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We previously shared the news that Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom Park, as well as Splash Mountain at Disneyland Park, closed for refurbishment last month. Now, Walt Disney World Resort’s Splash Mountain is gearing up for its reopening later this week… and yes, it’s still themed to Song of the South (1946).
RELATED: Splash Mountain Without Water?
Both Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom and Disneyland closed on January 10, 2022. While Disneyland Park Guests will need to wait for Splash Mountain to reopen on March 7, 2022, Walt Disney World Guests are looking forward to this Friday, February 10, when the attraction is scheduled to reopen.
We’re seeing some Disney fan confusion however as some believe the reopening will have us saying goodbye to Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox, and Br’er Bear. Well, we’re here to tell you that Disney noted the closure of Splash Mountain was due to “routine maintenance”.
RELATED: Voice Actor of Splash Mountains’ Brer Rabbit Weighs In on the Ride’s Re-Imagining
Every year, Disney closes the beloved boat ride attraction for routine maintenance during the cooler months when many would pass on plummeting into chilly water anyway. The question however for many Disney fans is WHEN will Splash Mountain close for its BIG refurbishment.
Disney Imagineers shared the news that Splash Mountain’s Song of the South theme would be removed to provide a more “inclusive” ride experience due to the racial tones in the old 1946 Disney film. Many Guests aren’t thrilled to say goodbye to favorites like “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” and “Ev’rybody’s Got a Laughing Place.” Other Guests are ready to see Princess Tiana step in.
RELATED: Imagineer Bob Weis Discusses Splash Mountain Reimagining To “Princess and the Frog”
Disney’s reimagining of Splash Mountain to The Princess and the Frog (2009) theme is happening, but Disney hasn’t shared much beyond a few art renderings as we await the answer to when we can expect Splash Mountain to undergo refurbishment for the new theme. Despite Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products sharing in November 2020 that the revamp is being expedited, all remains the same.
We do know that when Splash Mountain reopens after its “routine maintenance”, we expect to see all the usual Song of the South friends in place for now. Are you ready for the New Orleans reimagining of the attraction or prefer to keep the nostalgic theme around?
