DHS and Epcot needs more for girls

[NYwdwfan]

Are you all finished yet? Please do not let me stop you if it makes you feel better about yourselves when you collectively gang up on a person whom you clearly misunderstood. If it is helping you all releive stress by continuing this bashing festival then by all means keep going. If you need help finding more memes or images to help illustrate your insult then please use google or bing as helpful references. And to the person who found it necessary to question my parenting skills, thank you. You do not even know me yet find it acceptable to judge who I am as a person and a mother. So thank you for showing that insight into what kind of person you are. For the rest of you who actually care about this subject at hand, I will once again repeat this is NOT about womens rights or education or skill levels. As a female myself of course I encourage girls of all ages to persue whatever dream they may have, and I also believe that any person male or female can BECOME whatever they choose to be. But this is not the issue. I am talking about two WDW parks in particular which seem to cater more heavily toward one gender rather than a fair balance such as MK. I admit I was a bit harsh toward DHS, and forgot about the Mermaid stage show as well as Fantasmic. Perhaps it is more of a balanced park than I originally gave cerdit for. I was afraid it was turning over to "Star Wars Central" especially if this rumored Star Wars land ever gets approved, then it would seem the park is geared mostly toward boys. Epcot could use a good attraction geared mostly toward girls to help even the playing field. I like my original suggestion of incorporating Belle into imagination. Look at how she and her father Maurice acted. He was an innovator. She used her brain over Gastons braun to outwit him. Does that not sum up many of the key points of which the imagination pavillion is all about? Today as it sits, it is more of a pavilion revolving around the human senses. It is outdated and could use an appropriate update. And for the final time, I never suggest there should be a park solely for girls and themed to the Disney princesses. That was never an issue. If any of you feel like backing off the attacks and care to discuss this topic based on attractions and how the parks could be ore balanced, I am all open for discussion. But please do not attack me personally or my parenting skills. I have two beautiful children who I encourage to go as far as their dreams can carry no matter if it is my son or daughter.

There is an enormous difference between ganging up on someone and people individually taking issue with gender-based stereotypes in statements you yourself made.

 

[tirian]

Only the MK was designed for fantasy. Epcot is supposed to celebrate the wonders of the real world, and DHS is supposed to celebrate classic showbiz. (I'm not saying they still do.) Neither park was intended to appeal specifically to children.

There's no reason for either one to be blanketed in princesses and pink, and there's no reason for American children to have their interests dictated by marketing ploys and toy companies.

Nothing at Epcot is only for boys, unless you consider whatever remaining educational value remains to be something for Men while Women stay at home and cook.

I know this may sound like sarcasim after all the money Disney has just invested in new Fantasyland. But am I the only one who notices the lack of attractions geared toward females and families with little princesses of our own at DHS and Epcot? Like I said this may sound like a sarcastic post considering how Frozen is now one of Disneys most successful films, and all the princess-oriented material found in new Fantasyland at MK. But other parks need at least just one or two quality attractions at either park that are geared to the ladies. Sure there is B&B and Playhouse Disney at DHS which features Sophia The First, and Epcot has princess meet and greets at different locations, but if you count all the attractions at both parks, both major and smaller, it seems to be geared mostly toward boys. The reason i did not mention Animal Kingdom is because animals are mostly bi-gender in popularity, meaning both little boys and little girls will be entertained by seeing animals and animal related shows or exhibits. But look at Epcot which is my least favorite park. Most girls young and old are not into all the science, space exploration, and cultural offerings. That is more educational and geared for the males. It is hard to even spot Belle or one of the princesses around World Showcase unless you know the exact times they will be out and appearing. Then you have Epcot Character Spot which is fine and enjoyable for our little princesses, but Figment, Energy, TT, Soarin, not too many girls will be begging mommy and daddy to take them to see an attraction on where fossil fuels come from.
Sorry this rant is long but what i am getting at is why not just one or two attractions at each park that would really be of interest for little girls. A Tangled ride at DHS?? Please???? What about a Tangled or Frozen stage show? Belle was all about learning and imagination, so why not include her somewhere in the pavilion, especially since people are tired of the current imagination ride? Please do not think I am suggesting disney go all princess all the time. As much as i would like that, it would run off the male audiences. All I am saying is make more a balance at all 4 parks, not just MK.

No and sorry if it comes across as a joke, it is not. I realize the timing may be off in asking this considering the new opening of new Fantasyland and all the princess material found there. I was just refering to DHS and Epcot alone if you collectively look at all those parks attractions.

