Mods: Please Close This. Let's Think Happy Thoughts!

[orljustin]

A little girl wants to have a magical moment and speak to a princess, and you've got a problem with that? You would begrudge a little girl getting a bit of Disney magic because, well, why exactly? Because you feel that every conversation that ever happens on US soil must be done in English.

This is only a symptom of the larger issue of the Spanish language influence in Florida, where you can't go into a grocery store or other service industry related area, without encountering persons who refuse to speak English, even though they are happy to live here and take advantage of all the other benefits. People are tired of 'giving in' to this, like the voter ballots in two languages. This latest move just pulls the trigger on some people, including myself.

I don't mind them learning a few key phrases, but to try and limit hiring to someone who is bilingual is ridiculous, and to narrow it even further to Spanish is particularly horrifying, that quality people may be overlooked just to placate locals and visitors.

 

[OctDisney]

This thread pulls at the hear of the Hispanic debate.
While there are a tremendous amount of Hispanic tourists, other countries are also represented.
It was stated the Brazil is represented well. Brazil's native language is not Spanish.

If Disney wants to do something with the characters in their native or other languages, then it should be done in the World Showcase.

BTW, Cinderella's castle was based on a German castle, so basically she should be in front of the German pavilion speaking German, such that Pinochhio should be in front the Italian, and Mulan the Chinese, Belle the French.

I think Disney is missing an opportunity and needs to be more inclusive in its multi-lingual approach.

I do not expect to go to another country and be catered to like here in the USA.

If Disney does not do this correct, then they will see a drop in attendance because people of other nationalities will be disappointed. 10% of the USA is of Italian descent and over 25% of German descent. Disney has to be very careful on how it approaches this.

As for all this Hispanic stuff, I will pose a question.
Two brothers leave Italy to seek a better life. One to the USA and one to Argentina. The descendants of one anre now classified as white and the other's descendants Hispanic. Doesn't make any sense to me, does it to anyone??

 

[providence]

When my ancestors came to America they loved it and respected it enough to learn to speak English the language of Americans. They loved it enough to send their son to war and his son to war and his son to war hoping that the freedom and culture they fought for would be loved and respected by those who came after them.

 

[Feralpeg]

Wow! Folks, I didn't post this thread with the intention of starting a debate. In fact, I apologize for my original wording. For some reason, and it was very short sighted on my part, I had this picture of a princess speaking with an Hispanic accent. As many of you have pointed out, being able to speak Spanish does not mean you must have an accept.

Please let me explain that I am totally inundated by Hispanic accents everyday. There are so many Hispanic people in my area that do have very strong accents that it just came to mind. Sorry! That was very wrong of me to think that way.

I do wish we didn't have to see additional signs everywhere (not just at WDW) in Spanish. I guess they are necessary, but it is just so much more clutter.

I do not have an issue with the princesses speaking multiple languages. I think it will be nice for those they interact with who don't speak English.

Please don't let this thread turn ugly.

 

[ssleblanc]

I went to France, and guess what? I was mocked for my pathetic attempt at ordering in French, and NO ONE offered to speak english to me. Get real. WDW was founded by an ENGLISH SPEAKING man. I believe they have translation sets for foreign visitors. If speaking to the Princess' is so important then maybe these little girls parents should work on a few key phrases before they leave. I am tired of everything in this country being adjusted to accomodate non english speaking visitors. In all my travels to other countries I have never seen anything like what we are doing in this country. It is an embarrasment. We even have the ACLU suing Americans on behalf of foreigners, illegal aliens and terrorists. It's a long slippery slope my friends. As for princess' of different races, absolutely, a great story with an African princess.....as long as it's a good story, and not just in place to fill a void, would be great.

My experience has been quite different. When in Amsterdam, the airport signs were in Dutch and English. The ticket agents/gate attendants/concession stand employees/hotel desk clerks/etc ... ALL spoke to me in English (without me asking ... was it that obvious that I'm an
American? REALLY - I'm NOT an obnoxious American ). Of course that isn't too far from the U.K. where the native language is English. BUT ... Athens, same thing. Waiters, airport employees, etc - all spoke to me in English (often broken, but enough to understand each other). Kenya - sure I learned a few works in Swahili but they spoke to me in English. Madrid, had no problems though the number of people who spoke English wasn't nearly as high, there were still plenty who tried. Same goes for Zurich where the native tongue for that part of Switzerland is German - I was addressed in English in restaurants, on trains, in stores, etc. Italy, yep, again, waiters and hotel clerks addressed me in English. Mexico (granted, it was a touristy area of Mexico), same thing. I didn't ask for, expect, or "demand" that anyone spoke my language. I actually expected to have to deal with my books, expecting to struggle my way through each conversation (or eat something TOTALLY different than I expected because I ordered the wrong food by mistake). But in each country I've visited I was pleasantly surprised at the number of people who spoke English to me. I think that people heard me and my group speaking in English and automatically addressed me in English (or saw my passport when checking in, etc). In Switzerland I found that people actually looked forward to "practicing" their English. Often they said that their English was not very good, but in fact, it was very easy to communicate.

