Splash mountain refurbishment

[HopperFan]

To go back to the crux of this thread, have they even said when this refurb is going to get done? They seem to be slow pedaling this to the highest degree possible, and there’s been one very small follow up from Disney about the update since they first announced it last year

It traditionally closes each January for a couple months for maintenance - I think required because of the water element of it. Common sense do colder months.

It could follow that same schedule and just not come back up.

My gut says they will take it down when Tron opens to equalize the capacity in the park. I saw the cars are being delivered to MK for Tron so perhaps testing is around the corner. If they could get that open first quarter of 2022 - maybe they tie them together.

Disney likes distractions so the opening of Tron could do a lot to temper the grumbling about SM closing.

 

[Aluminum Falcon]

It traditionally closes each January for a couple months for maintenance - I think required because of the water element of it. Common sense do colder months.

It could follow that same schedule and just not come back up.

My gut says they will take it down when Tron opens to equalize the capacity in the park. I saw the cars are being delivered to MK for Tron so perhaps testing is around the corner. If they could get that open first quarter of 2022 - maybe they tie them together.

Disney likes distractions so the opening of Tron could do a lot to temper the grumbling about SM closing.

Just a guess, but I don’t think they touch it until after the 50th

 

[HopperFan]

Just a guess, but I don’t think they touch it until after the 50th

I think that is viable too ....

... but I think at this point the longer they wait the more they'll hear they are all talk and no action. Their last promotion about what the CMs were working on was quite hollow ... right now they honestly look like they were blowing smoke. And it has to go down for maintenance first quarter so, kind of pick your poison. If it reopens after that without change, I don't think it will be received well.

 

[BrianL]

I think that is viable too ....

... but I think at this point the longer they wait the more they'll hear they are all talk and no action. Their last promotion about what the CMs were working on was quite hollow ... right now they honestly look like they were blowing smoke. And it has to go down for maintenance first quarter so, kind of pick your poison. If it reopens after that without change, I don't think it will be received well.

I think they will do the one at Disneyland first as a priority, then maybe see if there is any feedback, etc. before tackling the MK version.

 

[umichigan10]

It traditionally closes each January for a couple months for maintenance - I think required because of the water element of it. Common sense do colder months.

It could follow that same schedule and just not come back up.

My gut says they will take it down when Tron opens to equalize the capacity in the park. I saw the cars are being delivered to MK for Tron so perhaps testing is around the corner. If they could get that open first quarter of 2022 - maybe they tie them together.

Disney likes distractions so the opening of Tron could do a lot to temper the grumbling about SM closing.

I think that is viable too ....

... but I think at this point the longer they wait the more they'll hear they are all talk and no action. Their last promotion about what the CMs were working on was quite hollow ... right now they honestly look like they were blowing smoke. And it has to go down for maintenance first quarter so, kind of pick your poison. If it reopens after that without change, I don't think it will be received well.

It makes sense to wait until tron finally opens, and I also agree it’s not a great look for them to keep putting it off. Just rip the bandaid off and get it over with. But on the flip side, I’d rather they not rush into production and have the whole redo be a half measure. Because at the end of the day, I think we all just want the new version to be good and capable of standing on its own

 

[HopperFan]

I think they will do the one at Disneyland first as a priority, then maybe see if there is any feedback, etc. before tackling the MK version.

I think they will do at the same time, or at least I hope so. The LAST thing they need is any feedback or drama. If they are both done and opened at the same time it can be a day to enjoy a new attraction rather than start the comparisons and other complaints that would be inevitable. People are already trying to stop it.

Like they did Galaxy Edge. I know DL opened sooner but I think they did that because it was a new land that they needed to learn logistics of operation. SM needs none of that.

It makes sense to wait until tron finally opens, and I also agree it’s not a great look for them to keep putting it off. Just rip the bandaid off and get it over with. But on the flip side, I’d rather they not rush into production and have the whole redo be a half measure. Because at the end of the day, I think we all just want the new version to be good and capable of standing on its own

You are right, rip off the bandaid. Right now they keep throwing gauze on it and it's not healing.

