Fan Uses Br’er Rabbit Twitter Account to Beg Elon Musk, Republican Politicians to Save Splash Mountain

in Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World

Br'er Rabbit looking inquisitively at a photo of Elon Musk speaking at SPACEX.

This month, Walt Disney World Resort announced that Splash Mountain in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom would close on January 23, 2023, to make way for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, its Princess and the Frog (2009) retheme. A closing date for Disneyland Resort’s version of the water ride is expected to be announced soon.

Related: Disney Is Reportedly Retheming Iconic Space Mountain

Princess Tiana and friends will replace characters from Song of the South (1946), a film widely banned for its racist portrayal of Black Americans during the Jim Crow era. Despite a dedicated #SaveSplashMountain campaign and even a petition that reached nearly 100,000 signatures, Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort will say goodbye to this iteration of the decades-old log flume ride.

Interior of Splash Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland
Credit: Disney

Still, some Splash Mountain fans are not ready to give up. Earlier this week, a Republican Congressman from Florida defended the ride and fueled the fire on social media, which one particular fan took advantage of. Or should we say one particular rabbit?

A dedicated fan created @BriarPatchz, a Twitter account portraying the main character of Splash Mountain, Br’er Rabbit. The account regularly spreads the #SaveSplashMountain petition and responds to news stories about the ride’s closure.

Splash Mountain
Credit: Disney

The account regularly tweets Elon Musk, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and other Republican politicians, asking for help saving the water ride. They type in vernacular similar to that used on the ride and refer to everyone as “Br’er:”

If you have a few spare dimes, Brer @elonmusk, could you save Splash Mountain? The other critters and I would much ‘preciate that

I do wonder if Brer @RonDeSantisFL can help keep me from gittin’ evicted from my home

They’ve even asked Universal Orlando Resort to give Splash Mountain a home:

Ya’ll got any room for a Briar Patch? Might need a place to stay for a while

While this account is amusing, it’s important to remember that the Br’er characters are primarily based on inappropriate stereotypes of Black Americans. They often use offensive versions of AAVE (African American Vernacular English) and, of course, come from Song of the South (1946). The film is full of harmful stereotypes and whitewashing of the struggles experienced by Black Americans post-Civil War. Overwhelmingly, activists are happy to see Splash Mountain go.

More on Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain statue of Br'er Bear and Br'er Fox outside the ride
Credit: Disney

Splash Mountain will soon close at Disneyland Park and Magic Kingdom. The log flume ride will remain the same at Tokyo Disneyland, though the Disney Park recently removed the ride’s anthem, “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah,” from its music loop. From Disney:

Drop into a whimsical world filled with classic characters and songs on this thrilling log-flume adventure.

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!

br'er-rabbit-splash-mountain-sign
Credit: ITM

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. 

Are you excited for Splash Mountain to transform into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure? 

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