While visiting Magic Kingdom today, we noticed that not only was the Adventureland entrance sign still missing, but that Disney has begun dismantling the entire entrance. This is likely part of a refurbishment of the sign and structure, but it could be something bigger. Here’s a closer look at the latest progress!
Adventureland Entrance Dismantled at Magic Kingdom
Our last update on the work included the removal of the sign and props. In that article, we speculated that one reason for the sign’s removal was for a refurbishment of the entire structure. That appears to be what’s happening. Here’s a look at the area from our visit to Magic Kingdom this morning, followed by a bit of speculation.
Of course, the next question is: why was the Adventureland sign removed? I’m of two minds here. I think that it’s possible that this is some sort of standard refurbishment. With the refurbishment of the Frontierland signs finally complete, it’s possible that Disney is simply moving onto the next sign in the area, and that’s the Adventureland sign.
Our previous update showed that the structure on which the sign sits appeared to be of poor quality in a few places. With the latest work, our assumption is that the reason for the refurbishment is a refresh of the wooden structure, and the removal of the sign was just the first step.
Another possibility is that Disney is looking to reimagine the sign. More specifically, some of the props appear to be out of alignment with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) changes at the Jungle Cruise attraction. The removal of Trader Sam, the removal of the dancing tribe, and the removal of other props depicting “natives” was part of a soft reimagining of the attraction.
If this were still the Disney of 2022-2023, I would be inclined to think that the removal of the Adventureland sign was part of DEI changes. However, when current Disney CEO Bob Iger returned, he aligned himself closely with the Trump administration, axing a number of DEI initiatives and programs within The Walt Disney Company.
Working inclusion into the theme parks was part of a platform called Stories Matter. That initiative was also ended with the removal of DEI programs. Right now, it’s unclear what the future of DEI is in the theme parks. There are a number of items in the theme parks that could change, but it seems unlikely that we’ll see the type of sweeping updates to the theme parks that we have in recent years.
For that reason, I think that it is more likely that the removal of the Adventureland sign is due to a more standard refurbishment, and not a reimagining.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