To your flip side, it's not an entire gut like Maelstrom (which only took 21 mos from announcement). Most of the design structure will stay and get new "accessories". The key is to make the story flow and look like it's always been there. Make the guest become part of Tiana's story. I think it can be accomplished easily and timely with good imagineers working on it. So far we are 16 mos in, they could have completed a design by now.

 

[BrianL]

I think they will do at the same time, or at least I hope so. The LAST thing they need is any feedback or drama. If they are both done and opened at the same time it can be a day to enjoy a new attraction rather than start the comparisons and other complaints that would be inevitable. People are already trying to stop it.

I didn't mean THAT kind of feedback - I meant more from the Imagineers and crew about maybe how they could do something better. The layouts aren't exactly the same eitehr so some considerations need to be made anyway.

 

[HopperFan]

I didn't mean THAT kind of feedback - I meant more from the Imagineers and crew about maybe how they could do something better. The layouts aren't exactly the same eitehr so some considerations need to be made anyway.

Oh but you know they will get it if given a chance.

 

[Aluminum Falcon]

To your flip side, it's not an entire gut like Maelstrom (which only took 21 mos from announcement). Most of the design structure will stay and get new "accessories". The key is to make the story flow and look like it's always been there. Make the guest become part of Tiana's story. I think it can be accomplished easily and timely with good imagineers working on it. So far we are 16 mos in, they could have completed a design by now.

They may be taking their time to make sure they get it right, this is a hot button issue on all sides, and they don't have wiggle room. What I mean, is that there are people who want the ride to stay as is, and would need to be wowed to potentially get them to be at least OK with the new concept. On the other side you have the crowd who wants it changed, and if it's just a quick reno, they will cry that it doesn't do enough for Disneys only Black princess. So they have to tread carefully and make sure they have a winner before making any move. Unlike Guardians: mission breakout

 

[HopperFan]

They may be taking their time to make sure they get it right, this is a hot button issue on all sides, and they don't have wiggle room. What I mean, is that there are people who want the ride to stay as is, and would need to be wowed to potentially get them to be at least OK with the new concept. On the other side you have the crowd who wants it changed, and if it's just a quick reno, they will cry that it doesn't do enough for Disneys only Black princess. So they have to tread carefully and make sure they have a winner before making any move. Unlike Guardians: mission breakout

Disney has the talent and ability to do this right and not take years to do. If they drag this out it, it's totally on them and looks like a knee jerk decision rather than commitment. I'm holding them to the higher standard on this one.

They could have the ultimate winner, and it won't matter to many. No win situation, there WILL BE complaints no matter what they do.

 

[Aluminum Falcon]

Disney has the talent and ability to do this right and not take years to do. If they drag this out it, it's totally on them and looks like a knee jerk decision rather than commitment. I'm holding them to the higher standard on this one.

They could have the ultimate winner, and it won't matter to many. No win situation, there WILL BE complaints no matter what they do.

I agree, they would just be limiting the complaints is all i'm driving at haha. I agree they have the talent to handle it, but if they said they were delaying the timeline to get it right, i think people would eat that up

 

[ZeeWP]

I am not devastated at all. It's a racist song with a movie made by someone who made extremely racist caricatures and claims. I hope they don't keep the music anywhere other than historical places. I don't think turning it into inspiration porn or acting like slavery can EVER be good; it will suddenly erase the history and pain the song and movie bring.

It will be replaced by the first black princess in a feature Disney Movie is the right move.

Additionally--the current theming has nothing relevant to the youth of today. My kids have no idea what any of it is. They don't even know the song. But does my 7-year-old girl know the words to "Almost There"? Yeah, she does. It's the whole reason why Tower of Terror is now Guardian of the Galaxy in California Adventure.

