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End of an Era: Final Splash Mountain Faces Uncertain Future as Closure Looms

tokyo-disney-splash-mountain
Credit: Disney

It seems like the days could be numbered for the final version of Splash Mountain.

After decades of operation, in 2020, The Walt Disney Company announced plans to close Splash Mountain at both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom.

Former Disney attraction Splash Mountain

Credit: Disney

The ride’s original theme, inspired by Song of the South (1946), had long been criticized for its racial stereotypes and romanticized portrayal of the post-Civil War South. Although the ride was a popular attraction, Disney faced growing pressure from fans and advocacy groups who argued that the narrative it was based on no longer fit the company’s vision of diversity and representation.

In its place, Disney announced plans to replace the ride with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a new experience centered around The Princess and the Frog (2009) and featuring Princess Tiana, Disney’s first Black princess.

But the new attraction hasn’t had the smoothest debut. Walt Disney World’s version, which opened in June, has faced frequent technical issues, and the version at Disneyland in Anaheim – which is currently in preview mode for Annual Passholders and cast members – seems to be encountering similar challenges.

Splash Mountain Disneyland

Credit: Disney

Another Upcoming Splash Mountain Closure

Currently, Tokyo Disney Resort is home to the last remaining Splash Mountain. This version, which is extremely similar to the one at Walt Disney World but with four drops instead of five, has not yet been given a closure date.

Tokyo Disney Resort, operated by the Oriental Land Company (OLC), is somewhat independent of Disney’s corporate decision-making. This has allowed them to keep elements of certain attractions, like the “we wants the redhead” scene in Pirates of the Caribbean, which has been removed from other parks.

However, rumors suggest that discussions between Walt Disney Imagineering and the OLC about a potential retheming of Splash Mountain are underway, with the main question being who will cover the costs.

Disney Splash Mountain

Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort

Adding to the speculation, Tokyo Disneyland has today announced via its official website that the Splash Mountain gift shop, Hoot & Holler Hideout, will permanently close on November 30, 2024. Although there’s currently no official explanation for the closure, it doesn’t exactly bode well for the ride’s future.

It follows a string of other closures at Tokyo Disney Resort. In July, Space Mountain closed for good to make way for a bigger, better version of the indoor roller coaster. Meanwhile, October 31 will mark the final day for Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters as the park prepares to debut Disney’s first-ever Wreck-It Ralph (2012) ride.

How do you feel about the final version of Splash Mountain finally closing?

About Chloe James

Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She's obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney's next Muppets project.

One comment

  1. I think it’s terrible that Disney bends to the needs of a vast minority of people and ignores the wishes of the majority. As a former annual pass holder the decisions made by the “new” Disney way of thinking has slowly destroyed the magic.

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