Report Claims Final Splash Mountain Scene Will Be “Drastically Altered” 

Splash Mountain fans have been gutted since the last log flume plunged into the briar patch at Disneyland’s Critter Country. Voted the most popular ride at Disney even after its demise, according to MagicGuides, the banished Splash Mountain attraction continues to be erased from the Disney Parks after its tree stump held court for the last 34 years.

With relics like the penny press machine gradually being extracted from the Parks, more progress is being made on its replacement: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Disney Parks social media accounts proudly presented the most extensive Guest-facing installment of the new ride based on Princess Tiana’s continued journey from The Princess and the Frog (2009).

A tiara-topped water tower is now prominent in Disney’s Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, outfitted with two stars representing Ray and Evangeline. The front of the water tower reads, “Tiana’s Foods,” introducing Guests to the princess’s culinary empire, while the back says, “Never lose sight of what’s important.”

Disney fanatics have more information about the attraction’s transformation than ever but are still anticipating how—and if—the new ride pays homage to Br’er Rabbit. According to a recent report, Splash Mountain fans might be disappointed about changes to the final scene.

Ferry Well

One of the most iconic scenes from the Splash Mountain ride was the final one, with the largest animated prop in any Disney Park. Splash Mountain Archives, a fan account for the erased ride, shared an update alleging the eradication of the beloved scene:

I can now confirm that the Splash Mountain finale scene will be drastically altered. The Showboat has been dismantled and will be replaced with the facade of Tiana’s Palace

I can now confirm that the Splash Mountain finale scene will be drastically altered. The Showboat has been dismantled and will be replaced with the facade of Tiana’s Palace #SplashMountain #Disneyland #WaltDisneyWorld pic.twitter.com/7Yuk53TkMb

— Splash Mountain Archives (@splasharchive) July 6, 2023

With nostalgia driving the fandom for many Disney Guests, changes to classic attractions aren’t always welcome. Despite Frozen (2013) dominating the movie scene, its replacement of the Norway Pavilion attraction Maelstrom still has fans lamenting it. On the same token, fans have hesitated to get behind the retheme for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

Fans believed the showboat would fit nicely into the New Orleans theme for the Princess Tiana journey, but according to this account, that won’t be the case.

All-New Animatronics

Splash Mountain Archives also shared an update about the new technology imparted into the Bayou’s animatronics:

The amount of figures within the scene has also changed, with just a mere 6 compared to the 26 previous figures. The 6 are all A1000 AA Figures, the newest generation of Audio Animatronics

The amount of figures within the scene has also changed, with just a mere 6 compared to the 26 previous figures. The 6 are all A1000 AA Figures, the newest generation of Audio Animatronics #SplashMountain #Disneyland #WaltDisneyWorld pic.twitter.com/rr0QDp8j7M

— Splash Mountain Archives (@splasharchive) July 6, 2023

While these claims could be valid, it’s essential to take them with a grain of salt until confirmed by Walt Disney World. However, Splash Mountain Archives has a rich library of the attraction’s history. It’s hard to judge the pieces of the ride’s puzzle until they all come together, and there are undeniable elements of the new ride to look forward to.

Mama Odie, Louis the jazz-playing alligator, Prince Ralphie, Prince Naveen, Anika Nonie Rose reprising her role as Tiana, and Award-Winning music stars curating the music for the attraction are all highlights. Walt Disney Imagineering will likely continue introducing updates for the new Bayou adventure, but Splash Mountain fans may have to see their favorite scene gone for good.