NEWS
Disneyland Adding Wheelchair Characters to ‘It’s A Small World’ Ride
Source: Disney Parks
Disneyland’s iconic ‘It’s A Small World’ ride is getting two new characters!
The beloved attraction is now home to two new dolls in wheelchairs, which will appear in the Latin American section of the boat ride and in the finale, CNN reports.
The dolls were unveiled during the first day of the park’s Christmas season and will remain a permanent part of the ride.
“The dolls are participating inclusively alongside their non-disabled peers, which is something we want to see more of, instead of being depicted as limited or incapable because of a disability,” Jill Houghton, CEO of the disability inclusion nonprofit Disability:IN, told CNN. “We need to see more of this in pop culture, theme parks, and entertainment if we want to be truly representative of the largest minority group in the world.”
This is the first time Disneyland has included characters in wheelchairs. According to CNN, ‘It’s A Small World’ rides at Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland Paris will add similar dolls in 2023.
“We are always looking to enhance our attractions with not just fun things, but meaningful things as well,” Kim Irvine, executive creative director of Walt Disney Imagineering for Disneyland Resort, told CNN.
