Song of the South is so notoriously racist that Disney has kept the 1946 film largely locked away for decades. And yet it serves as the inspiration for the popular Disney theme parks attraction Splash Mountain, which debuted in 1989 at Disneyland before moving to Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland.
Earlier this year, Disney Executive Chairman Bob Iger confirmed the film will never be available on Disney+, so it is clear the entertainment giant is attempting to distance itself from Song of the South in all ways -- except for Splash Mountain. However, there has been an outcry to rebrand the attraction, and replace elements from the controversial film with those from other Disney properties.
There are plenty of films to pull from that would fit the ride, and they include movies that deserve more attention from the parks, like the ones listed below.
The Princess and the Frog
There is already significant online support for The Princess and the Frog to be the new inspiration for Splash Mountain. Overall Princess Tiana is underrepresented in the parks, and swapping out the racist imagery with Disney's first Black princess seems appropriate. This would make Tiana the first Disney princess to have her own major thrill ride, instead of the more kid friendly rides at the parks. Add in the film's connection to water its New Orleans and swamp settings, as well as the Louisiana creatures that captivate audiences, Splash Mountain would benefit by pulling from this cartoon.
Finding Dory
While Finding Nemo has a ride at the parks with Submarine Voyage, Splash Mountain could also easily adapt the adventures of Dory and include the new friends introduced in Finding Dory. The film is popular among families and viewers off all ages, making it a good choice for the ride's rebranding. It would be inviting to everyone, so it would be aspirational for the youngest of fans and satisfying to older riders.
Moana
There is reportedly a Moana ride planned for the future of Disney parks, so this suggestion may be a little too late. However, Moana seems like an obvious choice to take over Splash Mountain. Moana's ability to interact with the water can translate easily to the thrill ride. Along with this, it would give more attention to a Disney princess who deserves the spotlight. She's one of the few princesses of color in Disney history, and her film celebrates her culture. Movies that positively highlight characters of color are one of the best solutions Disney could turn to, actively uplifting positive representation over harmful stereotypes.
Lilo and Stitch
The Lilo and Stitch experience at Disney closed in 2018, leaving a Hawaiian vacancy at the park. Aspects of the decommissioned experience could be repurposed to fit Splash Mountain. The surfing motifs and visuals of the film are a logical fit for the water ride. Plus the added benefit of including more women of color is a positive thing, as mentioned above. Lilo and Stitch is family friendly fun that promotes an understanding of other cultures and aspires for a more inviting future, making it a good fit for the rebranded ride.
The Emperor's New Groove
The film is a cult favorite, and one of the most famous scenes from The Emperor's New Groove features Emperor Kuzco and Pacha tied to a log as they float over a waterfall. Thematically, this fits nicely with Splash Mountain. Giving the long underappreciated and beloved film a place at the parks with an attraction makes sense and would be an effective change to the current, outdated aesthetic. Thematically scenes from the movie also make sense in the context for the ride.
Atlantis: The Lost Empire
The underappreciated film Atlantis: The Lost Empire would be a great choice for Splash Mountain's rebranding. The movie is an action adventure tale set underwater, so thematically and aesthetically the film fits the bill for the ride. The movie follows a group of explorers as they search for the lost city of Atlantis, which would be a great story to experience through a ride. It would be an elevated change to incorporate the stunning visuals and unique characters of the film into the ride, making it more engaging and giving it a stronger narrative.
Fantasia
Fantasia is a quintessential classic that continues to influence parks to this day. However, there is not a ride to represent the film, just the fireworks and light shows. Introducing the characters of Fantasia into Splash Mountain could allow the ride to pull from a staple classic that does not have as troubled of a history as The Song of the South; however, Fantasia does have its faults, which Disney could address if they bring it more into the spotlight of its parks. With its dramatic music and unique visuals, this film could transform the ride.
Treasure Planet
Unfortunately Treasure Planet was not one of Disney's more successful films, despite it being a heartwarming, exciting adventure. It would be a unique twist on the water adventure since the film takes place in space with its quirky and memorable characters. Instead of focusing exclusively on the water features of the ride, it could open up a completely new, intergalactic aesthetic. This would make the ride a nice companion to the Space Mountain, as they could be different enough in execution, but similar enough with their space themes, as well as their long standing history at the parks.