UPDATE: Disney has released a statement regarding the removal of the song from Disneyland Resort music loops. You can read the full statement here.
The Academy Award-winning Best Original Song, “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah”, originally from Song of the South and the main theme of Splash Mountain, has been quietly removed from Disneyland Resort music loops across the Esplande and Downtown Disney as of this week.
The song was typically played between the Frozen Medley and The Ballad of Davy Crockett, but no longer plays with the rest of the loop:
Many fans have wondered how the attraction would be retconned from the parks in the wake of Splash Mountain’s announced re-theme to Princess and the Frog, and while merchandise sales keep going strong at Walt Disney World, it seems Disneyland has made the first step in erasing the attraction from the overall park experience.
The attraction has been the subject of critique given the racist undertones of the film it was based on. In fact, Song of the South has been locked in the Disney vault since the 1980s due to its idyllic portrayals of Southern plantation life in the late 1800s Reconstruction Era. The song “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” itself was likely influenced by the chorus of the pre-Civil War folk song “Zip Coon”.
For years, the song was used in the opening theme medley for the “Wonderful World of Disney” television program, and was even featured in Disney Sing Along Songs VHS tapes as late as 1986. The decision to remove the song from the resort’s music loops is a conscientious one, but it may still come off as reactionary if Disney still does not openly and retroactively address cultural and social change moving forward.
The attraction is set to reopen with the park, and an official closure date has yet to be announced for the start of the reimagining.
Great song and a shame that this is happening to it and the ride.
When will we let the past be the past? The song itself is good.
Wow! That song has been a Disney staple for years! I grew up with that song going to Disneyland ever since I was very small. it’s definitely like they’re removing a part of my childhood and tons and tons of nostalgia for me😩
I’ve never seen Song of the South so I can’t say whether I think it’s racist or not but I can say Splash Mountain is definitely not!! Disney has been changing a lot lately the past few years or so and I’m not sure if it’s for the good. They are stepping into social and political issues and bringing them inside the parks which I thought Disney was supposed to be an escape from. Disney does not need to dip their toes in these issues, start voicing their opinions, and making changes to their parks just to be “woke” and “socially acceptable” Disney should have just kept on doing what they’ve always done and stay away from these things. Come on Disney get it together.
Sigh
Princess and the frog is not racist? Please. There were many other options other than another racist one. The cartoon clearly shows white ppl as bad.
Well, I hope the change doesn’t happen for a while. I am planning a trip for 2021 due to the pandemic delaying my plans… i would like to see splash mountain in its current original format and experience what other disney fans have gotten to experience for decades.
The woke nonsense at Disney continues. Haven’t they learned at all through lower than expected park attendance and razor thin margins the last several weeks? Get woke, go broke, Disney!
Sad news.
Oh please. The song is very upbeat and not offensive
Such a shame. Ridiculous.
Too bad – what a great song that has nothing to do with racism.
Just another reason to go to Universal instead.
The removal of the song of the south song stinks! It was a great movie and song and there was no disrespect of anyone! Changing the ride stinks as well! Why not just add another ride instead of changing the ride? If someone is offended by the ride, they do not have to ride it but let others enjoy it! People are too sensitive and its not fair to the rest of us to change silly little things just because they are trying to find fault with everything!
That sucks :-(. Such a classic Disney tune.
Wow, this is so ridiculous. It is an uplifting song. You can’t erase the past but some are trying. Forgetting those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.
one word. Unnecessary.
You find me one person that is honest to goodness so offended by Zip a dee Doo Dah that they will ask the person sitting next to them on the train to stop whistling that song. Ready…go. seriously, stand up and find one person.
Very outrageously upsetting… no point to comment further as it will not make a difference and only fall on deaf ears. Such a shame.
There’s not a single racist word in the song. It’s uplifting and joyful. Disney has been hijacked by overly sensitive hysterical idiots. Disney needs to stand up for the movie and song – Song of the South, the ride
Splash Mountain. If you won’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything.