Disney’s Splash Mountain replacement has some surprises in its reimagining.
Disney World’s Magic Kingdom made controversial headlines when it closed its famous Splash Mountain on January 23rd. Disney (dis) – Get a free reportHe also said that Splash Mountain at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, will close on May 30. Disney has been between a rock and a hard place when it comes to a fan-favorite ride at both Disneyland and Disney World.
On the other hand, Disney has always been committed to updating its theme parks, and ongoing remodeling and renovations are always carefully considered when a ride is removed or when it’s being refurbished. Many Disney park fans felt that Splash Mountain was historic in its own right in terms of its presence in the parks, but Disney also had to think about the theme of the park and the kind of image Disney works hard to create for its guests.
Ultimately, Splash Mountain met its demise because the story behind the ride’s theme did not fit its Disney image. Splash Mountain featured a “Song of the South” story about plantation life that was distasteful and needed to be replaced. Disney decided to make it possible to replace Splash Mountain by using the Disney movie “The Princess and the Frog” as the new theme for the ride.
The bright side to close Splash Mountains
Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” tells the story of New Orleans culture through the experiences Tiana faces through the story. Tiana is a young woman who dreams of owning a restaurant. Tiana meets many different and interesting characters throughout the story.
Disney brings back one of the more unusual characters Tiana encounters during her adventure, Mama Odie, a woman as wise as she is mysterious. Mama Odie is the “Princess and the Frog” version of the Fairy Godmother. She is a true voodoo priestess who chooses to use her magic in an interesting way, allowing individuals to find the answers they seek in unique ways, rather than simply granting wishes.
Not only does Mama Odie give a comedic side to her character as she lives precariously in the swamps of Louisiana only to be regularly rescued by her pet snake, Jojo, but she gives positive representation of the elderly for being wise and overcoming a visual challenge.
Disney will also feature more characters from “The Princess and the Frog,” along with Tiana, Mama Odie and Jojo. The new attraction will also feature Prince Naveen, Louis, Eudora, Charlotte, “Big Daddy,” the King and Queen of Maldonia and Prince Ralph, according to Disney Parks Blog. Bringing Mama Odie into Tiana’s ongoing adventures allows Disney’s imaginations to bring a little magic to the attraction.
Disney’s Bayou adventure continues
Reimagining Splash Mountain, which has been in operation for nearly three decades, brings not only new technology to the park’s rides, but also the potential for empowerment for those who follow its story. Disney’s empowerment of not only their characters but their fan base gives them a very positive and encouraging spirit to dream a little dream and make it come true.
Both Tiana’s Bayou Adventures at Disneyland and at Walt Disney World are expected to open in 2024. Throughout the ride, sounds from the movie itself will be used to immerse park guests in the ride experience and New Orleans Mardi Gras atmosphere. Mama Odie is voiced by legendary actress Jennifer Lewis. Lewis is informally known as the “Mother of Black Hollywood” and a “National Treasure”.
The designs and artistic inspiration used throughout Tiana’s Bayou Adventures come from the New Orleans French Quarter. The Disney Imagineers even went to New Orleans to gain perspective and experience when designing the new ride.