In an unprecedented move, Disney has announced that it will officially be replacing Splash Mountain with a Princess and the Frog themed attraction. The original Splash Mountain- a beloved ride for fans of DisneyWorld and Disneyland alike was based on the controversial and wildly problematic Disney movie Song of the South which was released in 1946.
If you want to read more about the problematic history of Song of the South read THIS Twitter thread.
In a blog post on the Disney official website, the creators said that they would not be removing the ride completely but rather “reimagining it” or “plussing it” as it is referred to by Disney Imagineers. Disney said that they are trying to answer the question: “how can we build upon or elevate the experience and tell a fresh, relevant story?”
We're thrilled to share Splash Mountain at @Disneyland & @WaltDisneyWorld will be completely reimagined with a new story inspired by an all-time favorite @DisneyAnimation film, “The Princess and the Frog.” Learn about what Imagineers have in development: https://t.co/HyKfdDSH3j pic.twitter.com/DV6476KAVX
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) June 25, 2020
The reimagining of the ride comes at a convenient and relevant time for the Walt Disney Company. There have been continuous discussions and social media pushes for the ride to be reimagined in the past. But in the midst of the Black Lives Matter Movement that has been sweeping the United States and the World the company stated that “the retheming of Splash Mountain is of particular importance today. The new concept is inclusive – one that all of our guests can connect with and be inspired by, and it speaks to the diversity of the millions of people who visit our parks each year.”
Twitter has been enthusiastic and excited about the changes in the ride. Though there are those who still want Disney to recognize the Song of the South for its problematic history.
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https://twitter.com/connieglynn/status/1276190927263084547?s=20
Oh cool.
Splash Mountain was how I found out about Song of the South, and thus how I found out that movie was all sorts of racist. https://t.co/FIvoQ2jpeN
— Elie Mystal (@ElieNYC) June 25, 2020
My feeling about Disney and "Song of the South" is the inversion of my feeling about the toppling of Confederate memorials. I think Disney should be FORCED to acknowledge "Song of the South" is part of its cultural legacy. But probably Splash Mountain isn't the place to do it.
— Daniel Fienberg (@TheFienPrint) June 25, 2020
I’m an annual pass holder. I’ve been going to Disney World since I was a baby. I have fond memories of Splash Mountain. AND I’m an adult who realizes that the ride is based off of a horrific film and Tiana deserves more. Nostalgia isn’t more important than positive change. pic.twitter.com/0x58W65hGv
— Mica Burton (@MicaBurton) June 25, 2020
Princess Tiana, one of the few princesses of color, and the ONLY Black Disney princess is finally getting the recognition that she deserves in Disney Parks. Sound off below! Are you excited to see what Disney has in store for the new reimagined ride? Do you care? And most importantly, are you a Disneyland person or a Disneyworld person?
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