For a stress-free Disney or Universal Studios vacation, let the FREE expert planners at Royal Carriage Vacations take care of every detail including dining reservations, applying discounts, and onboard cruise credit.
One of Disney World’s most popular attractions has just become more inclusive! Are you excited to see this change?
Disney Keys
The Keys are a set of attributes that Cast Members are meant to keep in mind as the most important pieces of the guest experience. The 5 Keys are: Safety, Courtesy, Inclusion, Show and Efficiency.
Inclusion was added back in September of 2020. Disney seemed to indicate, based on images used, that they aim to be more inclusive of guests with disabilities.
it’s a small world
Disney Cast Member, Jean Collins first rode the attraction when it debuted in 1964 at the New York World’s Fair. “‘it’s a small world’ is special because so many people are able to see themselves reflected throughout the ride,” Jean says. “Walt would be proud if he could see the attraction today.”
The diversity of our cast and guests inspire us to keep our parks and experiences in a constant state of becoming: becoming more vibrant, more inclusive, and more relevant. In fact, Walt Disney Imagineering continuously considers updates to our parks and experiences to better reflect the world around us. Just last night, a new doll in a wheelchair was welcomed to the Magic Kingdom attraction, building on “it’s a small world’s” longstanding legacy of diverse representation.
“The parks are very special to my family,” Liv, a member of the ENABLED leadership team explains. “My sister Chloe used a wheelchair, so to see a character in such an iconic attraction that puts the spotlight on accessibility makes my heart feel full.”
Liv, member of ENABLED leadership team
See the following statement Disney shared about this recent inclusion: “This addition to “it’s a small world” is more than just a doll, it allows even more guests and cast members to see themselves and their loved ones depicted in the experience. We remain committed to our ongoing work to champion inclusivity and are excited for what the future brings as we continue to reflect the beauty of our individual experiences. It doesn’t matter who you are. If you are a guest in our park or a cast member, we celebrate you — your background, your culture, your identity — and we welcome you every day.”
What do you think of this newest update to it’s a small world? Are you happy to see that this ride is more inclusive now? Tell us in the comments below or share this post with a friend who might find it interesting!
Share the love!
Jess
Thursday 2nd of March 2023
They actually have handicapped ones where you can take a wheelchair on there. We rode in one a few weeks ago :)
Gerrie
Thursday 2nd of March 2023
I need a wheelchair to get around the parks as well as many other places. I am delighted with this addition to Small World.
Lourdes V Ballara
Thursday 2nd of March 2023
I am sure that their underpaid employees and the families that can't ever go there because their skyrocketing prices would be very happy for the inclusiveness that a doll on a wheelchair will bring to the ride experience. Like I said before my husband and I are going one last time this weekend to say good by forever to the parks. They are not a good representation of Walt's dream anymore.
Sue Ann A Gosdoski
Wednesday 1st of March 2023
My daughter using a wheelchair to get around the park, which by the way is her favorite place in the world. So I know she will be excited. She also have a Barbie that uses a wheelchair too. Thank you.
Joe
Wednesday 1st of March 2023
But the ride itself is not disability friendly - you cannot take a chair in one of the gondolas