Summary
Anybody excited about an upcoming WaltDisneyWorld or Disneyland trip may want to take note. Progress on thePrincess and the Frogreplacement for Splash Mountain is coming along, and now fans can get their first peek at one of the brand-new audio-animatronics set to debut with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
In 2020, technically 3 years ago but roughly 80 years ago in emotion time,Disneyannounced they would officially beclosing the Splash Mountain ride and replacing itwith a new one named Tiana’s Bayou Adventure based on the animated hitThe Princess and the Frog. Some understandably opposed the decision, as this was one of the oldest rides in the parks. But the response was largely positive, seeing as Splash Mountain was themed after the racially problematicSong of the South.
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That was 3 years ago. Now, Disney has finally offered the first look at one of the audio-animatronics that will be featured on the new ride. The officialDisney Parks TikTokrecently unveiled a video of the work-in-progress, revealing a skeletal animatronic in the unmistakable shape of Louis the trumpet-playing alligator fromThe Princess and the Frog. Fans of the film will immediately recognize the shape of the character, assuming they can get past the eldritch horror of seeing him as a mechanical monstrosity. But hey, he’s got a Hidden Mickey in there.
Some fans may be uncertain if closing the iconic ride was worth it.Splash Mountain was such a storied presence at the Disney Parks, so something new would need to have the effort put in. Luckily, this behind-the-scenes footage seems to bode well. For one, those particularly familiar with certain aspects of the parks will immediately note that the Louis animatronic appears to be fully mechanical rather than using a face projection that’s been favored in recent years. Granted, it would probably be difficult to do a character like Louis through projection, but it could still be a good sign.
Walt Disney World is no stranger to closing rides, just like Disneyland and its other sibling parks across the globe. But this may be one of the most buzz-worthy closures and replacements in years. There’s no denying that Splash Mountain continued to charm riders even to its final days, which is no small feat given its decades of operation and poorly-aged inspiration. Understandably, many fans may have difficulty accepting such a significant change.
However,The Princess and the Frogwas an inspired choice for the replacement, inspiring several imaginative possibilities. Some may argue it isn’t asuper popular Disney franchise, making it a poor choice. But if Splash Mountain can resurrect a 40-year-old movie in 1989 and keep it relevant for another 30, then Tiana’s Bayou Adventure should have no problem.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is set to open at WaltDisneyWorld and Disneyland in 2024.
