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Less than 24 hours after the closure, Magic Kingdom is removing Splash Mountain throughout the park already. What do you think of these changes?
Splash Mountain’s Final Farewell
Back in 2020, Disney announced the retheming of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. While many remain conflicted about the idea of the new theme, there is no denying the impact Splash Mountain has on Guests.
This is evident with the large crowds hoping to enjoy the final day of this attraction. Yesterday, January 22, 2023, at 8:22 am Splash Mountain was already “sold out” for the day! Guests without a Lightning Lane return time waited in long lines throughout the entire day.
At park closing, Splash Mountain still had a wait time of 175 minutes. As the final guests made their way through the “Laughing Place”, the last log of the night was reserved for Splash Mountain Cast Members.
New Narration Added
Guests visiting the Magic Kingdom today will notice that Splash Mountain is now removed from the narration of several attractions. The Walt Disney World Railroad recently reopened to guests with a brand new narration. This new narration received a new update that now removes the mention of Splash Mountain.
As guests enter Frontierland mention is made of both the Country Bear Jamboree and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The new narration includes, “On a more musical note, just ahead I heard some new critters are moving in and look to make a splash. Take a listen, we’re almost there.”
New narration aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad replaces the former narration for Splash Mountain.
This is a clever mention of the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure that will replace Splash Mountain.
Over at Liberty Square Riverboat, you can see some pretty cool views of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, and Haunted Mansion. This narration once included a mention of “Chick-a-pin Hill” or what folks now call “Splash Mountain.”
This mention of Splash Moutain is now deleted from the narration. At this time, there is simply silence in this narration with no reference to the new critters moving in or a nod to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
What do you think of the removal of Splash Mountain from these narrations? Are you looking forward to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure or do you wish Disney would keep the previous narration for just a bit longer? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
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Bryce Cahill
Wednesday 24th of May 2023
Splash mountain was one of the places I had made fond memories of with my deceased older brother. I was planning on riding splash mountain when I went up to Disney sometime next year, but I guess it wasn't meant to be.
Denise Miller
Tuesday 24th of January 2023
You didn't mention the fact that there were new maps available on the 23rd without any mention of Splash Mountain. Truly a sad day as we walked over to see the laughing place and to see it fully drained and lying lifeless.
Sandra
Monday 23rd of January 2023
So sad to see Splash Mountain - this iconic ride gone. They could have created a new ride somewhere else for Princess and the Frog. I think most people agree that this ride was cute and didn't really have anything to do with the movie, Song of the South. I am frustrated that a good ride is gone just to apease a generation that has never even seen the movie. If you rode Splash Mountain, and knew nothing of the movie, you would see it was a bunch of cute animals with a Bear and Fox trying to catch a Rabbit. That's all. And now they removed the song Zip-a-dee-doo-dah from the park entrance theme songs also. Well, that is just stupid. I am sure the actor, James Baskett, (who was paid for the role in the movie) was happy to have the job and sing the iconic song. Did anyone consult him or his family regarding his feelings on the role or the song? Probably NOT. And by the way, the actor James Baskett received an honorary Academy Award for his portrayal of Uncle Remus in 1948. I am sure he was proud of that achievement as it was based on his acting skills. Also, the song, composed by Allie Wrubel with lyrics by Ray Gilbert, earned a Best Original Song Academy Award.
Charles Hicks
Monday 23rd of January 2023
Another example of the tail wagging the dog! Their latest movie flop is another example.
Steve
Monday 23rd of January 2023
Totally agree with you John (and Jack and Frances). I loved Splash Mountain. Tiana does not fit in Frontierland.