Disney’s Splash Mountain: A Complete History
Few attractions in Disney history have left as lasting an impression as Splash Mountain. Spanning three Disney Parks and delighting guests for decades, this iconic ride has undergone an incredible transformation journey.
A Unique Disney “Mountain”
Splash Mountain is unlike any other in Disney’s famed “mountain range.” Unlike its counterparts, it’s not a roller coaster. It was also among the first Disney attractions to draw its inspiration from a movie—though the movie it was based on, Song of the South, is not widely known today. This disconnect and growing awareness of the film’s contentious elements inspired Disney to reimagine the ride as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, modernizing the attraction while embracing themes of positivity and inclusivity.
Origins in Controversy: Song of the South
Splash Mountain’s roots trace back to Disney’s 1946 film Song of the South. The movie, which combined live-action and animation, introduced characters like Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox, and Br’er Bear. It also brought us the iconic song “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah.” However, Song of the South has long been criticized for romanticizing the antebellum South and perpetuating racial stereotypes.
Over time, Disney distanced itself from the film, locking it away in the “Disney Vault” and ensuring it remained unavailable on platforms like Disney+. Despite this, the film’s animated characters endured, becoming central figures in children’s stories and, eventually, the storyline of Splash Mountain.
The Birth of Splash Mountain
In the late 1970s, Disneyland’s Bear Country (later renamed Critter Country) struggled to draw crowds. Simultaneously, the animatronic-heavy America Sings attraction was nearing the end of its run. Seeking to revitalize the area and repurpose the animatronics, Imagineer Tony Baxter proposed a log flume ride inspired by the re-released Song of the South.
The ride, initially dubbed Zip-A-Dee River Run, was renamed Splash Mountain at the insistence of then-CEO Michael Eisner to cross-promote the live-action film Splash. Despite the lack of connection, the new name stuck, and construction began in 1987.
Splash Mountain: Building a Disney Icon
Splash Mountain was a monumental undertaking, costing $80 million—more than the entire cost of Disneyland when it first opened in 1955. Recycled animatronics from America Sings were rewired, reprogrammed, and repurposed for the ride, saving costs but introducing technical challenges.
The climactic drop, a defining feature, was carefully engineered to balance excitement and safety. Early test runs resulted in drenched passengers and even decapitated test dummies, necessitating redesigns. By the time it opened in 1989 at Disneyland and later at Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland, Splash Mountain was a resounding success.
The Rise of On-Ride Photos
Splash Mountain introduced a now-beloved Disney Parks tradition: on-ride photos. Capturing the thrilling descent into the briar patch, these photos became instant hits, encouraging guests to stage humorous poses and share their snapshots online. This trend would pave the way for on-ride photography at attractions across Disney Parks.
A Farewell to Br’er Rabbit’s Splash Mountain
By 2020, calls to retheme Splash Mountain gained momentum, spurred by its connection to Song of the South. Disney soon announced plans to transform the ride into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, inspired by the much-loved The Princess and the Frog. The new attraction’s story unfolds after the film’s events, with Tiana and her friends preparing for a Mardi Gras celebration.
Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom closed on January 23, 2023, with Disneyland’s version following on May 31, 2023. While the track remains the same, the retheme introduces new characters, animatronics, and music, bringing Tiana’s vibrant world to life.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: A New Chapter
Storyline
After The Princess and the Frog, the ride follows Tiana and Naveen as they expand Tiana’s Palace into an employee-owned food cooperative, Tiana’s Foods, based in a reclaimed salt mine. Preparing for a Mardi Gras celebration, Tiana and her guests journey into the bayou to assemble a lively band of musical critters.
Ride Experience
Guests board eight-passenger logs that float through scenes inspired by the Louisiana Bayou. The adventure begins in Tiana’s Foods headquarters, where Tiana tasks riders with finding musicians.
The ride transitions into the nighttime bayou, featuring critter bands playing songs like “Gonna Take You There” and “Dig a Little Deeper.” Mama Odie’s magic shrinks riders to critter size, leading to a lively party at the “Ranitas Verdes Club.” The finale features a thrilling 52-foot drop before a Mardi Gras celebration with Tiana, Louis, and all the critters.
Highlights
- Music: Beloved tracks from the film, plus new arrangements.
- Immersive Bayou Setting: Fireflies, dancing critters, and vibrant zydeco music.
- Grand Finale: A splashy descent and festive Mardi Gras party.
A perfect blend of storytelling, music, and excitement, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure captures New Orleans’s spirit and Disney magic’s charm.
A Legacy of Joy
Though Splash Mountain’s history is steeped in nostalgia and controversy, its transformation into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure reflects Disney’s commitment to inclusivity and storytelling evolution. Whether you cherish the original or look forward to the new chapter, one thing remains certain: Disney’s mountains continue to capture our imaginations and create unforgettable memories.
What are your thoughts on Splash Mountain’s legacy? Share your memories in the comments below!
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