Walt Disney World Resort has finally taken steps to remove an outdated and culturally insensitive “Indians” reference from its All-Star Sports Resort hotel. This change marks an important shift in Disney's ongoing efforts to eliminate controversial depictions from its parks and resorts.
For years, Disney has been gradually addressing outdated and offensive portrayals of Native Americans in its theme parks. Notable updates include the 2024 redesign of the Never Land Tribe scene in Peter Pan's Flight at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom, where animatronics were replaced with more respectful depictions of Tiger Lily and other characters from Peter Pan (1953).
In 2022, Disney also took action to prevent the “Indianettes,” a high school drill team, from wearing Native American-inspired headwear while marching at Magic Kingdom Park. Despite this, the group caused viral controversy after performing a “Scalp Em!” chant on Main Street, U.S.A.
Walt Disney World Resort‘s most recent update follows the Cleveland Indians' decision to change its name to the Cleveland Guardians in 2021, a move made due to concerns over cultural sensitivity. Up until now, Walt Disney World's All-Star Sports Resort had remained one of the last places to feature the Major League Baseball team's old name.
According to WDWNT, a “Cleveland Indians” pennant hanging in the Homerun Hotel section of the Disney Resort hotel has now been replaced with a more up-to-date “Cleveland Guardians” banner. Other buildings within the Value Resort still display outdated team logos, including one for the Houston Astros, which features a logo from 1994 (the year the hotel opened).
While Walt Disney World Resort hasn't made any public statements regarding the removal of the “Cleveland Indians” banner, the change comes amid a broader initiative to update and refurbish various Central Florida Disney Resort hotels. In addition to the All-Star Sports Resort, Disney's Pop Century Resort, All-Star Music Resort, All-Star Movies Resort, and Grand Floridian Resort & Spa are all undergoing lobby updates.
What did you think when the Cleveland Guardians announced the team's new name? Disney Fanatic would love to hear from you in the comments!
