Disney to Confirm Reopening Timeline of Splash Mountain in July

Splash Mountain, a Disney ride will be 'completely reimagined' into a The Princess and the Frog theme. Courtesy of Disney

ANAHEIM, Calif.—Shortly after Anika Noni Rose accidentally revealed on June 2 the 2024 reopening of the re-themed Splash Mountain rides at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, Disney immediately made the reopening timeline foggy again, saying more details will be released in July.

Best known for voicing the main character Tiana in Disney’s 2009 movie “The Princess and the Frog,” the Tony Award-winning actress had an interview on the “Live with Kelly and Ryan” show, where she shared her involvement in the new design—based on Tiana’s story—of the Splash Mountain rides at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

When the hosts of the Disney-owned ABC daytime talk show prodded for more secrets, the actress said if she shared anymore, she would be “sucked into the ground and [they would] never see [her] again.”

After Rose’s interview aired, Disney quickly released a statement, clarifying that the timing for the ride’s reopening “has not been determined” and reassuring that further details would be shared at the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans in July.

Despite two years passing since the announcement of their new theme, the Splash Mountain rides haven’t been shut down for refurbishment yet, and a statement about their coming closure hasn’t been made either.

The character Brer Rabbit, from the movie, "Song of the South," is depicted near the entrance to the Splash Mountain ride in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on March 21, 2007. John Raoux/AP Photo

The Splash Mountain ride opened in Disneyland in 1989 themed after the 1946 film “Song of the South.” It features singing animatronics as the log-dweller riders follow Br’er Rabbit on an adventure with Br’er Bear and Br’er Fox in pursuit.

In 2020, some Disney fans said the original theme is “stereotypical” or even “racist” in its portrayal of African Americans, as one petition on Change.org stated.

Disney announced in June 2020 that the ride would be revamped based on the popular 2009 movie about Tiana, an African American princess from New Orleans.

“It is really exciting to know that Princess Tiana’s presence in both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom will finally be fully realized!” Rose said in the announcement. “As passionate as I am about what we created, I know the fans are going to be over the moon.”

Prince Harry, front row left, and family friend Harry Soames, right, ride of Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida on Thursday, August 26, 1993. Riding at back right is Princess Diana. Diana, Harry and Prince William are spending a few private days at the Magic Kingdom. AP Photo/Peter Cosgrove

Disney stated the change was rooted in a tradition set by Walt Disney to encourage “new innovations, new ideas, new scenes and current storytelling” for the enjoyment of all guests from around the world.

Walt Disney himself opened New Orleans Square in the park in 1966, which is why the theme would fit well into their park, according to Disney.

The new ride will supposedly extend the original “Princess and the Frog” story to explore what happens after “the kiss” and give riders a new musical adventure featuring songs from the movie’s soundtrack.