Charita Carter is an imagineer with the Walt Disney Company tasked with trying to reshape Splash Mountain into a ride all about the Princess and the Frog. In doing so, she will be removing a story straight out of African folklore which Disney now deems problematic. Their attempt to switch to their own in-house created princess story is not without risk. Just like other attractions which have been redone, changing Splash Mountain could be a success but it also could go badly.
But it seems that at this point it is all but inevitable that both domestic versions of Splash Mountain will be changed. That’s not the case for the attraction in Japan, where Disney does not own outright the theme park nor the version of Splash Mountain there. The Oriental Land Company which runs it as old Disney they have no plans to get rid of Brer Rabbit. So with the changes almost certain to come in late 2023, all we can do is hope that people like Mrs. Carter are very successful. What else is there than to Hope one of the top attractions at the worlds most visited theme parks remains enjoyable?
As part of the makeover for the ride, it seems that the imagineers are partnering with leaders in different communities that they have identified. They are working with African-American leaders as well as leaders from New Orleans. That does make for an oddity with the Magic Kingdom in Florida, because New Orleans really doesn’t fit into frontierland at all. I guess maybe the southern Georgia motif I didn’t either.
So to Mrs. Carter I say, the very best of luck to you. Here is a quote from her about her experience working for Disney and on Splash Mountain:
I am extremely honored to have this responsibility. It’s hard work. And yes, I am nervous because I feel every day the weight of what it is that we are doing. But we have put together an amazing team of people. We are working with so many consultants and just really encouraging everybody who is touching this attraction to be curious, and to be humble and be open to learning, expanding on ways that we can tell this story.
We are building upon what was done with the animated film. We’re telling a next chapter story. We have this beautiful opportunity to give the character of Tiana depth and a dimensional space. I’m honored and excited. And I just feel like, ‘Yes, I’m ready. Let’s do this.
Let’s hope it is done tastefully and executed well. It’s just sad to not be a new attraction, instead evicting authentic African folklore for something far newer and manufactured. But we’re now past the time to hope they change course.
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