Splash Mountain to become Princess and the Frog ride

[Moliphino]

One of the bears is named Liver Lips which is a derogatory term. From the vaudeville era, an insulting or derogatory description of someone, taken from their facial features.

That can't be the only thing to get it #1 on the list, can it? Rename that bear and most people wouldn't even notice.

 

[mickey0624]

Yes - it would - and everyone knows it. There is no other reason that they would change a hugely popular ride that they just released 30th anniversary merchandise on it last year...

I agree...yes it definitely would cause an uproar

 

[BrianL]

You learn something new every day.

I absolutely love Country Bear Jamboree. If they need to change it I am fine with that. I would hate to see it go though.

Yeah, but they could easily make a minor update to that one thing. I also love the CBJ and, fair warning, I will chain myself to the Tiki Room before they get rid of that (DL version espeicially)!

 

[Krandor]

You learn something new every day.

I absolutely love Country Bear Jamboree. If they need to change it I am fine with that. I would hate to see it go though.

I'm with you there. I'd rather they tweak it if need be then to replace it.

 

[adam.adbe]

Yes, you get what I'm saying there. They could rework things to fit a better narrative - admitting that there are issues surrounding the original material but not dismissing it outright.

For what gain? Disney are working the numbers, and the numbers say Splash in its current form is gone sooner or later, so they might as well get it over and done with. They have no need, or desire to revitalize the brand. Doing so won't shake any dollar trees, it'll just lead to re-litigating the past. They'd rather move on.

 

[rteetz]

Big Al is a BIG DEAL in my house. I feel awful now.

Absolute favorite of mine as well.

 

[BrianL]

It is interesting. People say they are tired of reboots and sequels but look at what is in the top 5-10 at the box office week in and week out. Reboots and sequels and yes I put the MCU in that category - a new MCU movie still counts as a sequel (and I LOVE the MCU so not taking a shot). it is all about nostalia.. the same nostolgia that makes people not want Splash changes is the same nostolgia that makes people want to see a sequell to their favorite movie (i can't wait for Bill & Ted 3) or what to see their favorite movie come alive in the parks.

This is sadly the truth. I don't like all of the live-action remakes Disney is doing (at least not the ones that are shot-for-shot the same) but they make billions of dollars. Personally though, I am all for giving theme park rides the POTC treatment and turning them into billion dollar franchises. It can be done!

 

[Mit88]

Maybe they’ll change Country Bears to a Woody and Toy Story Show......

I kid, I kid

 

[Heather07438]

And the Br-er Rabbit triumphs over the Br'er Fox is that offensive? I personally find it offensive our culture wants us to forget about slavery by erasing all possible images, stories or mention of it. Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it...

Maybe people don't want to be reminded about it while trying to fly away in the positive fantasy of WDW.

WDW is an escape for all of us.

There is plenty of documentation in the outside world. Nobody's forgetting because Splash Mtn was changed.

 

[rteetz]

Yes - it would - and everyone knows it. There is no other reason that they would change a hugely popular ride that they just released 30th anniversary merchandise on it last year...

Tower of Terror, hugely popular but rethemed. Mr. Toads as well. The list goes on. Change is never easy and people will always be upset.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

That can't be the only thing to get it #1 on the list, can it? Rename that bear and most people wouldn't even notice.

From what I have read and has been presented about it, that is what was cited. I can't speak beyond that or how negative it is / how much it hurts people impacted to see .... on the surface it would seem something that could be adjust but the overall show kept vs like Splash which is completely based on a movie with a negative conntation

 

[rteetz]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1276230540241166336

 

[BrianL]

For what gain? Disney are working the numbers, and the numbers say Splash in its current form is gone sooner or later, so they might as well get it over and done with. They have no need, or desire to revitalize the brand. Doing so won't shake any dollar trees, it'll just lead to re-litigating the past. They'd rather move on.

Well, I think there is value in revisiting something like that. There is absolutely a monetary like for the characters based on how the merch sells. Putting a new theme on a ride though will not drive ticket sales - the people who would go would be doing so with or without it.

 

[Eric Smith]

Not the end of the world...but mark my words...the end of WDW as we know it...this is just the beginning for those of us that used to love this magical place that was once a way to escape reality....no more...better get used to it

It's not. It's a theme park, not a museum. Things are always going to be changing.

 

[Eric Smith]

And this will be a ride with fake frogs, fake alligators, and a princess. It will be just as fun.

It better have a fake firefly as well....

 

[Tonyz]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1276230540241166336

Haha his endorsement is the one thing that gives me a sliver of hope.

I love Tony Baxter but I wouldn't be surprised if they just told him to toe the company line here.

 

[tarak]

It better have a fake firefly as well....

RIP Ray!

 

[adam.adbe]

It better have a fake firefly as well....

It better hit the crescendo of Friends on the Other Side just as the boat emerges from the dark ready for the drop.

 

[Eric Smith]

I haven't seen anyone mention that there are more than two Splash Mountains in the world and Disney has only said they're changing Disneyland and Disney World. If you still want to get your fix, Splash Mountain is just a long plane ride away.

 

[BrianL]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1276230540241166336

Well, I don't know who that is, but I hope they give her all the money in the world for this. All of it. If she asks, they say yes. Act like Walt's controlling the purse strings. And have some left over for the ancilliary, surrounding themeing that will be necessary. Deal? Okay, Disney, then I'm all set with this.

I'll reserve further thoughts until we know more.