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Guests are still saddened by the closure of Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Disney resurrected a Splash Mountain theme but quickly changed course. Did you like this clever theming or are you glad that Disney canceled this plan?
Splash Mountain Closure
Back in June of 2020, Disney announced that a major reimagining of Splash Mountain would happen. This attraction, based on the controversial 1946 film “Song Of the South,” has been a fan favorite since it debuted in 1989.
Over at Walt Disney World, Splash Mountain has been closed since January 23, 2023. Work is already well underway for the retheme. The changeover happened quickly as changes and work could already be seen the very next day!
Disneyland guests enjoyed Splash Mountain a bit longer with the final day of operations at the end of May 2023.
Laughing Place Ranch
In February 2022, Disney announced a new venture with “Storyliving By Disney.” This was Walt Disney’s original vision for EPCOT to create a residential community. Many Disney fans were ecstatic to learn of this new residential community where the entire space is created with the “Disney Touch.” Check out full details HERE.
As work continues for this new community, concept art is released to share what this new living space will look like. One rendering caused many Disney fans to scratch their heads. One amenity of this Cotino “Storyliving By Disney” community is a dog park.
The first concept art for this space displayed the name “Laughing Place Ranch.” As many Disney enthusiasts recall, “Laughing Place” is from Splash Mountain. One log-flume ride and the song “Laughing Place” will be stuck in your head for the rest of the day.
Theme Canceled
After a less than popular response to this name, Disney changed this concept art. As with all concpet art it is marked as an “Artist’s conceptional rendering; not yet constructed and subject to change.”
Now the concept art on the Cotino Home website shows the below image:
The picture is the same minus the “Laughing Place Ranch” signage. This is now referred to as, “An equestrian themed dog park, will be a favorite destination for “Man’s best friend.” Rustic, ranchero-style play structures especially for four legged friends and separate play areas make this an ideal place for large and small dogs.”
It appears that the “Laughing Place” reference did not pan out for this new Disney living community.
“Laughing Place Ranch” is now removed from “Storyliving by Disney” concept art.
What do you think of this change? Do you think it was a nice nod for a Disney attraction or is do you agree that it should be removed? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with you Disney pals.
Share the love!
Brenda
Tuesday 31st of October 2023
It's sad that Disney has surrendered to the politically-correct few. Now, I'm offended that they removed Splash Mountain! Bring it back!
Robin Head
Friday 27th of October 2023
If it offends you...DON'T RIDE IT!!!!
Shannadee
Friday 27th of October 2023
Zippidee do da Zippidee ay...my oh my what a wonderful day...what a wonderful ride. We miss it!!!
sfcpres
Thursday 26th of October 2023
Apparently you don't know the history of these stories. They originated in Africa, brought over by enslaved blacks and handed down thru generations. B'rer Rabbit himself is the symbolic slave who out wits his captors. An argument can be made that a white man decided to publish these stories via the Uncle Remus character to make money off these African stories. However the stories became globally popular for better or worse. Disney capitalized on the popularity during a period of Jim Crow. If there is any failure it is that the real meaning of the stories weren't taught. But declaring them racist is antithesis of the stories. The ill informed have labeled the stories racist & the tar baby symbol derisive. In these quick to judge times the non thinkers forced a history of storytelling into an abyss. Sad when one thinks about how it should be a retelling of the stories to teach.
Terry A. Smith
Thursday 26th of October 2023
Dumbest ever. bring back Splash Mountain and cancel the cancelers. it was a ride, which was extremely fun and enjoyable. America has become a No No No country. Sad indeed.