Splash Mountain Will Be Rethemed to Princess & Frog
Disney has officially announced that Splash Mountain will be re-themed to Princess and the Frog at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. (Tokyo Disneyland will retain its Brer characters from Song of the South, at least for now.) In this post, we’ll cover the news, share concept art, and offer some commentary.
Per Disney Parks Blog, the attraction’s theme is inspired by an all-time favorite animated Disney film, The Princess and the Frog. The new-look ride will pick up this story after the final kiss, and join Princess Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure — featuring some of the powerful music from the film — as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance.
Tiana is a modern, courageous, and empowered woman, who pursues her dreams and never loses sight of what’s really important. It’s a great story with a strong lead character, set against the backdrop of New Orleans and the Louisiana bayou. In 1966, Walt himself opened New Orleans Square when it became the first new “land” added to Disneyland park, so it feels natural to link the story and the incredible music of “The Princess and the Frog” to our parks.
While the timing may seem suspect, Disney indicates that this isn’t an impulsive reaction to recent headlines and petitions that have gained traction. Walt Disney Imagineering states that it has actively been working on a Splash Mountain retheme for some time, with a specific focus on The Princess and the Frog for the past year.
Here’s a look at the concept art:
Here’s more on the Splash Mountain overhaul from the Disney Parks Blog, including quotes from Imagineers and the voices of characters from The Princess and the Frog…
The voice of Princess Tiana and Tony Award-winning actress, Anika Noni Rose, shared, “It is really exciting to know that Princess Tiana’s presence in both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom will finally be fully realized! As passionate as I am about what we created, I know the fans are going to be over the moon. The Imagineers are giving us ‘The Princess and the Frog’ Mardi Gras celebration we’ve been waiting for, and I’m here for it!”
Per Disney Parks Blog, the approach to retheming or “plussing” attractions begins with Imagineers asking the question: how can we build upon or elevate the experience and tell a fresh, relevant story? It’s a continuous process that Imagineers are deeply passionate about.
And with this longstanding history of updating attractions and adding new magic, the retheming of Splash Mountain is of particular importance today. The new concept is inclusive — one that all of our guests can connect with and be inspired by, and it speaks to the diversity of the millions of people who visit our parks each year.
Senior Creative Producer Charita Carter at Walt Disney Imagineering will helm the project, having previously been one of the leads on development of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Carter shared, “Like Princess Tiana, I believe that courage and love are the key ingredients for wonderful adventures. I am delighted to be a part of bringing this fun-filled experience to our guests.”
Disney Legend and former Imagineer Tony Baxter, who designed the original Splash Mountain, will also be brought out of retirement to serve as a creative designer on the new Princess and the Frog attraction. “Following conversations with Imagineering’s leaders about the new attraction’s scope and resources, I had a great sense of reassurance — the attraction will be one to be proud of, bringing to life places, characters and music from the animated classic The Princess and the Frog…I look forward to being a part of a new adventure in Disney magic and fun!” said Baxter about the overhaul.
Imagineer Scott Trowbridge, lead on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, also tweeted out that he’s “been stealth working on this for quite a while and happy to finally share!” The involvement of this trio of Imagineers definitely reassures us about the overhaul.
For Imagineers, change is rooted in a tradition set by Walt Disney who encouraged new innovations, new ideas, new scenes and current storytelling. And the experiences they create can be enjoyed by guests who visit our parks from all over the world.
As part of the creative development process, conceptual design work is well underway and Imagineers will soon be able to conduct preliminary reviews and develop a timeline for when the transformation can start to take shape. (At present, the current incarnation of Splash Mountain is scheduled to reopen when Walt Disney World and Disneyland reopen.)
Our Commentary
As far as commentary goes, this is an understandably delicate topic. We mostly take Disney at its word here that the plans to retheme Splash Mountain were set in motion over a year ago, but we’d imagine those were nonetheless accelerated in light of recent events. (Especially given that Disney is pumping the brakes on other projects while moving forward with this.)
Nevertheless, given what Disney has done with Tower of Terror, Great Movie Ride, and other attractions based on non-Disney or “outdated” intellectual property, it’s not a huge leap that Disney would want to retheme Splash Mountain to a modern film for the sake of synergy. It probably was an inevitability that Splash Mountain would change at some point, so perhaps the timing here is totally coincidental.
Nevertheless, this change is undoubtedly going to be controversial and spawn a ton of debate, most of it wholly unproductive. It’s also a topic that, frankly, I’m not sure I’m the best person to address.
