Splash Mountain Redo: Disney Embraces Princess And The Frog Theme

ANAHEIM, CA — Splash Mountain will have a new look in the future after falling under scrutiny for its original story-line. The log-flume attraction, based on the animated characters from the 1946 feature film "Song of the South," was criticized for having a "history and storyline ... steeped in extremely problematic and stereotypical racist tropes."

Park officials on Thursday announced the 'Critter Country' attraction will be "completely transformed" into a 'Princess and the Frog' experience. The call for change began as an homage to George Floyd's death in Minneapolis, and the worldwide Black Lives Matter movement, though the idea for updating Splash Mountain is over a year old.

While there is no date yet set for a relaunch of the Splash Mountain ride, the news came one day after Disneyland Resort announced a delay of reopening the theme park in the time of coronavirus.

Disney Imagineers have been "developing a 'Princess and the Frog' backstory to update the Splash Mountain attraction since 2019," a park spokesperson said.

Re-imagining rides at Disneyland Resorts is not new. Walt Disney, himself, referred to the updating of rides as "plussing," a park spokesperson says. It all starts with the idea of elevating the guest's experience and keeping things relevant.

The new story will take off just after the final kiss from the film, as Princess Tiana and her prince prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance. Expect to see other characters from the film, such as Mama Odie and Louis.

According to Anika Noni Rose, the voice of Princess Tiana, shared her delight at the proposed plans, saying Tiana's presence in both Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom, "will finally be fully realized," and that fans will be "over the moon!"

Actress Jenifer Lewis, who voiced Mama Odie, also spoke out.

"The image of Mama Odie, in the fairy godmother role, truly reflected the New Orleans Black bayou tradition of the revered wise woman," she said. "I am thrilled that 'The Princess and The Frog' is being honored for the joy it has brought to millions of Disney fans."

"The retheming of Splash Mountain is of particular importance today," a statement posted to the Disney Parks Blog reads. "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."

Change is, after all, a part of Disney culture.

Imagineers frequently go to work envisioning changes at the park, in keeping with the times.

The animatronic characters in Splash Mountain were all recast from the popular 1970s and 80s original theater in the round "America Sings," where the current "Star Wars Launch Bay" sits.

Other rides that have seen changes include the much-revised "Pirates of the Caribbean," which was updated to include Captain Jack Sparrow.

The Tower of Terror, though much beloved for its "Twilight Zone" beginnings, was revamped to "Guardians Of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout!" A toe-hold into the new Marvel-themed land, currently under construction.

Walt Disney Imagineer Charita Carter is the senior creative producer leading the "Princess and the Frog" project.

"Like Princess Tiana, I believe that courage and love are the key ingredients for wonderful adventures," Carter shared on the Disney Parks Blog. "I am delighted to be a part of bringing this fun-filled experience to our guests."