Tokyo Disneyland Removes Final Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah Sign Amid Controversy
A significant era has concluded at Tokyo Disneyland with the removal of the only surviving Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah theme park sign. The sign, which previously adorned the exit of the popular Splash Mountain attraction, has been taken down, eliminating one of the last references to the contentious Disney film, Song of the South.
Sign Change Details and Sponsorship Shift
The original sign featured the cheerful message, 'have a Zip-A-Dee Doo-Dah Day!' displayed in both English and Kanji. It has now been replaced with a new sign that simply states, 'thanks for dropping in!' in English only. This alteration occurred during the ride's reopening in early February following a month-long refurbishment period.
Disney has attributed the sign swap to a sponsorship change, noting that the Kao Corporation, a chemical and cosmetics company, concluded its partnership with the park in November 2025. While Kao continues to sponsor Toy Story Mania at Tokyo DisneySea and the resort's hand-washing stations, the end of this specific sponsorship prompted the update.
Fan Reactions and 'Woke' Agenda Accusations
Disney enthusiasts quickly noticed the new message, which appears to be supported by the same bear figure as before, and some have partially blamed the update on Disney's perceived 'woke' agenda. Many have suggested that this sign change represents Disney's attempt to distance itself from the controversial Song of the South without undertaking a complete ride overhaul, as seen in US parks.
One fan expressed concern, urging, 'they better leave Splash Mountain alone,' while another questioned, 'Are they gonna remove the soundtrack next?' These reactions highlight the emotional connection fans have with the original theming.
Broader Context: Splash Mountain's Transformation in the US
Splash Mountain closed in both US Disney parks in 2023, with the Magic Kingdom ride shutting down in January and the Disneyland ride closing in May of that year. In June 2023, Disney announced that the beloved attraction would be 'reimagined' as Tiana's Bayou Adventure, based on Disney's first Black princess from the 2009 film The Princess and the Frog.
The controversy surrounding Splash Mountain stems from its origins in Disney's 1946 film Song of the South, which has been widely criticized for its racist stereotypes. The film, set on a plantation, features an elderly Black man known as Uncle Remus who tells traditional African American folk tales to white children cared for by Black servants.
Disney's Inclusive Policies and Cultural Shifts
Some Disney lovers argue that the company has gone too far in its efforts to become more inclusive. In March 2022, it was announced that staff members and recordings throughout the parks would no longer use 'gendered greetings' like 'boys and girls' or 'ladies and gentlemen.' Instead, gender-neutral terms such as 'Hello, everyone,' or 'Hello, friends,' were adopted.
Disney's diversity and inclusion manager, Vivian Ware, emphasized this approach in a leaked conference call with employees, stating, 'We don't want to just assume because someone might be, in our interpretation, presenting as female, that they may not want to be called "princess." So let's think differently about how do we really engage with our guests in a meaningful and inclusive way that makes it magical and memorable for everyone.'
A year earlier, in April 2021, Disney announced on its blog that it was updating its rules to allow cast members to wear 'gender-inclusive hairstyles, jewelry, nail styles, and costume choices,' reinforcing that 'the magic they make must include everyone.'
This sign removal at Tokyo Disneyland marks a subtle yet symbolic step in Disney's ongoing journey to address historical controversies while navigating fan expectations and cultural sensitivities in the modern era.
