We finally have a definitive date for when Splash mountain will be closing. Previously there was a rumor that Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World would be closing in January 2023. The reason behind this is to start the conversion into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Over the past couple of years, Disney has made several announcements about what to expect with the refurb. So when will Splash Mountain closing for retheming take place? Just a little over a month away.
Splash Mountain change is coming soon!
The Magic Kingdom’s Splash Mountain will cease operations on January 22, 2023. However, Splash Mountain at Disneyland has yet to announce its shutdown date. This is a relatively short time duration for the announcement, as we are already in December. So if you want to ride Splash Mountain before it closes, you have around 6 weeks left. The ride won’t reopen until the fall of 2024 so will be closed for about a year and a half.
What spurred the change?
Due to some of the depictions made in the Song of the South Movie, there have been waves of complaints. For those who didn’t know, it is the basis for Splash Mountain. The water attraction is closing due to backlash over its idealized depiction of plantation life and its connection to the 1946 Disney film “Song of the South” in the current Brer Rabbit tale.
Even with a disclaimer, Disney CEO Bob Iger stated during a shareholders meeting in March 2020 that he felt “‘Song of the South’ was just not suitable in today’s environment.” That is when the decision was made for the Splash Mountain closing was decided. The new theming for Princess and the Frog should be a major upgrade. Per prior announcements, it will be a new story with new music to be released for the ride.
Are you excited about the change to Princess and the Frog? Let us know in the comments below!