More traces of one of Disney’s most controversial movies have been erased from its theme parks.
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More traces of Disney’s problematic film Song of the South (1946) have been removed from the Walt Disney World Resort, WDWNT confirms. The reference to the somewhat-forgotten and ill-fated movie was previously found on a wall display inside Walt Disney Presents, a theater attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios park.
The Walt Disney World Resort is famous for its large selection of rides and attractions, ranging from thrilling roller coasters like Expedition Everest and Space Mountain to classic dark rides like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Other attractions seek to provide guests with a more relaxing experience, with Walt Disney Presents being a great example. However, recent changes to this attraction have left fans perplexed, with Disney going to great lengths to scrub more traces of Song of the South from its theme parks.
Disney Erases Traces of Song of the South
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The specific reference to Song of the South could be found on a gallery wall in Walt Disney Presents, specifically in the 1943 section. The reference to the film included an image of both the live-action actors as well as the film’s animated characters, like Br’er Fox and Br’er Bear.
The Song of the South section has been replaced with images and references to The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949).
Some fans were not happy with the change. Twitter/X user Real_Ed_McCray was disappointed by the erasure of this specific point in The Walt Disney Company’s history.
Song of the South has been erased from an attraction on Walt Disney’s career. This is how history is changed. This is a HISTORY attraction and now the film no longer exists to anyone who goes there.
Song of the South has been erased from an attraction on Walt Disney’s career. This is how history is changed. This is a HISTORY attraction and now the film no longer exists to anyone who goes there.https://t.co/uAD9gcZH7c
— Ed McCray (@Real_Ed_McCray) September 13, 2024
In response to the news, Twitter/X user ShowcaseWishes sent an ironic “thanks” to Disney CEO Bob Iger for the change.
erasing Walt’s history. thank you Bob Iger and the Walt Disney Company.
erasing Walt’s history. thank you Bob Iger and the Walt Disney Company. pic.twitter.com/joWzckMiJ8
— Showcase of Wishes (@ShowcaseWishes) September 13, 2024
This is the latest example of Disney distancing itself from Song of the South. Last year, the company also closed Splash Mountain at the Magic Kingdom.
This classic log flume adventure, including music, characters, and scenery, heavily influenced Song of the South. While the majority of riders may have had no idea of Splash Mountain’s connections to this problematic film, the ride still faced controversy and backlash from those who felt the legendary Disney thrill ride could use some updating.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Saves the Day.
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In comes Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Disney’s Answer to the Splash Mountain controversy. Disney announced the new attraction in 2020, sending a shockwave throughout the Disney theme park community. Instead of being a completely new project, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure would use the same track and ride layout as Splash Mountain.
Not only did this allow Disney to finally cut ties to its problematic Song of the South, but the new ride also meant Disney could finally give one of its most important princesses her very own attraction.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure officially opened in June 2024 at the Magic Kingdom and has been a big hit among guests, specifically families with younger children.
The ride is a fun and colorful adventure, taking guests along the Louisiana bayou as Tiana and co. look for the “missing ingredient” needed for a party. A second version of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is currently being constructed for the Disneyland Resort and is expected to open this November.
Have you ridden Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?
