Disney Cleaning Up Its Image
Disney is replacing the racially insensitive Splash Mountain ride with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a new attraction based on the 2009 film “The Princess and the Frog,” which featured the first Black Disney princess. While this move is seen as a step towards inclusivity, some criticize Disney for not fully dismantling the problematic attraction. This change is part of a larger effort by Disney to update or remove outdated and offensive themes from its parks, reflecting a growing awareness of the importance of representation and social justice in the entertainment industry. Jessica Reyes, Patricia Wu, and Dr. Cortina Peters break down Disney’s decision.
Splash Mountain’s Origins From One of the Most Racist Movies of All Time
The decision to replace Splash Mountain stems from its problematic roots in Disney’s 1946 film “Song of the South.” The film has long been criticized for romanticizing the antebellum South and perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Black Americans. While the ride did not explicitly reference the film, its use of characters and music from the movie drew criticism for indirectly promoting a sanitized version of history. The removal of Splash Mountain and its reimagining as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure signals a shift in Disney’s approach to addressing its past problematic portrayals and promoting a more inclusive vision for its theme parks.
