Recently a friend, who is of my generation, asked me what “woke” meant. Of course, using it as a verb meaning to wake up is the old definition or one I have always used.

After doing some research, I have a clearer understanding of “woke” and how it originated

First used in the 1940s, the term “woke” has resurfaced in recent years as a concept that symbolizes awareness of social issues and movement against injustice, inequality, and prejudice.

By overusing the word, the meaning has been diluted and has been applied to everything from soft drinks to razors, but typically it means “alert to injustice in society, especially racism”.  

As everyone is aware, unless you have been out of touch lately, Disneyland has gone woke.  Some of the changes like the dress code for the 190,000 cast members, as employees are called, are, in my opinion not a big deal.

The chairman of Disney’s parks division, Josh D’Amaro, said that the company will provide “greater flexibility to their cast member’s outfits with respect to “forms of personal expression surrounding gender-inclusive hairstyles, jewelry, nail styles, and costume choices.” The parks will even allow cast members to show off “appropriate visible tattoos” regardless of their gender identity.

Disneyland and Disney World are removing “gender greetings” from its parks, so instead of greeting with phrases “boys and girls” or “ladies and gentlemen,” they will say “hello everyone” or “hello friends.”  Again, this is only my opinion, but I don’t this is should deter parents from eliminating a trip to Disney World from their kids’ bucket list. 

I could not find any reference to changes in polices for separate restrooms for male and female, but I am definitely NOT in favor of having communal bathrooms, so for me that would be a game changer.

Will kids be offended by these changes in the most magical place on earth?  Probably not.  These little mesmerized munchkins will be excited by just seeing the Magic Kingdom and being greeted by Mickey and Minnie.

But, let me me clear, that’s about as far as I go agreeing with Disney’s wokeness.  I do not agree with the company’s stance on its objection to a recent law passed in Florida that would prevent teaching children about: sex acts; sex; straight; gay; genitalia, and all the rest from preschool to third grade. Walt Disney was conservative and would be rolling over in his grave if he knew that many Disney people are protesting and wrongly saying that this bill has banned the word “gay” from schools. .

The Florida Senate passed the Parental Rights in Education bill, a potential law that would ban teachers in kindergarten through third grade from providing instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation, require schools to notify parents if there has been any change in a student’s physical, emotional, or mental wellbeing, and would also provide legal recourse to parents to sue if they believe a school has violated any of those agreements. It would also teachers to withhold certain information from parents if there is a “reasonable” belief notifying them would result in abuse.

And just as a side note for those parents who still want their kiddos to experience the excitement of Disney World this year, be prepared to break the bank.  The cost for 2 adults and 2 kids for 4 days will be $3,460, including a mid-range hotel at $225 per night located in the resort + theme park tickets. Transportation not included. By the way, Florida residents save 40% on ticket prices, and of course, and no transportation costs.  Maybe it’s worth relocating, or maybe not!

Yes, for the record our kiddos have experienced Disney World several times many, many years ago. They enjoyed it and remember each and every visit with a smile on their face, but that was before the turn of the century.