Performance of Children's Literature Spring 2025

Disney Again

Disney Re-visited

For many years Disney films were only released in movie theatres, both in their original debut and then in rereleases (For example, Bambi was first released in 1942, and then again, in 1947, 1957, 1966, 1975, 1982, and 1988.) At the tail end of the 1980s, new VCR technology allowed Disney to release home video editions. Through the next decades and technology changes (DVD, etc.) the Disney company followed a marketing strategy of only releasing a film for a short time from their ‘vault’ for viewers to purchase for their homes. This meant that it was sometimes impossible to get a particular film for regular viewing.

Streaming services (and the internet more generally) fundamentally changed people’s expectations of how these movies could be accessed. First on other services and then on Disney Plus, many animated films are regularly and easily available for audiences. One argument that has been made about this is that it has in some ways unmoored these films (and other films and tv programs) from a clear sense of the position that they were in historically. In other words, when a film was being re-released, or let out from the vault, you knew that it was reflective of a different period in which it was created. When everything is available all the time that sense of historicity is distorted.

Adding Warnings

Several streaming companies, including Disney, have chosen to put content warnings on some of these films.

This is what it looks like on Disney Plus for Peter Pan.

On first accessing the film, the details/content warning is not what you first see.

If you click on details you get the following:

This program includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures. These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now. Rather than remove this content, we want to acknowledge its harmful impact, learn from it and spark conversation to create a more inclusive future together.

Disney is committed to creating stories with inspirational and aspirational themes that reflect the rich diversity of the human experience around the globe.

To learn more about how stories have impacted society, please visit
www.disney.com/StoriesMatter

Other companies have followed suit or gone further, for example Warner Brothers added a 4 minute video about the racist depictions to be found in Gone With the Wind when returning it to streaming.

Immersion

Disney has offered commitments to building more inclusion within their theme packs.

Explore Re-working and updating in Disney Parks

Take a look at some of the different changes that Disney has made over the last decades.

Updating the Jungle Cruise

The Jungle Cruise was an original opening day attraction at Disneyland. It features a boat journey through major world rivers.

Post-Covid, Disney made small but crucial alterations to change how the ride depicted native peoples.

Disneyland’s Canoes

Read More:

https://www.yesterland.com/burningcabin.html

Today: The Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes

Splash Mountain

This ride in both Disneyland and Disney World has been around for 30 years and just closed last year for a new rethinking to retheme the story to “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.” It will remain the same in Tokyo Disneyland.

The ride was based on Song of the South, a Disney film considered among its most racist. The film (and ride) feature well-known songs like “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah.”

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is schedule to open sometime this summer. As of April 2024 it is in test runs.

Disneyland and Disney World to remake Splash Mountain with ‘Princess and the Frog’ theme
Read more about the new ride

This video talks about the animatronics that fill this ride as well as other attractions.

Other Changes

What do you think of these efforts? Is it enough? Too much?

Go Back to the doctor
Wrapping it Up

20 responses to “Disney Again”

  1. Danielle Avatar
    Danielle

    I think it is just right !

    Reply
  2. Denise Warren Avatar
    Denise Warren

    The covid era was sort of an “enlightenment” period for many-, from a socio/political standpoint. Many demanded change in policies that affected people of color, especially, and some listened. I recall Disney, being one of the entertainment industry’s giants that made some changes to their policies to be more culturally aware, sensitive, and more inclusive post covid. Some industries are sensitive to politics and social issues. These efforts were a welcome change, but there was, and still is room for improvement, especially since Disney, like many others, again, due to political influences, recently rolled back some of their diversity and inclusion (DEI) policies.

    Reply
  3. Calista Spezio Avatar
    Calista Spezio

    I do think these efforts are valid. I just went to Disney land last month and it’s very interesting to see the racist history of so many rides within Disneys park. Disney is a multi million dollar company that attracts young children, the least they could do is be inclusive to everyone.

    Reply
  4. Aleksandra Grala Avatar
    Aleksandra Grala

    These efforts show Disney is working hard to keep things fresh and exciting. The updates and new ideas are a good mix — not too much, but enough to keep things interesting and relevant.

    Reply
  5. Kajol Victoria Singh Avatar
    Kajol Victoria Singh

    I think efforts are important when it comes to properly representing a group of people / certain ethnicity, as well as ensuring no stereotypes are displayed in any of the Disney rides, movies, etc.

