Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.Photo: Dan Anderson /Getty
Walt Disney Worldhas changed the gendered introduction to the Magic Kingdom’s Happily Ever After fireworks show, which returned on July 1 after a COVID-related hiatus.
In previous years, an announcer would tell Disney guests, “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, dreamers of all ages … in just a few minutes the Magic Kingdom invites you to enjoy our nighttime spectacular Happily Ever After.”
One fan put together a clip showing the difference between this year’s intro and that of last year.
The change had already taken place at Tokyo Disney earlier this year in the English announcements, as the Japanese intro was always gender-neutral,Huffington Postrevealed in March.
Walt Disney World’s change comes months after Disney Parks made updates to guest experience and work environment policies to be more inclusive.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, announced in ablog postin April on the company’s website that a new initiative will allow employees (which Disney refers to as “cast members”) greater flexibility when it comes to costumes, hairstyles and more.
“It’s important to me to share how we’re creating a place where everyone is welcome and taking action to create meaningful change,” D’Amaro wrote. “Our new approach provides greater flexibility with respect to forms of personal expression surrounding gender-inclusive hairstyles, jewelry, nail styles, and costume choices; and allowing appropriate visible tattoos. We’re updating them to not only remain relevant in today’s workplace, but also enable our cast members to better express their cultures and individuality at work.”
Happily Ever After fireworks show at Magic Kingdom.Kent Phillips/ Walt Disney World
D’Amaro explained that “when we asked our cast how we could better cultivate a culture of belonging, they suggested the addition of a fifth key: the key of Inclusion.”
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He expressed that he hopes “our guests to see their own backgrounds and traditions reflected in the stories, experiences and products they encounter in their interactions with Disney. And we want our cast members — and future cast members — to feel a sense of belonging at work.”
The post concluded with D’Amaro acknowledging that “the world is changing” and Disney Parks are committed to “change with it.”
source: people.com
