Brer-Rabbit.com

Wow, has it really been exactly a month since I last updated? Sad. Life has finally calmed down for me, though, so I think I’ll be able to update this regularly at last!

At any rate, today’s entry comes on the heels of a post on the Disney Parks Blog that new Splash Mountain merchandise will be arriving in the coming months!

Image courtesy Disney Parks Blog

The post featured three different designs, one of which is pictured above, and also seemed to imply that there is more to come. The new merchandise is supposed to begin hitting the parks in September and October… which is perfect, since I happen to be planning a trip in October!

The post also does not mention what kind of merchandise will be available, other than mentioning that there are already some new Splash Mountain shirts available now. Here’s hoping there’s some good stuff available! Though new anything is wonderful, at this rate. For too long, the parks have only had a couple of generic shirts that don’t even have the Brer characters featured on them. So if you’re planning a trip to either Disneyland or the Magic Kingdom in WDW, be sure to pick some up! The more that sell, the more likely Disney is to make even more new merchandise.

I meant to post this yesterday, but never got a chance. So today will have to suffice.

Yesterday was Splash Mountain’s 21st birthday. It was July 17, 1989 the popular attraction officially opened for business in Disneyland, Anaheim, CA (though a soft opening had occurred a few weeks earlier). Despite the fact that Song of the South was on the verge of being locked in the Disney “Vault” indefinitely, and Joel Chandler Harris’s original books were being branded as too politically incorrect for a modern audience, Splash Mountain would serve to introduce and immortalize Brer Rabbit in the public’s conscience anyways.

It is because Splash Mountain that I am writing this entry; that this site exists. Splash Mountain introduced me to Brer Rabbit. And even though today I realize how watered down and out of line with the original stories the ride is (frankly, I’d like to see them open a version with Miss Meadow and the Girls), it will always hold a special place in my heart. To date, I don’t think I would even want to visit a Disney park if Splash were closed for refurbishment.

Happy 21st Birthday, Splash Mountain.

I decided to get rid of the ‘Interactive’ section on the menu above. Namely because everything I could think of to put under it could easily be put under the ‘Fun’ section as well. In its place, I decided to put in a section dedicatI ed to my own Brer Rabbit collection. Mainly because ‘Collection’ was the only title I could think of long enough not to throw off the design balance, but also because, well, I know I like looking at other people’s collections. It seems to be something others like to do, too. Or maybe not. We’ll find out. Anyways, I haven’t yet worked on it, but hopefully within the next week I’ll have it up. Likewise, I need to work on the ‘About’ site, too, I realize. All in due time, my friends. All in due time.

I was thinking about the figures I mentioned in my last post, when I realized that this wasn’t the first time they had featured Brer Rabbit and his, um, “friends” in their line up. The last time was in 1995-1996, for the 50th anniversary of Song of the South.

They used to have this available at a store at the local mall when I was a kid. Every time I would go to the mall, I would always spend a few moments drooling over it. Dreaming that one day I might be able to get it.

And it still hasn’t happened. Ah, well. (Though I did get the Brer Rabbit watch for sale at the Disney Store at the time.) It’s still on eBay quite a bit, so one day I’m sure I’ll be able to make my dreams come true. Brer Fox and Brer Bear were also available, I remember, but you can probably guess I’ve never been quite as interested in them. Though I won’t deny I still get excited whenever I spot them anywhere. A Brer character is a Brer character.

Anyways, it’s nice to see Disney still pays attention to these characters once in a while. Both pieces seem beautiful.

Last night I discovered that the Walt Disney Classic Collection will be releasing a piece this year featuring Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox. The piece will be from the Laughing Place segment of Song of the South, and looks to come in two pieces.

Image courtesy The Duckman’s Inside Report

Though I have to say that Brer Rabbit looks way too friendly. About to be roasted by my arch nemisis? No problem! Maybe I could offer him some tips on how to do it. Think up a ploy to get myself out of this situation, and possibly have a good laugh at him at the same time? I would never!

Regardless, this piece looks rather awesome. If I weren’t using the money for other things, like food and rent, I would snatch it up the second it came out. Instead, I suppose it’ll have to wait for Christmas or my birthday. Regardless, it’s about time, Disney.

I got these images from this site. Click on that link, and there are more images of it at different angles. Likewise, this post has similar images, only during the production and design stage. It also features some images of the development of the characters for Splash Mountain back in the 80’s/90’s, so definitely take a look.

Speaking of Splash Mountain, it apparently is down for refurbishment at Disneyland (California) starting yesterday. Brer Rabbit himself was kind enough for once to let all guests know:

Image courtesy LaughingPlace.com

Then again, he is supposed to be a Southern Gentleman, and he does have a tendency to go around beating up those who have bad manners. So I suppose it makes perfect sense he would see fit to let everyone know when he won’t be available. Still, what’s even the point of visiting the place if you can’t ride Splash?