Growing up, Splash Mountain has always been a quintessential part of my Disneyland and Disney World experiences. The joyful splash of water, the whimsical tunes, and the thrilling drops are synonymous with happy memories. The ride, based on the animated segments of Disney's "Song of the South," was a cultural icon that entertained countless visitors since it opened. When I first heard about its permanent closure to make way for Tiana's Bayou Adventure, it was disheartening. I wanted to share a perspective from my friend who has deeply appreciated Splash Mountain; he affirmed that the ride itself was not racist or inclusive of negative stereotypes. Instead, it was a fun, thrilling, and engaging experience for all ages.

The decision to transform Splash Mountain into Tiana's Bayou Adventure may come from a place of trying to promote diversity and inclusivity within Disney Parks. However, we believe there are alternative ways to achieve this without removing a beloved classic. While we wholeheartedly support the addition of new attractions and diverse stories at Disney Parks, it does not have to come at the cost of losing a cherished part of Disney history.

There can be compromises that satisfy both goals: preserving the nostalgic charm of Splash Mountain while introducing a new, inclusive narrative elsewhere within the parks. One alternative could involve creating a dedicated area that celebrates the stories and characters of "The Princess and the Frog" rather than replacing elements of the park that families have loved for decades.

Let's take a stand for Splash Mountain as an important piece of Disney history. Removing it in favor of Tiana's Bayou Adventure is not the only option for evolving and adapting stories to meet the diverse needs of the current era. Help us keep the spirit of Splash Mountain alive and work towards a future where all stories in Disney's repertoire have a space to be told.

I invite you to join me in respectfully urging Disney Parks to consider our proposal of retaining Splash Mountain while finding other creative avenues to introduce inclusive attractions. Please sign this petition to make our voices heard: Close off Tiana's Bayou Adventure and bring back Splash Mountain.