Disney has removed the phrase ‘zip-a-dee-doo-dah’ from music in its theme park parades due to its link to the 1946 film ‘Song of the South’.
The live-action and animated hybrid production, which was produced by Walt Disney himself, is based on the Uncle Remus stories set on a plantation following the abolition of slavery.
It has long been the subject of criticism, however, for its idealistic portrayal of life following the American Civil War.
READ MORE:Former Disney workers reveal the top mistakes guests make at the parades
Despite the controversy, the lyric was included in Disney’s ‘Magic Happens’ parade which debuted in March 2020 until the coronavirus pandemic resulted in a three-year hiatus.
(Image: DISNEY)
The parade returned earlier this year, but ‘zip-a-dee-doo-dah’ was removed within a matter of days from the medley and replaced with “think of the happiest things” a lyrical line from Peter Pan’s ‘You Can Fly’.
The removal of ‘zip-a-dee-doo-dah’ isn’t the first the company has taken away references of the film, which follows tales of Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox, and Br’er Bear’s adventures.
In 2020 Disney Parks and Resorts announced it was ‘reimagining’ its Splash Mountain log-flume ride in both Walt Disney World, Florida and Disneyland, California – with a new theme based on 2009’s The Princess and the Frog, which features Disney’s first black princess, Tiana.
At the time Disney described the new concept as “inclusive”, adding it was “one that all of our guests can connect with and be inspired by”.
(Image: GETTY)
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‘Zip-a-dee-doo-dah’ has also been removed a number other attractions in Walt Disney World – namely the King Arthur Carousel in the Magic Kingdom park and shopping district Downtown Disney’s background music.
When Disney launched its own streaming service in November 2019, meanwhile, it chose to omit ‘Song of the South’.
And nine months later the company announced it would be adding racism warnings to several of its older movie titles, including Dumbo, The Jungle Book, The Aristocats, Lady and the Tramp, and Swiss Family Robinson.
The warning in question flashes up as follows: “This programme includes negative depictions and/or mistreatment of people or cultures.
“These stereotypes were wrong then and are wrong now.”
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