Actress Leaks Disney's Splash Mountain Revamp Date

I still don’t see the need to change the ride. I’ve been on splash mountain many, many times, and have never noticed anything with racial undertones. All this “cancel culture” nonsense needs to stop. To this day, Splash Mountain remains one of the most popular attractions at both Disneyland and Disney World.

I’m sure the Princess and the Frog will be good. But why fix something that isn’t broke? Disney caved to pressure from people who continue to promote “cancel culture.” Listen, Walt Disney, himself, has been accused of being anti-Semitic. Does that mean we should cancel Disney all together? No! I’m curious to see how The Princess and the Frog turns out.

It is broken, in Disney's view, because almost no one who rides Splash knows the story it is referencing. On a TPaTF attraction, that would no longer be the case.

Disney wants The Princess and The Frog to become a major franchise. That's why it is giving it another D+ series. To reach that level, though, it also needs a major theme park attraction.

I won't dismiss WDI here until I see what the Imagineers deliver. I suspect the ride itself will not change one bit and that all of the changes will come in decoration and music.

Honestly, given that, I think open-minded fans might find that they enjoy the new version as much if not more than the old. I'm also not saying that will happen, but I can see that as a real possibility, especially given the precedent of Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, which ultimately tested much better than The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror it replaced.

It’s still a popular attraction, even though know one knows the story it’s referencing. Haunted Mansion isn’t based on any real story, and still is very popular. Before the Pirates of The Caribbean movies came out, the ride didn’t originate from a specific story. Both rides have always been popular nonetheless.

@timbo,

That's true...however from Disney's standpoint, this is probably something they'll ultimately view as a "win". First, because Song of the South has always been the "movie we don't talk about" & problematic for them & secondly..it's being adapted to an IP....(which is probably an even bigger incentive)

By changing it to TPATF, it fits nicely into Disney's newer "IP" driven attractions (i.e. merchandising). Even Haunted Mansion gets an IP overlay & Pirates added Jack Sparrow, Davvy Jones & other elements from the franchise to the attraction.

They'll be able to promote another princess (and of course that merch) while touting it as a new attraction.

On a related note...I'm actually not sure, but what was Disney's last "original" non IP major attraction?

I think the difference is that Splash Mountain is currently based on a movie, but it is based on a movie that will never been seen on anything other than old VHS tapes, unlike Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Jungle Cruise.

I am glad to seen the retheming as I am hopeful it will be replacing aging animatronics with something more realistic and using projection mapping like what is currently used on Frozen Ever After and 7 Dwarfs Mine Train.

Unless this turns out to be a truly outstanding overlay of the original ride, I don't see this being anymore of a major ride like FEA is. Princess and the Frog came out in 2009, and if Anika Noni Rose is correct on the opening date, it will be 15 years after the film's release before Splash Mountain's theme changes. If PatF was a truly great movie, Disney would had done something more with it, much like how Frozen when from screen to theme park ride in less than 3 years.

What Disney is guilty of is the timing of the announcement of the retheming, done so during the George Floyd protests. It just seems that Disney was paying lip-service to what was popular at the time.

Of course, that may not be true. Nearly everything the current Disney management does is with dollars in mind, and its likely this is no exception if they are bring out a Disney+ series based upon Princess and the Frog. It just feels like Disney is trying to capitalize by putting a Princess of color on center stage.

My main issue is that Disney at this time is focused on cutting costs, and as a result corners. It makes sense for Disney to get rid of its last major connection to a movie its embarrassed of, and Princess and the Frog is great movie. But Splash Mountain has been poorly maintained for years, and if they don’t fix the broken Show elements, they’d be better off not changing it.

At WDW/MK, how would this change fit into Frontierland thematically?
Best option would be to change that corner of Frontierland (Splash Mountain and Tall Tale Inn) into a New Orleans Square miniland.
A N’Awlins/character dining location could turn that corner of the park into something special. If Disney makes the change, then they should go all in at MK.

"If PatF was a truly great movie, Disney would had done something more with it, much like how Frozen when from screen to theme park ride in less than 3 years."

