It’s not an exaggeration to say that Disneyland is the happiest place on Earth. Are available in a grumpy temper, notably following an exhaustive five-hour flight from the East Coast, and it’s assured to get replaced with pleasure the minute you step foot on the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim, California. We just lately took that magical journey to take a look at the Disneyland seventieth Anniversary Celebration, which introduces new merch, occasions unique to the event and nearly a nonstop assortment of the way to have enjoyable with Mickey and the gang.
Throughout our keep at Disneyland Resort, the place garden events are day by day and Tangaroa Terrace is the go-to hotspot for a torch-lit nightcap, we had been pleasantly shocked at how a lot our tradition is rooted in the entire expertise. From the Creole-themed restaurant Jazz Kitchen and Black-owned espresso store Sip & Sonder — extra on them later! — to the strip between New Orleans Sq. and Bayou Nation that results in the grand attraction of Tiana’s Bayou Journey, let’s simply say we had ourselves one good ol’ Black time.
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Tiana’s Bayou Journey specifically, which is lower than a 12 months outdated following its grand opening again in November 2024, proved to be a focus in Disney’s general imaginative and prescient of inclusivity for the longer term. As some are conscious, the log flume trip serves as a alternative for the once-popular Splash Mountain attraction (seen above). After 34 years of being in service at Disneyland, the trip was changed in 2023 as a consequence of its historic ties to the racially-insensitive 1946 movie, Tune of the South. To place it in perspective a bit additional, Disney has all however ignored the movie’s existence by by no means releasing it on dwelling video or importing it to the Disney+ streaming service. The trip nonetheless exists in its authentic kind in Tokyo Disneyland, however latest studies counsel that Disney has been in critical talks with the park’s proprietor, Oriental Land Firm, to make related reconstruction. Nonetheless, as one would possibly anticipate in a world nonetheless fighting race relations, OLC isn’t too eager on the thought of changing cute critter animatronics with the melanated characters featured in The Princess & The Frog. Nonetheless, there was some pushback on the brand new design right here within the States as nicely from those that merely can’t perceive the theme of all of it.
Have a look beneath at how Forbes broke it down in a report from final 12 months:
“The brand new model stays colourful and provides expressive animatronics in addition to video screens that are set into the surroundings. This has gone down nicely with some followers however as WDWMagic factors out, ‘the general sentiment has skewed negatively, with many YouTube viewers expressing disappointment within the new attraction’s storytelling and general expertise.
Probably the most frequent criticisms facilities across the trip’s storyline. Viewers discover the plot – centering on Tiana trying to find social gathering musicians – missing depth and coherence. Many really feel the story doesn’t seize the magic of ‘The Princess and the Frog’ and misses a chance to incorporate extra iconic components from the movie.’”
Whereas everyone seems to be entitled to their opinion, we’re right here to let you know from first-hand expertise that Tiana’s Bayou Journey is all that jazz after which some. Pitch-black drops that feed your adrenaline, sing-song melodies that preserve you smiling even with soaked socks and a powerful job within the general design from characters to lighting all assist make it a must-ride water attraction.
One other dose of tradition we indulged in throughout our time in Disneyland got here by the use of the aforementioned Sip & Sonder, spearheaded by two beautiful Black businesswomen. To talk with Amanda-Jane Thomas and Shanita Nicholas is to listen to ardour in movement. Every has a vivid perspective on what it means to be of their front-facing positions to instantly symbolize for the group, with Amanda-Jane telling us, “There’s one thing about being seen that’s necessary. We’re oftentimes within the rooms and within the areas, however ignored. Having the chance to be at Downtown Disney and past which have such a visual house that’s unapologetically Black is all very intentional.” Shanita adopted go well with, including, “The phrase that retains coming to thoughts is illustration. I’m fascinated with being in a spot that’s about pleasure and celebration, and likewise all of the little Black women coming right here too! Seeing the brand new rides within the Bayou and a Black women-owned institution that’s built-in and a part of the expertise is seamless illustration — it’s extremely highly effective!”
The women have been working in California for a while now, and the latest enlargement to Downtown Disney on the prime of 2025 was only a testomony of their arduous work and willpower to develop even greater. “We’re based in Inglewood in 2017,” confirmed Amanda-Jane, who went on break down the model’s historical past by including, “that’s like our think-tank the place we do quite a lot of our impression work. After we consider how one can develop as an organization, long-term contracts and sustainability are necessary. For us, it’s figuring out how to try this with a thoughts companion whereas additionally remaining true to who we’re. Being right here [in Downtown Disney], it made a lot sense.”
It’s true: little Black women visiting Disneyland from all throughout the globe will really feel very a lot at dwelling this 12 months. They’ll see themselves at each nook of the park, be it the Paint The Evening parade of lights to possibly even assembly Princess Tiana herself. For everybody else, nicely, your internal Disney child will come out sooner or later.
Have a look beneath at some highlights and vivid lights from the Disneyland seventieth Anniversary, and be a part of the celebration yourselves by clicking right here to plan a visit this summer season:
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