Thousands of Disney fans are calling for a re-theming of one of the parks’ most popular rides, due to its ties to a long-criticized film. Walt Disney World and Disneyland’s Splash Mountain features characters from the 1946 film “Song of the South,” considered by many to be the studio’s most racist for its romanticized view of the post-Civil War South.
Amid the criticism, one particularly popular Change.org petition is calling for a re-theme of the ride to, instead, feature characters from Disney’s 2009 film “The Princess and the Frog,” the first to include a black princess.
“Disney parks should be a home for all to enjoy regardless of race, age, whatever your background may be,” the petition states. “Princess and the Frog is a beloved princess movie but has very little representation in the parks. Tiana could be one of the first princesses with a thrill ride, as well as giving her a much deserved place in the parks… This change could kill two birds with one stone, remove the offensive stereotypical theming the ride currently has and bring a much needed diversity to the parks.”
Over 15,000 people have signed the petition at the time this article was published.
(PHOTO: Getty Images)