[anaheimboy]

Originally Posted by PrincessJill

Thanks so much for posting this link. When I first read the article, I was admittedly horrified - it sounded like a cheesy way to cram more Disney characters into a ride that didn't need it. I pictured their animated versions pasted up on the walls or something...

I am very pleasantly surprised at what was shown in the pictures from your link! The characters in the Small World/Mary Blair style are so cute and fit so well. I had thought the characters would be intrusive and harsh, but they aren't at all.

Mostly, I was concerned with what many others including people in the article have said - the ride was about different cultures and, in my opinion, opening children's eyes to the fact that no matter what we look like, what we believe, etc. that we all are in the world together and really aren't that different. I thought adding the characters would really take away from this and possibly even change the message entirely. But actually I think it may help children associate the characters they've seen so many times in movies with the different cultures they come from, and therefore better understand things. Even though I'm not crazy about the look of the America section at the end, I think this will help children understand the whole concept of cultures too - it shows them their own familiar culture alongside ones they may never have seen before, and hopefully raises a little curiosity and understanding in the process.

Just my humble opinion.

So True, nicely put! - and for anyone who may not be able to easily find the link at the top of the homepage, here is a direct link to the article containing the pictures and description! Disneyland’s New Small World - A Different Look At Disney