I can't speak for France because I've never been there. But I've been to many other countries and have never found a place where people didn't try to speak to me in English despite the books I had in hand, ready to try to translate for myself (with butchered pronounciations and accents I know).

** edited to correct typo because I expected "butched pronounciations" instead of "butchered". ).

 

[Shubunk]

I went to France, and guess what? I was mocked for my pathetic attempt at ordering in French, and NO ONE offered to speak english to me. Get real. WDW was founded by an ENGLISH SPEAKING man. I believe they have translation sets for foreign visitors. If speaking to the Princess' is so important then maybe these little girls parents should work on a few key phrases before they leave. I am tired of everything in this country being adjusted to accomodate non english speaking visitors. In all my travels to other countries I have never seen anything like what we are doing in this country. It is an embarrasment. We even have the ACLU suing Americans on behalf of foreigners, illegal aliens and terrorists. It's a long slippery slope my friends. As for princess' of different races, absolutely, a great story with an African princess.....as long as it's a good story, and not just in place to fill a void, would be great.

That’s what makes the U.S.A so great! We think everyone should have an equal opportunity, don’t we? So why should we sink to the level of the other countries where they supposedly treat their tourist like crap? We are better than them so that is why Disney is trying to improve so that more people can have a magical time. Are you against more people having a magical time? And by I have been to France not Disneyland and they were some of the nicest people out there on my trip across Europe .

 

[mgpan]

Perhaps after 4 pages, it is time this thread is closed. This is much worse than the "have you ever had a shock" thread and it has been shut down. It appears as though both viewpoints have been aired thoroughly.

 

[meeko_33785]

I think it's a wonderful idea to have some bilingual characters. The characters are such a great part of the Disney experience, and it would be wonderful to allow more guests to be able to share in that experience to be able to converse with a Princess in the launguage they are most comfortable in- whether English or Spanish. In a perfect scenario, all languages should be represented in the parks, but with such a large population of Spanish-speakers in America and the rest of the Western Hemisphere, I think it's a start. Kudos to Disney for being more sensitive and inclusive to those who want to retain the language of their culture.

 

[truebelievers]

The local news has reported that they are casting for Spanish speaking princesses. They are also going to increase the number of Spanish signs in the parks and at the resorts.

Please note that the OP did not say Disney is casting primarily Spanish-speaking princesses, or exclusively Spanish-speaking princesses. For all we know, there could some type of show/presentation featuring these princesses, who'd also be available for pictures and meet&greets. I guess we just don't know.

I personally think this is a good step for Disney to take. Although (and please don't flame me for this) I wonder how the little French girl visiting Disney World for the first time is going to feel when she finds out that her favorite princess can't speak her language. After all, the princess can speak English and Spanish -- why not French?

But just in case, I better brush up on my Español!

 

[disneymama73]

We think everyone should have an equal opportunity, don’t we?

Yes, everyone. Not just Spanish speaking tourists.

 

[kvogel11202]

English speaking people made America the world power it is today. English speaking Americans fought a war of Independance for our freedoms. What bothers me is that there are people BORN in America who don't speak English, and get upset when I don't speak THEIR language. Don't call my office, in America, and get mad that we don't speak YOUR language. Unfortunately this is what is happening in this country. We are no longer a "melting pot" we are "diverse". Don't get me wrong, every has their own culture, and they should celebrate it. But if you want to be an American, you have to be an American first- not Brazilian-American, or Italian-American, or whatever. And if you come to America, we speak English. Again, I believe Disney has translators, just like they do at Stonehenge, Notre Dame, or any other "tourist spot" . I don't mean to pick just on Spanish speaking people, but that is language I run into trouble with the most.

 

[HayGan]

Hmmm, seems to me that people aren't taking the time to read some posts clearly. I have no problem in teaching CMs several key phrases in several different languages to make an encounter special for many children. The problem is why does it only have to be Spanish and why do they have to be fluent Why is it that only English and Spanish children can converse with the characters? The other languages aren't worthy enough? You are on American soil and therefore you should expect that English will be spoken by the CMs that you encounter. I don't travel to Mexico and expect the signs to be in Spanish and English. Why should they be in English and Spanish here

I can't believe that people expect to travel to a different country and expect that people would speak to them in a language other than what is the native/official language of the country that they are in!!!