There seems to be some confusion so let me start over. I am not saying there should be princess princess princess around every corner at WDW. That would obviously be overkill and nobody wants that, shoot even I would get tired of 24-7 princess all the time at the parks. But what I was saying is if there could be just a pinch more offerings for little girls at DHS and Epcot. Just maybe one show or ride here or there. Not a princess overload lol. Hopefully that makes more sense than the original post. This is coming from a parent with a daughter and a son, so I get there needs to be a balance.

 

[englanddg]

Are you all finished yet?

Please do not let me stop you if it makes you feel better about yourselves when you collectively gang up on a person whom you clearly misunderstood.

If it is helping you all releive stress by continuing this bashing festival then by all means keep going. If you need help finding more memes or images to help illustrate your insult then please use google or bing as helpful references.

And to the person who found it necessary to question my parenting skills, thank you. You do not even know me yet find it acceptable to judge who I am as a person and a mother. So thank you for showing that insight into what kind of person you are. For the rest of you who actually care about this subject at hand, I will once again repeat this is NOT about womens rights or education or skill levels.

As a female myself of course I encourage girls of all ages to persue whatever dream they may have, and I also believe that any person male or female can BECOME whatever they choose to be. But this is not the issue. I am talking about two WDW parks in particular which seem to cater more heavily toward one gender rather than a fair balance such as MK.

I admit I was a bit harsh toward DHS, and forgot about the Mermaid stage show as well as Fantasmic. Perhaps it is more of a balanced park than I originally gave cerdit for. I was afraid it was turning over to "Star Wars Central" especially if this rumored Star Wars land ever gets approved, then it would seem the park is geared mostly toward boys.

Epcot could use a good attraction geared mostly toward girls to help even the playing field. I like my original suggestion of incorporating Belle into imagination. Look at how she and her father Maurice acted. He was an innovator. She used her brain over Gastons braun to outwit him. Does that not sum up many of the key points of which the imagination pavillion is all about?

Today as it sits, it is more of a pavilion revolving around the human senses. It is outdated and could use an appropriate update. And for the final time, I never suggest there should be a park solely for girls and themed to the Disney princesses.

That was never an issue. If any of you feel like backing off the attacks and care to discuss this topic based on attractions and how the parks could be ore balanced, I am all open for discussion. But please do not attack me personally or my parenting skills.

I have two beautiful children who I encourage to go as far as their dreams can carry no matter if it is my son or daughter.

Fixed that for you, if you read the quote. Not attacking you, merely posting a simple suggestion.

 

[FettFan]

OK everybody- chill out! Give the OP a break! She was just making a simple observation.

Indeed.

BUT....she used her observation to make a hypothesis. We have studied her hypothesis and have come to the conclusion that it is made in error. DHS and Epcot are a mixed bag for everyone.


ERGO....

Her opinion is wrong. ​

 

[Californian Elitist]

There happens to be a princess in Star Wars who I would consider a better role model for girls than many (not all) of the Disney princesses.

Yep. Cinderella is a doormat, Snow White is a blockhead and Ariel is...wow, probably the worst of them all.

 

[Pocahontas]

Are you all finished yet? Please do not let me stop you if it makes you feel better about yourselves when you collectively gang up on a person whom you clearly misunderstood. If it is helping you all releive stress by continuing this bashing festival then by all means keep going. If you need help finding more memes or images to help illustrate your insult then please use google or bing as helpful references. And to the person who found it necessary to question my parenting skills, thank you. You do not even know me yet find it acceptable to judge who I am as a person and a mother. So thank you for showing that insight into what kind of person you are. For the rest of you who actually care about this subject at hand, I will once again repeat this is NOT about womens rights or education or skill levels. As a female myself of course I encourage girls of all ages to persue whatever dream they may have, and I also believe that any person male or female can BECOME whatever they choose to be. But this is not the issue. I am talking about two WDW parks in particular which seem to cater more heavily toward one gender rather than a fair balance such as MK. I admit I was a bit harsh toward DHS, and forgot about the Mermaid stage show as well as Fantasmic. Perhaps it is more of a balanced park than I originally gave cerdit for. I was afraid it was turning over to "Star Wars Central" especially if this rumored Star Wars land ever gets approved, then it would seem the park is geared mostly toward boys. Epcot could use a good attraction geared mostly toward girls to help even the playing field. I like my original suggestion of incorporating Belle into imagination. Look at how she and her father Maurice acted. He was an innovator. She used her brain over Gastons braun to outwit him. Does that not sum up many of the key points of which the imagination pavillion is all about? Today as it sits, it is more of a pavilion revolving around the human senses. It is outdated and could use an appropriate update. And for the final time, I never suggest there should be a park solely for girls and themed to the Disney princesses. That was never an issue. If any of you feel like backing off the attacks and care to discuss this topic based on attractions and how the parks could be ore balanced, I am all open for discussion. But please do not attack me personally or my parenting skills. I have two beautiful children who I encourage to go as far as their dreams can carry no matter if it is my son or daughter.

