The Magic Kingdom’s fireworks show, which returned July 1 for the first time since the COVID pandemic began, has modified their “Happy Ever After” fireworks greeting to be more inclusive.
Instead of the longstanding “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,” greeting, shows are now prefaced with one that swaps the gender specificity, subbing in “Dreamers of all ages.”
The change was first inttoduced at a Wednesday preview of the Orlando, Florida theme park’s “Happily Ever After” fireworks display. But the switch apparently extends throughout the Disney empire and is used in more than fireworks displays, as confirmed by a spokesperson for Tokyo Disneyland.
The announcement received mixed reactions on social media. One Twitter user wrote, “I HATE THAT. BRING IT BACK NOW!!!”
However, others welcomed the change. Another tweeted, “I love “Dreamers of all ages” because it really makes that super snuggly and more magical. It’s so heartwarming.”
In April, Disney announced they would be working towards “including everyone.”
“Inclusion is essential to our culture and leads us forward as we continue to realize our rich legacy of engaging storytelling, exceptional service, and Disney magic,” they wrote.
“We’re bringing the spirit of the Inclusion Key to life across our business. We’re reimagining our attractions to be more inclusive.”
As word of the change circulated on social media, knee-jerk reactions condemning the move surfaced from those who apparently feel the embrace of diversity and inclusion has gone too far.
There has been no official confirmation of the fireworks announcement or other changes by Disney. However, a spokesperson for Tokyo Disneyland’s licensee, Oriental Land Company, acknowledged the changes that company has implemented that are similar. In Japan, gender specificity is changed to “everyone.”