Well, I think it goes back to money, (not technically quality). Frozen was a pop culture monster & box office juggernaut. No recent Disney film (outside of Marvel) went from screen to theme park in 3 years. Frozen brings that money...but quality wise, many would argue that Tangled, Moana, Zootopia, Ralph, or even TPATF are all fairly close in quality.

It just feels like Disney is trying to capitalize by putting a Princess of color on center stage.

Well, they are a corporation, lol. I think it's pretty clear that it wasn't random that Tiana was chosen, Ultimately, with the D+ series in the works....as well as their princess line being one of the top 10 media franchises in the world...motives aside, this is still an overall win for them.

I definitely agree with everyone that it’ll become a popular ride, there’s no doubt about that. However, my point is that Splash Mountain remains a popular ride to this day. When I go to Disneyland or Disney World, I still need to have a fast pass…otherwise it’s at least a 90 minute wait.

Yes, Song of the South wasn’t Disney’s finest moment. It’s also not available to watch anywhere. However, like I said earlier, I’ve never noticed any racial undertones while on Splash Mountain.

Let’s be honest, the only reason Disney is changing to Princess and the Frog is because of “cancel culture.” There were petitions signed to change the ride. Disney faced backlash over the rides origin, and needed to change it in order to appease people. If “cancel culture” wasn’t a phenomenon, would Disney have changed it? I highly doubt it. Splash Mountain has been a big drawer for them for years. If there wasn’t any backlash…why would they change it in the first place? They would have no reason to. If they felt the ride was racist, they would have changed it years ago.

I’m not going to lie, Princess and the Frog will be a nice fit. Especially in Disneyland, near New Orleans Square. It’s also a ride based on a Princess, rather than a movie that most people haven’t seen, like Song of the South. But let’s all be honest, Disney is changing it because of the backlash they received, due to the “cancel culture” phenomenon.

Splash Mountain’s characters are steeped in racism and the signature song is based on a racial slur.

Disney’s playing a complicated game of not mentioning Song of the South at all, trying to promote inclusivity and practically operating theme parks.

A good question was brought up earlier about the last non-IP major attraction at a theme park. Hmmm...

Would have to go over 16 years ago with Expedition Everest at AK. 2006 is when it opened.

It still feels weird for a Disney princess ride to have such a height requirement and thrill level. TPATF deserves an original ride. And Splash Mountain seems like it is it’s own IP outside SOTS now. Make a new series based on the ride’s characters if you will. The merch already sells. TPATF merch could sell. Why cut off two merch lines for just one? And suppose this will remove one of Disney’s mountains from the range since it will technically be a tree in a swamp now.

Presuming the 12-18 month timeline I'd heard previously is correct for the refurb, I suppose I should plan any Disney visits in the first half of 2023. Afterward, honestly, who knows? Disney seems to be actively giving me reasons not to visit lately, and closing Splash Mountain (which I consider to be Magic Kingdom's best attraction and in Disneyland Park's top five) is one of the biggest.

Does that mean Princess and the Frog can't be good? Of course not, and when I finally get around to doing it I'll of course try to be as open as possible about it. But Splash Mountain is great because it is a fully practical attraction with catchy music and no need to be familiar with the source material to work well. If the new attraction can check those boxes, awesome, but seeing what has come out of Disney over the past decade, I'm not holding out hope that it will unless they give it a budget big enough it would have made more sense to just build a new E-ticket. The theme personally doesn't appeal to me (I've always found the film on the overrated side), so it's going to need to be a top notch attraction to not feel like a disappointment. I don't think I'm alone in this camp, so if Disney blows it on this, I honestly could see it causing more harm than just keeping Splash Mountain ever would.

Randy Keith is correct. And it's not just show elements. Over time, water-based attractions get the hell beaten out of them. This won't be a simple overlay. There is a ot of stuff that's gonna need to be addressed.

I'm not sure Disney was being entirely reactive to public pressure for this overhaul. From what I understand, they have a list of problematic attributes within the parks they want to proactively fix (Peter Pan, a beloved Bears revue). Splash Mountain was on that list, but the events of 2020 caused Disney to move up the re-theme to signal goodwill. Partly reactive? Sure. But this wasn't a knee-jerk reaction--it's been on their radar for a while.

