One of Disney’s hottest attractions is getting an update! This week, the parks announced that Splash Mountain would undergo a transformation into a new Tiana-themed ride at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
Released in 2009, The Princess and the Frog was the first musical to feature a black princess, and it’s time for the leading lady to get her own ride. While still under development, Imagineers have released that the attraction will pick up after the final kiss, and will follow Princess Tiana and Louis on an adventure as they prepare for their first Mardi Gras performance, showcasing music from the film.
photo: Courtesy of Disney
In a Disney blog post, the company states “The new concept is inclusive – one that all of our guests can connect with and be inspired by, and it speaks to the diversity of the millions of people who visit our parks each year.” The ride will be set in the Louisiana Bayou with a working title of New Adventures with Princess Tiana.
The reimagining of the attraction will mean that the Splash Mountain moniker will be retired forever, along with Br’er Rabbit and other animal icons. The attraction’s theme was originally derived from the musical, Song of the South, a controversial film with racist imagery that is not even available on Disney+.
While the timing of these changes couldn’t be more fitting given the recent protests across the United States, Disney has actually considered revamping the ride for over five years. “It’s important that our guests see themselves in the experiences we create,” says Carmen Smith, Creative Development and Inclusive Strategies Executive.
––Karly Wood
Feature photo: Matthew Freeman via Flickr
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