It’s the end of the line for Splash Mountain, as the ride is offiically closing down at the end of the weekend on Jan. 23. Back in 2020, it was reported that Disneyland and Disney World would be abandoning the Splash Mountain ride. The move came after a social media campaign called for the ride’s removal, as it was based on Disney’s controversial classic film Song of the South. It was argued that the film had themes of racism and wasn’t appropriate to have its own theme park ride, and Disney ultimately agreed, announcing that the ride was in need of a makeover as a result.

“The retheming of Splash Mountain is of particular importance today,” a statement from the House of Mouse read at the time. “The new concept is inclusive - one that all of our guests can connect with and be inspired by, and it speaks to the diversity of the millions of people who visit our parks each year.”

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It was also revealed that The Princess of the Frog would serve as the theme for the ride’s makeover, with Imagineering senior creative producer Charita Carter adding, “Like Princess Tiana, I believe that courage and love are the key ingredients for wonderful adventures. I am delighted to be a part of bringing this fun-filled experience to our guests.”

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Is Coming to Disney Parks

     Disney

It was later revealed that the newly-themed ride will be called Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Anika Noni Rose, who voices Tiana, addressed the situation last year, revealing that she was personally involved to provide her voice to the ride. Rose also teased that the ride will expand upon the lore of The Princess and the Frog, continuing the narrative with new information rather than serving as a retelling of the 2009 film.

A video released online by Disney shed some more light on the ride. The video teases how riders will see both well known characters from the film along with new characters created specifically for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. It also includes some of the art designs showing the swamps that riders will be navigating through in floating logs. You can watch that video below.

For many Disney Parks visitors, it’s the end of an era, as Splash Mountain has been in operation since 1992. Times change, however, and there are many who say that this change has been long overdue. It will take some time for the makeover to be finished, as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open in late 2024.