Disney theme parks have decided to remove “ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls” from the pre-show announcement of its nightly fireworks display. The change, which aims to promote inclusivity by removing gendered language, was first noticed during the Cast Member preview of the return of Happily Ever After in the Magic Kingdom and uploaded to social media.
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
- The new greeting is simple but effective. Instead of “ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,” Disney’s new greeting now simply states: “Good evening, Dreamers of all ages.” It still welcomes everyone but also includes those who didn’t fit into standard gendered boxes previously.
- Tokyo Disney was the first to implement the change. They did so earlier this year, which is pretty great. Now that all other Disney parks are following suit, it will go a long way to ensure everyone is included in the fun.
- A spokesperson says this is just one of the changes they’re making. Speaking to CBS News, a spokesperson said that the Disney organization wants this to be “part of a broader effort” in promoting gender inclusivity so that no matter who you are or how you identify, you can feel “comfortable in the park.”
- Some conservatives are really not feeling it. While being inclusive really doesn’t harm anyone, some people really aren’t very happy about it. “Seriously? Pirates, Splash Mountain, Jungle Cruise, now this too? I just wish the pendulum would hurry up and swing the other way…I’m so tired of this extremist way of thinking and being overly sensitive to everything!” one person wrote. Another said: “Disney gets more ridiculous every day. Better than announcing, ‘Welcome perverts and molesters.'”
