When Will ‘Princess and the Frog’ Take Over Splash Mountain?

in Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World

Princess and the Frog Concept Art

Credit: Disney

Last summer, Disney Parks announced that the classic Disney Parks attraction — Splash Mountain — at both Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Park at Disneyland Resort would soon be rethemed to the 2009 animated film, The Princess and the Frog.

Though we do not have an exact timeline for when the project will begin at Magic Kingdom or Disneyland Park, or any additional details on what exactly the retheme will entail, here’s what we do know so far.

When Will the Splash Mountain Retheme Take Place?

splash mountain animatronics
Credit: Disney

Despite Disney announcing the Princess and the Frog retheme last year, we suspected it would be some time before the construction project actually began as Disney shared that this retheme would not happen until everyone had a chance to once again ride Splash Mountain.

The retheme announcement occurred during the temporary theme park closures, and even though Walt Disney World reopened its theme parks in mid-July 2020, Disneyland Resort did not reopen its theme parks until the end of April 2021.

Related: Splash Mountain Retheme: What Will Be Included in Tiana’s Ride?

Disneyland Splash Mountain
Credit: Disney

With this being said, Splash Mountain at Disneyland Park has only been reopened for approximately three months, meaning we can suspect that Tiana will not be taking over the classic attraction for at least  little while longer, allowing Disneyland Guests to have the opportunity to ride Splash Mountain in its original form before the retheme occurs.

Again, Disney has not shared exactly when the reimagining of Splash Mountain will begin. Splash Mountain is also not currently on the Disney World or Disneyland Resort attraction refurbishment calendars. Inside the Magic will continue to update you as we get information regarding the Splash Mountain retheme.

Related: ‘Princess and the Frog’ at Disney Parks: Princess Tiana Ride, Possible Restaurant

More on the Splash Mountain Retheme

splash mountain drop
Credit: Disney

In Disney’s original announcement, they gave a small snippet of what storyline the ride will follow.

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.

So, thanks to this tidbit of information, we know that the story of the attraction will take place after the film’s ending as Tiana and Louis prepare for a Mardi Gras performance! However, other than this, Disney has not announced other details regarding the retheme, but again, Inside the Magic will update you as we get information.

Related: Will Princess Tiana Be Human or Frog in Splash Mountain?

Splash Mountain
Credit: ITM

Disney’s official announcement for the retheming of Splash Mountain from June 2020 reads, in part:

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.”

[…]

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.

the princess and the frog
Credit: Disney

Anika Noni Rose, the voice of Princess Tiana, shared her excitement about the retheme, saying:

“It is really exciting to know that Princess Tiana’s presence in both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom will finally be fully realized! As passionate as I am about what we created, I know the fans are going to be over the moon. The Imagineers are giving us ‘The Princess and the Frog’ Mardi Gras celebration we’ve been waiting for, and I’m here for it!”

When do you think the Splash Mountain retheme will take place? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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in Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World

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