OpEd: Disney Should Auction Off Pieces of Splash Mountain

As Splash Mountain closes its door to Disney World and Disneyland Guests, so too will many of the set pieces that created the zip-a-dee-doo-dah scenes fade away. And while many of the animal animatronics will probably be repurposed by Walt Disney Imagineers for the attraction’s re-theme, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, not everything will be repurposed.

After reading about how one fan was caught trying to steal something from the log flume ride, a thought popped into my head: Why not auction off the unused pieces of the ride?

In the same way that pieces of the original Yankee Stadium were auctioned off for collectors, I have no doubt that a Splash Mountain auction would be an incredible success. Die-hard fans dedicated to preserving their favorite Disney Park ride will line up physically and digitally to purchase the one-of-a-kind memorabilia. The items can vary in size and obvious relevance, from the actual animatronic of Mr. Blue Bird to the vegetables and fake grass scattered throughout.

An official auction will also help Disney rake in some extra money which it could utilize for charities, as well as maintain its initial control over the products rather than surrendering it to third-party markets.

Granted, some stuff should be saved by Disney, like at least one scene featuring Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Bear, and Br’er Fox, and at least one log boat should be preserved. But there will be plenty of stuff left over that Disney fans would go crazy for and will be one of the most bragged-about pieces in their collection.

It should be noted that Disney has no plans right now to auction or sell off the ride pieces at this time. Splash Mountain will drop its final Guests down Chick-a-pin Hill in both Critter Country, Disneyland Park, and Frontierland, Magic Kingdom Park, by January 23, 2023. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is expected to welcome Guests of both Disney Theme Parks in late 2024. 

Related: Here’s How Fans Can Still Experience Splash Mountain After January 23

We at Disney Fanatic will continue to update our readers on Disney Parks news and stories as more developments come to light.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s and may not reflect the sentiments of Disney Fanatic as a whole.