Credit: Tokyo Disney ResortTokyo Disneyland has removed the “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” sign from the exit of Splash Mountain, eliminating one of the last references to Song of the South at the Disney park where the attraction still operates. The original sign read “Have a Zip-A-Dee Doo-Dah Day!” in English and Kanji, but the new sign simply says “Thanks for dropping in!” The change coincided with Splash Mountain’s reopening on February 13 after a month-long refurbishment.
Disney attributed the sign change to the loss of sponsorship from Kao Corporation, which ended its partnership in November 2025. However, the removal of the controversial reference suggests potential broader changes to the attraction, which has been deemed unsuitable for American parks.
The Sponsorship Explanation
The old sign displayed “Presented by Kao,” a chemical and cosmetics company that sponsored Splash Mountain until November 1, 2025. Kao continues sponsoring Toy Story Mania at Tokyo DisneySea and the resort’s hand-washing stations, but the company specifically ended its association with Splash Mountain while maintaining other Tokyo Disney Resort partnerships. The official Tokyo Disneyland website confirms that Kao no longer appears on the Splash Mountain page, unlike other sponsors, who are still listed on their respective attractions.
The sign replacement was likely overdue given the sponsorship change, and under normal circumstances, updating signage when sponsors change is standard practice. What makes this replacement noteworthy is the deliberate choice to remove the “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” reference rather than incorporating it into the new design. That decision suggests Disney is distancing Tokyo Disneyland’s Splash Mountain from Song of the South even without committing to full retheme like what happened in the United States.
The Song of the South Disney Park Controversy
For decades, Splash Mountain was a staple of Disney’s theme park lineup, blending log flume thrills with characters and music from Song of the South. That legacy became increasingly controversial as criticism grew around the film’s depiction of race and its problematic place within Disney’s modern brand. The 1946 film has never been released on home video in the United States due to its romanticized portrayal of the post-Civil War South and depictions that many view as perpetuating harmful racial stereotypes.
In the U.S., Disney ultimately chose to act. Splash Mountain permanently closed at Disneyland Park and Magic Kingdom, later reopening as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure themed to The Princess and the Frog. While Disney positioned the retheme as necessary evolution, the decision sparked significant backlash from fans who viewed the original attraction as a classic and felt the replacement lacked the same narrative weight or musical identity.
Criticism of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has persisted since its debut. Beyond fan resistance to any Splash Mountain replacement, the new attraction has faced repeated operational issues including malfunctioning animatronics and sinking ride vehicles that have undermined Disney’s messaging about the retheme representing an upgrade rather than just politically motivated removal.
Tokyo Disneyland’s Unique Position
Tokyo Disney Resort is owned and operated by Oriental Land Company, which has a license to use Disney’s intellectual property. This means that Oriental Land Company has more freedom to decide which rides and attractions to build, keep, or remove compared to Disney-owned parks, which must follow strict corporate guidelines.
Tokyo Disneyland opened in 1983 and added Splash Mountain in 1992. The ride is very popular, with related merchandise still sold throughout the park. During the hot summer months, seasonal “Get Soaked” overlays attract large crowds.
For years, there have been rumors that Splash Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland will be replaced, especially after Disney announced changes to the attraction in other locations. Reports indicate that Disney wants to retheme Splash Mountain in Japan, but this hasn’t happened due to disagreements over who should pay for the significant costs of rebuilding the ride.
As the licensing partner, Disney is also encouraging the closure of the ride. They are limiting the use of Splash Mountain’s music in the park and reducing merchandise connected to the attraction. The closure of the gift shop, Hoot & Holler Hideout, in November 2024 has sparked speculation about potential changes. However, the ride is still open, and there has been no official announcement about a retheme.
Tokyo Disneyland’s Resistance to Sensitivity Updates
Tokyo Disneyland has historically resisted certain sensitivity updates seen in other parks. Its version of Pirates of the Caribbean still includes the original “we wants the redhead” scene showing male pirates auctioning women as brides, a moment reworked years ago at Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, and Disneyland Paris due to its depiction of women being sold.
This resistance to changing classic attractions based on modern sensitivities makes the “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” sign removal particularly notable. Tokyo Disneyland appears willing to make incremental changes distancing Splash Mountain from Song of the South without committing to the full retheme that would satisfy Disney corporate while potentially alienating guests who love the attraction as it exists.
What This Signals for the Disney Park
The sign change represents a middle ground approach between keeping Splash Mountain exactly as it was and completely replacing it with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. By removing overt Song of the South references like “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” while maintaining the attraction itself, Tokyo Disneyland acknowledges controversy surrounding the source material without undertaking the expensive, disruptive process of full retheme.
Whether this incremental approach satisfies Disney corporate or represents the first step toward eventual complete overhaul remains unclear. The loss of Kao sponsorship, gift shop closure, and now sign change create a pattern suggesting Splash Mountain’s days at Tokyo Disneyland may be numbered even if no official announcement has been made.
For fans who want to experience Splash Mountain as it was originally designed, Tokyo Disneyland represents the last opportunity. The attraction officially reopened February 13 following winter refurbishment, though whether guests will flock to experience it remains uncertain given local temperatures in the early 30s making water rides less appealing.
The Broader Context for this Disney Park
Splash Mountain’s future at Tokyo Disneyland highlights the tension between preserving classic attractions and addressing concerns about problematic source material. While the ride offers entertaining log flume experiences with impressive animatronics, its connection to Song of the South cannot be ignored due to valid criticisms about race and portrayal of the American South.
Disney’s decision to retheme Splash Mountain in the U.S. recognized these issues but sparked controversy among fans worried about erasing history. Tokyo Disneyland’s gradual removal of references reflects an effort to balance these competing pressures. The recent removal of the “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” sign is a small step toward a potential retheme, suggesting that the original Splash Mountain experience may soon be limited even in the one park where it still exists.