Splash Mountain, once a cornerstone of Disney’s theme parks, has continued to stir passionate reactions long after its closure. With a history spanning over three decades, the ride was beloved for its thrilling log flume experience and memorable characters. However, its ties to the controversial 1946 film Song of the South led Disney to announce in 2020 that Splash Mountain would be reimagined as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, based on the 2009 animated hit The Princess and the Frog.
Related: Last Remaining Splash Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland May Be Replaced Soon
Now, with recent changes to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and fan speculation heating up, some are wondering if Splash Mountain—or at least a version of it—might make a surprising return.
The Journey from Splash Mountain to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
First opening in 1989 at Disneyland and 1992 at Walt Disney World, Splash Mountain quickly became a fan favorite for its catchy songs, including “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah,” and its mix of thrills and storytelling. However, as public scrutiny of Song of the South grew, Disney faced increasing criticism for maintaining the ride’s connection to the film. In response, the company announced plans during the pandemic to retire Splash Mountain and introduce Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a reimagining set in the vibrant world of New Orleans.
After much anticipation, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure debuted in 2024 at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. While many applauded the new theme, others lamented what they felt was the loss of an irreplaceable classic.
Mixed Reactions to the New Attraction
Since opening, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has faced its share of challenges. Some fans have expressed disappointment, claiming that the attraction lacks the same charm and magic as its predecessor. Technical issues and frequent breakdowns have only fueled frustrations.
Most recently, Disney announced the removal of the virtual queue system for the Disneyland version of the ride, a surprising move given its short run. Speculation about declining popularity has prompted fans to revisit the debate over whether retiring Splash Mountain was the right choice.
A tweet from user @BrerOswald captured the sentiment of many nostalgic fans:
I don’t think Splash Mountain will ever come back as it was.
I do however think that:
– TBA will get a band-aid overhaul that adds Dr Facilier and returns the “Splash Mountain” moniker (albeit with a Tiana subtitle)
– The original Splash Mountain will receive more tributes and retro merchandise (much like the old EPCOT rides do now)
– Zipadeedoodah will return to the parks, potentially even within the band-aid fix of TBA. It’s far too iconic and beloved of a song, and its association with that log flume is too hard to break.The narrative that Splash “needed to go” is already slipping, and Bayou Adventure isn’t even a year old. When most of the current regime is replaced, the company will publicly acknowledge it was a mistake (much like Journey Into Imagination), and they will throw fans a “bone” while not doing the proper thing of restoring the masterpiece as it was (also like Journey Into Imagination).
I don’t think Splash Mountain will ever come back as it was.
I do however think that:
– TBA will get a band-aid overhaul that adds Dr Facilier and returns the “Splash Mountain” moniker (albeit with a Tiana subtitle)
– The original Splash Mountain will receive more tributes and…— Brer Oswald (@BrerOswald) December 8, 2024
Related: Splash Mountain Has Been Closed for a Year and You Should Be Excited
The tweet sparked a wave of discussion, with some fans agreeing that Disney may have underestimated Splash Mountain’s enduring appeal.
A Divided Fandom
The debate over Splash Mountain has highlighted a clear divide within Disney’s fanbase. While some embrace the change as a step toward greater inclusivity, others view it as an unnecessary loss of a beloved classic. Criticism of Disney CEO Bob Iger has also resurfaced, with some fans blaming his leadership for the ride’s closure. Iger, who is set to step down as CEO by 2026, has remained steadfast in supporting the reimagining efforts.
Another tweet from @ClckbaitCorless pointed out the influence of paid influencers in shaping public opinion:
As long as there are paid influencers like me, the odds are stacked against anything Splash ever returning. There is a reason Disney uses their paid influencers to try and form public opinion of others…
As long as there are paid influencers like me, the odds are stacked against anything Splash ever returning. There is a reason Disney uses their paid influencers to try and form public opinion of others…
— Clickbait Corless (@ClckbaitCorless) December 8, 2024
This perspective suggests that Disney may rely on influencer-driven marketing to sway fans toward supporting Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Could Splash Mountain Make a Comeback?
Despite Disney’s commitment to its new attraction, the possibility of Splash Mountain returning in some capacity isn’t entirely off the table. Many fans speculate that Disney could introduce tributes to the original ride through merchandise or limited-time events. Others believe that future leadership changes could pave the way for more significant nods to Splash Mountain’s legacy.
For now, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure remains a work in progress, with Disney Imagineers continuing to refine the experience. Whether this will be enough to win over critics remains to be seen.
Do you think Splash Mountain should return, or is Tiana’s Bayou Adventure the right step forward? Join the conversation and share your favorite memories of these iconic attractions below!
I have always been a huge fan of Splash Mountain and did not want to see it go. That being said, I still wanted to give Tiana a try to win me over. I honestly was extremely disappointed. It lacks creativity and leaves the rider wanting more. I feel like Disney rushed this out and just added screens with basic scenes on it, nothing to captivate the audience. It’s quite boring until the very end. I’ve done it a couple of times (only because i was going with people who hadn’t ridden it yet), but it is not a ride I’ll be wanting to get on each trip (and definitely won’t stand in line to ride it). I hope Disney either revamps this to add more animatronics with captivating scenes or just brings back the updated classic version of Splash. No “influencer” will win my opinion over on this one.
I have many special memories of Splash mountain. I was there when it was under construction at Disneyland.Hope to see the Tokyo version soon. Riding through just turned me back into a happy singing dancing kid. My head was like a swivel admiring each and every character. A cast member awarded me a certificate for first ride of the day. Hot or cold you had to ride it as many times as possible. Nothing offensive during the attraction. According to a biography of Disney, Walt stepped in to help the main actor of Song of the South out financially years after the release. Him and his family adored Walt. I’m sure he would have had a Zipadee do da day on Splash Mountain if he were alive today.
I agree with all that you have written. We were disappointed with the ride ourselves. We will no longer have this on our itinerary. If it has a 5 minute wait time ,Maybe. However, there are too many options to keep doing this,since it is not enjoyable anymore.
Disney CEO Bob Iger was overheard saying the new ride was boring after going on it during the preview stage. Ironic considering he ordered the ride to be changed.
I was a teenager in the 80s so I experienced Splash Mountain for years I even have T-shirts that say RIP Splash Mountain I am a dedicated fan of splash mountain I miss hearing the song on the log ride I experienced the new ride the only plus side is you get soaked and that will be good for the summer
I feel that the controversy over the origins of Splash Mountain was overblown, and driven by way too online personalities as opposed to the at large Disney fanbase. I would be open to a hybrid of the two, as I believe Tiana deserves her place in the Magic Kingdom. As someone who watched WWE attempt to force storylines on it’s fans I hope Disney learns the lesson to give people what they want the easy way, not the hard way.
As a Disney Kid who visited Splash Mountain from its first year in Orlando a part of me is saddened by the change. I do think the initial response to the change is a night and day difference from the excitement I experienced and witnessed in terms of 3 hour lines for Splash Mountain’s opening.
Would be curious as the number of animatronics in Splash Mountain as opposed to current Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. I find the new ride boring as it feels empty with less animatronics. Would recommend a poncho and would not wait more than 30 minutes for the ride. Hope they do add nods to the original ride.