Okay, but have you SEEN Song of the South, what it was based on? I have seen clips, and I can tell you without a moment’s hesitation that it’s wildly racist. Although the ride itself didn’t contain racist elements, it still could serve as a reminder of a racist production and leave a lot of people, especially POC, feeling uncomfortable. I know it still made me uncomfortable, even though it’s a great ride as far as the drop goes.
You say historical value, but I’m not sure if you’re talking about Song of the South or Splash Mountain. If you mean Splash Mountain- it’s not like all record of splash mountain is disappearing. I’m sure there are countless videos. time goes on, things have to change. Old Epcot rides are being removed and remade as we speak because they weren’t connecting with audiences like they used to. It’s the nature of life and of theme parks. And from what I understand, the layout and drop will be the same (based on the amazing concept art that Disney posted). so the ride is very much preserved.
Now if you’re talking about the “historical value” of Song of the South - it’s incredibly, wildly racist. That’s a history we should be ashamed up and not looking to relive, IIMO.
No one made Disney do this, either. They’re doing it so that there’s no question about their modern values - they don’t want any confusion as to whether they’re praising a racist ideal or not. Companies evolve, too, and they have to choose values to put forward as a part of that.
Sorry for the soapbox, but this is an argument that’s super important to me - I want a Disney experience where everyone feels welcomed and comfortable, and it’s hard for me to understand why people oppose that.
