Splash Mountain Will Change to Princess and the Frog--WILL OPEN 7/11 as Splash

[SMRT-1]

I guess this means that the iconic briar patch that you drop into will be removed (no connection to the new theme).

Actually, they could re-theme it to be Louis's nemesis the "pricker bush."

 

[kate_wdw]

I'm excited about the new theme. Princess & the Frog is my favorite of the Disney princess movies. It has some of the most interesting and varied subplots and characters and the scenery is very evocative. It deserves a great attraction.

 

[osufeth24]

I’m extremely concerned about this - the music is so iconic. They can’t just get rid of it.

I think we’re going to see a big backlash.

lol, maybe on disney forums like this. But your average disney goer isn't going to care

 

[GPC0321]

So, the absolute best ride on the entire property may be closed for the 50th anniversary. SMH.

Why would they close Soarin' because of this?

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

... and gumbo! (That's stirring the gumbo pot, not the political pot)

And etouffee! No really, y'all, Tiana's Place needs to be a serious priority.

I'm not going to lie. I'm disappointed and conflicted. It's my favorite ride. I do hope they find another home for Br'er Fox, Bear, and Rabbit. Even if it is just in merchandise and a nod to them somewhere in the park. I really hope they don't pull the characters from the parks though. I love it when the Br'ers pop up around Frontierland every now and again. I'd love is someone is able to post one of those 360 YouTube versions of the ride before it goes.

Maybe they can expand The Laughin' Place idea and give kids another playground to run around in like they have in The Boneyard at Animal Kingdom.

 

[mmackeymouse]

Saw the news, and not gonna lie, I cried.

 

[bakenatj]

This topic has me really questioning if I wan't to continue spending my money with Disney. I spend thousands every year with this company. Splash Mountain was my favorite ride at Disneyland and World. It has special meaning because of my grandmother, plus it's an icon. Disney decision to fold under PC pressure saddens me. You can't erase history, for if you do, you are doomed to repeat it. This is a horrible decision on Disney's part.

 

[osufeth24]

This topic has me really questioning if I wan't to continue spending my money with Disney. I spend thousands every year with this company. Splash Mountain was my favorite ride at Disneyland and World. It has special meaning because of my grandmother, plus it's an icon. Disney decision to fold under PC pressure saddens me. You can't erase history, for if you do, you are doomed to repeat it. This is a horrible decision on Disney's part.

hyperbole much?

People here are acting like rides never get re-themed

Heck, at Universal only 1 of the original rides are left. Times change, you have to change with it

 

[HockeyMomNH]

Although I'll be the first to admit I am usually a Disney purist and I dislike when classic rides are changed I am 100% on board with this. I think it is past due, actually.

As for those who are concerned that it's going to be too "princessy" I don't think that will be the case at all. Look at 7DMT. That's based on a princess movie, but it is not an overtly princess themed ride. I expect this new ride will be fun for everyone.

 

[zoo2tycoon]

People will be offended by everything- something on every ride can be offensive to someone. I’m sad as I love the ride but have fun memories of being stuck for 30 minute hearing Zipp-A-Dee-Doo Dah.

 

[cjlong88]

I'm so excited for this!

 

[bakenatj]

hyperbole much?

People here are acting like rides never get re-themed

Heck, at Universal only 1 of the original rides are left. Times change, you have to change with it

I am referring to this movement to erase anything in history that "offends" someone. Besides I don't go to Universal so don't care what they do. There is nostalgia that comes with Disney. Walt himself knew that, and that is why His parks are so special to millions of us. I understand that things change, the timing of this is horrible, and is spineless in my opinion. I am allowed to still have one aren't I??

 

[kay1864]

Really? With everything going on in the world right now, Disney re-theming a ride is the biggest news on the planet?

Well you heard it here first. Not just the biggest piece of crap news in the US. The biggest piece of crap news ON THE PLANET.

32 DISers can't be wrong!

 

[yulilin3]

hyperbole much?

People here are acting like rides never get re-themed

Heck, at Universal only 1 of the original rides are left. Times change, you have to change with it

It happens each and every time something gets changed or rethemed. The Dis-folk care so very deeply. I am seriously not making fun of anyone, it's just the way it is.
Now this has an added element to it so people are grasping on to that but in truth the ride is old and needs a proper upgrade and the refurbs they've done have nothing to do with the ride elements and more operational. So a brand new theme based on a character who would've been happy just owning a restaurant, a self made woman that didn't need a guy to make her happy gets a lot of points in my book, it's exactly the message we should be teaching kids. And both girls AND boys need to hear this, in this day and age.

 

[mmackeymouse]

hyperbole much?

People here are acting like rides never get re-themed

Heck, at Universal only 1 of the original rides are left. Times change, you have to change with it

Yes, and some rides should just never be re-themed. Never.

Look at Tower of Terror. They re-themed it for DL and it's fine for them, but....the Tower of Terror theming is just so classic Disney that just like that, if they changed it, I'd cry.

I do hope they can work all of our Brer friends into the new iteration, and the music as well, although....I guess that kind of defeats the purpose.

 

[t-roy]

That's because that is exactly what this is. I don't think anyone believes that this has been in the works since last year. This is 100% because of the current climate and the petition to retheme the ride making national news.

I believe it’s been in the works for a year. I also think they know how to capitalize on a moment and am thankful they are listening. Good job Disney!!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

In my opinion the outrage over this change of theme is embarrassing. Sure you can be disappointed, we all love Splash Mountain, but let's step back and put things into a larger perspective. Anything even remotely related to Song of the South should have been removed from the parks years ago. The ride itself will still be there and it will still be the same thrilling adventure, so I don't see a problem. I fully support Disney's decision and actually I'm surprised they cared enough to even change it now. A good step in the right direction I think.

 

[MickeyMouseCD524]

Maybe they can expand The Laughin' Place idea and give kids another playground to run around in like they have in The Boneyard at Animal Kingdom.

Oh that would be cute! I figured the change was coming, and I support change even if it's hard. I just don't want Disney to try and completely erase our friends from the briar patch. Cause never seeing the Br'ers anywhere again would make me way more upset than changing the theme of the ride.

 

[GPC0321]

How do you figure. People that were scared of the drop or just did not want to get wet are now going to set aside those reservations and jump aboard? The theme of Splash Mountain kept absolutely no one off the ride.

Most people rode it because they walked up and watched the drop and said, "That looks fun!" and went to ride it. Not because it was themed with characters from a movie that most of them have never seen and know nothing about.

Now it's going to be the same awesome ride with characters from a movie more guests in 2020 will have seen.

I'm watching the movie right now, with the ride in the back of my mind. I can definitely see it. Truly has the potential to be epic, IMO.

 

[mmackeymouse]

In my opinion the outrage over this change of theme is embarrassing. Sure you can be disappointed, we all love Splash Mountain, but let's step back and put things into a larger perspective. Anything even remotely related to Song of the South should have been removed from the parks years ago. The ride itself will still be there and it will still be the same thrilling adventure, so I don't see a problem. I fully support Disney's decision and actually I'm surprised they cared enough to even change it now. A good step in the right direction I think.

Here's what I would have recommended. Erect a statue or a plaque outside of Splash Mountain dedicated to Mr. Baskett. Atone for the mistakes, but also mention the honorary Oscar he received that can never and SHOULD never be taken away from him.