The End of an Era: Disneyland’s Splash Mountain To Be Reimagined as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
One of Disneyland’s most iconic rides, Splash Mountain, will be closing for good on May 31, 2023. The announcement was made by Disney Parks on Wednesday along with details of the ride’s transformation to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, set to open in 2024. The decision to overhaul the ride was made last year amid growing concerns that the attraction was racially insensitive. Let’s take a closer look at what we can expect from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Why Is Splash Mountain Closing Down?
For years, critics have called for Disneyland to take action on its Splash Mountain ride due to its association with the 1946 Disney film, Song of the South, which has been widely criticized for portraying black people in a racially insensitive and stereotypical light. Amid the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests and increased media scrutiny, Disneyland finally gave in to calls for change and promised to reimagine Splash Mountain with a newly themed ride inspired by Disney’s 2009 film, The Princess and the Frog.
When Will Splash Mountain Close Down?
Splash Mountain will shut down operations for good on May 31, 2023. The last chance to ride the attraction will be on May 30, 2023.
What Will Be Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is the reimagining of Splash Mountain, featuring a ride inspired by the Disney animated film, The Princess and the Frog. The ride promises to be an immersive experience that encourages visitors to discover the magic of the bayou with Princess Tiana.
What Can We Expect from the Ride?
Guests will join Tiana as she hosts a Mardi Gras celebration, but the fun takes a twist when she needs help finding a missing ingredient. Riders will board log flumes for a wild ride through the bayou, encountering new characters, music, and even new smells. They will witness the magic of Mama Odie, join Louis on trumpet, and cruise through all the twists and turns of the bayou to save the day.
Who Are the Key Players?
Princess Tiana will play a leading role, voiced by Anika Noni Rose, as she and Prince Naveen (voiced by Bruno Campos) take visitors on their adventure. In addition, Mama Odie, voiced by Jenifer Lewis, will be joining the ride and cracking jokes with visitors along the way.
What Else Do We Know?
The reimagined attraction will occupy the same space as Splash Mountain, but it will be an entirely new experience with original characters, music, and storytelling. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure includes a new cooperative built into a mountain where guests can learn more about Tiana’s Foods and help take ownership of the business alongside her.
Conclusion
The decision to reimagine Splash Mountain to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has been a long time coming. This is a major step by Disneyland towards greater racial sensitivity and inclusivity. Visitors can expect a whole new adventure with original characters, music, and a renewed spirit of wonder and exploration. It’s an exciting time to be heading to Disneyland in anticipation of the new ride, set to open in 2024!
FAQs
1. What was Splash Mountain originally based on?
Splash Mountain was originally inspired by the animated sequences of the 1946 Disney film, Song of the South.
2. When did the calls for Splash Mountain to be changed begin?
Calls for Splash Mountain to be changed began to gain momentum amid the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests.
3. When will Tiana’s Bayou Adventure open?
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is set to open in 2024.
4. Who will lend their voice to the new ride?
Voice actors from Disney’s The Princess and the Frog are set to reprise their roles for the new ride, including Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Michael-Leon Woodley, and Jenifer Lewis.
5. When will the ride’s queue smell like beignets?
The ride’s queue is expected to smell like beignets when it opens in 2024.