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Credit: DisneyA recent guest report from a Disney park visit has sparked a conversation about representation and continuity in holiday performances. The report shared online, describes an unusual discrepancy in how Santa Claus was portrayed throughout the day, raising questions among attendees about Disney’s approach to inclusivity and consistency.
The Guest Experience
The guest, who visited with their family, expressed delight at seeing a Santa Claus represented by a person of color during photo opportunities earlier in the day. The guest described Santa as “an older Black man,” with a Black Mrs. Claus also present.
“It was nice seeing Disney representing Santa in more than just a jolly old white guy,” the guest noted.
However, the positive impression shifted during the Christmas parade later that day. The guest observed that the same Mrs. Claus appeared walking near the front of the parade without Santa. At the very end of the procession, Santa appeared in his sleigh, but this time, he was portrayed by a white man.
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A Surprising Swap
The mid-day change in Santa’s appearance puzzled the guest and their family, particularly their young child, who immediately noticed the difference. It is likely that other children may have noticed the difference.
“It was obvious they completely changed the person representing Santa from a POC for photo ops to a Caucasian for the parade… I would understand replacing him with someone else that looks like him to give him a break or swapping Santa’s between days. But changing up the race of Santa mid-day?”
The family expressed confusion and concern about the lack of continuity, suggesting it could diminish the inclusive representation they initially appreciated. “Even my young child noticed the Santa didn’t look the same,” the guest added. The full report says:
Went to Disney the other day and my family and I took some photos with Santa who was a POC, an older black man to be exact. It was nice seeing Disney representing Santa in more than just a jolly old white guy. Even Mrs Clause was a black female as well.
But move on a few hours to the Christmas parade, there I saw the same Mrs Clause walking towards the front of the parade with no Santa in sight. At the very end, there he was, Santa riding in his big sleigh overlooking us, a white guy.
It was obvious they completely changed the person representing Santa from a POC for photo ops to a Caucasian for the parade. I would understand replacing him with someone else that looks like him to give him a break, or swapping Santa’s between days. But changing up the race of Santa mid day?
Is there a reason for this? Am I the only one who is bothered by this? My spouse agreed that it was a bit weird since even my young child noticed the Santa didn’t look the same.
Representation and Continuity
Disney has long been lauded for its strides in promoting diversity and inclusivity, often spotlighting characters of different races, genders, and backgrounds in their parks and media. The inclusion of a Santa of color reflects this ongoing commitment. However, the decision to change Santa’s portrayal mid-day has sparked debate about whether such shifts undermine the impact of inclusive representation.
Some social media users suggested that the change may have been logistical, such as accommodating different performers’ schedules or ensuring that multiple Santas could manage the demanding roles across a single day. Others argued that the change could create confusion for children and diminish the power of diverse representation.
The guest’s report highlights a broader conversation about consistency in representation and how small details can impact guests’ perceptions of inclusivity. For many families, Disney parks are a place where magic and wonder come to life, and changes that disrupt that immersion—especially for young children—can stand out.
For families like the one that raised the issue, the inclusion of diverse performers remains a positive step, but they hope Disney considers how even small inconsistencies might affect the magic they aim to create.