Irish has joined the international collection of languages represented aboard the iconic Fantasyland attraction, “it’s a small world” at Disneyland Paris.

“Fáilte” and “Slán Go Fóill” to Disneyland Paris Guests

Guests riding “it’s a small world” at Disneyland Paris can spot a new sign reading “Fáilte” (FAWL-chuh), meaning “welcome” in Irish Gaelic, and a second sign at the exit that reads “Slán Go Fóill” (slawn guh foyal), an Irish farewell meaning “goodbye for now.”

The new additions join an array of other signs expressing welcome and farewell in a wide variety of world languages, a group which historically lacked signs featuring traditional Irish.

Both signs are designed to blend with the attraction’s colorful visual style. “Fáilte” appears in red lettering inside a yellow, heart-shaped sign surrounded by stylized flowers and foliage. The farewell, “Slán Go Fóill”, is written across a white banner stretching through a pink and red heart.

The update to “it’s a small world” follows a persistent petition by Stuart McHugh, a Dublin father who operates the Disneyland Paris Tips for Irish Facebook group, to add Irish welcome and goodbye signage to the ride.

According to The Irish News, McHugh had spent approximately two years asking Disneyland Paris to incorporate Irish into the attraction. Speaking with The Irish News, McHugh described his campaign as a “crusade”:

“The change was a bit of a personal crusade for me with management at Disneyland Paris. Lots of the cast at Disneyland Paris are Irish so I just kept asking the right people as much as I could. Our language is an integral part of our identity globally and at home. I truly believe it’s a strong part of our future – maybe not practically as a day to day language – but something we can integrate into day-to-day as a source of great pride and identity.”

Although McHugh believes the new signs resulted from his campaign, Disneyland Paris has not yet publicly confirmed that connection. Regardless of the cause, Irish signs have been added to the attraction’s opening and ending sequences.

McHugh excitedly shared his own first look at the new additions while visiting the resort on Friday, which you can check out below.

McHugh was also photographed during a recent visit with Christophe Murphy, who officially became president of Disneyland Paris on July 6. Murphy has worked for Disney for more than 35 years and succeeded Natacha Rafalski, who moved into the role of president of Disney Signature Experiences. Disneyland Paris announced Murphy’s appointment in May.

What do you think of the new Irish-language additions to “it’s a small world”? Share your thoughts with us on social media.

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