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Report: Universal Orlando ‘evaluating’ experiences in Dr. Seuss-themed area

Published

3 years ago

March 3, 2021

Following the estate of beloved children’s book author Dr. Seuss on Tuesday—his birthday—deciding to cease the publication of half a dozen books for containing “racist” imagery, Universal Studios theme park in Orlando, Florida is reportedly “evaluating” in-park experiences at its Seuss Landing area.

MORE ON DR. SEUSS: 6 Dr. Seuss books will cease publication due to racial imagery, company says

Universal Orlando, Spectrum News reported Tuesday, said it is evaluating the in-park experiences in that area but visitors will still be able to enjoy Seuss Landing.

“Seuss Landing continues to be very popular with our guests and we value our relationship with Seuss Enterprises,” a Universal spokesperson said in a statement to Spectrum News. “We’ve removed the books from our shelves as they have asked and we’ll be evaluating our in-park experience too. But our guests can plan on continuing to be able to enjoy their favorite experiences at Seuss Landing.”

The Dr. Seuss-themed area of Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park features attractions, sites, and characters inspired by the famed author’s colorful literary world.

Earlier on Tuesday, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, the company that manages the late author’s books and characters, issued a statement saying that it will stop publishing and licensing six of his books, saying they “portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong.”

The six books named in the statement are: “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street”, “If I Ran the Zoo”, “McElligot’s Pool”, “On Beyond Zebra!”, “Scrambled Eggs Super!”, and “The Cat’s Quizzer”.

“Ceasing sales of these books is only part of our commitment and our broader plan to ensure Dr. Seuss Enterprise’s catalog represents and supports all communities and families,” the statement read.

MORE ON CHILDREN & CULTURE: It’s ‘Potato Head’ to you: Mr. Potato Head becomes gender-neutral, Hasbro says

You can follow Douglas Braff on Twitter @Douglas_P_Braff.

Featured

Rep. Patrick McHenry Announces Retirement, Adding to Congressional Exodus

Published

5 days ago

December 5, 2023

Alexander Carter

Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., has declared that he will not seek re-election, becoming the latest in a growing list of lawmakers departing from Congress. McHenry, a close ally of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, stated that he believes “there is a season for everything,” signaling the end of his tenure in the House. Having served since 2005, McHenry is the 37th member of Congress to announce they won’t seek re-election in 2024.

In a statement, McHenry reflected on the significance of the House of Representatives in the American political landscape, calling it the “center of our American republic.” He acknowledged the concerns about the future of the institution due to multiple departures but expressed confidence that new leaders would emerge and guide the House through its next phase.

The departure of McHenry and others comes against the backdrop of political shifts and challenges within the Republican Party. The GOP has faced setbacks in recent elections, including fallout from the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Internal strife and disagreements, exemplified by the rebellion against McCarthy, have characterized the party’s dynamics. The GOP’s approval rating stands at 30%, with a disapproval rating of 66%, reflecting the challenges and divisions within the party.

As McHenry steps aside, questions loom over the fate of open seats in the upcoming election. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report identifies five open House seats as potential Democrat pickup opportunities, while none are listed for the GOP. The departures raise concerns about the party’s unity and ability to navigate the evolving political landscape.

With a total of 20 departing Democratic legislators and 10 Republicans, the changing composition of Congress adds complexity to the political dynamics leading up to the 2024 elections. As McHenry emphasizes a hopeful view of the House’s future, the evolving political landscape will determine the impact of these departures on the balance of power in Congress.