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You may have heard we finally have an idea of when the newly reimagined Splash Mountain will open in Walt Disney World. Now, Disney has released a statement about the reopening timeline.
Splash Mountain isn’t here to stay
Back in 2020, Disney made a major announcement that split fans right down the middle. We learned that Splash Mountain, one of Walt Disney World and Disneyland’s most popular rides, will be completely re-themed.
This attraction, based on the controversial 1946 film “Song Of the South,” has been a fan favorite since it debuted in 1989. The plan is for Splash Mountain to be completely re-themed to star the characters from 2009’s animated film, “The Princess and the Frog.”
The announcement came shortly 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.
Disney states the new attraction concept is “inclusive” and “one that all of our guests can connect with and be inspired by.”
A complete reimagination
The newly reimagined attraction be re-themed to include characters and elements from “The Princess and the Frog.” 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.”
The new attraction will feature “some of the powerful music from the film as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance.” When will we get to experience the new Princess and the Frog attraction?
Actress Anikka Noni Rose, who voices Tiana in The Princess and the Frog, made the announcement today many have been waiting for. While visiting Live with Ryan and Kelly, she shared Disney plans to open the newly re-themed Splash Mountain in Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Disneyland in 2024.
Shortly after, Disney released a statement regarding the re-theme timeline.
We have already shared how we are bringing Tiana’s story to life at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. While timing has not been determined, we look forward to sharing more details during Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans in July.”
Disney
While Disney is not confirming the timeline the actress shared, it does seem like we will know either way in just a few short weeks.
What do you think about the re-theme of Splash Mountain? Let us know in the comments below, or tell us on Facebook.
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WolfSmile
Monday 6th of June 2022
I think it's stupid and senseless. It was by far one of the most popular attraction's in the park and, there was nothing racist about it. The Princess and The Frog is a good movie but, it doesn't fit in with the mountain theme. If it must be re-themed, a better fit would be The Lion King. They could have Rafiki holding baby Simba at the top of the mountain and, the other animals down below on either side of the water flume looking up at them. The possibilities are endless and it definitely fits the mountain theme more than TPaTF. TPaTF is set in New Orleans, no mountains, a better fit for that ride would be fantasyland. Even better, don't re-theme it.
Joe Turnkey
Sunday 5th of June 2022
Would it not make more sense to create a completely different ride for PatF? Peter Pan's Flight is based on an old movie few if any current children would know of. Small World even less so. Though in keeping with the theme of PatF, a ride more like Pirates would make more sense.
Joe Turnkey
Sunday 5th of June 2022
Precisely! Thank you for letting people know the true history of SotS! It was meant to stop racism and now people are so shallow they won't educate themselves on the subject, but give knee jerk reactions to it!
Chris
Sunday 5th of June 2022
Good thank you I will never forgive them for changing the theme and punishing a ride that did nothing wrong I'd give anything to save it
Melissa
Saturday 4th of June 2022
This ride is not racist in the least. Some people are just looking for something to make an issue out of. Disney has gone way overboard catering to these complainers.