Ok, Splash Mountain, you did your job, but Disney is ready to move right along.
Both Disneyland and Walt Disney World will change the theme of Splash Mountain. The ride will now have a new theme, ‘Princess and the Frog.” Although fans have known about the change since 2020, it wasn’t until Friday that the name was revealed.
Anika Noni Rose, who is the voice of Tiana, let the year slip during an interview on “Live with Kelly and Ryan.” So it was only right that the name was officially revealed at Essence Fest in New Orleans.
“To be able to join New Orleans in the celebration of Black joy as we bring Tiana’s story to its roots is a full-circle moment I’m so proud to realize,” Charita Carter, who is the executive producer of relevancy activations at Walt Disney Imagineering, said in a statement.
Disney’s first Black princess was inspired by a real New Orleans icon, who happens to be the late James Beard-award-winning Chef Leah Chase of Dooley Chase’s Restaurant, USA Today reported.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure comes from “The Princess and the Frog,” however, it’s not the same story but more like the next chapter.
“Picking up where the film left off, guests will join Princess Tiana, Naveen, and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure through the bayou as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration where everyone is welcome,” Carmen Smith, Disney senior vice president of Creative Development – Product/Content and Inclusive Strategies, stated.
Splash Mountain is being changed due to its current Br’er Rabbit story that is tied to the controversial Disney film “Song of the South,” which has been criticized for its idyllic portrayal of plantation life.
“While the ride is considered a beloved classic, its history and storyline are steeped in extremely problematic and stereotypical racist tropes from the 1946 film,” read a 2020 Change.org petition, which called for Splash Mountain’s makeover and received over 21,000 signatures.
Disney confirmed the new theme after the petition sparked national attention, but the company also noted the change had been in the works since 2019.
“I’ve felt, as long as I’ve been CEO, that ‘Song of the South’ was – even with a disclaimer – was just not appropriate in today’s world,” Bob Iger, Disney’s then-executive chairman, chairman of the board and former CEO said.
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