 

[CBMom01]

I am not devastated at all. It's a racist song with a movie made by someone who made extremely racist caricatures and claims. I hope they don't keep the music anywhere other than historical places. I don't think turning it into inspiration porn or acting like slavery can EVER be good; it will suddenly erase the history and pain the song and movie bring.

It will be replaced by the first black princess in a feature Disney Movie is the right move.

Additionally--the current theming has nothing relevant to the youth of today. My kids have no idea what any of it is. They don't even know the song. But does my 7-year-old girl know the words to "Almost There"? Yeah, she does. It's the whole reason why Tower of Terror is now Guardian of the Galaxy in California Adventure.

Well said

 

[Aluminum Falcon]

I am not devastated at all. It's a racist song with a movie made by someone who made extremely racist caricatures and claims. I hope they don't keep the music anywhere other than historical places. I don't think turning it into inspiration porn or acting like slavery can EVER be good; it will suddenly erase the history and pain the song and movie bring..

Just speaking for myself here, I understand why it is wrong and needs to be replaced. Splash will always have a special place with me, it was my favorite ride as a kid, and I have a lot of nostalgic feelings for it, I would just say that no child who has ridden that ride ever came off thinking it was racist, unless someone let them know, it is just pure fun for children. So I think most people who are upset, are upset to see a memory they could keep revisiting, vanish forever.

 

[Jennasis]

I love Splash...it's my favorite ride in the parks. I am positive I will love the retheme just as much. It's a log flume (my favorite type of ride) and its a LONG ride. I am sure the AA's will be cutting edge like the ones on Frozen. I'm hoping for cool new effects and catchy tunes. Is PATF my favorite movie? Not by a county mile. It's not even top 20...but it's Disney and still pretty good.

Looking forward to what it becomes.

 

[Douglas Dubh]

It's a racist song with a movie made by someone who made extremely racist caricatures and claims.

There are multiple songs featured in the movie and the ride, none of which are racist.

 

[North of Mouse]

I disagree, I find it dehumanizing to erase it all because someone is too sensitive to take the time to remember it.

Remember it, elevate it, be thankful, realize that there were people who were still able to make the best of horrible situations and be grateful for all that came before us to get us to where we are today.

Thank you! The past cannot be erased no matter how hard anyone wants to try. Even on a personal note, our past is our past, we learn from it and move on to change and not make the same mistakes.

 

[bsmcneil]

Just speaking for myself here, I understand why it is wrong and needs to be replaced. Splash will always have a special place with me, it was my favorite ride as a kid, and I have a lot of nostalgic feelings for it, I would just say that no child who has ridden that ride ever came off thinking it was racist, unless someone let them know, it is just pure fun for children. So I think most people who are upset, are upset to see a memory they could keep revisiting, vanish forever.

This isn't true. Feel free to have your perspective but many kids, and teens, and adults definitely recognize racist elements of this (without having been on it before, watching SotS, or being told about its racist origins. Anecdotes aren't data - so your opinion that no kid gets it is just an opinion (especially since you cannot possibly imagine what's in every kid's head, or their lived experience and whether/how that informs their experience with something).

 

[bsmcneil]

I disagree, I find it dehumanizing to erase it all because someone is too sensitive to take the time to remember it.

Remember it, elevate it, be thankful, realize that there were people who were still able to make the best of horrible situations and be grateful for all that came before us to get us to where we are today.

Oof. "Too sensitive to remember [enslavement of your ancestors]."

 

[bsmcneil]

There are multiple songs featured in the movie and the ride, none of which are racist.

Br'er Fox, Rabbit, etc have explicit dialects drawn from a caricatured AAVE. It's really abundantly clear to people who have experience with media portrayal of people who are Black in America (whether it's a media thing like Amos 'n' Andy, or how individuals would grotesquely alter their voice to "imitate" African Americans, etc). For many people - and it's okay if you aren't one of them, but please own your experience instead of universalizing it - the ride (log flume) cannot be separated from the voices and actions that indicate bumbling Black characters as were dominantly displayed in American culture in the early 1900s.