Disney is preparing to temporarily shut down a piece of theme park history.
For decades, Splash Mountain was among the most recognizable attractions at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. The log flume ride combined elaborate Audio-Animatronics scenes with a dramatic five-story plunge, becoming a staple of Disney’s theme parks following its debut in 1989.
That changed in 2020, when Disney announced plans to overhaul both American versions of the attraction. The decision followed years of criticism over Splash Mountain’s connection to Song of the South (1946), a controversial Disney film that has never received a home video release in the United States.
Disney subsequently retired Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom in January 2023, before closing Disneyland’s version four months later. Both attractions were transformed into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, replacing the original characters and soundtrack with elements inspired by The Princess and the Frog (2009).
However, one version of Splash Mountain survived the overhaul. Now, Disney has confirmed that the last remaining original attraction will also close to guests in January.
Disney Confirms Splash Mountain Closure for Early 2027
Tokyo Disneyland will temporarily close Splash Mountain on January 7, 2027, leaving Disney without an operating version of the original attraction for nearly a month.
According to the park’s official refurbishment calendar, the ride will remain closed through February 4, 2027. It is scheduled to reopen on February 5, meaning the shutdown is temporary rather than another permanent retirement.
Opened in October 1992, Tokyo Disneyland’s Splash Mountain is located in Critter Country, where it has remained a popular attraction for more than three decades.
Unlike the former American versions, the ride still features Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox, and Br’er Bear. Guests follow the characters through a series of scenes before plunging 52 feet down a waterfall at a 45-degree angle.
The attraction lasts approximately 15 minutes and accommodates eight guests per log. It also offers Disney Premier Access, allowing visitors to purchase access to a designated ride time.
Splash Mountain will join several other Tokyo Disneyland attractions undergoing maintenance in January. Peter Pan’s Flight and Jungle Cruise: Wildlife Expeditions will close on January 6, while Haunted Mansion will shut down on January 8.
January is also one of Tokyo’s coldest months, with average daytime temperatures hovering around 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). Nighttime temperatures regularly approach freezing, making winter a particularly chilly time to experience the park’s water attractions.
The attraction previously closed for a similar period of time in early 2026.
Although Disney has not specified the work taking place during Splash Mountain’s refurbishment, the scheduled reopening indicates that its original storyline will remain intact for now.
What Happens to Disney’s Final Splash Mountain?
Tokyo Disneyland’s Splash Mountain has repeatedly faced rumors of an impending transformation, particularly since Disney announced the retirement of its two American counterparts.
However, the Japanese resort operates under a different arrangement. Tokyo Disney Resort is owned and operated by the Oriental Land Company, which licenses Disney’s characters and intellectual property rather than being owned directly by The Walt Disney Company.
Reports have suggested that Disney has pushed for Tokyo’s Splash Mountain to receive a similar overhaul, although disagreements over the financial responsibility for the project have allegedly complicated negotiations. Neither company has publicly confirmed plans for a replacement.
Several smaller changes have nevertheless attracted attention.
In November 2024, Splash Mountain’s gift shop closed permanently. The attraction subsequently lost its Kao Corporation sponsorship in 2025, while a sign featuring the Song of the South song “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” was removed in early 2026.
Meanwhile, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has experienced a mixed reception in the United States.
Magic Kingdom debuted the reimagined attraction in June 2024, followed by Disneyland in November. The ride follows Princess Tiana and Louis as they search for musicians ahead of a Mardi Gras celebration, with new animatronics and original music.
Some guests have criticized the removal of Splash Mountain’s original story, while others have expressed disappointment that Disney excluded The Princess and the Frog villain Dr. Facilier and his song “Friends on the Other Side.”
The attraction has also experienced technical problems. Magic Kingdom’s version suffered repeated operational disruptions ahead of its official opening, while reports of malfunctioning animatronics continued into 2026.
In August 2026, guests reported multiple broken show elements, adding to earlier complaints about missing characters and animatronic malfunctions.
Disney World’s Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is now scheduled to close for refurbishment on November 2, 2026. The attraction is expected to resume operations in December, although Disney has not announced a specific reopening date.
Tokyo Disneyland, meanwhile, has made no announcement suggesting that its Splash Mountain will receive a similar transformation during the upcoming January closure.
For guests hoping to experience the last original version, January 6 will be the final opportunity before the refurbishment begins. The ride is then scheduled to return on February 5, 2027.
Whether Splash Mountain eventually disappears from Disney’s theme parks permanently remains to be seen.
Do you think Tokyo Disneyland should keep its original Splash Mountain or replace it with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?
