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Last year, Disney announced Splash Mountain would be rethemed in order to be more inclusive. While we don’t have a specific timeline, Splash Mountain references are already being removed. What do you think of these changes?
Splash Mountain Retheme
Back in June of last year, Disney announced that a major reimagining of Splash Mountain would happen. This attraction, based on the controversial 1946 film “Song Of the South,” has been a fan favorite since it debuted in 1989.
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.”
Walt Disney Imagineering’s Charita Carter, the Imagineer that brought us Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Hollywood Studios, will be the lead on this new project where the attraction will pick up in The Princess and the Frog story after the final kiss.
Elements of the attraction are being removed from Magic Kingdom.
Removed from the Park
Don’t worry, Splash Mountain is still there and operating! There is no begin date for this project, but it has been over a year since the original announcement. We have not heard much about the project since late last year.
However, the song “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” from the movie Song of the South and Splash Mountain attraction has been taken out of the welcome show. “Let the Magic Begin” plays every morning at the Magic Kingdom as Guests anxiously await to ride their favorite attractions.
“Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” is no longer part of the Magic Kingdom welcome show.
When will the refurbishment begin?
Despite this new development, I don’t think Splash Mountain will close any time soon. The 50th anniversary of Disney World is just around the corner, and crowds will be flocking to celebrating.
I do not think Disney can afford to have one of the big headliner attractions in the park to be closed. Everything should be up and running to accommodate everyone since the parks (especially Magic Kingdom) will be so busy.
I do think Disney is trying to do what it can to take out these elements as a sign of what’s to come.
Join the discussion! Do you think the retheme will take place before or after the 50th anniversary? What do you think of these changes? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below or on Facebook.
Share the love!
Joyce L Lambert
Sunday 3rd of October 2021
It is a disgrace that WDW corp is destroying the best ride in the park - ever. Everyone who has written here is absolutley correct.
Joyce L Lambert
Sunday 3rd of October 2021
MB there will be NO bones left of Splash Mountain when they get through with it. They will have to close the ride because the entire ride is being deboned! Do you think it would be OK if they changed the Jungle Cruise to the Yangtze River Cruise?
Joyce L Lambert
Sunday 3rd of October 2021
Very well said Hailee! You have described fairly views on both sides of the coin. Most of all you gave a beautiful explanation of the ride and why it should stay. If only the corporation had sensible people like you on the board. I believe the new corp leaders should read your comment. Their only reason for doing this - is to be political correct without a thought of logic and concern for their guests. Thank you Hailee. I sure am going to miss "this is my laughin place"!!!
Joyce L Lambert
Sunday 3rd of October 2021
You are so right Ken. My thought exactly with Small World being next. Don't forget about Pirates being changed and Jungle Cruise. I really wonder who is offended by these colorful fun characters - or is it the Corp just wanted to look politically correct?
Ken
Sunday 15th of August 2021
I was just on Small World and thought, "They'll be coming for this next -- look at all these stereotypical depictions of people, color, dress and tradition from around the globe." Being offended is a choice. And I choose not to be offended by smiling children, a rabbit and a bear.