Disneyland will be changing the introduction to its nightly fireworks show from “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, dreamers of all ages” to “Good evening, dreamers of all ages.”
The change is not only being made by the Disneyland Park in Anaheim but also by Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
The updated, gender-less statement was included in the Fourth of July show, the formal reintroduction of the nightly fireworks display at both parks. The modified introduction will extend to other Disney amusement parks, specifically Tokyo Disneyland.
The fireworks update coincides with other changes at Disney parks. The company is in the midst of updating or removing outdated and offensive portions of rides, including racially-insensitive segments of the Jungle Cruise and Splash Mountain. Back in the spring, the mega-corporation loosened its famously rigid restrictions on employee expression, allowing more flexibility in hairstyles, jewelry, nails, and tattoos.
A Disney spokesperson told CBS News that the change is “part of a broader effort” towards greater inclusivity within the organization. The spokesperson added: “It’s not about one or two things.”
The changes were welcomed by the amusement parks many LGBTQ+ fans and workers however more conservative fans griped about the changes.
