Disney is set to open a new theme park attraction featuring the first Black Disney princess, Tiana, in place of the former Splash Mountain ride, which was based on the movie “Song of the South” containing racist tropes. The new attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, is a log-flume ride infused with music, scenery, and characters inspired by “The Princess and the Frog,” set in 1920s New Orleans. The change came after Disney announced in June 2020 that it would transform Splash Mountain amidst social justice protests following the murder of George Floyd.
The “Song of the South” film is a mix of live action, cartoons, and music featuring racist stereotypes about African Americans and plantation life. Disney has faced criticism for racist depictions in its earlier films, such as the crow characters in “Dumbo” and the King Louie character in “The Jungle Book,” both seen as caricatures of African Americans. Other portrayals in movies like “Peter Pan” and “Lady and the Tramp” have also been derided for stereotypes of Native Americans and Asians.
Not everyone is convinced that replacing Splash Mountain with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure solves Disney’s past problematic racial depictions. Some argue that by keeping the original ride structure and linking “The Princess and the Frog” with “Song of the South,” Disney may unintentionally perpetuate stereotypes. However, Disney Imagineers aim to tell new stories to ensure everyone feels included and to avoid perpetuating stereotypes. The decision to transform Splash Mountain is part of multiple recalibrations at Disney theme parks to update antiquated or offensive storylines.
This move aligns with Disney’s efforts to rebrand attractions that have been criticized for racial insensitivity, such as the revamping of the Jungle Cruise ride and the removal of offensive scenes from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. The decision to feature a character like Tiana, whose background was not seen in previous Disney princesses, is seen as a positive step towards representation and social justice. According to experts, it is essential for Disney to cater to a global audience by telling a variety of stories that reflect society’s changing sensibilities.
As Disney continues to evolve its theme park attractions to be more inclusive and reflective of diverse perspectives, the transformation from Splash Mountain to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is seen as a significant step in acknowledging and rectifying past racial misrepresentations. By incorporating characters like Tiana and telling new stories, Disney aims to create an environment where all guests feel a sense of belonging and representation. Ultimately, Disney’s decision to embrace diversity and address past racial depictions reflects a changing landscape where social justice and inclusivity are at the forefront of entertainment experiences.
