LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (WFLA) – Social media users and Change.org supporters are calling for Disney’s “Splash Mountain” water ride to be re-themed amid civil unrest across the nation.
The ride is based on Disney’s 1946 film “Song of the South,” featuring characters such as Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox and Brer Bear, and has been criticized for its depiction of black people.
Both “Song of the South” and “Splash Mountain” began to trend on social media early Wednesday.
A Change.org petition states, “While the ride is considered a beloved classic it’s history and storyline are steeped in extremely problematic and stereotypical racist tropes from the 1946 film Song of the South.”
That petition, with over 1,000 signatures, calls for the ride to be transformed into a “Princess and the Frog” theme.
Twitter users took to their keyboards to express their opinions on Wednesday.
According to Deadline, former Disney Executive Chairman Bob Iger previously confirmed “Song of the South” will not be featured on streaming service Disney+, even with an “outdated cultural depictions” disclaimer.
Iger affirmed the movie is “not appropriate in today’s world.”
Splash Mountain is featured at Disneyland, Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland.
