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Over the past 100 years of the Walt Disney Company, many scandals have hit the company. In today’s day and age where fans are quick to notice every minute detail in the Disney theme parks and films, it is easy for controversies to be brought up and for certain things to be “cancelled” by the general public.
Perhaps no ride has caused more scandal for the Disney theme parks than Splash Mountain, the now-retired log flume ride that once existed in Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort and now only exists at Tokyo Disneyland. Even a year after its closure, the effects of this scandal still exist within the Disney theme parks.
Related: This Disney Park’s Splash Mountain Just Became a Record-Breaking Attraction
Credit: Disney Parks
Splash Mountain Song Is Removed From Disney’s Repitoir
Amidst the longstanding popularity of Splash Mountain at Disney Parks, a cloud of controversy loomed over this iconic log flume ride. The ride, inspired by the 1946 film Song of the South, has faced criticism for perpetuating racist stereotypes through its portrayal of African American caricatures. The ride’s central characters, Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, and Brer Bear, have drawn attention for their connections to a problematic past.
With the global resurgence of discussions around racial equality and social justice, the scrutiny on Splash Mountain intensified. Calls for reevaluation and reimagining of the ride grew louder, with many highlighting the need to address the outdated and offensive elements woven into its narrative. As protests against racial injustice echoed worldwide, the reckoning with Splash Mountain’s racist cliches became inevitable.
In response to the mounting pressure and public outcry, Disney made a significant announcement regarding Splash Mountain. The company revealed its plans to retheme the ride, turning it into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, based on the beloved African American princess from The Princess and the Frog. This decision marked a pivotal moment in Disney’s history, signaling a departure from the racially-charged narratives of the past towards more culturally sensitive storytelling.
Credit: Disney
While these changes were announced years ago, they still remain a point of contention for fans today. Many view this retheme as unnecessary considering the ride itself does not feature the racial elements that the film does. Even today, fans are hoping to protect the legacy of Splash Mountain as much as they can.
Disney Cast Member Reportedly Refuses To Play Iconic Song
Just this week, another Splash Mountain fan was met with a disappointing reality when they asked a Main Street piano to play the iconic song, “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah.” Much to their surprise, they were met with a less than positive response.
“so while I was at Disneyland the piano player came out on Main Street and I asked him to play zip a dee doo dah in which his response was “no because it was canceled and it’s racist and that’s why we don’t have splash mountain anymore and you’ll get over it” as I teared up.”
so while I was at Disneyland the piano player came out on Main Street and I asked him to play zip a dee doo dah in which his response was “no because it was canceled and it’s racist and that’s why we don’t have splash mountain anymore and you’ll get over it” as I teared up 🥲🥲 pic.twitter.com/vGr2flf4mp
— ginny ♡’s iandore (@iandorable) July 29, 2024
The transformation of Splash Mountain reflects a broader shift within Disney’s approach to representation and inclusivity. By embracing Tiana, a strong and independent African American heroine, the company not only acknowledges past missteps but also embraces a more progressive and inclusive vision for its attractions. The reimagining of Splash Mountain serves as a powerful statement of Disney’s commitment to fostering a more equitable and respectful environment for all guests.
As Disney embarks on this journey of reimagining Splash Mountain, it signifies a step towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming space for visitors of diverse backgrounds. The legacy of the ride, once marred by controversial depictions, is being reshaped into a celebration of cultural diversity and empowerment.
Through the lens of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Disney is rewriting its own narrative, ensuring that its attractions reflect the values of a more inclusive and socially conscious world.
Does the removal of classics like “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” make you sad? Let us know in the comments below…
The “cancelling” of Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah doesn’t make me sad it makes me angry! Disney is cancelling itself slowly but surely! Walt would NOT approve.
So sad that Disney and others are trying to erase the history and value of Zip A Dee Doo Dah!
This is. So bad and childish it’s a song which we have know for years and so easy to remember we love. It how dare Disney let bigots rule
Removing Song Of The South is an afront to poets, artists, engineers. This historical because it was the first live action film involving actors and cartoon. The writers of the songs and story line were not thinking race but entertainment. The people who prepared the artwork for the toons were art6ists who’s work was ridiculed. The engineers who worked to create something new and entertaining and is used heavily today. So knocking down that movie is no different than saying Venus Demillo an afront to amputees, the first phone was an afront to the deaf and so on. We are letting Disney show fear of a minority of ignorant people.