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Splash Mountain Lives On Thanks To a Hilariously Bad Disney Promotional Video

Splash Moutain Lives On Thanks To a Hilariously Bad Disney Promotional Video
Credit: Disney/Canva

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s the truth; it’s actual; Splash Mountain as we know it is not coming back. Believe it or not, Disneyland’s version of Splash Mountain has almost been closed for two months. Walt Disney World closed its version nearly half a year ago. Time flies when you’re arguing on the internet, huh? Both rides are not only closed, but they are well underway in their retheming process. This hasn’t stopped fans who are still wildly vocal in support or opposition to the retheme to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Petitions and “Save Splash Mountain” social media groups are still active, and the debate is still hot.

Read More: Splash Mountain Becomes Record-Breaking Attraction

Upon Disney’s announcement that they would shutter the theming of Splash Mountain to play their part in closing the door on a piece of American history that many would like to forget, many were outraged that Disney seemed to have caved to public opinion. Despite your position regarding Splash Mountain, you can’t argue that it remains the most popular ride at Walt Disney World or Disneyland even after its closure. Despite this undeniable fact, it’s time to say goodbye to Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, and the briar patch and welcome Tiana and her friends, who will take over the log-flume ride.

tianas bayou adventure splash mountain ride walt disney world first glimpse water tower tianas food

Credit: Disney

Splash Mountain opened at Disneyland in 1989 and was a smash with Guests. Splash Mountain’s charming story and catchy tunes like “Zip‐A-Dee‐Doo‐Dah” resonated with Guests. It also helped that “The Laughing Place” had the highest log-flume fall in the country at the time, a whopping 52 feet. Magic Kingdom’s version would only a couple of years later at Disney World in 1992. Despite the problematic origins of the ride’s famous characters, Guests adored Splash Moutain. It quickly took on its personality, garnering a large following of faithful fans, and secured itself as synonymous with Disney itself.

Read Also: Disney Opens a Brand New Version of Splash Mountain

Many of these fans were left confused and heartbroken when Disney broke the news that the ride would be rethemed. As Disney World and Disneyland Guests took to defend the ride or Disney’s position, immediate and heated debate reared its ugly head all over the internet. However, ultimately Disney stuck to its final decision to change the ride, and we can now expect Tiana from Princess and the Frog to take over our favorite “Laughing Place.” As upsetting as that is for some to hear, it doesn’t change what Splash Mountain once was!

Splash mountain Tiana's Bayou

Credit: Attractions Magazine

Besides, we all have memories of what Splash Mountain used to be, and those aren’t going anywhere. I’m particularly fond of riding it for the last time with a dear friend, and I hope we can experience it together once it reopens at Magic Kingdom in 2024. However, before the ride’s opening at Walt Disney World, there is another memory I like to look back on and smile, sometimes even laugh at!

Disney is a master promoter. It’s evident in their films and Theme Parks. When something big is coming, the entire world takes notice. Frozen was everywhere before its 2013 release. Whether a Star Wars fan or not, everyone knew that Galaxy’s Edge was opening at Disney World and Disneyland. This is because Disney has little issue with saturating the market, using big names to promote their product worldwide. They rarely miss the mark. However, when preparing for the opening of Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World, the single greatest promotional video ever was made, and it will keep Splash Moutain’s nostalgia alive for years to come!

Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom

Credit: Disney

What better way to promote your new water ride at Disney World than with Brer Bear and a groovy rap song? It doesn’t sound like it would work, does it? Well, it happened! To excite fans for Splash Mountain’s opening day at Magic Kingdom, Disney put out a cringy yet amazing rap video that is everything we loved about the 90s. It’s got everything. White tennis shoes, terrible animation, big hair, dancing construction workers, and even men’s shoulder pads! How could it not get people lined up?

Credit: ohmy80s via Youtube

“Zip-Splish Splash.” It doesn’t get any better than this! This Splash Mountain promotion is so bad it’s good. Everything we loved about the 90s is right there for our viewing pleasure. It’s hard to watch, but you can’t look away. Disney’s awful attempt at hip hop (Brer Rabbit-hip hop, get it) is grade-A meme material nowadays. Strangely, I’m okay with it. Not because it’s good but because we’ll always have this to reflect on and think about what Splash Mountain once was. How could the memory of anything die when this video exists on the internet?

On a more serious note, some fans are taking the retheme of Splash Mountain more difficult than others. If that’s their process, more power to them. For those excited to get a fresh take on the famous log-flume ride, that’s okay too! I think incorporating Tiana into the story will be wildly successful, but that remains to be seen. We’ll always have this awfully hilarious video featuring some of our favorite Splash Mountain characters, however! Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is scheduled to open at Disneyland and Walt Disney World in 2024.

 

 

About Michael Arnold

Michael is a father, husband, and an Army Veteran. Michael spends his weekends at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando checking out new merchandise and food. Michael is a graduate of the University of Alabama and has an education background in Public Health. You can find Michael riding Pirates of the Caribbean over and over again or binge watching new Marvel and Star Wars content. Han shot first. Thor is the strongest Avenger. Roll Tide and Wash Your Hands!