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End of an Era: Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah Sign Removed in Tokyo
14 Feb
Summary
- Tokyo Disneyland removed the last Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah sign from Splash Mountain.
- The sign was replaced with a new message after a refurbishment.
- Some visitors link the change to Disney's inclusivity initiatives.
Tokyo Disneyland has retired the last remaining Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah theme park sign, previously located at the exit of Splash Mountain. This marks the end of an era for the attraction, which had ties to Disney's controversial 1946 film, 'Song of the South.' The sign, which featured both English and Kanji text, has been replaced with a new message, 'thanks for dropping in!', in English only.
The alteration occurred following a month-long refurbishment of the popular ride. Disney attributed the sign swap to a change in sponsorship, with the Kao Corporation concluding its partnership in November 2025. However, the update has drawn attention from Disney enthusiasts who perceive it as part of Disney's broader inclusivity efforts.
This development echoes changes seen in US Disney parks, where Splash Mountain closed in 2023 to be reimagined as Tiana's Bayou Adventure, inspired by 'The Princess and the Frog.' The original 'Song of the South' film has faced criticism for its racist stereotypes, leading Disney to distance itself from its content.
Additionally, Disney has been implementing gender-neutral greetings across its parks since March 2022, moving away from terms like 'boys and girls' and 'ladies and gentlemen.' These shifts in branding and communication are part of Disney's ongoing efforts to foster a more inclusive environment for all guests.
