Splash Mountain Refurbishment In 2023: What To Expect
Splash Mountain, one of the most popular rides at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom, is set to undergo a major refurbishment in 2023. If you’re wondering what will change and when the ride will reopen, you’ve come to the right place.
If you’re short on time, here’s the key info: Splash Mountain will close for refurbishment on January 23, 2023 and will reopen in late 2024 with a new Princess and the Frog theme replacing the controversial Song of the South theming. The ride experience itself will remain mostly the same.
Closure and Reopening Dates
Initial Closure Date
The highly anticipated refurbishment of Splash Mountain is set to begin in 2023. While an exact date has not been announced, Disney Parks has assured fans that the closure will be temporary and necessary to bring exciting changes to the beloved attraction.
Projected Reopening Timeframe
Disney Parks has not provided an official projected reopening timeframe for Splash Mountain. However, based on previous refurbishments of similar scale, it is expected that the ride will remain closed for several months.
During this time, Imagineers will be working tirelessly to transform the ride into an immersive new experience that is sure to delight guests of all ages.
It’s important to note that these projected dates are subject to change and can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as the scope of the refurbishment, unforeseen challenges, and the overall timeline of construction.
Disney Parks will strive to provide updates and announcements regarding the reopening of Splash Mountain as they become available.
In the meantime, there are plenty of other attractions, shows, and experiences to enjoy throughout the park. From thrilling roller coasters to enchanting character meet-and-greets, there is something for everyone at Disney Parks.
For the latest updates on the refurbishment and reopening of Splash Mountain, be sure to visit the official Disneyland or Walt Disney World websites. These websites are the most reliable sources for accurate and up-to-date information straight from the mouse’s mouth!
New Princess and the Frog Theme
After years of controversy surrounding its previous theming, Splash Mountain is set to undergo a major refurbishment in 2023. The beloved log flume ride, which has been a staple in Disney parks since the late 1980s, will be transformed into a new experience inspired by the popular Disney film, “The Princess and the Frog.”
Controversy Over Previous Theming
For many years, Splash Mountain has been criticized for its connection to the controversial film “Song of the South.” The movie, released in 1946, has been widely criticized for its racial stereotypes and outdated portrayals of African Americans.
As a result, many Disney fans and advocacy groups have called for a reimagining of the ride’s theming to be more inclusive and representative.
The decision to retheme Splash Mountain to “The Princess and the Frog” has been widely praised by fans and activists alike. The film, which was released in 2009, features Disney’s first African-American princess, Tiana, and is celebrated for its positive portrayal of black characters and its emphasis on themes of love, friendship, and following one’s dreams.
Details on New Storyline and Characters
The new storyline for Splash Mountain will follow the journey of Tiana and her friends as they embark on a musical adventure through the Louisiana bayou. Guests will join Tiana, Louis the trumpet-playing alligator, and Ray the firefly as they search for Mama Odie, a voodoo priestess who can help them break a curse and restore Tiana’s friend, Prince Naveen, to his human form.
The ride will feature scenes from the film, including the iconic Mardi Gras celebration and the eerie swamplands of the bayou. Guests can expect to be immersed in the vibrant colors and lively music of New Orleans as they experience this new iteration of Splash Mountain.
With the new theming, Disney aims to create a more inclusive and diverse experience for guests while still maintaining the thrilling and magical elements that have made Splash Mountain such a popular attraction over the years.
The transformation of this classic ride is sure to be an exciting addition to Disney parks and a celebration of the beloved characters from “The Princess and the Frog.”
Ride Experience Updates
When Splash Mountain undergoes refurbishment in 2023, visitors can look forward to some exciting ride experience updates. While the overall charm and essence of the ride will remain intact, Disney Imagineers have planned a few enhancements to make the experience even more enjoyable for guests of all ages.
Same Basic Ride Structure
One thing that fans of Splash Mountain will be happy to hear is that the basic ride structure will remain the same. This means that you can still expect the thrilling drops, twists, and turns that have made Splash Mountain a beloved attraction for decades.
The iconic log flume experience will continue to provide excitement and thrills for guests.
New Music and Visuals
One of the most exciting updates for Splash Mountain will be the addition of new music and visuals throughout the ride. Disney has a knack for creating immersive experiences, and this refurbishment will be no exception.
Expect to be serenaded by catchy tunes and mesmerized by stunning visuals as you journey through the attraction.
The new music and visuals will add an extra layer of storytelling to the ride, enhancing the overall experience and making it even more memorable. Whether you’re familiar with the classic “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” song or discovering it for the first time, the updated soundtrack will have you humming along and tapping your feet.
Additionally, the new visuals will transport you into the world of the beloved characters from Disney’s “Song of the South” and “The Princess and the Frog.” Prepare to be immersed in vibrant scenes that bring the stories to life, creating a magical and immersive experience for all riders.
Disney has always been committed to creating magical moments for their guests, and the refurbishment of Splash Mountain is no exception. The updates to the ride experience will undoubtedly make it even more exciting and enjoyable for visitors of all ages.
So get ready to embark on a log flume adventure like no other, filled with thrilling drops, captivating music, and stunning visuals that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Impact on Park Operations
Alternate Options for Guests
During the refurbishment of Splash Mountain in 2023, Disney parks will ensure that guests still have plenty of options for water-based attractions and entertainment. With the temporary closure of Splash Mountain, guests can explore other water rides and attractions within the park.
Some of the popular alternatives include Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and It’s a Small World. These attractions offer a variety of experiences, from thrilling boat rides to immersive storytelling.
Additionally, water parks such as Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach provide guests with a refreshing and fun experience outside of the main theme parks. These water parks offer a range of water slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and other water-based activities that cater to all ages.
Guests can also take advantage of the various shows, parades, and character meet-and-greets available throughout the park. This ensures that there are still plenty of entertainment options for guests during the refurbishment period.
Effects on Wait Times for Other Rides
With Splash Mountain undergoing refurbishment in 2023, it is expected that there will be a temporary increase in wait times for other rides and attractions within the park. Since Splash Mountain is a popular ride, its closure may result in more guests flocking to other nearby attractions, causing lines to be slightly longer than usual.
However, Disney is known for its efficient crowd management and will likely implement strategies to minimize the impact on wait times. This may include adjusting ride capacities, optimizing ride operations, and distributing guests to other attractions within the park.
Guests can make use of tools such as the Disneyland app or Disney World’s My Disney Experience app to check wait times in real-time and plan their visit accordingly. It is always a good idea to arrive early or utilize FastPasses or MaxPasses (if available) to make the most of your time at the park.
Conclusion
The refurbishment of Splash Mountain to a new Princess and the Frog theme in 2023-2024 will bring significant changes to one of Disney’s most iconic rides. With the closure set to last nearly two years, the reimagined ride will reopen in late 2024, continuing the splashy log flume thrills with an updated, more inclusive storyline.
