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Liam O'Dell
Jul 02, 2021
Walt Disney World has taken steps to be more inclusive by removing “ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls” from its announcement for the “Happily Ever After” fireworks show, instead opting for “good evening, dreamers of all ages”.
The gender-neutral replacement was revealed on Wednesday, the last day of this year’s Pride Month, when employees – known as “cast members” – were invited to a special preview of the display in the Magic Kingdom, in Orlando, Florida.
Video footage showing the new version has since surfaced online, comparing the old announcement from last year with its 2021 iteration.
In a post on Twitter, user Showcase of Wishes vented: “Disney removes ‘Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls’ from Happily Ever After pre-show announcement.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls FOREVER.”
They say Disney can make you feel like a kid again, but unfortunately, as with anything which tries to make things a little more comfortable for LGBTQ+ people, people have to be childish.
Thankfully, most people responded to say they were in favour of Disney’s decision, while some suggested some more tongue-in-cheek alternatives:
@ShowcaseWishes “Get in line pawns! Watch fireworks and buy stuff” 🪄 💫— 🚝🌴Six Miles Tall 🏰🚡 (@🚝🌴Six Miles Tall 🏰🚡) 1625059119
@ShowcaseWishes I love "Dreamers of all ages" because it really makes that super snuggly and more magical. It's so heartwarming.— Elizabeth Grant (@Elizabeth Grant) 1625080477
@ShowcaseWishes Because "ladies, gentlemen, boys, girls, and everyone else who identifies otherwise" can be a bit o… https://t.co/mcxbRSka65— Capt. Craig N. (@Capt. Craig N.) 1625070646
@ShowcaseWishes Nothing really special to note here. It’s just good business to cater to customers and make them fe… https://t.co/2ZhSUSEFT2— Demetria Bridges (@Demetria Bridges) 1625106162
@ShowcaseWishes hot take: "good evening, dreamers of all ages" works better thematically 🤷♂️— WhereMagicLives95 (@WhereMagicLives95) 1625064028
@ShowcaseWishes its an improvement. cry more.— Let Them Eat Cardboard (@Let Them Eat Cardboard) 1625077474
@ShowcaseWishes Being upset at a greeting that includes everyone says volumes about you.— Footnote. Girl. MLIS (@Footnote. Girl. MLIS) 1625072259
By complaining about something so small as an announcement, some people really do take the Mickey.
When approached by indy100 for comment, Disney directed us to a blog post from Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, published in April.
In the article, he writes: “It’s important for me to share how we’re creating a place where everyone is welcome and taking action to create meaningful change.
“We want our guests to see their own backgrounds and traditions reflected in the stories, experiences and products they encounter in their interactions with Disney.
“That means cultivating an environment where all people feel welcomed and appreciated for their unique life experiences, perspectives and culture. Where we celebrate allyship and support for each other, and where diverse views and ideas are sought after as critical contributions towards our collective success,” he said.