For years, Disney has quietly tried to remove “Song of the South” from their parks and filmography. In a landscape that heavily advocates against racism, they’ve been desperate to correct past mistakes. And while “Song of the South” hasn’t been outright banned, it’s banned largely on principle by the majority of the US. Just to give you an idea of how bad it is. Which is why Disney finally removed the song “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” from their The Magic Happens Parade.
Disneyland will reportedly replace the Uncle Remus song with a song from “Peter Pan.” Most likely “You Can Fly! You Can Fly! You Can Fly!,” as the other songs are also a little guilty of racial stereotyping. We doubt Disney would want to add “What Makes The Red Man Red” in there. Even “Following the Leader” has a line about fighting “Injuns.” Even Captain Hook’s crew song is about the joys of thievery. That leaves a song about flying, “Second Star to the Right,” and “Your Mother.” The latter two being a bit slow for the energy of a parade.
The song “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” was also featured heavily in Splash Mountain, sung by the animatronic animals. As we all know, Splash Mountain is getting a facelift and becoming “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” sometime in the future. Disneyland Parks seem to be letting their Orlando park go first — possibly to gauge patron reception? — as Disneyland, Anaheim has yet to announce a closure date for the popular flume ride.
“The Magic Happens” Parade was brought back after a three-year hiatus after shutting down due to Covid-19. It will now run twice a day at the park.
