The recent retheming of Splash Mountain to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom has sparked discussions among travel advisors about the importance of promoting diversity and inclusivity in theme park attractions. The decision to transform the beloved ride, which was originally based on Disney’s 1946 film “Song of the South,” reflects Disney’s commitment to modernizing its offerings to appeal to a more diverse audience. The new theme featuring Tiana from the 2009 animated film “The Princess and the Frog” is seen as a positive step towards making the park more inclusive and relatable for guests from all backgrounds.
According to Walt Disney Imagineering executive creative producer Charita Carter, Tiana is “everybody’s princess” because her story is incredibly relatable and inspiring. By incorporating Tiana’s Bayou Adventure into the park, Disney aims to provide guests with a positive and uplifting experience that showcases the resilience and determination of its characters. Travel advisors have noted that clients have expressed excitement and anticipation for the new attraction, emphasizing the importance of creating engaging and meaningful experiences for visitors of all ages.
Travel advisors such as Greg Antonelle and Beci Mahnken have praised Disney’s decision to retheme Splash Mountain, citing the attraction’s outdated themes and questionable portrayals as reasons for the change. With the addition of a fifth key principle of “inclusion” to Disney’s customer service standards, keeping a Song of the South-themed attraction would have sent mixed messages to guests. The focus on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure as a fitting replacement highlights Disney’s commitment to telling positive stories that resonate with today’s generation and reflect a more diverse and inclusive representation of characters and cultures.
Beyond the retheming of Splash Mountain, Disney World has also undergone significant renovations, such as the transformation of Epcot into three distinct neighborhoods: World Nature, World Discover, and World Celebration. These changes offer new opportunities for guests to explore and engage with the park’s offerings, from festivals in World Discovery to unique group events in World Celebration. The recent additions like the “Disney Dreams that Soar” drone show in Disney Springs have generated excitement among visitors and travel advisors, signaling a new era of entertainment and innovation at Walt Disney World.
To effectively communicate with travel advisors about the new offerings at Disney theme parks, the company employs a variety of tactics, including inviting agents to experience the attractions firsthand, providing ongoing training, and sharing fresh, sharable content via advisor-focused social media platforms. By empowering travel advisors with the tools and resources they need to inform guests about what’s new and exciting, Disney aims to enhance the guest experience and ensure that visitors have a memorable and enjoyable vacation at Walt Disney World.
The modernization of Disney theme parks through retheming and innovative changes reflects a shift towards greater diversity, inclusivity, and creativity in the entertainment industry. By embracing new themes, characters, and experiences that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds, Disney continues to set the standard for immersive and engaging storytelling in the world of theme park attractions. Travel advisors play a crucial role in promoting these new offerings and ensuring that guests have a magical and unforgettable experience during their visit to Walt Disney World.
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