Disney’s Splash Mountain Closes for Refurbishment

Disney’s infamous ride, Splash Mountain, has officially been closed on January 23rd, 2023. The lines for the ride have been reported to have a 4 hour wait time before it’s closing was made official on the 23rd. The ride is closing for a retheme due to its racist stereotypes portrayed in the original ride that has been open since 1989. The refurbishment has since begun and Splash Mountain is set to reopen in 2024 as “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.” The new ride will even feature the voice of Anika Noni Rose, who is the original voice of Princess Tiana from Disney’s The Princess and the Frog. However, the original Splash Mountain has remained open in Tokyo and has not addressed the retheme. 

Not only is this ride being rethemed, but more new attractions will be hitting the parks in the coming years, such as a Tron-themed roller coaster and a Moana walk-through experience being built in Epcot. However, fans have been slightly taking advantage of the closing, and have resorted to selling pins for $50, maps, and even water from the ride on eBay. The water from the ride is currently selling for $102.50 All of the Splash Mountain merchandise has been listed for ridiculous prices, such as $300 stuffed animals and $50 pressed pennies. Disney has discontinued Splash Mountain merchandise and is making way for the exciting new retheme set to open next year.