Splash Mountain Makeover

Splash Mountain Makeover

FILE- In this March 21, 2007 file photo, the character Brer Rabbit, from the movie, "Song of the South," is depicted near the entrance to the Splash Mountain ride in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The Splash Mountain ride at Disney parks in California and Florida is being recast. Disney officials said the ride would no longer be tied to the 1946 movie, "Song of the South," which many view as racist. Instead, the revamped ride will be inspired by the 2009 Disney film, "The Princess and the Frog," which has an African-American female lead. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)

When you think of the attractions at Walt Disney World or Disneyland chances are you think of the three Magic Kingdom Mountains… Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain and Splash Mountain.  I remember watching them build Splash Mountain in 1991! The attraction is known for it’s theme song “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” and the three loveable characters Brer Fox, Brer Bear and Brer Rabbit.. oh and the fact that you will get wet dropping down six slippery stories.

Most don’t know that the attraction is actually themed from the 1946 film “Song of the South.” The film deals with some race issues and Disney has kept the film under wraps recognizing the film’s flaws.  While the ride doesn’t portray that Disney decided it was time for an upgrade.

The Walt Disney Company has been working on a new concept since last year and yesterday they made the official announcement that they will be giving the attraction a face lift and re-theming it to the 2009 film “The Princess and The Frog” in both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. When the parks reopen the original ride will reopen too with no word on when construction will start.

“The new concept is inclusive . . . one that all of our guests can connect with and be inspired by, and it speaks to the diversity of the millions of people who visit our parks each year.” – Walt Disney Company

(Image: AP Images)