Disney World's Magic Kingdom made controversial headlines when it closed its iconic Splash Mountain on Jan. 23. Disney (DIS) also said Splash Mountain at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., would close on May 30. Disney was between a rock and a hard place when it came to the fan favorite ride at both Disneyland and Disney World.
On one hand Disney has always committed to updating its theme parks and continuous remodeling and renovations are always carefully considered when to remove a ride or when to just refurbish it. Many Disney Park fans felt that Splash Mountain was historic in its own right in being at the parks, but Disney also had to consider the theme of the park and what kind of image Disney works so hard to create for its guests.
DON'T MISS: Disney World Shares Some Really Positive News for Guests
In the end, Splash Mountain met its demise as the story behind the ride's theme was not right for Disney’s image. Splash Mountain featured the "Song of the South" story of plantation life that resonated as distasteful and needed to be replaced. Disney decided to bring empowerment in its replacement of Splash Mountain by using the Disney movie "The Princess and the Frog" as the new theme of the ride.
Brighter Side to Splash Mountains Closure
Disney's "The Princess and the Frog" tells a tale of New Orleans culture through the trials that Tiana faces through the story. Tiana is a young woman with a dream to own a restaurant. Tiana meets a lot of different and interesting characters throughout the story.
Disney is bringing back one of the more eccentric characters Tiana encounters during her adventure, Mama Odie, who is a woman as wise as she is mysterious. Mama Odie is "The Princess and the Frog's" version of a fairy godmother. She is a true Voodoo Priestess who chooses to use her magic in an interesting way, allowing individuals to find answers they seek in unique ways, rather than just granting wishes.
Mama Odie not only gives a comical side to her character as she lives precariously in the swamps of Louisiana only to be saved regularly by her pet snake, Juju, but she gives a positive representation of the elderly for being wise and overcoming being visually challenged.
Disney will feature more characters from the movie "The Princess and the Frog" besides Tiana, Mama Odie and Juju. The new attraction will also feature Prince Naveen, Louis, Eudora, Charlotte, “Big Daddy,” the King and Queen of Maldonia and Prince Ralphie, according to Disney Parks Blog. Bringing Mama Odie into Tiana's continued adventures, allows for the Disney Imagineers to bring a bit of magic to the attraction.
Disney's Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Continues
The reimagining of Splash Mountain, which had operated for roughly three decades, brings not only new technology to the park ride, but also the ability to bring empowerment to those who follow its storyline. Disney encompassing empowerment for not only its characters but for its fan base gives it a very positive and uplifting spirit to dream a little dream and achieve it.
Both Tiana's Bayou Adventures in Disneyland and in Walt Disney World are expected to open in 2024. Throughout the ride the voices from the movie itself will be used to immerse park guests into the experience of the ride and the New Orleans Mardi Gras atmosphere. Mama Odie is voiced by none other than legendary actress Jenifer Lewis. Lewis is unofficially known as "The Mother of Black Hollywood" and a "National Treasure."
The designs and artistic inspirations that used throughout Tiana's Bayou Adventures come from New Orleans French Quarter. Disney Imagineers even went to New Orleans to gain perspective and experience when designing the new ride.
