It’s finally happening. Disney has begun demolition of one of its most controversial attractions in California.
Splash Mountain, the log flume ride based on the 1946 Disney film “Song of the South,” has been the subject of controversy for years due to its racist stereotypes. In 2020, Disney announced that it would be reimagining the ride as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a new attraction based on the 2009 Disney film “The Princess and the Frog.”
The demolition of Splash Mountain in California began on February 21, 2023. The first step was to remove the iconic Brer Fox’s tree, which sits atop the mountain. The tree was removed using a crane, and the process was livestreamed on Disney’s social media channels.
The demolition of Splash Mountain is expected to take several months. Once the ride is completely demolished, construction will begin on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The new attraction is scheduled to open in 2024.
The decision to retheme Splash Mountain has been met with mixed reactions. Some people have praised Disney for taking steps to address the ride’s racist stereotypes, while others have criticized the company for not doing enough.
Despite the controversy, the demolition of Splash Mountain is a significant step forward for Disney. The company is finally acknowledging the racist history of “Song of the South” and taking steps to create a more inclusive environment for its guests.
The Controversy Surrounding Splash Mountain
Splash Mountain has been controversial since its opening in 1989. The ride is based on the 1946 Disney film “Song of the South,” which has been criticized for its racist stereotypes of African Americans.
The film “Song of the South” is set on a plantation in the antebellum South. The film features a number of racist stereotypes, including the portrayal of African Americans as happy-go-lucky and content with their lot in life.
The controversy surrounding Splash Mountain has been ongoing for years. In 2013, a petition was launched calling for the ride to be rethemed. The petition garnered over 20,000 signatures.
In 2020, Disney announced that it would be reimagining Splash Mountain as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The new attraction will be based on the 2009 Disney film “The Princess and the Frog,” which features the first African American Disney princess.
The Future of Splash Mountain
The demolition of Splash Mountain in California is a significant step forward for Disney. The company is finally acknowledging the racist history of “Song of the South” and taking steps to create a more inclusive environment for its guests.
The new attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, is scheduled to open in 2024. The new ride will feature a number of new elements, including a new story, new animatronics, and new music.
It remains to be seen how the new attraction will be received by guests. However, the demolition of Splash Mountain is a positive step forward for Disney and for the theme park industry as a whole.
Conclusion
The demolition of Splash Mountain is a significant event in the history of Disney theme parks. The company is finally acknowledging the racist history of “Song of the South” and taking steps to create a more inclusive environment for its guests.
The new attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, is scheduled to open in 2024. The new ride will feature a number of new elements, including a new story, new animatronics, and new music.
It remains to be seen how the new attraction will be received by guests. However, the demolition of Splash Mountain is a positive step forward for Disney and for the theme park industry as a whole.
+ There are no comments
Add yours