In our Pirates of the Caribbean Redhead Auction Scene Debate post from a few years ago, I did opt to put “my entire head into the hornet’s nest” wading into what I felt was an interesting topic that pertains to the intersection of art, history, evolving cultural norms, and more.
It’s a different topic, but the same story here. Much of what was written there can be applied to today’s Splash Mountain news. While theme parks are art, they cannot be re-contextualized the same way other entertainment can. There are some practical realities that must be considered and concessions that must be made given their functional purpose.
There’s more fluidity to theme parks than other art; things must be updated because the primary purpose is simply entertainment and not education or enlightenment. (Refer to that prior post for more commentary along those lines.)
Where Splash Mountain deviates from Pirates of the Caribbean is in what’s directly being depicted in each. The argument in the case of Pirates of the Caribbean was that it glamorized human trafficking and sex slavery, while showcasing the subjugation of women.
Splash Mountain is different in the sense that when it was built, the attraction was consciously removed from its controversial source material (even back in the late-1980s when the ride was in development, Disney realized Song of the South was problematic). What’s depicted in Splash Mountain is subtle, subliminal, and indirect.
That’s where my comfort level in addressing this particular topic ends.
As someone who has never experienced the ill effects of systemic racism and oppression, I feel like it’s not really my place to offer a value judgment on how Splash Mountain does or does not impact other guests. I don’t know what it’s like to experience the world as a person of color.
Moreover, while I value my own nostalgia and iconic aspects of classic and iconic Disney attractions, the right course of action is to err on the side of not reinforcing racism, and instead fostering a more inclusive Disney experience.
From my perspective, this is simply a matter of conceding my personal blind spots and being willing to admit “I don’t really know” how Splash Mountain might negatively effect other guests.
Sadly, that side of the debate is going to overshadow the reality (or at least my subjective but strong opinion) that The Princess and the Frog is one of the Walt Disney Animation Studio’s most underrated films, and it has been criminally underrepresented at Walt Disney World and Disneyland for years. (See our Tiana’s Place Restaurant Review for a look at how excellent a Princess and the Frog experience can be.)
Not only is Princess and the Frog a great film with memorable characters, catchy music, and a compelling story–it’s visually gorgeous. I can’t think of a more beautiful animated film that Disney has made in the last two decades.
This is an odd comparison, but it reminds me somewhat of Avatar in terms of the film’s visuals (except Princess and the Frog is actually good). Pandora ended up being a stunning theme park setting, and we’d except the same to hold true here–except the Princess and the Frog attraction will also have the excellent aforementioned music, characters, etc. and not just pretty visuals.
When I’m envisioning this new Princess and the Frog attraction in my head, it’s a longer version of Na’vi River Journey with a drop at the end, better music, and more varied settings. The same subdued vibe and impressionistic scenery, but hopefully with more dimensional set design, Audio Animatronics, and just more well-rounded overall.
Our main concern at this point is Disney allocating the proper time and budget to let Imagineering deliver a thoughtful, deliberate, and quality re-theming of the attraction. Our fear is that the attraction will be a ham-fisted overlay that doesn’t do its source material justice.
However, we’re willing to wait and see, withholding judgment for now. The concept art looks promising, and if the end result is a lavish and inventive Princess and the Frog attraction, that’s something we can most definitely get behind. Here’s hoping that Imagineering delivers and totally reinvents the iconic attraction!
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Your Thoughts
What do you think of Splash Mountain being rethemed to Princess and the Frog? Excited for Tiana and friends to finally have their own attraction at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, or will you be sad to see the Brer Critters vacate the Briar Patch? Do you agree or disagree with our commentary? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Us too. The way they are handling the re-opening and now this. We cancelled two trips, and booked a Royal Caribbean Cruise. Taking a Disney break. I might even stop reading these blogs and FB pages for a while. Its all such a bummer.
This is just so unnecessary and sad. Splash Mountain is a one the happiest and one of the absolute best rides on property. It is in a league all its own. There are so many things that desperately need to be updated, replaced, and fixed, yet they do this. Song of the South was released nearly 75 years ago. Nobody hardly remembers it or has seen it. The ride sequences, music and scenery have absolutely nothing to be offended about. Nothing! But I suppose in an era where it is OK for some people to trash and loot a Target store and destroy public property because they want change, Disney has to preemptively protect their vast holdings. In any event, there are so many other things that need to be fixed and updated: Figment, Expedition Everest, Spaceship Earth, Stitch, The Monorails, and basically all of Future World in Epcot. We also could use a nighttime parade in the Magic Kingdom. But no, they turn their attention to one of the best and most popular attractions they ever built. If the Princess and the Frog needs an attraction, I am sure they can find a spot to build a much-needed additional ride, instead of yet another restaurant or character meet and greet. BTW: I cannot remember the name of it but there is this creepy Disney story about a beautiful young girl, who gets separated from her father and held captive against her will in a creepy castle. But it was all cool in the end because she fell in love with her captor and went on to have a whole section of Fantasy Land devoted to her. That is sarcasm just in case.
well said Ken
Lol well said my friend, well said!
