Disney is renaming Splash Mountain in 2024

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (WFLA) — Splash Mountain will have a new name — and a whole new look — at Disney parks in 2024.
On Friday, the Disney Parks Blog revealed new details about the “reimagined” ride, which will be themed after Disney’s animated film “The Princess and the Frog.” The revamped attraction, slated to open at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and Disneyland in late 2024, will be known as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
The announcement was made at Essence Fest in New Orleans on Friday, though Disney originally announced plans to redefine the ride theme after 2009’s “The Princess and the Frog” in June 2020.
The decision was made following an outcry on social media to change the ride, which originally featured elements from Disney’s controversial 1946 film ‘Song of the South’. The film, which had been heavily criticized for its portrayal of black people, returned to the spotlight amid civil unrest over the murder of George Floyd.
“Splash Mountain’s theme change is of particular significance today,” a Disney Parks representative wrote in a June 2020 blog post. connect and be inspired, and it’s a testament to the diversity of the millions of people who visit our parks each year.
As revealed in Friday’s blog post, the new ride will take visitors on a journey with Tiana and other “The Princess and the Frog” characters as they cruise the bayou toward a Mardi Gras celebration.
Runners will also be treated to new music inspired by the film.
According to the blog, Disney Imagineers have traveled to Louisiana several times in order to bring more authenticity to the ride.
“Walt Disney Imagineers have traveled frequently to Louisiana while conducting extensive research to ensure that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure preserves the heart and soul of the town that inspired Princess Tiana’s story,” the blog reads. “From exploring the French market and bayou to consulting with academics, chefs, musicians and cultural institutions, the Imagineers drew inspiration from across the region and learned from local experts along the way.”
Disneyland’s Splash Mountain opened at Disneyland in 1989 and at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in 1992.