For the first time in Disneyland‘s history, the park has added characters in wheelchairs to an attraction. The dolls can be seen in the ‘It’s a Small World’ ride.
The project involved Disney creatives and the theme park’s accessibility team, CNN reports. Designed by Disney artist Mary Blair, ‘It’s a Small World’ opened in California in 1966.
The attraction can also be found at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris, where dolls in wheelchairs are also expected to be added to ‘It’s a Small World’.
The ride reopened at Disneyland on 11 November for the 25th anniversary of ‘It’s a Small World Holiday’. The festive feature is temporary, but the dolls are permanent.
“I think that is definitely something that the original Imagineers would embrace and think was wonderful that we were looking at things like this,” said Kim Irvine, executive creative director of Walt Disney Imagineering for Disneyland Resort.
“We are always looking to enhance our attractions with not just fun things, but meaningful things as well. And keeping timely with what’s happening in the world, and especially, you know, making things new.”
“We like to constantly be surprising you with new things and important things, especially relevant things,” said Irvine.
“I feel seen. I feel represented”
“I feel seen. I feel represented. It’s a monumental moment to have my community be in an attraction and represented,” added Erin Quintanilla, manager of accessibility for Disneyland Resort.
“I teared up when I saw them in the attraction,” added Quintanilla, who uses a wheelchair.
Splash Mountain is also being replaced at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom with a new ride experience based on The Princess and the Frog. Disney is removing elements from Song of the South.
Opening in 2024, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure picks up where the film ends, with guests joining Tiana, Naveen and Louis on a musical adventure through the bayou.
Images: Disney
