Disney Redesigns Splash Mountain into Princess and the Frog

We reported it last month that there was a big online movement to redesign Splash Mountain. Now they’ve announced that:
…will be completely reimagined with a new story inspired by an all-time favorite Disney Animation film, “The Princess & The Frog.”

 

Of course, in light of the new Black Lives Matter movement this is a major development.  There was even an online petition to have the ride renamed.  In part, the petition read,  “While the ride is considered a beloved classic, its history and storyline are steeped in extremely problematic and stereotypical racist tropes”

Overall, the reaction online seems mostly positive.  Tiana from the Princess and the Frog is the first African-American Disney princess and incredibly popular. My daughter for one was a big fan.

Song of the South on the other hand was a 1946 film that was so controversial they locked it in the vault and never took it out.  So given the choice of inspiration it seems pretty obvious to choose the strong woman who opens a restaurant over the show singing “Zip a dee-doo-dah” and about slavery.

Walt himself was all about improving and “plussing” attractions and this goes right along with that. I know I can’t wait to see the results.