Travel
An attraction featuring Disney’s first black princess replaces a ride based on a movie that many consider racist
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – A brand new attraction starring Disney’s first Black princess is opening at the corporate’s U.S. theme parks, and a few Disney supporters see it as a suitable substitute for a previous ride based on a film with racist tropes.
The latest theme park attraction continues the story of Tiana from the 2009 animated film “The Princess and the Frog” and can open this yr within the space previously occupied by Splash Mountain. The fundamental theme of the water ride was “Song of the South,” a 1946 Disney film filled with racist stereotypes about African Americans and plantation life.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure retains Splash Mountain’s log ride DNA, but is infused with music, scenery and animatronic characters inspired by “The Princess,” set in Twenties New Orleans. It will open to the general public later this month at Walt Disney World in Florida and at Disneyland in California later this yr.
“Tiana meant a lot to little Black girls. When a young child sees someone who looks like them, it matters,” said Neal Lester, an English professor at Arizona State University who has written about Tiana.
Disney’s announcement that it could transform its long-running Splash Mountain ride into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure was announced in June 2020 within the wake of social justice protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis. Disney said on the time that the change was already within the works. But it happened as corporations across the United States, within the face of worldwide protests, reconsidered or modified their names to decades-old brands.
The film “Song of the South” is a mixture of live motion, cartoons and music, starring an elderly black man who works on a plantation and tells a white town boy fairy tales about talking animals. The film has been criticized for its racist stereotypes, has not been released in theaters for many years and is just not available on the corporate’s Disney+ streaming service.
Disney was criticized for racist themes in movies made in earlier many years. The crow characters from the 1941 film “Dumbo” and the character of King Louie from the 1967 “Jungle Book” were seen as caricatures of African Americans. Also ridiculed were depictions of Native Americans within the 1953 film “Peter Pan” and Siamese cats – often considered Asian stereotypes – within the 1955 film “Lady and the Tramp.”
Not everyone believes that opening a ride based on Tiana’s story solves Disney’s problematic racial representations.
In rebuilding Splash Mountain into Bayou Adventure Tiana, quite than completely dismantling the attraction, Disney combined “Song of the South” with “The Princess and the Frog.” Both are fantasies that are largely silent on the racial realities of the segregated eras they depict, said Katie Kapurch, an English professor at Texas State University who has written extensively about Disney.
Featured Stories
“We can see the impulse to replace rather than dismantle or build anew also as a metaphor for structural racism,” Kapurch said. “Again, this is unintentional on Disney’s part, but this observation goes to the heart of how Disney reflects America itself.”
The imagineers who design Disney attractions are at all times trying to take a look at attractions with fresh eyes and explore ways to inform latest stories “so that everyone feels included,” said Carmen Smith, senior vice chairman of creative development at Walt Disney Imagineering.
“We never want to perpetuate stereotypes or misconceptions,” Smith said Monday. “Our intention is to tell great stories.”
It’s also necessary for Imagineers to inform diverse stories to their global audiences, said Charita Carter, executive creative producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, who oversaw the attraction’s development.
“Society is actually changing and we are developing different sensibilities,” Carter said. “We focus our stories differently depending on the needs of our society.”
The transformation of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is certainly one of several recalibrations on the amusement giant’s theme parks for rides whose storylines are considered outdated or offensive.
In 2021, Disney announced that it could be revamping Jungle Cruise, certainly one of the unique attractions at Disney Parks that has been criticized prior to now for being racially insensitive because of its portrayal of animatronic indigenous people as savages or bounty hunters. Three years earlier, Disney had eliminated a “Bride Auction” scene from its “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride that was deemed offensive since it showed women lining up for an auction.
It’s a positive step for Disney that a ride based on a past character not seen in previous iterations of Disney princesses replaced an attraction from a movie steeped in racist tropes because “representation matters,” Lester said.
“Disney is all about money and getting people to the park, and you can make money, still have representation, be aware of the social justice story and make everyone feel like they belong there,” Lester said.
Travel
Why a fall beach trip was just the reset I needed
The beach is my comfortable place. Something about the smell of the salty water floating in the breeze, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, and the warmth of the sun on my skin just melts my stress away. And searching at the vast horizon stops me from every part else occurring in the world, giving me time to reflect and shift my perspective that offers me clarity and focus.
