It’s a difficult one, as I can see where both sides of the argument are coming from, but I personally think that yes, Disney are right to change Splash Mountain.
Yes, I get that Splash Mountain is a classic. I get that nostalgia is a large part of the Disney experience and appeal compared to other parks, and removing Splash Mountain goes against that. I get that Splash Mountain in itself was not an inherently racist ride if taken at face value.
However, the links to Song of the South are still there, no matter how tenuous they may be. The ride is ultimately based around the film, and when you take the ride’s songs and change the context to fit the film about slavery that they were taken from, the undertone of the ride does become more sinister, and certainly less befitting of the modern day and the multicultural world we now live in.
Besides, Walt Disney always said that Disneyland will never be truly finished as long as there is still creativity in the world. Surely this Splash Mountain retheme is just embodying that spirit?
Also, I’d argue that this retheme could really enhance the ride. Disney’s new animatronics are stellar, and technology has moved on so much since Splash Mountain was first built!