I think the comment about a Spanish speaking Cinderella is absurd - so what my child can only speak to Cinderella after 10am. That is ridiculous!!!

For the record, I am bilingual and am teaching my children to be as well!

 

[kvogel11202]

That’s what makes the U.S.A so great! We think everyone should have an equal opportunity, don’t we? So why should we sink to the level of the other countries where they supposedly treat their tourist like crap? We are better than them so that is why Disney is trying to improve so that more people can have a magical time. Are you against more people having a magical time? And by I have been to France not Disneyland and they were some of the nicest people out there on my trip across Europe .

Really? I found the Germans to be the nicest, especially the men! Never had a problem ordering a meal, or a drink in a club, course I didn't pay for many either! Found the French to be just what you hear, rude and arrogant. Saw some beautiful sites, left Paris after 24 hours. Now Berlin, I could have stayed there forever!

 

[Lisa_Belle]

First of all, I seriously doubt that Cinderella is going to be speaking Spanish with an English-speaking tourist. They are probably casting BILINGUAL characters who will speak Spanish when it's obvious the child doesn't speak English well.

Second, I also doubt they are doing it for international tourists. I'm sure WDW wants to bring a magical moment to the thousands of young residents who are still learning English.

Third, What, exactly is wrong with people in the US learning another language? Most of the civilized world speaks multiple languages. Most Americans speak only English only because we haven't had a lot of European immigrants in the last 50 years and our high-school foreign languages courses are a joke and a half. Some of you people need a few turns through It's A Small World.

No we Americans aren't high on ourselves as you say but let me check a minute... Yes we are in a country where the main language is ENGLISH NOT Spanish!

Yes, we Americans ARE high on ourselves. These posts just reinforce that. We want people visiting our country to speak English, and we want them to speak English when we're in their country. It's why most of the world has coined the phrase "Ugly American" and hates us. I have NEVER been laughed at for attempting to speak French or Spanish. Usually, people are quite gracious about the effort, help me find the words I need, and then talk to me in English.

 

[HayGan]

Perhaps after 4 pages, it is time this thread is closed. This is much worse than the "have you ever had a shock" thread and it has been shut down. It appears as though both viewpoints have been aired thoroughly.

Why? We are all being respectful and no name calling has happened. This is an important topic that is very relevant to a Disney theme park. Just because one does not like other's viewpoints does not require a thread to be closed.

 

[Shubunk]

English speaking people made America the world power it is today. English speaking Americans fought a war of Independance for our freedoms. What bothers me is that there are people BORN in America who don't speak English, and get upset when I don't speak THEIR language. Don't call my office, in America, and get mad that we don't speak YOUR language. Unfortunately this is what is happening in this country. We are no longer a "melting pot" we are "diverse". Don't get me wrong, every has their own culture, and they should celebrate it. But if you want to be an American, you have to be an American first- not Brazilian-American, or Italian-American, or whatever. And if you come to America, we speak English. Again, I believe Disney has translators, just like they do at Stonehenge, Notre Dame, or any other "tourist spot" . I don't mean to pick just on Spanish speaking people, but that is language I run into trouble with the most.

If your problem wasnt with disney and spanish speaking characters, but with people who are born here and dont speak english, then dont make it seem like you do not want disney to hire characters that speak both languages. You clearly stated that your problem was with the people who were born here and dont speak english, most of the people who visit disney and only speak spanish are not from here, they are tourist.
I too think that if you are born in this country you should speak english, but i have yet to meet someone who was born in this country and does not speak english, and i live in miami!!

 

[Annam26]

My experience has been quite different. When in Amsterdam, the airport signs were in Dutch and English. The ticket agents/gate attendants/concession stand employees/hotel desk clerks/etc ... ALL spoke to me in English (without me asking ... was it that obvious that I'm an
American? REALLY - I'm NOT an obnoxious American ). Of course that isn't too far from the U.K. where the native language is English. BUT ... Athens, same thing. Waiters, airport employees, etc - all spoke to me in English (often broken, but enough to understand each other). Kenya - sure I learned a few works in Swahili but they spoke to me in English. Madrid, had no problems though the number of people who spoke English wasn't nearly as high, there were still plenty who tried. Same goes for Zurich where the native tongue for that part of Switzerland is German - I was addressed in English in restaurants, on trains, in stores, etc. Italy, yep, again, waiters and hotel clerks addressed me in English. Mexico (granted, it was a touristy area of Mexico), same thing. I didn't ask for, expect, or "demand" that anyone spoke my language. I actually expected to have to deal with my books, expecting to struggle my way through each conversation (or eat something TOTALLY different than I expected because I ordered the wrong food by mistake). But in each country I've visited I was pleasantly surprised at the number of people who spoke English to me. I think that people heard me and my group speaking in English and automatically addressed me in English (or saw my passport when checking in, etc). In Switzerland I found that people actually looked forward to "practicing" their English. Often they said that their English was not very good, but in fact, it was very easy to communicate.