    Reply
  6. Jada Williams Avatar
    Jada Williams

    In one of the videos one thing that stood out to me was when I heard “ Really no secret about our approach, we keep opening new doors exploring”. This made me realize now after going over our assignments that whole time they were utilizing concepts of racism and stereotypes but we did not notice because they utilized fairytales and kid imagery and musicals. I think the efforts are important in protecting their brand especially when people notice or feel negatively targeted at what they are portraying. As adults we understand and kids are exposed to it. Although they may not understand they will just act or make comments based on what they are taught. We need more efforts to create an environment that respects its supporters and fans especially if we are spending lots of money for movies, plays, amusement parks, merchandise, toys etc.

    Reply
  7. Synphanie Mojica Avatar
    Synphanie Mojica

    I think these efforts show how Disney is trying to fix its past mistakes and improve some of the elements of its brand that can be viewed as racist. This is a positive step in the right direction, in being more inclusive. However, I do think that DIsney can do a lot more in becoming truly welcoming to everyone.

    Reply
  8. Jacklyn Serrano Avatar
    Jacklyn Serrano

    I feel that their efforts to make things right was a good thing. I think it’s important for us to create and reimagine some of these old stories to be more inclusive today. I just hope everything is done with pure intentions and not to just save themselves.

    Reply
  9. Aliviya Iskhakova Avatar
    Aliviya Iskhakova

    I think Disney is doing the right thing in working to educate viewers rather than erasing classic films such as Peter Pan. The warning helps parents understand what kind of harmful content is present in the film and they can explain this to their children. Also, Disney is making the right move to adapt to the newer generation as the entire world is becoming more inclusive. This is the best decision for their brand, their parks, and their younger viewers.

    Reply
  10. Layla Ettu Avatar
    Layla Ettu

    I agree with the efforts we can see that Disney has done a good job at listening and addressing the problems that their payers are saying. There are many companies within the TV industry that face the same problems, but a lot of them just act like they don’t exist and continue on about their day. It’s good to see that Disney made progress and as time goes on, I feel that more progress is going to be made, and although there is room for more improvement, we see them going in the right direction.

    Reply
  11. Sophia Awad Avatar
    Sophia Awad

    I think these efforts made by Disney are great for our times. It is obvious that they want to make sure no one is offended by their content while also giving people access to less modern versions BUT with a warning so they are not shocked if it includes themes that may not be considered modern or content that is offensive. It creates a perfect balance as it ensures progression away from offensive racial content while also not completely eliminating older versions that people may like.

    Reply
  12. Shania Smith Avatar
    Shania Smith

    I think these efforts are just right. It the right thing to do because everyone deserves to be included in the right light.

    Reply
  13. Amy Merino Avatar
    Amy Merino

    I dont think its too much because its never to late to make a change towards a better future. If there was no change made we would still be in a much darker place. I think by making efforts to be inclusive, we are working away from racism. Unless we want tot pass this story to the next generation we should work on changing.

    Reply
  14. Isabel Belasoto Avatar
    Isabel Belasoto

    I like these ideas and they definitely are catering to a lot more different demographics which keeps them fresh and modern. It helps show more appreciation for these groups, which helps move past an older generation into a new one.

    Reply
  15. Salma Avatar
    Salma

    I think Disney is doing a good job with these changes. It’s important to acknowledge the past but also update things to be more inclusive.

    Reply
  16. D'Ella Brown Avatar
    D’Ella Brown

    I think it’s a great effort for these big companies to be changing some of their products with racist origins. I know some may think it’s too much but normally people who think that have never had something like that directly hurt them. It’s good and it sets a tone for other companies to follow.

    Reply
  17. Leslie Talavera Avatar
    Leslie Talavera

    I believe it was a good thing of what they did and all however this only happened because people were stuck at home due to covid and honestly didn’t have much to do besides watching movies and talk about it.

    Reply
  18. Rachel Wong Avatar
    Rachel Wong

    I think these changes are valid for our time and I’m glad this is happening! There are some people online who are upset with some of the Disney live action remakes however. But I think the change is important.

    Reply
  19. Malissa Solon Avatar
    Malissa Solon

    I think these efforts are very much needed and appreciated.I think Disney is doing a decent job in showing representation and giving everyone a sense of belonging.

    Reply
  20. chadeary park Avatar
    chadeary park

    I think the updates Disney is making are necessary. Some of the older material included harmful stereotypes that were easy to overlook before, especially when people didn’t think critically about where those images came from. Changing the Jungle Cruise ride and reworking Splash Mountain shows they’re trying to be more mindful of how different groups are represented. It’s not about erasing history, but more about not repeating the same mistakes for new generations. I think it’s a step in the right direction, and while it won’t fix everything, it definitely matters.

    Reply

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