Love this post. Well said!
Well stated and I completely agree. What a sad and confusing time for all of us.
It’s not sad and confusing for me. Something is racist and no longer reflects the attitudes its owner wants to portray? Get rid of it. Not sad or confusing at all.
Except that it’s not in any way whatsoever racist. It’s a flume ride in a theme park. It’s a simple but classic story, similar to ones in every culture where a young person leaves home for better things, then realizes they were already home. If you project your own guilt onto something, that does not make it racist. As for you…
I think things in this world are getting way out of hand. Its absolutely ludicrous that Disney would cave to this nonsense. Its an animated, enjoyable, amazing, beautiful ride for EVERYONE. Now, think about the downtime for this ridiculous change and yet another ride some of us will undoubtedly not be able to experience during our next visit.. Is it really necessary? I’m not racist but at some point, we need to be a little more realistic and work on the real matters at hand and not a walt disney world ride that makes you smile.
Maureen. Maybe you should change your name to Karen? I love this ride so much, but the racist undertones can’t be ignored anymore. My son says that Disney’s intentions were pure when this ride was built, and I believe that. The ride and the movie were a sign of the times. But times have changed and (hopefully) most of us are evolving. The Princess and the Frog is a wonderful story and an inspiration to young African American girls all over the world. Why shouldn’t we have a ride that celebrates them as well? I look forward to my first trip down the mountain when the renovations are complete!
Well, with the name Heather, you have zero room to talk.
This sucks. Keep Splash Mountain.
I stated on another blog that I hoped they were able to keep some nostalgia from the original ride and was deemed a racist so I applaud you for giving your opinion because it is a very touchy subject. I love the original, I hope that they may be able to work in new lyrics to some of the songs but still keep zippity doo dah…..things like that. I’m hoping that’s since it’s not a retelling of the movie, but an extension, that that is part of the plan. I hope they keep the animatronics, and keep the older feel. I don’t want a new ride….but a revamp would be ok. I love the movie and was honestly hoping one day she may have her own ride! Truthfully, if we get to go on our trip next May, I just hope it’s open at this point.
I wonder if this change will satisfy all of those who are concerned with the racial prejudice of Song of the South. I mean, as ridiculous as this may sound, and don’t forget what we have seen over the last couple of weeks, who would want to be compared to a frog? I am really afraid, in light of what I have seen recently, that some people will still not be satisfied. There will always be naysayers and/or trolls that lurk among us. I like the idea and I hope for the sake of all those who will be putting into this all of their creative energies that it works well for all.
Sorry, but you will never convince me that even 1% of the people who visit Disney parks had any idea that Splash Mountain was based on a something that had racial implications long ago. So how can that be offensive enough to change? It’s only offensive because we live in a world now where EVERYTHING is offensive. We let the very vocal minority dictate everything we do. Give them an inch…
I just wonder what Walt would think. I totally understand but the whole park seems to be going through a lot of updates and people come also for the nostalgia so I hope they don’t change it too much
I had no idea. I just thought it was a ride made before Disney was DISNEY. I never even questioned where it came from. And I don’t buy for one second that this was part of a plan last year. If anything, last year they talked about an overhaul or revamp or something but I would not put any stock in the fact that it was always planned to be a princess and the frog retheme. Don’t get me wrong. I understand the desire to do it but just be honest about it.
WDW is a private company who is not forcing anybody to go there and ride Splash Mountain. Honestly I never even heard of Song of the South until this petition came up but if I had been that deeply offended By Disney the solution would’ve been simple. I simply would stop becoming a patron. No matter what they do or don’t do someone will somehow ALWAYS be “offended.” Not trying to be rude but if you disagree with Disney then just stop giving them your money and go to other theme parks throughout the country.
I hope they aesthetically tie it to Frontierland, so it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb.
In general, I dislike the push for more IPs in the parks, but I’m excited for this change. I really hope it’s a stunning overlay that doesn’t stand out as retrofitted. Because this is the first big Disney ride featuring predominantly non-white characters, I think it’s important that it’s of the highest quality. Hopefully, it’s going to be amazing and pleasantly surprise all the naysayers!
