Petition Calls For Disney to Re-Imagine Splash Mountain With ‘Princess and the Frog’ Theme. The Disney Parks have rarely shied away from the idea of re-theming or re-imagining outdated and poor performing attractions in their theme parks, but the recent spark in social justice movements have caused fans to revisit the idea of replacing rides deemed “problematic”.
Hands down, the biggest scandal in the Disney Movie Library is Song of the South. A film filled with so much controversy it is the only title that has been opening banned from streaming via Disney’s new streaming service, Disney+. The Walt Disney Company has also shared previously there is no intention to ever release the film in any capacity ever again.
Though Disney knows this to be a sore spot in the history of TWDC, that hasn’t stopped the Disney Parks from featuring the films animated characters in one of the most iconic attractions: Splash Mountain. The water log ride does not feature the more controversial human characters, but some Disney fans have pointed out the attraction is still reminder of the film and is in need of some major re-theming.
The forefront of that discussion follows the idea that Princess and the Frog should replace Song of the South as the theme for the ride. This makes sense given Disney could use various elements that already exist in the attraction as well as add new and exciting thematic elements that would immerse guests into the wonderful story featured in the Princess and the Frog animated feature film.
The idea has primarily been featured on Twitter, and here are some of the thoughts and even attraction concept pieces from various fans who are ready for a change:
The Walt Disney Company: Re-theme Splash Mountain to Princess and the Frog – Sign the Petition! https://t.co/xl2sWoKHbD via @Change
— Alyssa (@AlyssaIlovespn) June 10, 2020
Princess and the Frog Splash Mountain retheme for Disneyland thread. Just put on the soundtrack and a splash ridethrough while reading this. pic.twitter.com/8z5wOalyB7
— Frederick Chambers (@FreddyFromBatuu) June 9, 2020
Thread cont. pic.twitter.com/stRu5WR1TL
— Frederick Chambers (@FreddyFromBatuu) June 9, 2020
Thread cont. pic.twitter.com/CaGfVrUy6N
— Frederick Chambers (@FreddyFromBatuu) June 9, 2020
I disagree on the Splash Mountain change idea. The Princess & The Frog concept is absolutely genius and incredible but it deserves its own space and not as a cover up. SM is one of a kind and one of the best in the park (the CA DL), rebranding it won’t do it any good
— Jonathan (@jonathizzzle) June 10, 2020
Thread – I remember watching Song of the South on the Disney channel in the early 80s. To say it’s problematic is an understatement. I didn’t realize Splash Mountain was still tied to it. https://t.co/y1wRGX0Gk7
— Tracy Shields (@tcshields) June 10, 2020
Princess and the Frog is not the only re-theming fans are interested in.
With #songofthesouth trending today I believe that #splashmountain will soon get a re-theme in the not so distant future! I am proposing we change it to the water slide based on The Emperor’s New Groove!
— JohnReilly3 (@JohnReillyIII) June 10, 2020
Not familiar with the iconic ride at the Disney Parks? Check out this attractions description from Disney about Splash Mountain:
“A Hare-Raising Ride – Gently drift through a colorful Southern bayou along with happy-go-lucky Br’er Rabbit as he looks for his “laughing place.” But be warned: Br’er Bear and Br’er Fox are in hot pursuit of this wayward hare.
Glide by over 100 adorable Audio-Animatronics geese, frogs, raccoons, possums, bees, alligators and other down-home critters as they sing classic Disney ditties, including “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” and “Ev’rybody’s Got a Laughing Place.”
Then hang on to your hats—this delightful musical cruise ends in an exciting 5-story splashdown into a thorny Briar Patch!
You Will Get Wet – This attraction includes 950,000 gallons of water, 3 dips and a 5-story drop. Where you’re seated will determine how wet you’ll get. Riders in the back may experience a sudden splash or spray; those who opt for the front can expect to get soaked.“
Which attractions do you think could use an update or re-theming? What replaced or re-themed attractions do you miss the most? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Be sure to check back here at Chip and Co. for all things Disney Parks!
Featured Photo Credit: Disney
Source: Twitter
From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Parks & Resorts, Attractions, Disney Gossip, News, Disney Parks, Disneyland, Princess and the Frog, Splash Mountain, Walt Disney World