There are also those who complain the retheme may not "fit the theme" of Frontierland, which I don't necessarily agree with. There are current attractions in Frontierland that have me straining to find a connection to the Wild West. Fantasmic! in Disneyland? All the Disney characters are on a Frontierland-style boat, but that's about it. Mickey isn't cosplaying as a Cowboy during the show or corralling Horace & Clarabelle. Even Splash Mountain itself is a bit of a stretch in Frontierland (I don't recall reading about anthropomorphic rabbits, bears, or foxes on the American frontier during my history class--may have missed that lesson).

Besides, the Louisiana Purchase helped instigate a massive westward expansion on the Frontier. I'm sure the ride will fit the "spirit" of the American Frontier. Tiana herself certainly does, with her grit and go-getter-ness. The exterior design of the Bayou shouldn't be that far off from the current theming of Splash Mountain either. I think the hardest part will be retheming some of the mountainous caverns throughout the ride. PatF fits the aesthetic--the "vibe" of Frontierland--even if its 1920s time period just misses the historically accurate span of the American Frontier. But if I wanted historical accuracy, I'd be at a museum, not Disney.

The thing that gives me pause about the attraction are the rumors of the story pacing. Expect it to have as much to do with the titular Princess & Frog as Mickey's Philharmagic has to do with Mickey Mouse. Really hope this isn't true, but it sounds like Louis will be taking the stage as the Donald Duck character of this attraction, with Tiana getting sidelined in her own ride.

Regardless I'm looking forward to the music on the ride! In the words of Dr. Facilier: "Are you ready?"

To be fair, Splash Mountain in Disneyland is technically in Critter Country, NOT Frontierland nor New Orleans Square (in fact Splash isn't even adjacent to Frontierland at DL as it's on the east side of the Rivers of America and north of New Orleans Square). In MK, Splash Mountain is in Frontierland.

So in Disneyland, it would be easy to weave Princess and the Frog thematically into Critter Country with Pooh and the adjacent Davey Crocket's Canoes connecting to Tom Sawyer's Island. The story of Tianna is a spin on The Frog Prince, one of Grimm's Fairy Tales, which easily comports with the other attractions that similarly draw from literature. If Disneyland wanted to eliminate Critter Country, they could also do that and weave the revamped Splash Mountain into New Orland Square as the primary setting for Princess and the Frog, but then they would have to figure out what to do with Pooh and the Canoes.

WDW presents a trickier problem with Splash Mountain listed as part of Frontierland, but also adjacent to Adventureland. Princess and the Frog would have to take some serious leaps to be part of either land while maintaining its New Orleans setting. Probably the easiest would be to put it into Adventureland from a geographic perspective, but doing so would further minimize Frontierland, which is already a bit problematic in MK compared to Disneyland. I'm not sure what WDI will do, but I'm sure they've figured out a solution that at least makes sense on paper.

As far as the attraction, I'm intrigued by what they actually do with the ride in terms of flow and narrative. TBH, the Splash Mountain narrative is a bit all over the place with little rhyme or reason as to why the scenes play out in the order in which they are presented. Princess and the Frog has a pretty strong narrative, but the climax of the story doesn't necessarily fit with a 90-foot soaking plunge. Obviously the "Laughing Place" scene would fit perfectly with Dr. Facilier's "Friends on the Other Side", but that spot in the ride is just before the climax, and not the right spot in the Princess and the Frog narratively for that song.

I also agree with Randy that Splash Mountain needs a serious overhaul even if they aren't retheming it, and hopefully they will take the time and effort to do it right. It took almost 2 years for WDI to change Maelstrom into Frozen Ever After, and that flume-style attraction is far shorter than Splash Mountain. Even if Disney too the attractions down today, opening by 2024 would be quite an achievement if they are going to give the attraction the same level of attention they gave to FEA. If 2024 is really the year they're going to debut the rethemed Splash Mountain, I would be concerned that they're not giving it the TLC the ride really needs to be a long term hit like FEA has become. Perhaps the recent refurbishments took care of most of the nuts and bolts of the ride system (though recent breakdowns would suggest they were just routine, superficial rehabs) and the upcoming work will focus solely on the scenery and figures (Maelstrom had the entire ride system refurbished when it was rethemed to FEA). The 20-24 months (assuming they go down after this summer) might provide ample time to complete the work to the level expected from a project of this scale and popularity.

