Disney Rebrands Splash Mountain to 'Princess & The Frog' Themed Ride in Response to #BLM Movement

Thursday, June 25, 2020

More than 20,000 people signed an online petition posted earlier this month calling for the rebranding of the Disney ride 'Splash Mountain' to be changed to “The Princess and the Frog,” in response to the Black Lives Matter movement and it worked!

Splash Mountain in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., will soon be completely reimagined, inspired by the animated Disney film “The Princess and the Frog.” Guests will join Princess Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure as they prepare for their first Mardi Gras performance, featuring some of the powerful music from the film. (Disney)

Disney announced on Thursday (June 25) its California and Florida’s Disneyland and Disney Kingdom parks to rebrand one of its most popular attractions, Splash Mountain. The log flume ride has been a Disney favorite since its inception in 1989. Instead, the ride’s facelift will reflect the theme of Disney’s 2009 animated film, “The Princess and the Frog,” which features Disney’s first and only Black princess.

Disney made the change after fan backlash over the ride’s offensive racial stereotype portrayal in association to the 1964 Uncle Remus-inspired “Song of the South,” best known for the song “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah.”

“It is really exciting to know that Princess Tiana’s presence in both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom will finally be fully realized,” Anika Noni Rose, the Tony Award-winning actress who voiced Tiana, the movie’s lead, said in the announcement.

“Today we are thrilled to share a first glimpse of a project Imagineers have been working on since last year. Splash Mountain – at both Disneyland park in California and Magic Kingdom park in Florida – will soon be completely reimagined,” Disney Parks said on their blog. “The theme is inspired by an all-time favorite animated Disney film, “The Princess and the Frog.” We pick up this story after the final kiss, and join Princess Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure – featuring some powerful music from the film – as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi gras performance.”

“Tiana is a modern, courageous, and empowered woman, who pursues her dreams and never loses sight of what’s really important. It’s a glorious story with a strong lead character, set against the backdrop of New Orleans and the Louisiana bayou. In 1966, Walt himself opened New Orleans Square when it became the first new ‘land’ added to Disneyland park, so it feels natural to link the story and the incredible music of The Princess and the Frog to our parks,” they added.

Disney has yet to announce the timeline for the makeover completion date. They also announced that they have pushed back the original planned phased reopening date of July 17th, amid Covid-19 case surges across the United States.