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We learned in June that Splash Mountain at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland would close in the near future to be re-themed at The princess and the Frog. This is the main project Disney is focusing on as it pursues its new key to inclusion. The ride is based on the Disney film Southern song, which has drawn criticism for its racist stereotypes. Disney was further criticized for guarding Splash Mountain while trying to bury it Southern song. Brer Rabbit’s voice on the ride, Jess Harnell, spoke to ComicBook.com about the ride’s closing and his mixed feelings.
Harnell is probably best known for his work as Wakko Warner on Animaniacs, who returns to television this month after 22 years. But Splash Mountain was the first voice acting role he ever had.
“[Splash Mountain] is really, really dear to my heart, because it was the first character voice work I ever did, and I did most of the vocals on this ride, ”said Harnell. “And it gave me a great sense of joy to know that wherever I was, asleep, awake, whatever condition I was in at that time, someone somewhere in the world was. on Splash Mountain, and I hope that made them happy. I loved this idea. Since then, I have continued to do a lot of other things in the Disney parks. These will always be there.
Harnell went on to say that while he doesn’t find anything offensive about Splash Mountain, he doesn’t want to be part of something that bothers people.
“I had the experience of looking down on the Main Street Electrical Parade, watching children’s faces light up when voices I was bringing out,” he says. “And there is no greater feeling. Knowing that you have given people this happiness. Now, personally, I don’t believe Splash Mountain was offensive, and I don’t think it hints at anything offensive, but if it’s going to upset people or make them feel bad about something terrible, so I understand. I’m sorry to see him go, because I loved it. It was an honor to get involved and I am happy to have had this chance. But I don’t want to be a part of anything that hurts anyone.
There is no closing date or renovation timeline for Splash Mountain, but Josh D’Amaro recently said work on inclusion projects is gaining momentum.
Source: ComicBook.com
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