Splash Mountain is a beloved attraction at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Tokyo Disneyland. The ride, which opened in 1989, takes guests on a thrilling log-flume journey through the colorful world of Brer Rabbit and his animal friends as they attempt to evade the wily Brer Fox and Brer Bear. With its catchy soundtrack, lively animatronics, and spectacular water effects, Splash Mountain has been a fan favorite for over three decades.
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However, on June 25, 2020, Disney announced that Splash Mountain would be closing permanently at Disneyland and Walt Disney World to make way for a new attraction based on the 2009 animated film "The Princess and the Frog." The decision was met with mixed reactions from fans and Disney enthusiasts, some of whom were disappointed to see the beloved ride go, while others applauded the move as a step towards greater diversity and representation in the parks.
The decision to close Splash Mountain was not made lightly. In this article, we will take a closer look at the reasons behind the controversial decision. We will examine the history of Splash Mountain, the controversy surrounding its connection to the film "Song of the South," and Disney's commitment to diversity and inclusion. We will also explore the challenges of re-theming an iconic attraction and the importance of addressing problematic content in popular culture.
I. History of Splash Mountain
Splash Mountain has its origins in Disney's 1946 film "Song of the South," a live-action and animated musical that tells the story of a young boy named Johnny who befriends a wise old storyteller named Uncle Remus. Through Uncle Remus's stories, Johnny learns valuable lessons about life, friendship, and the importance of kindness and compassion.
In the film, the animated segments feature the characters of Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, and Brer Bear, who engage in a series of misadventures in the fictional land of the Laughing Place. The characters and their stories proved to be popular with audiences, and they became a fixture of Disney's theme parks through various attractions and shows.
It was not until the 1980s, however, that the idea for a Splash Mountain attraction began to take shape. Disney Imagineers wanted to create a log-flume ride that would showcase the company's cutting-edge technology and storytelling prowess while also paying homage to the classic characters of Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, and Brer Bear. The ride would be a grand adventure through the world of the Laughing Place, culminating in a thrilling drop down a 52.5-foot flume.
Construction on Splash Mountain began in 1987, and the ride officially opened at Disneyland on July 17, 1989, and at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom on October 2, 1992. The attraction quickly became a fan favorite, and it was lauded for its impressive theming, intricate animatronics, and immersive storytelling.
The ride's popularity has endured to this day, with millions of guests experiencing the adventure of Splash Mountain every year. However, the controversy surrounding the attraction's connection to "Song of the South" has cast a shadow over its legacy, prompting Disney to re-think its approach to the beloved ride.
II. Controversy Surrounding Splash Mountain
Despite its popularity, Splash Mountain has long been criticized for its connection to "Song of the South," a film that has been accused of perpetuating racist stereotypes and promoting a romanticized view of the antebellum South. The film, which takes place on a plantation in the aftermath of the Civil War, has been deemed offensive by many due to its portrayal of African Americans as subservient and happy in their roles as servants and laborers.
In recent years, Disney has been criticized for its continued association with the film, which has never been released on home video in the United States due to its controversial content. Many have called on the company to disavow "Song of the South" and remove any references to it from its theme parks.
The controversy came to a head in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests that swept the United States and other parts of the world in 2020. Many critics argued that Disney's continued association with "Song of the South" and Splash Mountain was unacceptable in the current cultural climate and called for the ride to be re-themed.
In response, Disney announced that it would be re-theming Splash Mountain to a new attraction based on the 2009 animated film "The Princess and the Frog," which features Disney's first African American princess. The move was widely applauded as a step towards greater diversity and representation in the parks.
III. Reasons for Splash Mountain's Closure
The decision to close Splash Mountain and re-theme it to "The Princess and the Frog" was driven by several factors. One of the most significant was Disney's commitment to diversity and inclusion, which has become a top priority for the company in recent years.
As part of its efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, Disney has pledged to make its theme parks more representative of the diverse communities they serve. This includes not only increasing the representation of diverse characters and stories but also addressing problematic content from the past.
Re-theming Splash Mountain to "The Princess and the Frog" was seen as a way to address the ride's controversial connection to "Song of the South" and to promote a more positive and inclusive message. The move was also seen as an opportunity to introduce guests to the rich and vibrant culture of New Orleans, which is the setting for "The Princess and the Frog."
However, re-theming an iconic attraction like Splash Mountain is not without its challenges. Disney Imagineers will have to work hard to ensure that the new attraction is just as thrilling and immersive as the old one while also staying true to the story and characters of "The Princess and the Frog."
IV. Response to Splash Mountain's Closure
The announcement of Splash Mountain's closure and re-theming was met with a mixed reaction from fans and Disney enthusiasts. Some were disappointed to see the ride go, as it had become a beloved fixture of the parks. Others applauded the move as a step towards greater diversity and representation in the parks and praised Disney for its commitment to addressing problematic content.
Regardless of their opinion on the matter, most fans agreed that the re-theming of Splash Mountain was a significant event in the history of Disney's theme parks. The decision to close a ride as iconic and popular as Splash Mountain was not taken lightly, and it reflected the company's commitment to creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all guests.
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VI. Conclusion
In conclusion, the closure of Splash Mountain and its re-theming to "The Princess and the Frog" was a significant event in the history of Disney's theme parks. The controversy surrounding the ride's connection to "Song of the South" and its problematic content prompted Disney to take action and re-think its approach to the beloved attraction.
The decision to close Splash Mountain and re-theme it to "The Princess and the Frog" reflects Disney's commitment to diversity and inclusion and its willingness to address problematic content from the past. It also demonstrates the company's ability to evolve and adapt to changing cultural and social norms.
While the closure of Splash Mountain may be difficult for some fans to accept, it is important to remember that theme parks and popular media play a significant role in shaping our perceptions and values. By addressing problematic content and promoting more positive and inclusive messages, Disney is taking an active role in shaping the cultural landscape and helping to create a more equitable and just society.
As we look to the future of Disney's theme parks, it is clear that diversity and inclusion will continue to be top priorities. Whether it's through new attractions like "The Princess and the Frog" or by addressing problematic content from the past, Disney will continue to evolve and adapt to the changing needs and expectations of its guests.
In the end, the closure of Splash Mountain is a reminder that even the most beloved and iconic attractions are not immune to change. As we move forward, we can take comfort in the fact that Disney's commitment to creating magical and inclusive experiences for all guests remains as strong as ever.
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