Again, I can understand where you're coming from - but honestly, your comments were a bit misguided, which you admitted.

The thing is, I think all the parks are gender neutral. They have things for all people to enjoy, regardless of age, sex, nationality, etc.

You might feel it's lacking in the female department, but you are not all girls and cannot speak for them. Epcot is not DESIGNED to be what your perception of "girly" is. Epcot has a theme, and they can't change that theme to accommodate your gender specific needs.

I am not bashing you, I don't want to berate you. I just want to inform you a bit on my perspective.

 

[englanddg]

Yep. Cinderella is a doormat, Snow White is a blockhead and Ariel is...wow, probably the worst of them all.

Don't be such a Snarfblatt.

 

[AllydoesDisney]

OK one more. This actually has nothing to do with DHS or Epcot. Its about Art of Animation. It has several buildings for several movies: Cars, Finding Memo, Lion King, and Little Mermaid. Something for the boys and the girls. I clearly remember a little girl getting excited about Zazu in the Lion King. I'm sure there were plenty of girls in the Lion King and Finding Nemo as there were in Little Mermaid. I would've stayed in Finding Memo but since it was me and my mom, it made more sense to stay in Little Mermaid. But my point is, even this hotel keeps the balance.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

Well I for one, agree with the OP.

Might I recommend a Magic Mike themed stage show for DHS?

 

[AngieTink27]

OP, you yourself said that girls are not interested in science, space exploration, or cultural ("educational") offerings. You can't expect to make a ridiculous and offensive statement like that and not be ripped apart.

That is a common fact not an insult. This does not mean girls are stupid or cannot be astronauts or scientists. But how many times do you see a little girl tugging on her mothers shirt saying "mommy mommy I want to go see the dinosaurs and watch the video on where our automotive fuel comes from!" No they are more excited to meet one of their favorite princesses. This does not suggest girls are dumb or incapable of becoming as successful as men.

 

[FettFan]

Finding Memo

 

[tirian]

Again, despite the recent additions of M&Gs and the 3 Caballeros, Epcot isn't intended to appeal to children's fantasy. Someone could even argue that the characters who have been added reflect each country's folklore (but that's a stretch).

What exactly about Epcot seems male-centric? Science from the 1990s? Technology from the early 2000s? All the perfume shops in World Showcase? I'll give you credit for the car and Indy shows at DHS, except that many girls love the stunts because they're exciting.

Why should girls only have princess pink in their lives? Why should Disney only cater to 6-year-olds whose parents don't allow them to discover how exciting life can be outside of a Disney Princess® marketing scheme?

I think many people here reacted strongly to your post because it reinforces the overwrought toon-ification of WDW property.

Are you all finished yet? Please do not let me stop you if it makes you feel better about yourselves when you collectively gang up on a person whom you clearly misunderstood. If it is helping you all releive stress by continuing this bashing festival then by all means keep going. If you need help finding more memes or images to help illustrate your insult then please use google or bing as helpful references. And to the person who found it necessary to question my parenting skills, thank you. You do not even know me yet find it acceptable to judge who I am as a person and a mother. So thank you for showing that insight into what kind of person you are. For the rest of you who actually care about this subject at hand, I will once again repeat this is NOT about womens rights or education or skill levels. As a female myself of course I encourage girls of all ages to persue whatever dream they may have, and I also believe that any person male or female can BECOME whatever they choose to be. But this is not the issue. I am talking about two WDW parks in particular which seem to cater more heavily toward one gender rather than a fair balance such as MK. I admit I was a bit harsh toward DHS, and forgot about the Mermaid stage show as well as Fantasmic. Perhaps it is more of a balanced park than I originally gave cerdit for. I was afraid it was turning over to "Star Wars Central" especially if this rumored Star Wars land ever gets approved, then it would seem the park is geared mostly toward boys. Epcot could use a good attraction geared mostly toward girls to help even the playing field. I like my original suggestion of incorporating Belle into imagination. Look at how she and her father Maurice acted. He was an innovator. She used her brain over Gastons braun to outwit him. Does that not sum up many of the key points of which the imagination pavillion is all about? Today as it sits, it is more of a pavilion revolving around the human senses. It is outdated and could use an appropriate update. And for the final time, I never suggest there should be a park solely for girls and themed to the Disney princesses. That was never an issue. If any of you feel like backing off the attacks and care to discuss this topic based on attractions and how the parks could be ore balanced, I am all open for discussion. But please do not attack me personally or my parenting skills. I have two beautiful children who I encourage to go as far as their dreams can carry no matter if it is my son or daughter.

