Disney unveils model ride that will replace Splash Mountain in 2024 – and a familiar feature is gone
Paul Morse
Disney fans finally got their first look at “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure“, the ride that will replace Splash Mountain.
A large model of princess and the frog– The themed attraction is on display at the Disney Parks and Experiences Wonderful World of Dreams pavilion at the D23 Expo, which kicks off today in Anaheim, California.
Ride arrives at both Disneyland California and Walt Disney World Florida end of 2024. Alongside Princess Tiana, Naveen and jazz-loving alligator Louis, guests will journey across the bayou as they prepare for a unique Mardi Gras celebration and listen to upbeat music inspired by songs from the fan favorite movie.
Disney announced in this Splash Mountain would get a refresh based on the 2009 one The princess and the Frogwhich features the company’s first black princess, Tiana, in 2020.
RELATED: Disney Reveals Splash Mountain Will Be Transformed Into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure By 2024
Paul Morse
Earlier this summer, Disney shared more details, including the ride’s name, inspiration, and general release date at the ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans.
As seen in the model images posted on the Disney Parks Blog The attraction on Friday features many of the same elements as the original log ride, but with a twist that will transport guests to the Bayou.
A water tower placed outside the carousel says in big letters “Tiana’s Food”.
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Disney fans quickly spotted an element of the current Splash Mountain that’s conspicuously missing from the model: its iconic twisting tree stump atop, a landmark visible from Magic Kingdom and Disneyland parks. In its place is a new tree that seems to be in better shape than its ancestor.
The Unofficial Disney Fan Blog Walt Disney World news today points out that an earlier concept sketch as the ride released by Disney showed a boat stuck in the new tree, which is missing from the latest model.
Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort splash mountain
Scott Gustin, Twitter user noted that while the model still depicts Br’er Rabbit, a character from Splash Mountain, his image will not appear on the updated ride.
In addition to the ride, the Disney Blog notes that Disney has even more ways to explore Tiana’s story: A new retail store, Eudora’s Chic Boutique featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets, will open in the New Orleans section. Disneyland Square on September 20.
The shop is named after Tiana’s mother in the film, Eudora, who is a seamstress and will also serve New Orleans-inspired cuisine.
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The 2020 announcement of the Splash Mountain reimagining came weeks after several petitions urging Disney to rework the popular carousel theme drew attention on Change.org — a titled “Re-theme Splash Mountain to Princess and the Frog” received over 21,384 signatures at the close.
RELATED: Disney fans petition to change Splash Mountain’s theme to Princess and the Frog – here’s why
John Raoux/AP/Shutterstock
The petition read in part: “Disney Parks should be a home for everyone, regardless of race, age, any background…While the ride is considered a beloved classic, its history and its screenplay are steeped in extremely problematic issues and stereotypical racist tropes of the 1946 film southern song. There is a huge need for diversity in parks and this could help fill that need.”
Disney noted at the time that a new story for the ride had long been in the works.
Splash Mountain is based on the controversial Disney film southern song, which has long been criticized for its problematic portrayal of the post-Civil War South and for using racist stereotypes. He is not available for streaming on Disney+.
disney Reimagined ride rendering
Anika Noni Rosethe Tony Award-winning actress, who played Princess Tiana, shared her excitement at the announcement of the ride’s new theme.
“It’s really exciting to know that Princess Tiana’s presence in both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom will finally be fully realized!” she wrote at the time of the 2020 announcement. “As passionate as I am about what we’ve created, I know the fans are going to be ecstatic. The Imagineers give us the princess and the frog Mardi Gras celebration we’ve been waiting for, and I’m here for it!”
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