Disney announced that Splash Mountain, one of Walt Disney World and Disneyland’s most popular rides, will be completely re-themed. Here’s what we know so far.
News today from Disney will have fans split down the middle for sure: Disney will be reimagining Splash Mountain at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
The log flume ride won’t be removed, thankfully, but there will be an entirely new theme when the reimagining is complete.
This attraction, based on the controversial 1946 film “Song Of the South,” has been a fan favorite since it debuted in 1989.
According to CNN, the attraction will be completely re-themed to star the characters from 2009’s animated film, “The Princess and the Frog.”
The move comes after fans urged Disney to re-theme Splash Mountain because of the racial stereotypes from “Song of the South.’ The film has been criticized for its stereotypical portrayals of African Americans.
The film has been so controversial that Disney has not released it in decades, and has not allowed it to be shown on Disney+, either.
An online petition was circling asking Disney to re-theme Splash Mountain to “Princess and the Frog.” The petition was signed by over 20,000 people.
The petition reads:
“While the ride is considered a beloved classic, its history and storyline are steeped in extremely problematic and stereotypical racist tropes. There is a huge need for diversity in the parks and this could help fill that need.”
Disney states the new attraction concept is “inclusive” and “one that all of our guests can connect with and be inspired by.”
“It speaks to the diversity of the millions of people who visit our parks each year,” Disney stated.
Disney adds that the new theme has been being worked on since last year.
The attraction will begin where the film leaves off; with the final kiss. We’ll join Princess Tiana and her trumpet playing alligator friend Louis “on a musical adventure.”
Disney shares “In 1966, Walt himself opened New Orleans Square when it became the first new “land” added to Disneyland park, so it feels natural to link the story and the incredible music of ‘The Princess and the Frog’ to our parks.”
The new attraction will feature “some of the powerful music from the film as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance.”
“Tiana is a modern, courageous, and empowered woman, who pursues her dreams and never loses sight of what’s really important,” Disney stated.
“It’s a great story with a strong lead character, set against the backdrop of New Orleans and the Louisiana bayou.”
The voice of Princess Tiana ,Anika Noni Rose, shared, “It is really exciting to know that Princess Tiana’s presence in both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom will finally be fully realized! As passionate as I am about what we created, I know the fans are going to be over the moon. The Imagineers are giving us ‘The Princess and the Frog’ Mardi Gras celebration we’ve been waiting for, and I’m here for it!”
No date has been released as of yet for the new attraction’s debut, but Disney states “conceptual design work is well underway.”
“Imagineers will soon be able to conduct preliminary reviews and develop a timeline for when the attraction transformation can begin.”
For now, Splash Mountain will open as is when Walt Disney World and Disneyland “open up the gates!”
What are your thoughts on Disney reimagining Splash Mountain to “Princess and the Frog?” Let us know on Kenny the Pirate’s Facebook Page, or join our crew and continue the discussion!
I replied to someone that doesn’t want the ride re-themed. It’s absurd people had to be told that the theme was a “problem”. It’s a lovely ride just the way it is.
Yes
Agree!
Oh stop! SMH
Yes, please to the beignets!
This is crap! I get it kinda but honestly how many people actually new the story of this ride! And it was my favorite just the way it is
Love it! Hoping for king cake and beignets, too. They should have a Louis meet and greet near it. I’m honestly surprised it took this long.
Maybe for some but not all
Just wait. Hall of Presidents will be next because people want to erase history and don’t like most of those presidents.
@Eloni. Oh stop! SMH
I absolutely agree with you Paul. We’re in mourningmy favorite ride just the way it is.
So sad- that was one of our favorites…Princess and Frog has never been one of my favorites:( A Pocahontas ride would’ve been cool though
Yes! I am so happy for this change! I did love the old splash but I wasnt at all familiar with the film it was based on and when I realized it was racist, it did make me uncomfortable. It will be the same great ride but with exciting new theming appropriate for everyone. Step in the right direction!
SO true Brian!! I loved Mr Toad! I think this is an excellent decision to up date an older ride and make it super fun!
Let’s hope they fix all of it’s issues while it’s shut down!! I can’t tell you how many times I was stuck on that ride!
I’m really aggravated by the change! I’m all for getting Tiana her own ride but not at the expense of changing Splash Mountain! I thought they should maybe do something with the paddleboat or create a new restaurant with Cajun cuisine for Tiana and make it a character meet for her and Naveen! I thought that sounded like a lot of fun and more in keeping the theme of the movie. Princess & the Frog is one of my favorite movies but I’m ticked about Splash Mountain!
The lady with the cool boots – I love that and know exactly which character she means!! I loved Splash Mountain but agree it’s high time for an update and glad they are featuring Princess and Frog, this will be fun!
I am both sad and excited. Sad as it’s one of my family’s favorite rides, excited because I love Princess Tiana. Maybe they could move her meet and great over here… kinda like Arial has set up.
I think it’s a great idea ! Nice change. I do wish they could keep “zip-a-dee-do-dah” though ! Love that song !
The song is based off an old antebellum song. I doubt it will return
shame. something about it was so relaxing.as opposed to the frenetic other rides. the relaxing music and harmless scenes. nice way to unwind. i will miss it . im pretty sure it will not be the same vibe when they’re done……
Princess and the Frog has some catchy songs as well
Great movie and soundtrack! Should be really cool! When I was a kid Mr Toad’s was my favorite ride, I was sad to see it go. But now Pooh is one of my kids favorites so I have my memories with it and see the change making my kids happy. Parents need to be the role model for the kids and show them its ok to embrace change and still keep the magic. This won’t take away from the magic, this will add some new things to love and new memories to make.
I never rode it, so I had no idea it was based on that movie. I think re-theming it is a great idea, versus tearing it down and building something new. Best of both worlds, same ride, re-imagined.
I just told my 12 year old daughter, and she was so excited. She said “Mommy, there will be a ride at Disney that features someone who looks like me! Before, it was only the lady with the cool boots in Spaceship Earth.” Although she enjoyed Splash Mountain, she couldn’t relate the story to anything she knew because the movie is so old, and has disappeared. Thank you, Disney, for updating the story featured in the ride.
And to all the people who are going to boo my comment, I’ll add that I also think more characters and rides should be added to the countries in Epcot to get the kids more interested in learning about the countries in our world.
@Meg! You made me cry!!! Thanks for posting!
Really Sad. My little son’s favorite ride. We would go at closing every night and ride it over and over..watching fireworks from the top. singing the song together…surely as my son has never seen song of the south it had no racial overtones…just a rabbit constantly tricking a dumb bear and fox
No! Do not change!!!!!