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Four-Hour Wait Times Anticipated for Permanently-Closing Disney Attraction

Splash Mountain
Credit: Disney

It’s officially “time to be movin’ along” from Disney’s signature attraction set to close its doors forever today.

In Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park, Guests bid adieu to a central attraction for decades. Splash Mountain shut down on January 23, 2023, after Disney took a stand to dispel the Park from the racially insensitive film The Song of the South on which the ride was based.

Cooky animations and catchy tunes weren’t enough to overcome the dark history of the film, and Disney Parks decided it was time to adjust to the cultural sensitivities of this day and age. With construction underway for Splash Mountain’s transformation into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Disney Guests still had a chance to board the banished log flume ride on the west coast.

Splash Mountain Disneyland

Credit: Disney

Related: Disney Announces Second Splash Mountain Closure Date!

Months after Magic Kingdom’s attraction closed, Disneyland’s Critter Country held onto the famous Splash Mountain. But as of today, May 30, Disney Guests will have their last opportunity to get on the ride.

After what’s typically a crowded Memorial Day Weekend, Disneyland Guests could see hefty wait times for Splash Mountain. If Walt Disney World was any indication with its four-hour-long queues, snagging a last-minute ride on Splash Mountain will take some serious planning.

Not to mention Guests have shown their Splash Mountain commitment in some questionable ways—drinking unsanitary water from the popular attraction. Critter Country might look a bit chaotic today if Disneyland Guests share the same dedication.

Splash Mountain Farewell

Credit: Disney

What’s Coming Around the Mountain

While the closure of Splash Mountain might have some nostalgic Disney enthusiasts far away from their “laughin’ place,” there’s something around the corner for Guests to look forward to.

In December 2022, Disney released a first look at the attraction springing into Splash Mountain’s place. Called “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure,” the ride will serve as a sequel to the plot from The Princess and the Frog, featuring a Mardis Gras-inspired story.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure

Credit: Disney

Guests will help Tiana uncover a “secret” ingredient lost in the Bayou, and Disney Parks Blog shared exciting features swimming into the space:

  • All-new Disney characters
  • Plenty of new Audio-Animatronics figures
  • Talented, adorable critters who bring the flavors of gumbo to Guests
  • Favorite songs from the film in addition to original music
  • The mouth-watering scent of beignets

In addition to whimsical details, fan-favorite voices will reprise their roles from the film, including Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, Michael Leon Wooley as Louis, and the one and only Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana. Guests will see appearances from Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Mama Odie, Louis, Eudora, Charlotte, “Big Daddy,” the King and Queen of Maldonia, and Prince Ralphie.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is set to open in 2024, but in the meantime, the clock has run out on Disneyland’s Splash Mountain.

About Kaitlin Morelli

A Disney World Guest since before she could walk, Kaitlin is a Jersey girl and former Virginia Tech Hokie. When she's not listening to the 'Moana' soundtrack on repeat with her baby daughter, she's writing, singing, and strumming the ukulele. Kaitlin is passionate about finding the best Disney Park tips n' tricks and moments when pop culture and Disney collide. She's looking forward to eventually taking her first Disney trip with her favorite fan in the making: her daughter.

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