Diversity Archives - WDW News Today

‘It’s Like Chapek on Steroids’ — Disney Employees Concerned About DEI Rollback & Catering to President Trump

February 13, 2025 Shannen Ace

walt-disney-company-studios-gate-burbank-california-5941315

Disney employees are reportedly concerned about the company rolling back DEI initiatives and other actions that seem to cater to President Donald Trump. Disney Employees Share Concerns with DEI Initiative Rollback In a Deadline report by Dominic Patten, some employees of The Walt Disney Company anonymously expressed upset over Disney ending their “Reimagine Tomorrow” initiative … Read more

Video Featuring Disney Executive Claims Company Discriminates Against White Men

June 22, 2024 Shannen Ace

A large building with seven stone dwarfs on the facade, and a courtyard with two rows of plaques on columns, stands as a daily recap of historic significance, highlighted by a statue in the center.

The Walt Disney Company is under fire from conservatives after a video surfaced featuring Michael Giordano, Disney’s Senior Vice President of Business Affairs, talking about diversity hiring. The video was originally shared on X by James O’Keefe, founder of the far-right group Project Veritas, and circulated by conservative media. In the video, Giordano is speaking … Read more

Dolls in Wheelchairs Added to “it’s a small world” at Hong Kong Disneyland

March 1, 2024February 29, 2024 Katie Francis

Two dolls in wheelchairs have been added to “it’s a small world” at Hong Kong Disneyland. It is the fourth version of the Disney attraction to add dolls in wheelchairs as part of inclusion efforts, after Disneyland Park, Magic Kingdom, and Disneyland Paris. “it’s a small world” Dolls in Wheelchairs Disney Magical Kingdom Blog shared … Read more

‘Ladies & Gentlemen’ Removed From The Haunted Mansion

February 20, 2024February 12, 2024 Shannen Ace

The Haunted Mansion at Tokyo Disneyland reopened from refurbishment last week with an update. “Ladies and gentlemen” has been cut from the introduction to be more inclusive of different genders. ‘Ladies and Gentlemen’ Cut From The Haunted Mansion The Ghost Host of The Haunted Mansion at Tokyo Disneyland used to say (translated from Japanese), “Ladies … Read more

Dolls in Wheelchairs Debut on “it’s a small world” in Disneyland Paris

May 5, 2023 Shannen Michaelsen

Three new dolls in wheelchairs have debuted at “it’s a small world” in Disneyland Paris. The attraction reopened on Friday after a year and a half refurbishment. “it’s a small world” Dolls in Wheelchairs Walt Disney Imagineering shared a look at some of the new and refreshed dolls on Instagram. To maintain the attraction’s unique … Read more

Disney CEO Bob Iger Doubles Down on Inclusivity and Diversity During Shareholders’ Meeting

April 3, 2023April 3, 2023 Shannen Michaelsen

The Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger doubled down on inclusivity and diversity during today’s shareholders’ meeting when asked about political stances and LGBTQIA+ people. Disney’s denouncement of the Parental Rights in Education bill, a.k.a. the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, was brought up many times directly and indirectly. One shareholder asked if it was smart … Read more

Tribal Masks Removed, Replaced with Signs for Cultural Sensitivity in EPCOT

February 26, 2023 Shannen Michaelsen

Signs and decorations near Refreshment Outpost, also known as the African Outpost in EPCOT, have been updated to be more culturally sensitive. Village Traders and Wachongaji Wood Carvings are next to Refreshment Outpost. This old photo by Disney gives a glimpse of their old decorations. Signage at both stands was updated last fall to no … Read more

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Striving for Inclusivity with Extra Training for Textured Hair, Adaptive Costumes, and More

February 16, 2023 Shannen Michaelsen

From more costume options to extra training, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Walt Disney World Resort has been striving to be more inclusive of all guests and Cast Members. Before the experience reopened at Magic Kingdom last year, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Cast Members received a new, more gender-neutral title: Fairy Godmother’s Apprentices. In a recent Disney … Read more

100th Anniversary Platinum Mickey Statue and Mannequin in Wheelchair Added to World of Disney in Disney Springs

February 10, 2023 Shannen Michaelsen

More 100th-anniversary decorations have been added to World of Disney in Disney Springs, as well as a mannequin in a wheelchair. Disney 100 Years of Wonder is mainly being celebrated at Disneyland Resort, but Walt Disney World has the same 100th-anniversary merchandise. A new platinum decoration featuring Elsa, Stitch, Moana, and Dumbo hangs above the … Read more

Santa Claus Meet and Greet Includes Wheelchair-Accessible Sleigh at EPCOT

December 24, 2022 Shannen Michaelsen

Walt Disney World shared a Facebook post highlighting the large sleigh that guests can meet Santa Claus in at EPCOT this year. The new sleigh is accessible for wheelchairs, as well as other assistive devices used by guests with disabilities. Disney wrote in the caption, “Some of the Cast Members who advised on Santa’s new … Read more

World of Disney Expands Inclusivity Efforts With Mannequins Wearing Hijabs at Downtown Disney District

November 18, 2022 Shannen Michaelsen

Two mannequins in World of Disney at Downtown Disney District are now wearing hijabs, Disney’s latest effort to be more inclusive. The mannequins are immediately inside the entrance on the La Brea Bakery side of World of Disney. One is in the center of the room, next to two other mannequins. A pink headscarf has … Read more

Dolls in Wheelchairs Coming Soon to “it’s a small world” in Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris

November 11, 2022 Shannen Michaelsen

it's a small world holiday doll in wheelchair

Disneyland opened “it’s a small world” Holiday today with two new dolls in wheelchairs as part of their ongoing diversity and inclusivity initiative, Reimagine Tomorrow. It seems dolls in wheelchairs will also be coming soon to the versions of “it’s a small world” at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris. CNN correspondent Natasha Chen tweeted … Read more

CEO Bob Chapek Responds to Allegations of Disney Being ‘Too Woke’

October 26, 2022 Matthew Soberman

At The Wall Street Journal’s Tech Live 2022 streaming event, Disney CEO Bob Chapek defended the company against allegations of being “too woke.” When asked about the matter, Chapek noted that content is the company’s north star, stating that Disney’s creative projects are designed to reflect the “rich diverse world” people live in. He added … Read more

New Silleta Floral Displays Promote Diversity and Inclusion in Downtown Disney District

June 16, 2022 Shannen Michaelsen

Several new silletas – floral displays – can be seen throughout Downtown Disney District right now. These displays are inspired by the flowers of Isabela in “Encanto,” and each silleta represents a different Business Employee Resource Group (BERG) at The Walt Disney Company. The silletas and the BERGs are part of Disney’s ongoing attempts to … Read more

Mannequin in Wheelchair Now Displayed at Creations Shop in EPCOT

May 2, 2022 Shannen Michaelsen

A Walt Disney World mannequin with a cochlear implant has recently been making the rounds on social media as fans praise the representation. More disability representation has been added to Creations Shop in EPCOT with a mannequin now in a wheelchair. The mannequin can be seen in a window near one entrance to Creations Shop. … Read more

Post 21, First Black-Owned Business at Downtown Disney District, Reopening February 1

January 31, 2022 Shannen Michaelsen

Post 21, the first Black-owned business at Downtown Disney District, will be reopening on February 1. The shop first opened at Downtown Disney District on Black Friday of last year but closed briefly in January to reset their kiosk. Post 21 is owned by mother-daughter duo Juana Williams and Blair Paysinger. They first opened their … Read more