Disney Says It’s Going To Take A Little Time To Revamp Splash Mountain to Princess & the Frog Theme

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

It’s been well over a year now since Disney first announced the ever-so-popular Splash Mountain attraction in Magic Kingdom would be reimagined to The Princess and The Frog theme. When the news broke on June 25, 2020, the response from Disney fans seemed about a 50/50 split as many Disney fans wish the iconic attraction would remain the same, while others are all for the removal of the Song of the South elements. Fan petitions went out in favor of the attraction’s reimagining while another went against any changes. And after a year plus now, we have yet to see any changes in Splash Mountain.

Last fall, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products shared the company’s new approaches to operations and inclusion in the wake of 2020 via a keynote session of IAAPA Expo Virtual Education Conference. One key note included was that the reimagining of Splash Mountain has been expedited. With new information however from Disney’s Vice President of Magic Kingdom, it looks like the attraction reimagining may still be farther off than we suspected, noting that the revamping of Splash Mountain is going to take a little time.

As reported by OrlandoSentinel: “Melissa Valiquette, vice president of Magic Kingdom, talks with Orlando Sentinel tourism reporter Dewayne Bevil about upcoming changes at the Disney World park. Melissa dishes on the golden vibe guests can expect at the 50th-anniversary celebration, including “Disney Enchantment,” the new nighttime spectacular, and the 50 golden character statues spread across Disney World’s four theme parks. She also discusses Tron, Jungle Cruise and the revamping of Splash Mountain. Melissa asks for some patience as Splash Mountain transitions from “Song of the South” theme to “The Princess and the Frog,” “Our Guests are going to have to put a little bit of trust into us for a bit because we promise not to let you down. We’re going to deliver a wonderful attraction that is inspiring and beautiful and worthy of this princess, Princess Tiana.”

New Building Permit Filed for Splash Mountain in Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Via Allears.net

Disney World has been pushing forward with projects all over the property, whether it’s Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure or the Star Wars hotel.

And, the newest Disney permit may be giving us a look at what’s to come in the parks!

Disney has filed a permit through its internal construction firm, Buena Vista Construction Company, to move forward with work on Splash Mountain.

The permit lists that it will “provide labor, material, and/or electrical for construction” at the attraction. While this could be routine maintenance that Splash Mountain usually goes through at this time of the year, the permit is notable as Disney has stated their intention to fast-track the new Princess and the Frog re-theme.

A permit for Pirates of the Caribbean was filed at the same time, so it’s possible that the plan could be for routine maintenance.

However, we’ll be sure to update you on the construction happening at Splash Mountain soon! 

Guests Evacuated From Splash Mountain at the Magic Kingdom on New Year’s Eve

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Via wdwnt.com

Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom wrapped up its difficult year of 2020 with an evacuation late on New Year’s Eve.

The ride was stopped at around 9:15 PM, though My Disney Experience still listed it as having a 35 minute wait.

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Several logs were backed up in areas. Work lights were turned on inside and Cast Members were visible evacuating guests.

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We learned in June 2020 that Splash Mountain at both Magic Kingdom and Disneyland would soon be re-themed to The Princess and the Frog, though no date for the re-theming has been announced. 

Voice Actor of Splash Mountains’ Brer Rabbit Weighs In on the Ride’s Re-Imagining

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Voice actor and singer, Jess Harnell, is known for voicing attractions at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. The most popular voice role for Harnell is for Splash Mountains’ popular character, Brer Rabbit. As Disney prepares to re-imagine Splash Mountain to a Princess and the Frog theme, Disney recently noted the project is being expedited. Harnell weighs in with his thoughts on the ride’s re-imagining.

“[Splash Mountain] is really, really dear to my heart, because it was the first character voice job I ever did, and I did most of the voices on that ride,” Harnell told ComicBook.com. “And it gave me a great sense of joy knowing that wherever I was, sleeping, awake, whatever condition I was in at that time, somebody somewhere in the world was on Splash Mountain, and hopefully it was making them happy. I loved that idea. Since, then I’ve gone on to do a lot of other stuff at the Disney parks. Those are still going to be there.”

“I’ve had the experience of looking down from above on the Main Street Electrical Parade, watching kids’ faces light up when voices I did come out,” Harnell continued. “And there’s no greater feeling. To know that you gave people that happiness. Now, personally, I don’t believe that Splash Mountain was offensive, and I don’t believe that it alluded to anything offensive, but if it’s going to upset people or make people feel bad about something terrible, then I get it. I’m sorry to see it go, because I loved it. It was an honor to be involved, and I’m happy I had that chance. But I don’t want to be a part of anything that makes anybody hurt.”

Disney has yet to announce a date for Splash Mountain’s closure for re-imagining to begin.

Splash Mountain Reimagining Has Been Expedited

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

On November 16, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products shared the company’s new approaches to operations and inclusion in the wake of 2020 via a keynote session of IAAPA Expo Virtual Education Conference. One key note included was that the reimagining of Splash Mountain has been expedited.

As shared by IAAPA.org: “We believe that truly inclusive environment is critical to fostering ideas from all people to help us grow, innovate, and create the best stories possible,” D’Amaro said. More information about Disney’s backstage commitment to inclusivity will be rolling out in the next few months. Guest facing changes, like the reimagining of “Splash Mountain,” have been expedited to ensure that all who visit the company’s parks do feel welcome as well.