Since I live in New York, the end of summer normally means the end of the beach – at the very least until mid-winter, when I’ll inevitably hop on a plane to a sandy tropical destination with the remainder of the sun-seekers . But this 12 months I decided to try something different: a fall beach trip.
I took advantage of the warmer than usual weather in the Northeast and planned a weekend trip to Atlantic City, New Jersey for one last likelihood to be a beach bum, courtesy of Ocean casino resort.
Here are three the explanation why fall is the perfect time to go to the beach:
1. To stave off the seasonal blues
As soon as Labor Day weekend involves an end, I begin to dread the impending reality of sunsets getting earlier and earlier. That first day while you leave the office and it’s already dark outside is at all times a shock for me. And for people affected by seasonal affective disorder, the change of seasons is even tougher.
A trip to the beach is the antidote to shorter, gray days. You could also be wrapped in a sweater as a substitute of wearing a bikini, but the extra vitamin D is real. Even when I stayed in the room, not only did I have amazing views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, but I had hours of fantastic sunlight.
Planning a time change escape is one other smart travel move since it gives you something to sit up for quite than “rolling back.” In addition to the casino, Ocean Resort after all offers a variety of bars and restaurants, HQ2 nightclub, Topgolf Swing Suite and the best live entertainment venue, Ovation Hall, which hosted Lenny Kravitz the weekend I was there. How are you able to be indignant while you spend the last hours of summer singing together with Lenny?
2. To prepare for a productive fourth quarter
Have you heard of the “winter bow”? The TikTok trend could also be recent, but the idea behind it shouldn’t be. It’s a strategy to commit to self-improvement during the colder months by specializing in recent, healthier activities. It’s also a strategy to kickstart your “new year, new you” resolutions because, despite the frosty name, it normally starts in October. A fall trip to the beach may be the perfect begin to your winter fun, because it’s the perfect place to read, journal, and meditate. If physical well-being is a priority for you, you’ll be able to visit the recently renovated MUSSELS fitness center at Ocean, with a yoga area and Peloton offerings.
Even should you don’t intentionally work in your winter glow, research has shown a link between travel and mindfulness, creativity and private growth. Fall has traditionally been a time of reflection, change and rediscovery, so it’s the perfect time to flee.
Increasing your activity can enable you to achieve your Q4 goals upon your return.
3. To enjoy the peace before the summer storm
Before you recognize it, your calendar – and to-do list – will probably be stuffed with holiday shopping, travel, hosting and parties. It could also be the most wonderful time of the 12 months, however it’s probably the most hectic. Spending time with just myself and the ocean helped me feel able to face the difficult months ahead. And while dipping your toes in the icy waters of the Atlantic wasn’t an option, if water is what you discover soothing, Ocean Casino Resort has a year-round indoor/outdoor pool overlooking the coast, and a whirlpool and jacuzzi at the award-winning Exhale Spa + Bathhouse.
On the other hand, should you began watching Christmas movies in July and may’t wait for the season to begin, the end of fall is a great time to experience the magical touches that many hotels offer. Ocean Casino Resort transforms into a seaside winter wonderland with 30 holiday-themed rooms and suites, complete with Christmas trees; festive Jingle Bell Bar and pop-up Christmas marketplace for adults; and an adventure at Santa’s Hideout if you desire to make your trip to the beach a family affair.
Travel
Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy amid surge in holiday travel
Spirit Airlines, recognized for influencing cost-effective travel and reworking the market, has filed for bankruptcy protection amid consecutive years of losses, a failed merger, growing competition and changing customer demands.
This week, the airline announced that an “orderly” petition has been filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York as a part of a “restructuring support agreement” as a part of the statement. Spirit says that while the corporate is working to restructure its debt, it should proceed operations through the holiday season and into 2025.
“Spirit expects to continue its operations in the normal course throughout the planned and streamlined Chapter 11 (bankruptcy) process,” the airline said in an announcement. “Guests can continue to book and fly without interruption and use all tickets, points and loyalty points as normal.”
Additionally, the brand new filing won’t impact worker salaries and advantages.
