One of Disney's oldest and most iconic rides could be getting a makeover due to the Black Lives Matter movement.
'Splash Mountain', the huge water ride that's been a staple at Disneyland and Walt Disney World since 1989, is based on the 1946 film Song of the South, which Disney refuses to release any more because of how racially insensitive the storyline is.
While the ride doesn't follow the story of Song of the South, it does include some of the characters and songs from the movie.
There are several online petitions, including one that's already received over 17,000 signatures for Disney to re-theme the ride after The Princess and the Frog, which features Princess Tiana - Disney's first black princess.
Of course, there are also a multitude of petitions opposing the change.
Honestly, I wouldn't have a problem with Disney changing the theme of the ride. It's been years since I've been to Disney World but I don't particularly remember the Song of the South theme from the ride, and I'm not sure that it makes the ride any more memorable. Disney has pretty openly shunned Song of the South and refuses to release it on DVD or Disney+, so why not distance themselves further and change the theme? Princess and the Frog would be an admirable replacement, but I could also see a Moana or Little Mermaid theme fitting the ride. Any of the three would be an upgrade that's much more in line with modern views, and I don't think it would negatively impact the joy of the ride at all.
What do you think?