Disneyland’s Splash Mountain has officially closed after more than 33 years at the California resort.
Disney announced plans to close Splash Mountain – at Disneyland and Walt Disney World – in 2020 after a petition to change the beloved water ride’s theme went viral. Disney said the change had been in the works since 2019.
Splash Mountain’s Br’er Rabbit story is tied to “Song of the South,” a 1946 Disney film that has been criticized for its idealized portrayal of plantation life.
“I’ve felt, as long as I’ve been CEO, that ‘Song of the South’ was – even with a disclaimer – was just not appropriate in today’s world,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said at a March 2020 shareholders meeting.
Walt Disney World closed its version of the ride on Jan. 22. There are currently no plans to change Splash Mountain at Tokyo Disney Resort.
What ride will replace Splash Mountain?
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will replace Splash Mountain at Disneyland and Disney World. The new ride is inspired by the animated Disney film “The Princess and the Frog.”
The ride picks up after the final kiss in the film, and will take guests on a musical journey with Princess Tiana and Louis, the resort said in a news release June 25, 2020.
“Tiana is a modern, courageous, and empowered woman, who pursues her dreams and never loses sight of what’s really important,” the resort said. “It’s a great story with a strong lead character, set against the backdrop of New Orleans and the Louisiana bayou.”
Splash Mountain fast facts
- Splash Mountain opened on July 17, 1989 at Disneyland Resort.
- The ride features songs, including “The Laughin’ Place,” ʺZip‐A-Dee‐Doo‐Dah,ʺ and “How Do You Do?”
- The 52‐foot drop was the longest flume ride drop in the world at the time of its opening.
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Contributing: Eve Chen, USA TODAY