 

[Nemo14]

That is a common fact not an insult. This does not mean girls are stupid or cannot be astronauts or scientists. But how many times do you see a little girl tugging on her mothers shirt saying "mommy mommy I want to go see the dinosaurs and watch the video on where our automotive fuel comes from!" No they are more excited to meet one of their favorite princesses. This does not suggest girls are dumb or incapable of becoming as successful as men.

 

[Andrew C]

About a week ago, I told my wife that when I was a child, I watched my sister's VHS tape of the Little Mermaid more than she did. She looked at me and said..."I am not surprised.."

What do you think she meant by that???

Spoiler

 

[Pocahontas]

That is a common fact not an insult. This does not mean girls are stupid or cannot be astronauts or scientists. But how many times do you see a little girl tugging on her mothers shirt saying "mommy mommy I want to go see the dinosaurs and watch the video on where our automotive fuel comes from!" No they are more excited to meet one of their favorite princesses. This does not suggest girls are dumb or incapable of becoming as successful as men.

Again with the generalizations, the stereotypes.

Not all girls are the same, I can assure you we all have different interests.

You'd be surprised how many girls contradict this "common fact".

 

[Californian Elitist]

That is a common fact not an insult. This does not mean girls are stupid or cannot be astronauts or scientists. But how many times do you see a little girl tugging on her mothers shirt saying "mommy mommy I want to go see the dinosaurs and watch the video on where our automotive fuel comes from!" No they are more excited to meet one of their favorite princesses. This does not suggest girls are dumb or incapable of becoming as successful as men.

I don't think it's fair to say most little girls find princesses more interesting than dinosaurs and things like that. It was probably more like that years and years ago, but times have changed.

 

[Goofyernmost]

OK everybody- chill out! Give the OP a break! She was just making a simple observation. If you agree, fine. If you disagree, fine. In general I believe WDW is for all ages, races, creeds, genders, etc. Nothing is truly gender specific! Heck- my boys still enjoy Sofia the First and Doc Mc Stuffins- and they're 9! It's simple, family fun cartoons that teach good lessons to our kids! EPCOT and DHS have so much for all! My boys enjoy Phineas and Ferb, which replaced Kim Possible! Girls or boys can enjoy the adventures, the world showcase, test track( women drivers such as Danika Patrick), mission space ( women astronauts), Tower of Terror and RNRoller Coaster, plus BATB , Little Mermaid, etc... etc.... etc....
I do think in general EPCOT and DHS need to make some changes, but hopefully that's coming ( not gender specific). Boy or girl, man or woman, WDW has something for everyone!

I think the real problem here is that we are classifying attractions as male or female, when indeed they are neither. They are interest based. If you are interested in an attractions it matters not what the gender is. I will admit to the OP painting pictures with a very broad brush. Making the assumption that females are not interested because her daughter might not be is what is causing all this fuss.

All humans are different and what happened to Epcot is a prime example of how a lot of people male or female rejected the edutainment aspect of the park. Therefore we have Nemo, an awful Imagination pavilion and many of the other downgraded attractions. Why? Because both genders were bored with it. Personally, my daughters, now grown, still love everything. They have never, to my knowledge, judged anything in Disney as strictly male or female. In fact, with the recent massive additions to the Princess M&G's, and BBB has in many ways tilted Disney's MK in the direction of the traditional female outlook. Maybe the one that parents are most comfortable with. It's a personal observation, it may be correct or it may not... doesn't matter really.

My personal observation is that the following attractions have equal popularity between male and female:

Spaceship Earth
World of Energy
Mission: Space
Test Track
Nemo and Friends
Soarin
Living with the Land
and anything you care to mention in World Showcase

In short, if ever there was a balanced park, Epcot would be it. But all in all, they are all pretty balanced except MK which has a slight lean toward the young female.

 

[MOXOMUMD]

Well I for one, agree with the OP.

Might I recommend a Magic Mike themed stage show for DHS?

 

[englanddg]

That is a common fact not an insult. This does not mean girls are stupid or cannot be astronauts or scientists. But how many times do you see a little girl tugging on her mothers shirt saying "mommy mommy I want to go see the dinosaurs and watch the video on where our automotive fuel comes from!" No they are more excited to meet one of their favorite princesses. This does not suggest girls are dumb or incapable of becoming as successful as men.

To be fair, you don't see many little boys who are all that interested where energy comes from either.

That's not the point of the pavilion.

 

[AllydoesDisney]

Give me a break. I'm on my phone.