In recent discussions about diversity and inclusion, some have questioned whether these initiatives are truly beneficial. I understand that this topic can feel divisive, but my goal here isn’t to change your mind forcefully—it’s simply to share why I believe inclusivity at Disney Parks enhances the experience for everyone, including those who might not immediately see its value.
One of the greatest strengths of The Walt Disney Company—especially within its theme parks—has always been its commitment to representation. The parks bring together employees from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, creating a dynamic environment that benefits both employees and guests. This isn’t just a corporate initiative; it’s a practical reality that improves the way the parks function and feel.
I was saddened to hear that Disney has scaled back its emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and here’s why:
During my time as a cast member, one of the most rewarding aspects of the job was the friendships I formed with coworkers from all walks of life. Many of them had different perspectives, came from different countries, practiced different religions, or had life experiences that were vastly different from my own. Yet, none of that created division—instead, it made our workplace richer. We were united by a common goal: creating the best possible experience for every guest who walked through the gates.
One example that stands out to me is a colleague from Hong Kong. He was one of the most joyful, uplifting people I have ever worked with, and his positive spirit was contagious. His presence made our entire team stronger. I never thought about his background in terms of a corporate diversity initiative—I just knew that having him as a coworker made my job better. That’s the real benefit of inclusion: bringing together talented people who enrich the environment for everyone.
Inclusivity at Disney goes beyond just hiring—it’s also about making operations run smoothly. A small but meaningful example is the name tags that indicate which languages employees speak. I’ll admit, I’m terrible at foreign languages, so I didn’t have any additional languages on my name tag. But many of my colleagues spoke Spanish, German, French, Japanese, and more. This made my job easier and enhanced the guest experience. If I encountered a language barrier, I could quickly find a cast member who could help, preventing long wait times at guest services, checkout counters, or attraction queues.
You might be wondering, “How does this impact me?” If you’re a fluent English speaker, you might not think about it, but the parks operate like a well-oiled machine. When communication barriers cause delays—whether it’s a Lightning Lane issue, a credit card malfunction, or a need for assistance—everyone’s experience slows down. If you’ve ever traveled to a non-English-speaking country, you probably appreciated when someone was able to help you in your language. I sure was glad to have cast members in Disneyland Paris help me a few years ago when I couldn’t speak a bit of French.
The same goes for accessibility training. When employees are equipped to assist guests with disabilities efficiently, it doesn’t just benefit those guests—it ensures a seamless experience for everyone. Processes run smoothly, lines move faster, and all guests can enjoy their day without unnecessary delays.
Disney’s legacy of inclusion is one of the reasons it remains such a beloved institution. It’s a place where people from all backgrounds can come together to create happiness—not just for guests, but for each other as well. And that, at its core, is what Disney magic is all about.