Frankly, I'm just amazed taking so long because 30 plus years is an eternity for a Disney attraction to go without some sort of refurbishment or outright overhaul. Even in the "Disney Mountains" book they note how it was problematic from the start because of "Song of the South's rep."

And let's not forget, one of the key reasons this was built in the first place? Because Disney wanted to find a way to use the old "America Sings" AA somewhere and "everyone else has a log ride, we should."

I will miss the classic ride but I also miss scores of classic Disney rides long gone (Mr. Toad) and recognize it was always tricky on tone yet this can still work. It's going to be the ride and the big plunge more than the storyline that gets folks in and if that doesn't change, the rest can be good.

Everyone makes valid points and arguments. However, I still feel Disney is only changing it due to “cancel culture.” Disney may have thought about the idea to retheming Splash Mountain before. However, if the events of 2020 never happened…Disney would not have felt pressured to change the ride.

Splash Mountain opened up in Disneyland in 1989, and Disney World in 1992. It’s still a very popular ride, with wait times typically between 40-90 minutes. I always needed a fast pass, in order to ride on it during the day. Sometimes late at night, especially at Disneyland, I can slip on it quick. But other than that…it’s still a very popular attraction.

We have to look at the rationale behind this change. Would Disney have changed it, especially suddenly, if the events of 2020 didn’t happen…as well the whole “cancel culture” concept? I honestly don’t think so. Yes, the Princess and the Frog sounds like a nice idea. I’m sure it’ll end up being a good ride. But…is the change really necessary? I have nothing against The Princess and the Frog. It was a cute movie. I just don’t feel changing Splash Mountain will make the ride any better than it already is.

If you look at most of the rides that have received changes, example; Pirates, Big Thunder, Peter Pan, etc. they are still the same concept. They weren’t completely rethemed, other than Tower of Terror in California Adventure. Yes, the Haunted Mansion is rethemed every year in Disneyland, but it’s during the holiday season. The rest of the year is the original Haunted Mansion. In Florida, it’s not rethemed at all. Splash Mountain is being rethemed because of “cancel culture.” That’s the honest truth.

@Timbo

Even if that’s the reason it’s being changed, it doesn’t hurt Disney. They changed Pirates (the bride auction) scene during the MeToo era. That was also because of public perception. (And changed the Pirates chasing women scene before that). If the MeToo movement didn’t happen, would they have felt pressure to change the bride auction scene?

SOTH has always been problematic for them. Did the current climate & calls for them to change it, expedite their decision?? I’d say yes. But they also didn’t shut the ride down immediately. It’s been running since they announced the change & will continue to run until the retheming project begins.

Even if it was done because of ”cancel culture”… they’ll benefit from it. New merchandising opportunities, presenting it as a “new attraction”, and no longer having to address SOTS (at least in the parks).

Ultimately, people are still going to ride it. I think it’s easy to overestimate people’s response to this.

In the middle of summer, A family of five from Idaho, AP/magic key/whatever else Disney comes up with next/ holders , etc. are still going to line up in droves to ride Disneyland/MKonly water ride. I think it’s easy to over estimate how people feel about the change….or cause of the change.

If Disney changed it because of cancel culture, they’re still getting something out of it too…But ultimately, it’s not going to mean a whole lot for the average theme park guest who visits the park. They are still going to ride it.

Disney isn’t losing out, they are a company, and will capitalize on it however they need too.

Jay R. I never said Disney will lose out, or not capitalize on the Princess and the Frog retheme. All I said was that Splash Mountain was only changed because of 2020, and “cancel culture.” Otherwise, it probably wouldn’t have happened. Yes, the ride is still up and running until the retheme. That’s my point, why would Disney take it down before then, since it’s still a popular ride?

I have no doubt that Disney will still capitalize on Princess and the Frog. Between marketing, merchandise, etc. but It doesn’t negate the fact that the only reason it’s being done is because of the backlash Disney received, due to the whole “cancel culture” phenomenon.

