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.”
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!
When Walt Disney decided to build a brand-new theme park in Central Florida, he knew he had to be secretive about it. Walt’s Disneyland Park was seeing massive success, and the ingenious creator knew that if people knew he was the one looking to buy land, the price he would pay would skyrocket. In order to keep things on the down-low, he created a number of shell companies to buy the land. Those shell companies would then be united as part of the Reedy Creek Improvement District with the passing of a government act in 1967.
Reedy Creek is technically its own little government. It has its own electric grid, its own medical services, and even its own Wi-Fi service. It has been nearly completely independent since 1967. During that time, things have been going well for both Disney and the state of Florida. Disney is one of the largest employers in the state, and Florida rakes in millions of dollars every year in Disney World tourism.
Unfortunately, the relationship between Disney and Florida has recently become incredibly strained. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law the Parental Rights in Education Bill — which Disney was very vocal about being against. Disney has said they will work to repeal the bill, and DeSantis has said that Disney does not run the state.
Every day, it appears that the relationship between Disney and Florida falls apart a little more. It is now being reported that several Florida legislators are looking at repealing the Reedy Creek act that granted Disney its own government. According to ClickOrlando:
“In effect, they’re their own city out there. They can zone the way they want. They can do things the way they want. They can even build a nuclear power plant if they want,” News 6 political analyst Jim Clark said.
Those rights are now being discussed among some Florida lawmakers who are thinking about repealing the Reedy Creek Improvement Act of 1967.
“I think that this is a feud that is escalating into a war between Florida Republicans and the Disney corporation which is the largest single-site employer in Florida,” Clark said.
Richard Foglesong, a retired Rollins College political science professor and the author of Married to the Mouse, said he believes talks of revoking the act is just a way of the Republican party showing what they stand for, but no real change will come out of those discussions.
“If you ask me whether it’s politically possible to take these privileges away from the Disney company, I don’t think so,” Foglesong said. “I think that cooler minds will prevail and that this is really a shot across the bow to try to bring the Disney company, Mickey Mouse if you will, into line with Governor DeSantis. I thought it was more of March Madness of the political kind, the thought that the Republican Party, which used to be the party of business, would want to take on of their biggest donors.”
If Republican legislators try to dissolve the Reedy Creek Improvement District, it would most likely only make the relationship worse. Disney is currently planning to move thousands of employees to the state. Lake Nona, Florida is set to be the new Imagineering hub. Disney will receive major tax breaks for doing so, but Florida would also get millions of dollars. It is already rumored that Chapek is being pressured to stop the move, and if legislators try to follow through on their threat, that rumor could become reality.
Disney has not commented on the possible repeal at this time.
It’s hard to believe that the month of April is only one week away. Earth Day, Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s anniversary, is now under one month away. Celebrations for Earth Week have been announced at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
From a Disney Cast Member;
Is there something special that you are doing to help the planet? Earth Day is the moment when the world wraps a big symbolic hug around the bright blue world that we call home.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, come join in the fun of our annual Earth Day Celebration, as the park spends not just the day but an entire week honoring our planet and how we can all come together to create a healthier home for people and wildlife. That’s right, a whole week – April 18-24 – connecting with the magic of nature through family-friendly experiences and special offerings.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom delivers an Earth Day Celebration like no other. Share in the spirit of wildlife conservation and learn more about animal species the Disney Conservation Fund is working to protect. At Conservation Station, try your hand at drawing as Disney artists at The Animation Experience guide you step by step to bring your favorite Disney characters to life using real animals for inspiration. Each animal represents some of the amazing stories of conservation work Disney is doing around the world.
You can also check out a limited-time Wilderness Explorer activity that rewards you with an Earth Day Nature badge.
You’ll also want to make tracks to Discovery Island where you can spot a special Disney Character Cruise on Discovery River. And throughout the park you can find Disney PhotoPass magic that frames you with Wall-E and Eve from Disney and Pixar’s animated feature “Wall-E.” Of course, as you stroll through the park, take time to marvel at its heart and soul – the majestic animals in our care.
And, lastly, don’t forget to pick up a limited-edition Earth Day 2022 trading pin to commemorate the celebration! You’ll also find specialty merchandise and custom food and beverages at the park during this exciting week.
Remember the ways big and small we can all do our part to create a happier, healthier planet – from planting a tree to picking up litter, recycling or turning off lights to conserve energy. We can help keep our planet healthy and make every day Earth Day.
I hope to see you at the park for our Earth Week Celebration April 18-24. And Happy 24th Birthday on Earth Day, Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
In recent weeks, Disney has been struggling when it comes to its image with both Guests and Cast Members. Many are upset with the company and its handling of Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Bill. Many felt that Disney’s condemnation of the legislation came too late and didn’t say anything of substance. Cast Members were so disappointed in Disney that they planned a number of walkouts in protest. Disney, and CEO Bob Chapek, have tried to make things right in the eyes of those Cast Members, but nothing seems to be working.
However, there is another group of Cast Members who have different feelings on the matter. Those Cast Members believe that Disney should not say anything more on the bill. More than that, they feel that Disney should remain politically neutral. They have remained relatively quiet about their feelings for fear of reprisals and being considered “villains” to those who do not support the bill.
