Splash Mountain Re-Themed! Our Thoughts

Editorial Summary

The creators discuss the recent announcement that the Splash Mountain attraction at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom will be rethemed to Princess and the Frog. They explore the historical context of the original ride, noting its connection to the controversial film Song of the South and the problematic origins of the song Zippity-doo-dah. The creators express a mix of nostalgia and excitement, acknowledging the emotional attachment fans have to the current ride while supporting the move toward more inclusive storytelling. They analyze released concept art, which features Tiana and characters like Louis the alligator, and speculate on how the new theme will integrate with New Orleans Square. The discussion covers potential changes to the ride system, the importance of maintaining animatronics over digital screens, and the involvement of key Imagineers like Scott Trowbridge and Tony Baxter. Ultimately, the creators conclude that while change can be difficult for longtime fans, the update offers an opportunity to use modern technology to create a magical, diverse experience that aligns with the history of the park lands.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.