You cant please everybody at the same time. No way around it. So the company has decided what side of the controversy they want to be. Algo they cant take on that many proyects at a time, they must be short on staff and imagenieers. I am sure they will wait to have everybody attention on Tron in order to close splash mountain and renovate.

Lol - laughable that the cancel culture only began recently - how many were canceled by those in the majority under the guise of religion, etc? I guess its only a problem to some when it brings attention to their own bigotry !

The only people who call it "cancel culture" are those who think it's wrong to cancel racism. Those of us who belief in equal rights call this progression. I mean, the only thing being "cancelled" is hate, so if you're opposed to cancel culture, that's because you have hate in your heart.

@TwoBits "What Disney is guilty of is the timing of the announcement of the retheming, done so during the George Floyd protests. It just seems that Disney was paying lip-service to what was popular at the time."

What exactly was "popular at the time"? Human rights? Being opposed to racist murders? And you think those things were a passing fancy? Disney just jumped on the temporary bandwagon of equality and opposition to hateful racism? You think that was just a fad?

The sad racism displayed in many of these comments is perfect reason for Disney to make big changes and hopefully help steer the next generations away from this sort of obsolete thinking. Ugh.

thecolonel, of course I’m against racism in every facet. Racism is disgusting, and an unfortunate part of life. It’s not that I’m against “cancel culture,” it’s just how far is too far. Like I said, had the events of 2020 never happened…Splash Mountain most likely wouldn’t have been rethemed. Disney just capitalized on the time, because they faced backlash and criticism from people on social media.

Listen, Walt Disney himself, was accused of being anti-Semitic. Should we cancel Disney all together? Should we stop visiting Disneyland, and Disney World? Should we stop watching Disney movies, shows, buying merchandise, etc. if he was anti-Semitic, and racist, why don’t we all together cancel Disney? That’s my point. How much is too much?

Thomas Jefferson wrote our constitution. Yet, he owned slaves, had children with one of his slaves… should we cancel the constitution? Jefferson wrote it. Should we cancel him? He was a slave owner.

Should we cancel “Gone With The Wind,” books, movies, shows, that depict different time periods? Al Sharpton is racist. He only cares when something involves African Americans. He doesn’t care if something happens to a white person. Why is it okay for him to say whatever he wants, yet…other things are canceled? Why is it okay for him to be racist. Why can’t we cancel him?

I’m not against cancel culture. I’m against any form of racism. What I’m saying is how far is too far? Why must everything be canceled?

Listen, our country has an ugly past. As do most countries. Unfortunately, we still have many problems in our county. As far as racism, prejudice, hatred, etc. what I’m trying to say is, just because you “cancel” something…doesn’t negate the fact that it happened. History is history. Even if it was wrong, and wasn’t right. Unfortunately, it still took place. Just “canceling” something, doesn’t mean that it didn’t happen. Instead, we must learn from our mistakes, and teach our children about the problems, so we learn from it. Ever hear the expression, “those who don’t know their history…are doomed to repeat it?” My point is instead of just “canceling,” let’s learn from our past mistakes instead.

Timbo23 you still don’t get the point - “the cancel culture” isn’t a phenomenon like a one off, too far over the edge kind of thing. It’s not even about cancelling anything. I suggest instead of spreading what it isn’t, walk in the shoes of those who deal with it in their everyday life (i.e have empathy) Look at flags, statues and some religions in a different light and then maybe you’ll see how in your face it can be. Just when u think we’ve made progress, the last 5 years show how we really haven’t with a certain group. Their rally cries couldn’t be more obvious and that’s just really sad for them.

Tiptop22, I don’t think you’re understanding the point. Yes, unfortunately, racism, and discrimination still exists today. Yes, I have empathy for people. I would never discriminate anyone based on their race, sex, religion, or sexual orientation. Although, not a perfect world, things have improved over time.

Unfortunately, certain groups and races are still marginalized, and discriminated against today. However, we have made progress. For example, my grandmother, a white lady lived in a segregated south, during the 1950’s. She was good friends with a black lady. My grandmother’s friend couldn’t walk into the same restaurant. Her friend couldn’t share the same water fountain. Her friend couldn’t share the same bathroom. Her friend couldn’t go to the same movie theater as her.

