Rumor has now become fact as the iconic Splash Mountain will be soon transformed into a reimagined ride at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland California. Instead of Briar Rabbit and friends, a theme that has been seen as problematic due to racial elements in ”Song of the South, ” guests will be greeted with the familiar faces of characters from “The Princess and the Frog,” Disney’s 2009 animated musical. Taking their cue from the United States, Tokyo Disneyland may now follow suit and give their Splash Mountain a makeover.
The log flume ride has been a staple in Tokyo Disneyland since it’s opening in 1992. It, like it’s American counterparts, is based on a 1946 film, “Song of the South,” which has long been accused of racist stereotypes that are incompatible with modern audiences. Oriental Land Co. is the operator of Tokyo Disneyland and they have now been involved in discussions about changing the theme of their Splash Mountain as well.
While many park enthusiasts are disappointed at the proposed change to a classic Disney ride, others have expressed an understanding of the complexity surrounding cultural depictions on Splash Mountain. While the story in “Song of the South” is purely American, representing African American issues, the Japanese have seen this as an opportunity to demonstrate anti-discrimination and unity.
While the final announcement has yet to be made, it seems like it’s only a matter of time until Splash Mountain has turned a new leaf all over the world.
Photo courtesy of Disney
From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Parks & Resorts, Attractions, Do and See, Rides, Tokyo, Disneyland Tokyo, Splash Mountain, Splash Mountain refurbishment, Tokyo Disney, Tokyo Disney Resort
Spaceship Earth opened with the park on October 1, 1982. To date, there have been four versions of this attraction even though the experience and story has remained largely the same through the years. Changes have typically involved a change in narrator and sponsor, as well as adjustments to scenes, score, and some effects. One of the most substantial changes involved the removal of the ride’s descent scenes leading to the unloading area.
To celebrate the year 2000, a Mickey Mouse arm holding a magic wand with the number 2000 appeared next to Spaceship Earth. In 2001, the number of the year 2000 was replaced by the word Epcot. These additions were later removed in 2007.
Spaceship Earth employs an omnimover system–a continuously moving ride system. Guests step aboard a car from a moving walkway. Each car contains four hard seats with two in the front and two in the back. There are no safety restraints.
Each row has a single interactive touch screen which comes into play towards the end of the attraction. There is one controller per row so you may want to seat kids in separate rows with an adult so each child can control their interactive experience.
Guests embark on a tour around the world aboard this classic, family-friendly boat ride where dolls representing different areas of the world sing that famous (infamous?) ear worm “It’s a Small World (After All)”.
Guests aboard the boats for “it’s a small world” sit on hard benches with a back. There are five rows per boat with a capacity of 2 to 4 guests per row depending on size. There are no safety restraints due to the tame nature of this attraction.
There is a wheelchair accessible boat. Wheelchair users may remain seated to board and ride but ECV users must transfer to a standard wheelchair.
This chart shows you roughly how long you’ll wait for “it’s a small world” when you visit on a day with a given 