost ready and is opening soon! Disney has released the menu and a first look at some of the items that will be available.
From a Disney Cast Member;
Are you excited for your soon-to-be new favorite foodie spot at EPCOT? Connections Café and Eatery will soon open its doors to hungry patrons. But this isn’t your average dining location. It’s a unique experience, embracing the cultures from around the world and bringing them to you in true EPCOT fashion. In case you didn’t know, this new location will officially be opening spring 2022!
Connections Eatery is a new fast-casual quick-service restaurant. What makes it unique is it gets its inspiration from the delicious cuisines from across the globe. As part of World Celebration, where we embrace coming together and enjoying the magic of possibility, the purpose of Connections Eatery is to show us how food has the power to bring us together if we open our minds (and our stomachs)! Once inside, you can get a glimpse of the chefs in action as you watch desserts get their finishing touches and witness pizza makers work their magic crafting pizza dough.
Now it’s time to get to the fun part … what you can snack on once this spot opens. I don’t know about you, but I am very excited to try each and every one of these dishes and beverages that have been expertly crafted by the culinary masterminds at EPCOT.
Without further ado, here is a preview of the menu for the highly anticipated Connections Eatery!
Now, let’s break down these mouthwatering options. Worldwide sandwich selections offer choices for everyone. From the French Bistro Burger with caramelized onions, bacon, and brie to the Southwestern Burger featuring a roasted chipotle-corn salsa and guacamole spread – yum! You can’t go wrong with the Vietnamese-inspired Banh Mi Burger or the Greek-inspired Mediterranean Burger. You’ll want to try each dish.
For a lighter option, consider one of the salads inspired by French and Chinese cuisines. First up, the Niçoise-style Salad is packed with potatoes, white and green beans, and olives drizzled with a delicious Dijon vinaigrette. For an Asian flare, get the General Tso Chicken Salad featuring ingredients like broccoli slaw, red bell pepper, mandarin oranges, and crispy wontons.
If you’re anything like me, you love pizza, and likely your mouth is watering just thinking about one of the four pizzas available. If you want a more classic option, the Meatball Pizza is the pie for you. The Curry Spice Pizza topped with carrots, potato, peas, and lime “yogurt” puts a new plant-based twist on the classic pizza.
And don’t forget about the little ones. With items like the Grilled Chicken Bao or classics like the Chicken Nuggets Basket or Cheeseburger, they’ll be asking to go back to Connections Eatery again and again!
Now onto the highly anticipated part of any dining experience … dessert! This spot will feature an option that is both beautiful and delicious –the Liege Waffle. This treat will make you and your taste buds very happy as these treats are made with brioche yeast dough stuffed with pearl sugar and finished with some tasty toppings.
If you love yourself some shakes, these two options will blow you away. First, we’ve got a Mango-Coconut Milk Shake topped off with a pomegranate molasses drizzle for a nice, refreshing beverage. For a more dessert feel, the Apple Pie Gelato Shake will give you that sweet fix you crave.
Whether you’re interested in an adult beverage or a non-alcoholic one, you have options. The Watermelon-Mint Agua Fresca is alcohol-free so the whole family can enjoy it together! For those over 21, there are multiple wines and draft beers available, along with the Cucumber and Thai Basil Cooler, a specialty cocktail filled with freshness and flavor.
I’m also happy to remind you that the future home of Starbucks at EPCOT will be at – you guessed it – Connections Café! Like other Starbucks locations inside our theme parks, this Starbucks will be designed to fit the theme of its surroundings and add yet another exciting chapter in the EPCOT Transformation.
We look forward to welcoming you to Connections Café and Eatery very soon!
The past month has been a tumultuous one for Disney with scandal after scandal popping up and surrounding the company seemingly every few days.
Now, according to Netolabo, the Tokyo Disney Resort operator has now been ordered to pay damages to an unnamed woman who filed her lawsuit back in 2018 due to violations of safety and accusation of harassment. The woman worked at the Resort as a character performer for over a decade. The Oriental Land Company, where she worked as a character performer for thirteen years.
Reportedly, supervisors at the Park spread rumors about her and other Cast Members working there, saying things like “Women over 30 shouldn’t work here, why don’t you quit already” to the woman. In a statement to the press, she said “I have endured this for many years, but nothing will change if I just put up with it. My dream is to have a workplace where I can continue to work with peace of mind, where there is no power harassment.”
Also included in the lawsuit was an incident involving the woman’s finger. According to the suit, the woman’s finger was injured after a Guest twisted in, The woman said her claims for worker’s compensation were quickly dismissed, claiming she was told “You’re an entertainer, you have to put up with that sort of thing. You’re so weak,” the boss reportedly said.
The suit was filed by the woman with damages reported to be ¥3.3 million or around $30,000. The woman claimed that the Oriental Land Company, the organization that runs and operates the Tokyo Disney Resort, failed to educate its employees on the prevention of harassment and also failed to take measures to relieve victim’s suffering. Now, a ruling was reached with the judge ordering Oriental Land to pay ¥880,000 or $7100 to the woman in damages.
In the midst of this legal drama, the Oriental Land Company released a statement saying “It is truly regrettable that some of our claims were not recognized in this judgment, and we will consider our future response after carefully examining the details of the judgment. In addition, no statements were found to fall under the category of ‘power harassment’ as claimed by the plaintiff. We apologize for the concern we have caused to our Guests and all those who support us on a daily basis.”
