Walt Disney World Resort has officially removed a subtle reference to Splash Mountain after keen-eyed guests spotted it at Magic Kingdom Park. The removal comes months after Splash Mountain was transformed into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, inspired by The Princess and the Frog (2009).
While many Disney Parks fans were pleased with the decision to update the ride and replace the controversial Song of the South (1946) storyline, some remained nostalgic about the decades-old attraction. When fans discovered merchandise that featured traces of the old Splash Mountain, Disney acted quickly to remove it.
In the months since Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened at Magic Kingdom Park, guests found traces of Splash Mountain on log-flume toys and a 3D picture frame sold at the Critter Co-Op store. These items featured the old Splash Mountain log, complete with a wooden Br’er Rabbit head at the front.
Initially, there had been speculation that Disney might leave some references to Splash Mountain in place based on early concept art and merchandise featuring the old characters. However, Br’er Rabbit and his friends had disappeared completely when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened.
According to WDWNT, Walt Disney World Resort has begun phasing out the Br’er Rabbit head from Magic Kingdom Park’s Tiana’s Bayou Adventure merchandise. While some of the old merchandise can still be found at Critter Co-Op, these items are quickly running out as Disney works to clear out the remaining stock. Guests hoping to purchase these nostalgic items will have to act fast before they disappear altogether.
The final remnants of Splash Mountain can still be found in the queue for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. A set of fox, bear, rabbit, and frog figurines remains on a shelf in the prop kitchen area, offering a subtle nod to Br’er Fox, Br’er Frog, Br’er Rabbit, and Br’er Bear from the original Song of the South attraction. Additionally, a riverboat figurine that echoes the one seen in Splash Mountain’s iconic finale remains as a quiet tribute to the ride’s history.
Do you prefer the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure toy with or without the Splash Mountain reference? Disney Dining would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