Yes, we still have issues today. Things are still not perfect. However, there has been progress made. White and Black people no longer have to use separate bathrooms, water fountains, restaurants, movie theaters, attend separate colleges etc. Although not perfect, progress has been made.

There are issues people still face today. But the Civil Rights Act, and laws banning segregation have opened up opportunities for people. We need to teach children that racism and discrimination is wrong. We need to teach them the past, to make sure history does not repeat itself. We must teach our children to treat everyone with respect and dignity. By doing so, we must not forget the past, by “cancellation.” Instead, we just teach people what happened, to make sure it never happens again.

@timbo You write "it’s just how far is too far"? Where has this purported "cancel culture" supposedly gone too far? Where are the things that have been unfairly cancelled? Confederate monuments? Racist people who've said and done racist things? A ride based on a movie so racist Disney won't allow it to be seen?

I hear a lot of bellyaching about people and things being cancelled but I'm not seeing any worrisome cancellations. I mean, what you call "cancelling" I call "rightfully being called out for being obnoxious." You say Splash Mountain wouldn't have been changed but for BLM, but in fact the plan to change it had been in place for years. I mean, get real, when they built this ride they new they were running with the Devil, it was always going to be changed, and rightfully so. I love the Uncle Remus tales, but the Disney movie is racist trash.

At bottom, I've had it with all the entitled crybabies in this country who moan about being cancelled at the same time they're trying to install a white nationalist government, and are about to revoke Constitutional rights of equality, and force the rest of us live under constant fear of their gun cult. I mean, I see a bunch of abhorrent, obnoxious, oppressive behavior that deserves to be "cancelled."

Beside...What's so sacred about the ride theme anyway?. Its a classic? Sure is. It's part of the parks history? Yes. Part of our collective memory of simpler, happier times? You bet it is. But Mr. Disney said it himself..the Work will never be finished. Always changing, transforming, adapting. Some changes we hate ( genie plus for me ) but others are a necesary (even if painful) step foward. The song of the South was a attemp to make ammends with a Hard and painful time in american history. Did not Work. That's art sometimes. Not many People Know the actual context of the movie, but to those Who knows, it does hurt. You cant be blind to that. A change ( even a purely cosmetic one) can be positive in the Long run. Let's hope this is the case.

Oh goodness Timbo you really don’t get it - “we” allowed “them” to use the same facilities so “its progress” rationalization. In any event, you are at least trying I guess. You’re not quite there, but there is hope for the future from the younger generation that do see it more clearly.

Tiptop22, yes, they’re all still problems people face today. I’m not denying that. However, you say, “we allow them to use the same facilities, so it’s progress.” Come on man, please don’t make comments like that. Laws were passed to end segregation. Are things perfect - no. But, laws and progress have been made over time. As I told the story of my grandmother, people no longer have separate bathrooms, restaurants, movie theaters, etc.

Yes, Song of the South was a racist movie. I’m not questioning that. I know Splash Mountain is based on the Uncle Remus stories. I, personally, however, never noticed any racial undertone on the ride itself. I’m sure Princess and the Frog will be a good addition.

How about Walt Disney himself? He was accused of being Anti-Semitic…is that okay? If you’re talking about our past, why not cancel Disney all to? Why go to Disneyland, Disney World anymore? Why watch Disney movies, shows, and buy Disney merchandise anymore? Is it okay to be Anti- Semitic? Jewish people have been persecuted, and faced discrimination for centuries as well. The Holocaust killed 6 million Jews. If Walt, himself, was anti- Semitic., why support Disney anymore?

What I’m saying is other groups are affected too. If we’re trying to get rid of the past, we must think about other groups as well. Yes, African Americans have been discriminated and treated terribly throughout the years. But what about Jewish people? Native Americans? For goodness sakes, we took their land. We killed them, when they tried to befriend us. You have to look at the whole picture is what I’m saying. My ancestors weren’t hear when slavery was taken place. My ancestors came from Ireland. Please don’t blame me for things that took place years before my family were even here.