While this term may sound scary, Spirit isn’t the one US airline to declare bankruptcy. Major competitors corresponding to American Airlines, United and Delta Airlines have filed for bankruptcy over the past 25 years. Just as other carriers have emerged stronger since filing for bankruptcy, Spirit President and CEO Ted Christie hopes to do the identical. The airline’s CEO asserts that restocking the airline and negotiating with creditors will allow Spirit to enter the brand new yr with less debt and greater financial flexibility, which can position “Spirit for long-term success and accelerate investment, providing guests with a better travel experience and greater value.” .
In open letter to Spirit gueststhe corporate assured travelers of what was to come back.
“We’re still flying, so no need for FOMO! You can continue to rely on Spirit for great quality and excellent service,” the airline wrote on Xwith a link to the open letter that read: “The most important thing to know is that you (customers) can continue to book and fly now and in the future. We also want to assure you that you can use all tickets, credits and loyalty points as normal. You can continue to take advantage of our Free Spirit loyalty program, Saver$ Club bonuses and credit card terms and conditions. Our amazing team members are here to offer you excellent service and an exceptional experience. We expect to complete this process in the first quarter of 2025 and be even better positioned to deliver the best value in the sky.”
Travel
Green Book Global launches road trip planner to provide inclusive options for Black travelers
Building on the success of the primary and only Black travel booking and review platform, Green Book Global is expanding its services with the brand new Road Trip Planner app feature.
WITH Global Green Paper already recognized as a contemporary interactive guide for black travelers, the corporate has now added a feature to help plan safer and more enjoyable trips across the US. Launched on a redesigned mobile app (available on iOS and Android) and accessible via an internet app, this recent Road Trip Planner tool is powered by community insights and data.
“Our mission has always been to provide Black travelers with information that fosters a safer and more inclusive travel environment,” Lawrence Phillips, founder and CEO of Green Book Global, he said . “With Road Trip Planner, we turn our community’s collective experience into a robust tool that maps the most effective routes and areas to avoid based on historical and up to date data.
“It’s greater than only a planning tool. This is a brand new level of safety for our community,” he added.
Named after , which provided travel suggestions for African Americans traveling in Jim Crow America from 1936 to 1966, Green Book Global is a contemporary app and interactive guide designed to help Black travelers within the twenty first century. Using hundreds of reviews generated by Black users, the app will help users plan safer trips by identifying optimal routes and avoiding areas known to be inhospitable or potentially dangerous.
“Our goal is to provide information so that Black travelers can make a very personal decision about where they want to go,” Phillips said.
According to Green Book Global, the friendliest U.S. destinations for black travelers include Atlanta, Houston, Baltimore, Washington, Charlotte and Chicago. The platform also offers a world destination search tool, with recommendations for various destinations similar to Kenya, Slovenia and Argentina.
Phillips points out that the brand new Planner tool allows drivers to select the “Avoid City” option to avoid cities at sunset and robotically re-route them.
“Our community rates cities on a five-star scale for traveling as a black person, and cities receive an overall rating,” he explains. “Green means the safest and friendliest destination, yellow means average and red means needs improvement. The color red signifies a city where black travelers generally didn’t feel protected or welcome, and should even signify a former sunset city.
The study also revealed some unexpected findings about cities which may be predominantly white but have small but powerful black populations.
“Portland, Maine was a big surprise,” Phillips says. “Although Maine is one of the whitest states in America, with a Black population of almost 2%, the city of Portland is almost 10% Black. It was amazing. Delicious food, lots of attractions and a nice atmosphere.”
-
Press Release8 months ago
CEO of 360WiSE Launches Mentorship Program in Overtown Miami FL
-
Press Release8 months ago
U.S.-Africa Chamber of Commerce Appoints Robert Alexander of 360WiseMedia as Board Director
-
Business and Finance6 months ago
The Importance of Owning Your Distribution Media Platform
-
Business and Finance9 months ago
360Wise Media and McDonald’s NY Tri-State Owner Operators Celebrate Success of “Faces of Black History” Campaign with Over 2 Million Event Visits
-
Ben Crump8 months ago
Another lawsuit accuses Google of bias against Black minority employees
-
Theater9 months ago
Telling the story of the Apollo Theater
-
Ben Crump9 months ago
Henrietta Lacks’ family members reach an agreement after her cells undergo advanced medical tests
-
Ben Crump9 months ago
The families of George Floyd and Daunte Wright hold an emotional press conference in Minneapolis