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
The USA Black Travellers is now represented by the $ 145 billion market

Companies in the travel and entertainment industry are encouraged to involve the growing power of black travelers.
New MMGY Travel Intelligence studies, presented in cooperation with Black Travel Alliance and National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, revealed The indisputable fact that black tourists bring the $ 145 billion sector, emphasizing the value of attraction of a more diverse customer base.
In recent years, Black Leisure Travellers exerted an excellent impact on the travel market, bringing $ 145 billion in 2023, and expenses provide for a median of $ 2,992 for a journey in 2025, including 1300 USD per person.
“The data shown in these reports talk about the importance of black travelers,” said Martyque Lewis, president Black Travel Alliance. “It is also the wake of many destinations that consider adapting their current commitment strategy.”
In particular, 76% of black travelers plan to vacation in the US in 2025. Among them, 79% claims that the sense of security and welcome is the highest priority when selecting a destination. Places that remember black culture support black firms and offer extensive cultural experience, occupy the highest amongst the preferred places of travelers.
Elections vary depending on the generation, and the Black Millennium tends to decide on travel places that remember black culture and lift black firms, while genes with the I boomer travelers prioritize prioritize affordability when making decisions about booking.
“Once again, the data is clear: blacks travel and our shopping force affects the community,” said Jason Dunn, CEO of the National Coalition of Black Meetings of Professionals. “This should not be a question anymore, but the fact and point of speaking in all conference rooms, especially in this climate of indecision.”
Black travelers often depend on recommendations from family and friends when selecting destinations, and 46% also belong to black travel groups. They also prioritize quality, and 87% claims that able to pay additional premium improvements, resembling higher hotel stays or preferred air seats.
The discoveries emphasize the significant strength of the spending of black travelers and their concentrate on safety and luxury when selecting destinations. Because holiday travel is becoming more related to general mood, many settle on a greater experience. For firms on travel and entertainment, this is the foremost opportunity to benefit from the growing value of the black travel market.
“Creating memories, relaxing and exploring new destinations, while a sense of security is the most important for today’s black travelers,” said Simon Moriarty, vp for research and evaluation for MMGY Travel Intelligence.
“By offering useful observations, these research enables traveling companies to develop adapted strategies and solutions that resonate with the needs of every audience, propelling both personalization and profitability.”
(Tagstranslate) be global
Travel
For the first time in Portugal? This is why Lisbon – and this hotel – should be your first stop

If you visit Portugal for the first time and land in Lisbon, the capital of the country, selecting the right hotel is the key to starting things on the right foot. Lisbon (or Lisboa, as the locals call it) is the vibrant Vibey metropolis, which borders on water and has seven large hills in the heart of motion.
While quite a few accommodation options ranges from Airbnbs to super low-cost hostels, for those who are in search of peace, selecting a hotel is a really solid alternative. Of all hotels in the city, International design hotel (IDH), 4 -star boutique property in the city with “Clean and protected“The assessment from the Portugal of the Tourist Council is a particular.
Location, location, location
Located in the heart of the historical Squarea Rossio (Alias Plaza D. Pedro IV), Idh sits at the center of the motion, surrounded by stunning vintage buildings with modern stores akin to Nike, Mango and Maxmanar right on the street. Zara, a favourite of American travelers, is situated opposite the entrance from the hotel, if it’s essential run a captivating outfit for the evening in the city.
If you do not know Lisbon and get nervous about discovering, be sure – there are numerous to see just a number of steps.
The hotel is situated on the corner of the energetic cobbled streets, with one closed strip for cars and full of restaurants, souvenir shops and landmarks like Arco Da Rua August. Other districts, akin to Chiado, Bairro Alto and the famous Castle of St. George’s, are easy to succeed in (and in the case of the castle, in response to your opinion).
If you haven’t any guide or map, for those who haven’t got it – you are in the middle of all of it.

Comfort and creative design
As the name suggests, the Internacional Design Hotel provides aesthetics. The staff greets you with a sublime emerald lobby desk, with brilliant artworks.
Despite the historical external appearance, the hotel offers a modern boutique atmosphere – unlike massive hotel chains. Instead of a crowded lobby and elevators, expect one stylish elevator that comfortably matches three people.
The rooms are artistic and well equipped with a regular layout, desk, television, mini-bar and high ceilings. The bathrooms are modern, containing full showers. We stopped in a regular room, but for those who need extra space, the apartments can be found and have great grades.
Editor’s attention: Unlike most American hotels, mini-bar prices were surprisingly reasonably priced. Snacks and drinks don’t send the account.
Another profit? Large bathing towels and hand towels (as a substitute of small common washers in American hotels). If you favor a smaller fabric, ask the reception or bring your own.

