A recent incident at Shanghai Disneyland has sparked a flurry of attention after a young child was forcefully removed from the parade route for her own safety and that of others. During an exhilarating parade featuring beloved characters Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde from Disney’s “Zootopia,” a young girl, brimming with excitement, darted into the path of the moving procession. The video, shared by Instagram user @themepark101yt, shows the split-second decision by a cast member to pick up the girl and carry her away from potential harm. You can view the video here.
While the young guest’s intentions were undoubtedly innocent, her actions could have led to serious injuries for herself, other guests, and the hardworking performers. Disney parades are carefully choreographed and the safety of everyone involved, including the audience, is paramount. The cast member’s quick reflexes potentially averted a disaster, but not without stirring up some controversy.
Some viewers have criticized the approach taken, noting that Disney Parks in the United States have strict protocols against cast members physically handling guests. “This is fully against cast member protocol. You can never pick up a child, whether you are a character performer or not,” one user commented emphatically. Another noted, “The US parks would never let a cast member carry a child…”
This incident has also brought to light the differences in crowd management and guest behavior across Disney parks worldwide. One insightful comment highlighted the unique challenges faced in Asian parks, stating, “The crowd is unmanageable. Jumping queue and fights are so normal that they would put security guards at EACH ride.”
Despite this unexpected interruption, Shanghai Disneyland is moving forward with new and exciting entertainment offerings. The park recently introduced “The Adventure of Rhythm,” a live musical presented at the Storyhouse Stage in Adventure Isle. Running through October 2024, this colorful production promises a unique and lively experience for all guests, featuring characters from Disney’s most cherished and sometimes underrated movies.
It’s not the first time such interruptions have marred the magic of a Disney parade. Similar incidents have occurred at Disneyland Park and Disneyland Paris, where both children and adults have entered the parade routes, leading to quick interventions from cast members to maintain safety.
What are your thoughts on how this incident was handled? Do you believe the cast member acted appropriately under the circumstances? Share your opinions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this story with fellow Disney enthusiasts!
