Hey, friends. I was all ready to share a cheerful roundup of the new photo ops popping up across Walt Disney World in celebration of Women’s History Month, available now through March 31st. I expected colorful backdrops, empowering messages, and maybe even a few surprises we hadn’t seen before. But as I clicked through the gallery, that excitement slowly faded.
Usually, we get a nice variety of photo spots to explore, each one offering something a little different. This time, after the fifth image, the gallery looped right back to the beginning. I blinked, refreshed, and scrolled again, thinking I must have missed something. Unfortunately, I hadn’t. Not only was the selection smaller than expected, but a few of the designs felt very familiar, similar to what we’ve seen in previous years. The whole effort felt a bit… light.
I’ll be honest, Women’s History Month is not something I have circled in bold on my calendar each year. But it doesn’t take much to spark my excitement for a celebration, especially when it comes to the influence of women throughout Disney history. From groundbreaking creators behind the scenes to unforgettable characters on screen, the impact has been profound. That is why I was genuinely surprised to see the absence of so many iconic characters from this lineup, such as any of the Disney Princesses.
There was no nod to Snow White, the very first animated princess who changed film history forever. No tribute to Mulan or Merida, both celebrated for their independence and courage in breaking long-held stereotypes. And what about Elsa and Anna, whose story in Frozen beautifully centered on the power of sisterhood rather than romance? Their absence felt noticeable.
Instead, we’re left with five photo ops that, while certainly cute and perfectly pleasant for a quick snapshot, don’t quite capture the strength, tenacity, and legacy of Disney’s long-standing female-driven history. I can’t help but feel there was an opportunity here to go a little bigger, dig a little deeper, and celebrate a little louder.
Take a look at the current offerings and let me know what you think. Am I being too harsh, or were you hoping for something more, too?
Alice and art inspired by Mary Blair:
Available on the bridge between the United Kingdom and France pavilions at EPCOT, and by Mad Tea Party at Magic Kingdom Park.
Animator’s Desk inspired by Retta Scott:
Available behind Spaceship Earth in the World Celebration Gardens area at EPCOT.
Mirabel:
Available at the entrance of the park by the ticket windows, by the exit of Kilimanjaro Safaris, and by the Oasis Exhibits just past the main entrance of the park at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Isabela:
Available by Discovery River near the Tree of Life between Africa and Asia and across from Feathered Friends in Flight! at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Mrs. Incredible:
Available at Echo Lake and in Pixar Plaza at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Let me know. On point, or missed opportunity?