Tasty brunch at the bottom
Idh functions, restaurant and bar on the first floor with a delicious breakfast spread at the start of the day. The price is an especially reasonably priced price 15 euros.
In an actual Portuguese way of baking, they shine. Expect mini -tubes, croissants, toast, rolls, cupcakes, apple danks and beloved pastel de Nata (Portuguese egg tarts). You will copy, sweet and light-it is a necessity and present wherever you go in Portugal.
The menu also includes eggs, bacon (note: more like a skinny, fried ham than American bacon), cereal flakes, milk, juices, tea and espresso.
Glass partitions provide a full view of the street while eating-ideal for individuals who follow people (and a friendly nod from other black travelers passing like us).

Modern convenience in a historic city
Do you wish a contact solution at midnight? We tried it and Uber Eats delivered it in lower than 20 minutes. This is the central IDH.
When it was time to go to the airport, Ubers and taxis were also available outside, and we arrived at the airport in Lisbon in about 20 minutes.
Wi-Fi reliably operated from the lobby, and nearby stores offered European adapters for American chargers.
Even if the city seems latest as a traveler, the hotel offers comfort, ease and sense of home.

The charm of the Old World is met with a living history
There is something transport in Square Idh. Although America may be known “Nowy Świat”, Lisbon history layers are inconceivable to disregard.
After the destructive earthquake, Tsunami and Fire hit the city in at some point in 1755, Lisbon needed to rebuild – and it did so beautifully.
The surrounding architecture is each elegant and neat, and the reminders of the colonial past of Portugal contained in statues for previous rulers and explorers invite reflection and real learning.
Because the city was built on seven hills, Lisbon is really a city stuffed with winding alleys, hand -arranged tiles and breathtaking views. This makes your stay in the Internet Design Hotel is rather more attractive since you don’t need a automotive or expensive transport to maneuver and see what the capital of Portugal has to supply.
Our assessment?

(Tagstranslat) hotels
Travel
American Airlines under the fire after Black Passnger claims that she was the only one in the first grade, the food was refused

American Airlines is in the face of the heat after a black thicker claimed that she was the only first -rate passenger that denies food.
The influencer whose account name is @johbidoo_official shared her story with Tiktok. The film showed a particularly empty table of one that normally had the first class of amenities. The clip quickly gained over 4.8 million views and caused others to discuss the racism they encountered from the airline.
“When you are the only black person in the first grade, and the food apparently ended … Well, thank you American Airlines,” she wrote in the film.
According to the creator of the content of the lifestyle, the flight attendant expressed that the plane There was no food. However, taking into consideration the price point for a first -class ticket, many found this problem unacceptable, he informed.
“First class and exhaustion should not even be in the same sentence,” said one of the users of Tiktok.
Other commentators noticed how airlines normally follow passengers to supply enough food. This insistence meant that the authenticity of the flight attendant claim is questioned, telling the problem to report the problem to the thistker.
“I work with such a service for another airline and I can guarantee that there will be food. Report it !!!” He called one other.
Other thickets have drawn detailed details about their very own experience in the first grade traveling, while black. One woman shared how she received a grimy appearance when observers believed that she was in the fallacious line.
“I flew the first class and I was the only black woman there,” explained the commentator. “They assumed that I was in the wrong line. I looked all the time. It was wild.”
American Airlines had earlier problems with racist treatment reported by passengers. The airline is currently in the face of the trial after its employees accused the black man of trading their white wife.
The airline recently resolved the case for racial discrimination in December 2024 after three black men accused their flight attendants of improper removal of them from the plane in January this 12 months. In the light of a long-lasting problem, raised since 2017, NAACP he cried American Airlines to answer ongoing allegations of racism.
In relation to this last attack of the alleged racism, American Airlines also made a public statement confirming that they contacted the thicketker about her experience.
“We want all our clients to have a positive experience while traveling with us,” said the airline. “We contacted the client to learn more about their experience.”
The thicker also confirmed that he’s in communication with the airline in this matter.
(Tagstranslat) racism on aircraft
-
Press Release1 year ago
U.S.-Africa Chamber of Commerce Appoints Robert Alexander of 360WiseMedia as Board Director
-
Press Release1 year ago
CEO of 360WiSE Launches Mentorship Program in Overtown Miami FL
-
Business and Finance12 months ago
The Importance of Owning Your Distribution Media Platform
-
Business and Finance1 year 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 Crump1 year ago
Another lawsuit accuses Google of bias against Black minority employees
-
Theater1 year ago
Telling the story of the Apollo Theater
-
Ben Crump1 year ago
Henrietta Lacks’ family members reach an agreement after her cells undergo advanced medical tests
-
Ben Crump1 year ago
The families of George Floyd and Daunte Wright hold an emotional press conference in Minneapolis
-
Theater1 year ago
Applications open for the 2020-2021 Soul Producing National Black Theater residency – Black Theater Matters
-
Theater12 months ago
Cultural icon Apollo Theater sets new goals on the occasion of its 85th anniversary