Splash Mountain is a well-known ride at Disneyland California, but the attraction has been closed since May 2023 — and it will be quite a bit different when it finally reopens. A water ride located in Frontier Land at Disneyland Park, Splash Mountain opened back in 1989. The attraction was based on Disney’s 1946 film Song of the South, and it featured several locations and characters from the movie during its nine-minute run. Riders sat in log boats and made their way through areas like the Critter Cave and The Fishing Place while listening to music from the film.
A 50-foot drop rounded out the experience, soaking riders right before letting them off. Splash Mountain’s ending drop is, in part, why it became such a recognizable attraction at Disneyland and Disney World. At one point, it was arguably as iconic as rides like the Tower of Terror — which has been replaced — and the Haunted Mansion. However, those visiting Disneyland over the past year will have noticed the ride is currently closed. This is a temporary situation, but there’s a good reason for it. And Splash Mountain will no longer go by that name when it does reopen.
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Why Splash Mountain Is Currently Closed At Disneyland
Splash Mountain is currently closed at Disneyland California because it’s undergoing renovations that will reshape the attraction’s story and themes (via Deadline). The ride’s connection to Song of the South was the reason for its closure, as the movie contains racist stereotypes that have been rightfully criticized by modern audiences. When the attraction reopens, it will no longer feature characters and locations from Song of the South. It also won’t go by the name Splash Mountain any longer.
In an effort to reimagine Splash Mountain, Disney decided to turn the water ride into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. While it seems the physical details of the attraction will remain the same — right down to its giant drop — the story and music featured will now come from The Princess and the Frog. It’s fitting that Disney’s first movie with a Black princess should replace Song of the South as the basis for the attraction. And Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open soon in both Disneyland and Disney World.
When Splash Mountain Will Reopen As Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Renovations on Splash Mountain have been underway for about a year now, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is set to open at Disneyland fairly soon. According to Disneyland.com, the new ride should open sometime in 2024. While it’s unclear what season its grand opening will take place during, it’s great to know that visitors will be able to experience the updated ride soon. The Princess and the Frog is far more well-known among younger generations, so they’ll no doubt appreciate seeing characters and hearing songs that they recognize.
The Tiana’s Bayou Adventure located in Disney World has a clearer opening date, as visitors will be able to ride it as soon as summer 2024. Although there’s no exact date listed on Disney’s website, a summer opening is perfect for an attraction of this nature. There’s no denying that Splash Mountain was most popular on hot days spent walking around Disney’s parks. It’ll be a relief for visitors when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure finally debuts, offering an opportunity to cool off.
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Everything We Know About Tiana’s Bayou Adventure At Disneyland
Not much is known about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure just yet, but visitors can likely expect similar beats when it comes to the ride’s physical movements. Although renovations are underway, the attraction will remain a water ride at its core. Its page on Disneyland.com also categorizes it under “big drops,” so that part of Splash Mountain won’t be going away any time soon. What will be different is the storytelling component of the attraction, as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will feature a change of setting, soundtrack, and characters.
According to Disney’s website, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be set in The Princess and the Frog’s Louisiana bayou amid preparations for Mardi Gras celebrations. Riders will follow Princess Tiana and Louis the alligator on their journey through what used to be Splash Mountain. They’ll “see familiar faces” and likely hear some recognizable tunes from the 2009 film. It seems the story will still lead to a massive, watery drop — so those looking to cool off at Disneyland and experience new attractions won’t want to miss this one. They’ll have to keep an ear out for more about its opening.
Source: Deadline, Disneyland.com
