Halle Bailey expressed her excitement about introducing her son, Halo, to the enchanting world of Disney. However, she has chosen to delay their visit to either Disneyland or Disney World until her son is older.
During an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Bailey stated, “I’m so excited to take him to Disneyland and Disney World for the first time, but I want him to be old enough to know what’s going on.” Additionally, Bailee was not welcomed into the Disney family with open arms by all fans, which could have caused her to feel a little uncomfortable when it came to taking her son to the parks.
Many parents recommend ages three to four as ideal for a child’s first journey to the Disney parks, a sentiment Bailey finds resonates with her decision-making process.
Halle’s Early Experiences with Halo
Despite waiting for a Disney trip, Bailey has not been shy about traveling with Halo.
She described him as a wonderful travel companion who has already joined her on vacations, showcasing his adaptability. “He is the best travel partner,” Bailey remarked, expressing joy in watching her son try new foods and experience various environments.
She noted, “It’s so cool to see him get excited about the place that we’re in and try the food and like it — because he’s eating real food now.” Experiencing new places has proven to be a delightful adventure for both mother and son.
Halle Bailey’s fame, stemming from her role as Ariel in the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, adds a unique layer of complexity to her motherhood journey.
In the months following Halo’s birth, she made a conscious choice to keep his early days out of the public eye, valuing both privacy and the safety that comes with it. “There was no way in hell I was going to share the biggest joy of my world with anyone,” Bailey explained, reinforcing her dedication to protecting her family.
She believes that family vacations hold great importance, and she cherishes the moments spent together, thereby nurturing a sense of togetherness beyond typical experiences.
Below is a photo of Halle and Halo together at what appears to be the gym from Halle’s Instagram.
“me & my bodyguard ♥️”
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Addressing Backlash and Representation After The Little Mermaid Casting
Bailey’s casting as Ariel sparked significant public discussion about race and representation in media.
Her portrayal faced backlash primarily due to the original depiction of Ariel as a Caucasian character. Although much of the criticism centered around her casting, Bailey remains proud of her role. “I don’t really let that affect me,” she stated, focusing instead on the empowerment that her character brings to young individuals of diverse backgrounds.
The dialogues centered on representation have brought visibility to transformative changes in the media landscape, articulating a collective desire for more inclusive storytelling.
The casting of Halle Bailey as Ariel in Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid sparked significant controversy. Some praised the casting as a step towards diversity and inclusion, while others expressed concerns about deviating from the traditional portrayal of the character.
Critics argued that Bailey’s race did not align with the animated portrayal of Ariel, who was depicted as white with red hair. They claimed that Bailey was not physically suited for the role and could not do justice to the character.
Additionally, some critics expressed concerns about the potential for racist backlash against Bailey. They warned that her casting could lead to online harassment and negative comments.
Despite the backlash, Halle Bailey remained resilient and focused on her performance. She embraced the role and delivered a powerful portrayal of Ariel, earning praise for her vocal abilities and acting skills.
The controversy surrounding Bailey’s casting highlighted the ongoing debate about representation and diversity in Hollywood. While some argued that casting a Black actress as Ariel was a progressive step, others maintained that the character’s race was essential to her identity.
Ultimately, the success of The Little Mermaid demonstrated the power of representation and the importance of casting diverse actors in leading roles. Halle Bailey’s performance inspired a new generation of young people and challenged traditional notions of beauty and identity.
Bailey’s decision to postpone Halo’s visit to Disneyland or Disney World underscores a thematic choice embedded within her role as a mother and a public figure. It illustrates the balance she seeks between ensuring her son appreciates the magical experience that Disney promises and maintaining intimate family moments that allow them to foster their bond.
What age would you want to bring a child to the Disney parks?