I can't speak for France because I've never been there. But I've been to many other countries and have never found a place where people didn't try to speak to me in English despite the books I had in hand, ready to try to translate for myself (with butched pronounciations and accents I know).

My bolds

Thank you for posting this And what I meant in my post is that the native language and English are spoken in most tourist destinations (like WDW). It's good business. Regarding the princesses, I think it's a great idea, and the more languages WDW ads, the better!

You are so well traveled. I'm jealous!

 

[PlutoLuvr]

Im sorry and I am usually not one to jump into a discussion and argue but this is a horrible statement...the Princesses speaking spanish isnt going to "HURT" anyone...how many times have you heard of a heart warming interaction between a Princess and a young child? A nice discussion that really helped the child feel special? Yes we are in a country where most of the population speaks English, but you have to remember also that WDW is in a STATE that has a VERY VERY large Hispanic culture. Are you saying that a young child who has just arrived from Cuba, or Puerto Rico, or the Dominican Republic, or somewhere in South America isnt entitled to that same special feeling just because they dont speak English? I think that is just ignorant, no one is born speaking any particular language. Disney is a place where magic happens, and to a young girl, what could be more magical than having a conversation with a Princess in their native tongue?

Very well said.

I was wondering when someone familiar with Florida's roots (umm..home to WDW) was going to chime in.

Florida is full of Hispanic influences. Anyone remember Ponce de Leon from history classes? The first European to set foot in Florida was from Spain. Look at any town in Florida and check out the street names. Tons are from Hispanic roots. Heck, tonight I'm eating dinner on San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine.

It makes perfect sense to me why WDW would pick Spanish is an alternative language for princesses to speak. If any of you head a couple hours south of Orlando, you'll see lots of signs in Spanish.

Also, I seem to remember on CMs badges, it lists all the languages they speak. So what if now some princesses say a few words in Spanish? Obviously WDW has been addressing this for a while if CMs badges list other languages they speak.

This isn't a situation with some middle-America town having little to no ethnic diversity suddenly faces itself with a language barrier. This is Florida for goodness sake. The name Florida is Spanish!!! Disney isn't in Ohio.

And, no, I'm not Hispanic. I'm Italian/Norwegian. However, I truly embrace and love the melting pot of nationalities here in Florida, one of the biggest being the Hispanic population.

To the folks who oppose Spanish signs, you obviously haven't ventured out to other areas of our state. This is nothing new at all. Fly into Miami International Airport sometime and see if you can find the English signs. Check out the DMV in Broward County.

Remember, you're tourists here. This is the way Florida is.

The posts I've read here where people would "dislike" it if a princess spoke Spanish to a little girl is atrocious. Such negativity. Geez, these are children at Disney. I think WDW should do anything it can to make their visits as magical as possible.

 

[bluejasmine]

I have to say I cannot believe what this post has turned into. Is it a full moon because it seems like every post today is turning into a war zone. I believe the OP posted this because it is an interesting bit of info. I am a child of two immigrants and both parents believed in speaking English and "doing as the romans do while in rome" but I think its very courteous of WDW to employ biligual (sp?) princesses, while it may seem strange to us to see Alice in Wonderland say hola it would be another little girls happiest moment.
Spanish is Americas second language and I think its small minded to think everyone should just speak English.
On closing my own mother now wishes she would have kept up in speaking Dutch with me as I now cannot speak it at all and cannot converse with my own family..

 

[HayGan]

Yes, we Americans ARE high on ourselves. These posts just reinforce that. We want people visiting our country to speak English, and we want them to speak English when we're in their country. It's why most of the world has coined the phrase "Ugly American" and hates us. I have NEVER been laughed at for attempting to speak French or Spanish. Usually, people are quite gracious about the effort, help me find the words I need, and then talk to me in English.

Yes, "Ugly Americans" do exist and cast a bad light on us as a nation but it is not us as a whole. I think it is extremely rude to say all Americans are high on themselves. We are a proud nation just as many other nations around the world are.

No one here said anything about traveling to another country and expecting English to be spoken. In fact the opposite has been stated here!