Those Cast Members have created a public petition, asking Disney to stay neutral when it comes to political matters. They noted that, several months ago, Disney sent a survey to Cast Members, asking if they felt accepted. The petition states that a number of more conservative Cast Members did not feel comfortable answering the questions. They believe that Disney leans more progressive and, if they answered the questions, they would be targeted and potentially lose their jobs.
The petition asks that Disney should not “be a vehicle for one demographic’s activism.” They feel that the current environment within the company is one of fear for those that do not lean along more progressive lines.
Bob Chapek has not commented on the current petition. He has, however, been repeatedly letting LGBTQ+ Cast Members know that he stands with them as an ally and will ensure that the company fights harder to protect them. He also announced that Disney has paused all political donations in Florida. Unfortunately for Chapek, Cast Members and Guests do not seem to be the only ones upset with him. The Florida Democratic Party has announced that a gala they had planned to hold at the Walt Disney World Resort has been canceled and will be held elsewhere.
As employees of the Walt Disney Company, we believe in the dignity of all people. This is why we do what we do. We write stories. We make costumes. We act in parades. We run cruises. We stream movies. We make magic. We do this because our work contributes to a fountain of wonder that inspires joy, awe, and delight in guests and audiences of all ages. We are proud employees of the Walt Disney Company. We love our jobs because we get to share the wonder of life and human experience with millions of people worldwide.
However, over the last few years, one group of cast members has become invisible within the company. The Walt Disney Company has come to be an increasingly uncomfortable place to work for those of us whose political and religious views are not explicitly progressive. We watch quietly as our beliefs come under attack from our own employer, and we frequently see those who share our opinions condemned as villains by our own leadership.
The company’s evolving response to the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” legislation in Florida has left many of us wondering what place we have in a company actively promoting a political agenda so far removed from our own. TWDC leadership frequently communicates its commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where cast members feel comfortable sharing their perspectives and being their authentic selves at work. That is not our workplace experience.
Over the last few weeks, we have watched as our leadership has expressed their condemnation for laws and policies we support. We have watched as our colleagues, convinced that no one in the company could possibly disagree with them, grow increasingly aggressive in their demands. They insist that TWDC take a strong stance on not only this issue but other legislation and openly advocate for the punishment of employees who disagree with them.
An internal poll within the company went out a few months ago asking us if we felt accepted in the company. Many of us didn’t complete it because the nature of the questions made us worry that the results of the poll could be used to target us for quietly holding a position that runs against the progressive orthodoxy that Disney seems to promote. TWDC has fostered an environment of fear that any employee who does not toe the line will be exposed and dismissed.
Much has been made of our internal efforts to Reimagine Tomorrow, but as much as diversity and inclusion are promoted, the tomorrow being reimagined doesn’t seem to have much room for religious or political conservatives within the company. Left-leaning cast members are free to promote their agenda and organize on company time using company resources. They call their fellow employees “bigots” and pressure TWDC to use corporate influence to further their left-wing legislative goals.
Meanwhile, those of us who don’t align with this vision keep our heads down and do our work without bringing our personal beliefs into the workplace. We’ve done this without complaint because we don’t want to rock the boat, but the boat is being rocked, and our leadership seems compelled to reward those who are rocking it.
Employees who want TWDC to make left-wing political statements are encouraged, while those of us who want the company to remain neutral can say so only in a whisper out of fear of professional retaliation. The company we love seems to think we don’t exist or don’t belong here. This politicization of our corporate culture is damaging morale and causing many of us to feel our days with TWDC might be numbered.
Furthermore, as this politicization makes its way into our content and public messaging, our more conservative customers will feel similarly unwanted. You can only preach at or vilify your audience for so long before they decide to spend their money elsewhere.
Working for The Walt Disney Company is a dream come true. We love being part of creating the magic that so many people around the world enjoy. Our storytelling is second to none. It resonates with people from all walks of life across the political spectrum. Our parks are the source of joy and inspiration that Walt hoped they would become. Every year, millions of guests escape an increasingly divided world to a place where they can relive fond memories of the past and savor the challenge and promise of the future. They do this alongside thousands of other guests that might not have anything in common with them other than a shared love of Disney.
The unique brand of family entertainment that Disney is known for is an objective good in this dark world. It brings people together and provides cultural touchpoints that even the worst enemies can unite over. At the height of COVID lockdowns in the Summer of 2020 when the country was fiercely divided over a range of issues, Hamilton provided us something to collectively celebrate. At the end of an incredibly contentious election year, The Mandalorian was there to soothe a weary nation with non-political entertainment we could all enjoy no matter who you voted for. When Disney takes sides in political debates, they deprive the world of a shared love we all have in common. TWDC is uniquely situated to provide experiences and entertainment that can bridge our national divide and bring us all together.
CEO, Bob Chapek had the right idea in his original statement that he has since walked back. In Chapek’s own words, “As we have seen time and again, corporate statements do very little to change outcomes or minds. … Instead, they are often weaponized by one side or the other to further divide and inflame.” Disney is far more important and impactful to the world by avoiding politics than it will ever be by embracing a political agenda. By focusing on entertainment that inspires us with stories of universal appeal, we are doing good in the world.
Disney shouldn’t be a vehicle for one demographic’s political activism. It’s so much bigger and more important than that. More than ever, the world needs things that we can unite around. That’s the most valuable role The Walt Disney Company could play in the world at this time. It’s a role we’ve played for nearly a century, and it would be a shame to throw all of that away in the face of left-wing political pressure. Please don’t let Disney become just another thing we divide over.
