Incredible Floral Displays That Represent Inclusion at Downtown Disney
I’ve always been a huge fan of the incredible floral displays that adorn the Downtown Disney District and Disneyland Resort and now there’s even one more reason to be in awe of these incredible gardens! Many of the current Encanto-inspired display also promote inclusivity and a profound sense of community!
“Every year for the Downtown Disney District, we try to bring new and exciting décor, and this year we wanted to do something spectacular for our cast and guests,” said Resort Enhancement Design Team Lead Jeff.
A great example is the topiary that represents Isabela from Encanto. She brings silletas to the district with stunning display that is inspired by Colombia culture and that represent a different Business Employee Resource Group (BERG) at Disneyland.
The story starts with Isabela but continues throughout the district. During your visit, be sure to take your time to view the different communities and groups represented in the silletas.
What is a Silleta?
A celebration of flowers. These elaborate flower arrangements are typically build wooden structures and carried on the backs of silleteros. Traditionally, these are often flower farmers and culminates in the The Feria de Las Flores, or flower festival, an annual celebration that represents the tradition and the silleteros.
Disney worked alongside BERG cast-members to make sure each silleta appropriately represented their respective communities. Those you’ll currently find at Downtown Disney include the following:
COMPASS
The COMPASS silleta honors the Disneyland Resort COMPASS BERG, which represents the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities and allies. Their goal is to enhance cast, guest and community relations through cultural awareness and business practices. The COMPASS siletta resembles the water that connects Asia, the Pacific Islands and Hawaii. It includes traditional flowers like orchids, jasmine and lotuses which are specific to the cultures represented by COMPASS.
PRIDE
The PRIDE silleta represents the Disneyland Resort PRIDE BERG which plays an important role in welcoming and fostering an environment where all are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and allied cast members feel encouraged to be authentic both inside and outside of Disney.
The PRIDE silleta displays the progressive Pride colors which is trans-inclusive and inclusive of folks who are of color.
SHALOM
Next up is the SHALOM siletta represents the SHALOM BERG which celebrates the stories and identities of Jewish employees and cast members.
The SHALOM siletta features plants indigenous to Israel including flowers found in springtime like poppies, cyclamen and narcissus. Also in the siletta is an olive tree with six olives representing the six pillars of the SHALOM BERG’s mission which is to promote synergy, history, allyship, legacy, obligation and meaning.
Also be on the lookout for a plague that says SHALOM in Hebrow along with the word “Peace” translated below it.
WIN
The WIN silleta represents the Disneyland Resort Women’s Inclusion Network (WIN) which embraces a world where women are inspired and empowered to achieve their greatest potential.
This display was created by using materials like lilies and orchids that are traditional Colombian culture. The display also features lots of purple blooms that represent Women’s History Month. You’ll also notice plant materials like thistles with touches of white florals that are a tip-of-the-hat to Minnie Mouse with her white polka dots.
SALUTE
The SALUTE silleta represents the Disneyland Resort SALUTE BERG and its commitment to enhancing the Disney experience for those in the military.
The SALUTE BERG represents the six branches of the military – Air Force, Coast Guard, Army, Navy, Marines Corps and the Space Force – with six associated colored stripes.
NAATV
The NAATV silleta represents The Walt Disney Company’s NAATV BERG, which serves Native American and Indigenous colleagues and allies.
The materials used for this silleta where ones that would feel personal for the Indigenous and Native American community, as well as the Southern California community.
You’ll notice form the image above, the silleta features a circle divided into four quadrants that represent the physical, spiritual, social and emotional balance. There are also arrows that represent the north, south, east and west pointing toward the middle to represent coming together as a community. The display also includes medicinal plants like sage and indigenous flowers to Southern California including wildflowers and poppies.
PULSE
The PULSE silleta represents Disneyland’s PULSE BERG. In this instance PULSE stands for People United to Lead, Serve & Excel. The group advocates for celebrating Black culture, nurturing education and professional development and well-being for cast members of African and Caribbean descent and backgrounds.
HOLA
Next up is the display representing the HOLA BERG which supports Hispanic, Latino and allied cast by championing and developing Hispanic and Latinx leaders and promoting a culturally diverse environment.
In the display you’ll find 27 flags in alphabetical order that represent 27 nations of the Latinx and Hispanic communities. Plants like gladiolus, sunflowers and lilies were used which are found in traditional Colombian silletas.
ENABLED
We round out our look at the Downtown Display displays which represents ENABLED BERG which promotes respect, equality and appreciation of people with disabilities through community, awareness, education and inclusion.
The display includes gold-colored flowers behind cognitive symbols. Gold is a color embraced by the autistic community,
We hope you take time out during your next Downtown Disney visit to check out these incredible displays as a tribute to all of the heart and soul that Cast Members put into bringing these beauties to life. Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for further Walt Disney World news and updates.
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