Protests have been held across the entire country in various cities surrounding the unfortunate event involving the death of George Floyd. People are coming together to speak out on social justice and bring awareness to the Black Lives Matter Movement across the country.
The Walt Disney Company recently released a statement. At the same time, Disney Channel, Disney XD, and other Disney affiliates took to social media to show their support for the Black Lives Matter Movement. But now, Disney fans have taken to Twitter to speak out about one very iconic Disney attraction — Splash Mountain.
There is a Splash Mountain ride in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Park in Disneyland Resort. In case you aren’t aware, both versions of Splash Mountain are currently based on the controversial 1946 film Song of the South — Which is widely criticized for its portrayal of African Americans.
The conversation of retheming the thrill ride began with this Twitter user, who said, “Disney retheme Splash Mountain challenge!”
Disney retheme splash mountain challenge!
— ? tia ? (@tiahsoka) June 9, 2020
Then, another Twitter user posted concept art that shows retheming of Splash Mountain from Song of the South to The Princess and the Frog.
Three tweets break down the entire retheme of the attraction in the Disney Parks — including Mama Odie’s place as the queue and loading area, swimming through the bayou, and bypassing some of the famous Voodoo dolls.
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 (@HelmsmanFreddy) June 9, 2020
Thread cont. pic.twitter.com/stRu5WR1TL
— Frederick Chambers (@HelmsmanFreddy) June 9, 2020
Thread cont. pic.twitter.com/CaGfVrUy6N
— Frederick Chambers (@HelmsmanFreddy) June 9, 2020
Related : Disney Fans Continue To Try and Save Splash Mountain With Petition
Disney Fans Continue To Try and Save Splash Mountain With Petition
This concept art has now led to a petition on change.org, which currently has over 12,200 signatures from Disney fans to change the theming of this classic thrill ride — and they continue to grow by the minute.
The Walt Disney Company: Re-theme Splash Mountain to Princess and the Frog – Sign the Petition! https://t.co/xl2sWoKHbD via @Change
— ❄️Aly❄️Roman Trash #1 | Fan account (@Lyssini) June 10, 2020
While some Twitter users and Disney fans are all for this new theme of Splash Mountain, others aren’t for the change and would like to see Spgetgetget Mountain remain the way it is while The Princess and the Frog gets its own insert. Howeverncept elsewhere.
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
Other Twitter users are all for a retheme. However, they are proposing Emperor’s New Groove so Disney fans can finally get a ride that incorporates the mega water slide!
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
The official description of Splash Mountain in Magic Kingdom reads:
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!
Please keep in mind Disney hrethemingcially announced or made a statement regarding regrethemee retheming of Splash Mountain.
What do you think of the re-theme idea? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.