"What I’m saying is other groups are affected too. If we’re trying to get rid of the past, we must think about other groups as well"

@timbo, but that is already happening...Peter Pan's flight is being reimagined, & DLP already removed a scene. Just this year Disney removed a phrase from Tom Sawyer that was offensive to Native Americans...The same way Pirates changed the bride auction.

I actually think we're all saying the same thing, lol. Timbo, you were correct saying DL changed it due to pressure....however I think it's the reference of "cancel culture" that gives it a pause & implies a particular connotation.

Every company has & will adapt / change based on "public pressure". This isn't anything new.( One of the biggest failed product launches was "New Coke"..there was backlash & they went back to their original formula.)

There have been PLENTY examples of companies changing things based on public pressure long before the events of a couple of years ago. Granted, social media has changed the way things are presented...but before Twitter, IG & YT. There was pen & paper, letters & phone calls. Petitions & letter writing campaigns resulted in changes from companies decades ago.

Public backlash against Indiana Jones & The temple of doom / Gremlins led to PG-13, The infamous Janet Jackson halftime show, Rosanne's 90's National Anthem, Andrew Dice Clay, Nike sweatshop scandal, the list goes on & on of things that changed things because of public backlash....and these things were decades ago. This isn't new.

I think phrases like "cancel culture" "woke", etc. immediately divide people in categories & then it becomes a place of offensive & defense.. winning arguments, right / wrong, etc.

The interesting thing about theme parks is you see EVERYONE. People from different cultures, age groups, locations. People with disabilities, couples, solo travelers, families. All shapes, sizes & colors... enjoying themselves & having a great time! Cue "A Small World" theme in 5, 4, 3, 2...

Ultimately, we're getting a new version of an attraction. For a theme park fan, that's a win!

Jay R. Yes, that’s true, there has been backlash over other things in the past that forced companies to change. Yes, Disney did make changes to Peter Pan, Pirates, and Tom Sawyer.

I’m sure the new Princess and the Frog ride will be a nice addition. I guess it is nice to update things sometimes. I do like Mission Breakout in California Adventure that replaced Tower of Terror. In curious to see how the new version of splash will be.

Mission Breakout is a good example of how to redo an attraction. With Splash, just hoping for some nice upgrades. As someone mentioned earlier, water rides go through a lot, so hoping this gets some needed care & upgrades along with this new version. (I'd be happy with a new Randy Newman score)

Jay R. Mission Breakout is definitely a perfect example. It’s actually become one of my favorite rides in all of the Disney parks. I’m hoping The Princess and the Frog exceeds expectations. It would be nice to include some new upgrades. A Randy Newman score would be great!

Colonel: What exactly was "popular at the time"? Human rights? Being opposed to racist murders? And you think those things were a passing fancy? Disney just jumped on the temporary bandwagon of equality and opposition to hateful racism? You think that was just a fad?

To clarify what I meant, Colonel, let’s look at some of corporate Disney’s recent reactions:

-MeToo becomes a movement. Disney changes the auction scene in PotC.

-George Floyd protests occur. Disney quickly announces the retirement of SM.

-Only after a lot of media scrutiny about Disney’s lack of statement about Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act, a.k.a.. the “Don’t Say Gay” bill did corporate Disney finally condemn the law and come out in public support of the LGBTQ+ community (and just in time to get rainbow merchandise sold to all those attending Gay Days this year).

Colonel, you know this is corporate pandering by Disney management even if you will not admit that you know it is, and it is all being done not for the sake of better image, but for higher profits.

I hope Robert is right, and the changes are only cosmetic. If the AAs get replaced by screens, what an enormous, disappointing downgrade that would be.

If they're going to close a beloved E ticket for some period of time just to pander to woke nonsense, they owe us a new version that's at least as good as the original.

I had SO MANY things to say about a lot of these comments, but they've already been addressed. So I'll just throw my hat in with "how is this, even if it's 'cancel culture,' a bad thing?" Cancel the heck out of racism. I've SEEN the movie. It's cringe worthy in this day and age. And I know that most who ride Splash Mountain today have never seen it -- so why are they so attached to it remaining the same IP? I get that it will be weird in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom (but will fit fine in Critter Country at Disneyland). But...Magic Kingdom has so much IP in Tomorrowland that has nothing to do with the future that it's not exactly out of charachter.