For decades, Splash Mountain was a staple of Disney parks, offering guests an unforgettable mix of thrills, storytelling, and catchy tunes. But after being retired in 2023 due to its controversial ties to the 1946 film Song of the South, the ride was reimagined as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, celebrating the world of Disney’s first Black princess.
While many fans embraced the change, others mourned the loss of an attraction that had become an iconic piece of Disney history. Now, recent updates surrounding Tiana’s Bayou Adventure have reignited speculation about the possibility of Splash Mountain’s return—or at least a tribute to the original ride.
Related: Splash Mountain Replacement Gets Update at Magic Kingdom, Disney World Fans Speak Out
The Transition From Splash Mountain to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
When Disney announced in 2020 that Splash Mountain would be re-themed, the decision came as part of a broader effort to modernize the parks and ensure all guests felt included. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure promised to carry on the ride’s legacy of immersive storytelling while transporting guests into the vibrant world of The Princess and the Frog (2009). The attraction opened in 2024 at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, complete with an engaging storyline and colorful characters.
However, the transition wasn’t without its challenges. Technical difficulties, breakdowns, and mixed reviews from fans have plagued the ride’s debut. Many guests have praised its celebration of Tiana’s story, but others have lamented a perceived lack of the magic that made Splash Mountain so beloved.
The Latest Update Sparks Fan Speculation
The conversation around Splash Mountain was reignited when Disney recently announced the removal of the virtual queue system for the Disneyland version of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. This decision, coupled with reports of declining attendance and persistent technical issues, has left fans questioning the ride’s long-term future.
One fan, @BrerOswald, took to Twitter to share a theory that sparked debate within the Disney community:
I don’t think Splash Mountain will ever come back as it was.
I do however think that:
– TBA will get a band-aid overhaul that adds Dr Facilier and returns the “Splash Mountain” moniker (albeit with a Tiana subtitle)
– The original Splash Mountain will receive more tributes and retro merchandise (much like the old EPCOT rides do now)
– Zipadeedoodah will return to the parks, potentially even within the band-aid fix of TBA. It’s far too iconic and beloved of a song, and its association with that log flume is too hard to break.The narrative that Splash “needed to go” is already slipping, and Bayou Adventure isn’t even a year old. When most of the current regime is replaced, the company will publicly acknowledge it was a mistake (much like Journey Into Imagination), and they will throw fans a “bone” while not doing the proper thing of restoring the masterpiece as it was (also like Journey Into Imagination).
I don’t think Splash Mountain will ever come back as it was.
I do however think that:
– TBA will get a band-aid overhaul that adds Dr Facilier and returns the “Splash Mountain” moniker (albeit with a Tiana subtitle)
– The original Splash Mountain will receive more tributes and…— Brer Oswald (@BrerOswald) December 8, 2024
Related: Disney Legend Defends Splash Mountain: “Nothing in the Ride Was Detrimental”
The tweet quickly gained traction, with fans weighing in on whether Disney might acknowledge Splash Mountain’s legacy in a more direct way.
A Divided Fanbase
The reimagining of Splash Mountain has exposed a clear divide among Disney enthusiasts. Supporters of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure view the change as a necessary evolution, celebrating diversity and inclusivity. However, others feel the new ride doesn’t capture the same magic as its predecessor and argue that Splash Mountain’s historical significance within the parks has been undervalued.
Related: Architect Builds Splash Mountain In His Backyard
Criticism of Disney leadership, particularly CEO Bob Iger, has also resurfaced. Many fans blame Iger’s tenure for decisions they see as prioritizing corporate image over fan nostalgia. With Iger set to step down by 2026, some are wondering if new leadership might take a different approach to honoring Disney’s past.
A tweet from @ClckbaitCorless added another layer to the conversation:
As long as there are paid influencers like me, the odds are stacked against anything Splash ever returning. There is a reason Disney uses their paid influencers to try and form public opinion of others…
As long as there are paid influencers like me, the odds are stacked against anything Splash ever returning. There is a reason Disney uses their paid influencers to try and form public opinion of others…
— Clickbait Corless (@ClckbaitCorless) December 8, 2024
This perspective highlights the role of social media in shaping how fans perceive changes to beloved attractions.
Could Splash Mountain Return?
While a full return of Splash Mountain in its original form is highly unlikely, some fans believe Disney could reintroduce elements of the ride in creative ways. Limited-time tributes, merchandise releases, or even a reimagined version of the attraction blending elements of both Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Splash Mountain have all been floated as possibilities.
For now, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure remains a work in progress, with Disney Imagineers reportedly exploring ways to address guest feedback and enhance the ride’s appeal. Whether these efforts will be enough to sway critics remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Splash Mountain’s legacy is far from forgotten.
Do you think Splash Mountain deserves a comeback, or is it time to fully embrace Tiana’s Bayou Adventure? Share your thoughts and favorite memories of these iconic attractions below!
