When The Walt Disney Company entered into a dispute with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over the state’s Parental Rights in Education Act, often dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by critics, it became a focal point for discussions about Disney’s stance on social issues. DeSantis and his supporters accused Disney of “going woke,” a term that implied the company’s support for the LGBTQ+ community and its efforts to eliminate offensive racial stereotypes from its theme parks.
This philosophy of inclusivity led to significant changes in attractions at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. In 2020, during his first tenure as CEO, Bob Iger announced the closure of the iconic Splash Mountain at both Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park. The ride, inspired by the film “Song of the South,” faced criticism for its racial stereotypes. This move, however, was not universally appreciated, with fans of the original ride launching protests, sometimes even reveling in technical failures of its replacement, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
While Disney has made strides by updating rides like Jungle Cruise, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Pirates of the Caribbean to remove offensive depictions, some choices have sparked controversy. Deadpool and Wolverine’s appearances at Disney’s California Adventure drew mixed reactions. Though some park-goers enjoyed the characters, parents expressed concerns about their presence due to the R-rated nature of their films. The situation was further complicated by Deadpool’s edgy humor, which included references some found inappropriate for a family setting.
Despite these controversies, Disney’s dedication to inclusivity isn’t consistent across the board. The recent refurbishment of the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios presented an opportunity to replace Aerosmith, whose frontman, Steven Tyler, faces serious allegations. Yet, Disney chose to retain the band while overlooking several potential and more suitable replacements.
What comes next for Disney remains uncertain. With expected major park announcements at the upcoming D23 Expo, including expansions in Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom, it will be interesting to see if and how Disney continues to navigate the fine line between inclusivity and public perception.
Share your thoughts in the comments below! Do you think Disney’s changes are steps in the right direction, or are they missing the mark?
Source: Inside the Magic
