On July 17, 1989, Splash Mountain opened at Disneyland Park; three years later, a version of the same ride opened at Disney World. It was a problematic attraction from the start – the ride had all the classic charm of other timeless Disney fare like Peter Pan’s Flight and Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, but this iteration was based on a troubling premise.
The movie the ride was based on, Song of the Southhad been intentionally pulled from circulation by Disney three years before Splash Mountain opened. The film was widely known to be racist and was heavily criticized for romanticizing the plantation era in the American South and reinforcing harmful stereotypes about black people.
Now, over 30 years later, the uncomfortable subtext of Splash Mountain has been cast aside and, in its place, splashes something even more charming, celebratory and fun.
The hillbilly caricatures of Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox, and Br’er Bear are gone, as are the links to its racist history. But the catchy music, adorable creatures, and atmosphere of mischief and whimsy are still present in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
In this newly renovated attraction, guests will accompany The princess and the Frog star Tiana – Disney’s first black princess – as she seeks to find a group of creatures who can perform for her at her Mardi Gras celebration. The ride features dozens of animatronic characters and creatures, including familiar faces from the 2009 animated film, plus new friends like Pawpaw the Bobcat, Gritty the Rabbit, and a trio of Bayou black bears, to name a few. name just a few.
Along the way, the participants find themselves baffled by the fate of Mama Odie, who makes them tiny. It all leads them to that familiar 50-foot drop, where, in place of Splash Mountain’s once-menacing vultures, guests now sing and dance with fireflies before returning to human size for the Mardi Gras party. The route ends with a magnificent performance scene where all the characters and creatures dance together.
“Just seeing Tiana in the park and seeing her take place in such a beautiful and historic space that has spanned so many eras is a gift and a wonderful thing. It’s the dawning of a new era that no one could have imagined,” said Anika Noni Rose, Tiana’s voice actress. The Hollywood Reporter earlier this month.
Bruno Campos, Keith David, Jennifer Cody, Anika Noni Rose, Jenifer Lewis, Michael-Leon Wooley and Jim Cummings
Olga Thompson/Disney Parks
When asked about Tiana replacing the problematic Splash Mountain ride, PJ Harvey, who wrote the original song “Special Spice” for Bayou Adventure, said, “I applaud Disney for not making a temporary move to resolve this issue, but a truly permanent move. I think it’s rooted in love. It’s rooted in growth and I’m happy to be…
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