Sponsor Officially Drops Final Version of Splash Mountain, Tiana Transformation Inevitable

We’re officially down to just one version of Splash Mountain, but it seems like even this attraction’s days may be numbered after a recent update.

The log flume attraction first opened at Disneyland in 1989, combining whimsical animatronics, sing-along tunes, and a dramatic five-story plunge. Based on Song of the South, the 1946 film that Disney has since locked away for its racist stereotypes and portrayal of plantation life, the ride’s appeal was always shadowed by controversy.

Its success led to twin versions at Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland in 1992, both recreating Br’er Rabbit’s adventures in the Briar Patch set to the iconic tune of “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah.”

But in 2020, amid growing conversations about representation, Disney announced that Splash Mountain would be reimagined as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, inspired by the 2009 film The Princess and the Frog. The company described the shift as part of its ongoing efforts to create more inclusive experiences across its parks.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure follows Princess Tiana and Louis the alligator on a musical journey through the Louisiana bayou, featuring state-of-the-art animatronics, new songs, and returning voice actors such as Anika Noni Rose. The ride retains Splash Mountain’s layout but replaces its story, setting, and soundtrack entirely, leaving Tokyo as the last park to feature the original attraction.

At Tokyo Disneyland, Splash Mountain remains largely unchanged, still boasting its 1990s design and soundtrack.

Yet, recent developments suggest its time may be running out.

A Turning Point for Tokyo Disneyland’s Splash Mountain

Kao Corporation, a longtime sponsor of the ride, has quietly ended its partnership.

While the company continues to sponsor Toy Story Mania! at Tokyo DisneySea and various hand-washing areas across the resort, it is no longer listed as a sponsor for Splash Mountain, sparking speculation about the reason behind the move.

For years, rumors have circulated that Disney wants Tokyo Disneyland to retire the attraction. However, negotiations between Disney and the Oriental Land Company (OLC) — which owns and operates the resort — have reportedly stalled over who should pay for a potential retheme.

Some reports allege that Disney has begun restricting the use of Splash Mountain’s music and reducing related merchandise, moves some fans view as subtle pressure on OLC to act.

Tokyo Disneyland has historically resisted some of the sensitivity updates made in other parks. For example, its Pirates of the Caribbean still includes the original “we wants the redhead” scene, which was altered years ago at Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, and Disneyland Paris.

The odds of seeing any sensitivity updates to Haunted Mansion – which is the subject of much discussion at Disneyland and Disney World for its inclusion of a man hanging from a noose in the stretching room pre-show – also feel pretty slim.

Even so, signs of change are emerging. The closure of Splash Mountain’s gift shop, Hoot & Holler Hideout, in November 2024 raised fresh concerns about the ride’s future.

Do you think Tokyo Disneyland should axe its version of Splash Mountain?