Splash Mountain will be getting a makeover at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Central Florida and Disneyland in California.
Splash Mountain currently stars the animated characters from “Song of the South,” the 1946 film long criticized for stereotypes of “spiritual” black men and its seemingly nostalgic view of the antebellum South.
The new theme is inspired by an all-time favorite animated Disney film, “The Princess and the Frog.” The story picks up after the final kiss where guests will join Princess Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure – featuring some of the powerful music from the film – as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance.
According to the Disney Parks Blog, the idea for re-theming the 1989 thrill ride started over a year ago but the change also comes at a time when racial tensions are at a high.
A petition calling for the re-theme went viral earlier this month.
“Disney parks should be a home for all to enjoy regardless of race, age, whatever your background may be,” the petition said.