I will be selling BOTH of my DVC contacts with this news and will not be spending any more thousands of dollars at Disney world!
Princess and The Frog fits into Disneyland’s New Orleans Square perfectly. Wonder if Critter Country will be rethemed and become and extension of NOS. Love the idea of an attraction based on Princess and The Frog and I’m excited with reimagining Disneyland’s Splash Mountain because it also makes sense. However, WDW’s MK has theming issues in just about every land. Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland being the least questionable. Adventureland feels like a mismatched collection of hand me downs. Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square? Was George Washington’s house haunted? The antiquated version of Space Mountain, a cheap and wickedly thrashing carnival roller coaster track next to state of the art Tron? The concept art of the 2 structures throws me off. One dominates the other, and the other dominates the other one. You get it. And now an attraction based on Princess and The Frog in Frontier Land? Perhaps Disney is intending a mini-NOS in the middle of Frontier Land in the MK. Hope not.
@jon, agreed. First time I saw the movie, I thought it was a bit satanic with so much emphasis on voodoo, even if it does fit the culture.
For years Disney has always greased the squeaking wheel of Political Correctness. This change is lunacy and there is no end to it.
Totally agree.
Once again I can’t get the answer to the “when” of all of this. It isn’t bad enough that you must wear a mask and half the good snack stops on our yearly trip are being closed (and get to know if it’s permanent or not because that is unclear!) , but when is splash closing for the unnecessary remodel? It might be time to cancel my trip
Lisa, that’s what I am wondering too. It will certainly take 6+ months to completely redo the ride. It means it will probably closed most of 2021.
I am so excited for this! While many of us have fond memories of Splash Mountain, it’s been due for an update for a long time. The problematic history aside, many kids (and even adults) know nothing of the story aside from the catchy song. Bringing the ride into modern times with an amazing theme is a welcome change. I’m excited for the new adventure!
I think its a great idea. Kids nowadays have no reference for the animals in Splash Mountain or the zip a dee do dah song. I’m in my 40s and have never seen the original Song of the South movie. Splash Mountain was due for an upgrade after 30 years and this makes sense. Song of the South was always an odd choice for a ride theme anyway. It’s an old racist minstrel film and was long out of step with the culture even back when the ride originally opened. No one is anyone crying over the Frozen, Finding Nemo or Guardians of the Galaxy rethemed rides. Ultimately the ride will likely look great and people will forget about the old them immediate after it opens.
You say that it’s racist, But have you truly seen Song of the South or you just “trusting” what Disney says about it…. And splash mountain was”cobbled together”?? This is up there in the pinnacle of WDI!! One of the most beloved attractions of all time!
Disney has done everything in its power over the last 30+ years to keep you from seeing that movie. Isn’t that reason enough to “trust” them that it’s unfit for distribution? If the movie wasn’t flawed/problematic/[choose your adjective], it would be sold on blu-ray and streaming on Disney+.
Splash Mountain was absolutely cobbled together. Go read Tony Baxter’s memoirs about how he was trying to come up with a cost-effective use for the soon-to-be-retired America Sings animatronics, and realized that they could be repurposed to populate a critter-filled flume ride. Just because something was “cobbled together” doesn’t mean it can’t also be beloved (cobb salad, anyone?).
Isn’t Seven Dwarf Mine offensive to small people?
What, you mean like children? Or midgets?
As a stepmom, I have often joked that I have a bone to pick with Disney as they always make step mothers the murderous villain. Since I have thick skin, I honestly don’t let it bother me & just laugh about it. Still love Disney. (Although, I’m still grumpy about removing the red head auction from Pirates.)
next…we need to topple the Walt Disney statue. He was a well documented racist
I admire your sarcasm. A true talent. Honestly, don’t give em any ideas.
I know, Kay. I forget myself sometimes…
Well he’s not being sarcastic about Disney being a well-documented racist!
Why Princess and the Frog? Why not Mulan, Pocahantas or Alladin? Oh, right, we gave him magic carpets.
Sure, Steph, sure…
Wait @mrnico. You think a white man in mid-20th century America was not racist? The whole society was racist! However in Disney’s case it is pretty well documented also that he was individually racist–like no black employees allowed out front at Disneyland when it opened in 1955 and whispers of anti-Semitism also.
One of my favorite characters is Bree Rabbit. But if the theming of the ride makes anyone uncomfortable, I’m all for Princess and the Frog! (Truly underrated classic). I think it’sa good decision. And I look forward to the change. However, there are too many updates and thrill rides. I wish there was a classic Disney Park that is nostalgic lovers could visit because I fear Peoplemover and carousel of progress are next!
oh please… (eye roll)