One of Disney’s iconic parks has announced the permanent closure of one of the final remnants of Splash Mountain, sparking concerns about the fate of the ride’s last remaining version.
For decades, Splash Mountain was a cherished attraction, but its connection to the controversial film Song of the South (1946) has fueled a long-standing debate. The movie, criticized for its racial stereotypes and romanticized depiction of the post-Civil War South, prompted many to question the ride’s place in Disney’s parks. In 2020, Disney made the official decision to retire Splash Mountain, ushering in a new era of more inclusive storytelling.
Three years later, the U.S. versions of Splash Mountain in Magic Kingdom and Disneyland closed despite vocal protests from fans. Some even launched petitions and attempted (extremely unsuccessful) protests to save the ride, but their efforts ultimately failed.
Disney moved forward with a new attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, based on The Princess and the Frog (2009). However, the new ride has faced early setbacks. Walt Disney World’s version, which opened in June, has experienced frequent breakdowns, and Disneyland’s version, currently in previews for Annual Passholders and cast members, is facing similar challenges.
Tokyo Disneyland’s Splash Mountain: The Last of Its Kind
Tokyo Disney Resort now hosts the only remaining Splash Mountain. This version, almost identical to the one at Walt Disney World, features four drops instead of five and currently has no set closure date.
Unlike other Disney parks, Tokyo Disney Resort – often regarded by theme park fans as the best Disney resort – is operated by the Oriental Land Company (OLC), giving it more autonomy in decision-making. This independence has allowed certain elements, like the “we wants the redhead” scene in Pirates of the Caribbean, to remain intact while being removed elsewhere.
Yet recently, there have been rumors abound that Walt Disney Imagineering and the OLC are in discussions about a potential retheme, with cost allocation being a key point of negotiation.
Fueling this speculation, Tokyo Disneyland has announced that the Splash Mountain gift shop, Hoot & Holler Hideout, will permanently close on November 30, 2024.
While the resort is yet to give an official reason for the store’s closure, this move follows the larger trend of gradually phasing out Splash Mountain from Disney parks, with everything from merchandise to song loops featuring “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” removed in recent years. If the gift shop is on its way out, it’s no big stretch to assume that the ride itself may be next on the chopping block.
This latest closure is part of a wave of changes sweeping through Tokyo Disney Resort. In July, Space Mountain bid farewell, making room for an upgraded, more thrilling version of the iconic indoor coaster. Meanwhile, October 31 will mark the last chance to experience Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters before the park unveils Disney’s first-ever Wreck-It Ralph (2012) attraction.
Do you think the final Splash Mountain needs to close?