Disney has announced that Splash Mountain will be receiving a retheming to Princess and the Frog. This would change the current ‘Song of the South’ theming.
The changes will happen at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World’s Splash Mountain attractions and Disney says they have been working on the change since last year. Honestly, I do think, just going by the concept art, this has been something they planned or at least discussed prior to recent events.
Here’s what Disney Parks Blog said:
“Today we are thrilled to share a first glimpse of a project Imagineers have been working on since last year. Splash Mountain – at both Disneyland park in California and Magic Kingdom park in Florida – will soon be completely reimagined. The theme is inspired by an all-time favorite animated Disney film, “The Princess and the Frog.” We pick up this story after the final kiss, and join Princess Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure – featuring some of the powerful music from the film – as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance.
Tiana is a modern, courageous, and empowered woman, who pursues her dreams and never loses sight of what’s really important. It’s a great story with a strong lead character, set against the backdrop of New Orleans and the Louisiana bayou. In 1966, Walt himself opened New Orleans Square when it became the first new “land” added to Disneyland park, so it feels natural to link the story and the incredible music of “The Princess and the Frog” to our parks.”
This new version of the attraction will be led by Walt Disney Imagineering, Creative Producer Charita Carter. We just saw her work on Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
The choice does fit the environment of the current attraction, so it really shouldn’t be too much of a stretch to do a retheming. Of course Disney will retheme to a princess. We saw the same thing happen with the Maelstrom. Not at all surprised here.
For now Splash Mountain is still listed as opening with Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on July 11th. So they must plan on closing it down at a later date, or they haven’t changed it yet.
What do you think? Comment and let us know!
Source: Disney Parks Blog
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