Credit: Tokyo Disney ResortDisney’s final version of Splash Mountain is scheduled to close this month.
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Tokyo Disney’s version of Splash Mountain has been marked for closure beginning this month. The classic water ride will shut down for refurbishment on February 12 and will reopen on March 19, according to the resort’s official calendar.
While it’s unknown what will be done to the ride during its refurbishment period, past Splash Mountain closures at the Tokyo Disney Resort have resulted in improved operations, better technical performance and at some points, even larger amounts of water to splash guest with.
Tokyo Disney’s version of Splash Mountain is the last of its kind, with both U.S. versions shutting down permanently in 2023. Tokyo Disney’s Splash Mountain opened in 1992 and much like its now-defunct American counterparts, has become one of the resort’s most popular attractions.
A Brief History of Disney’s Splash Mountain
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Splash Mountain has perhaps the most controversial and complex history of any of Disney’s theme park rides, with the attraction serving as both a symbol of classic Disney Imagineering and as one of the company’s most problematic films.
First opening its doors back in 1989, few rides became as beloved or iconic as Splash Mountain. Taking guests on a colorful scenic journey up and down Chickapin Hill, Splash Mountain delighted and entertained, not only thanks to its thrilling drops but also its incredibly catchy tunes and cast of colorful critters.
At the heart of the attraction was Br’er Rabbit, who guests followed as he tried to outrun Br’er Fox and Br’er Bear.
The attraction’s story was about as simple as they come but paired quite well with Splash Mountain’s drops, of which there were plenty.
However, Splash Mountain faced controversy for decades due to its association with Disney’s ill-fated and mostly forgotten 1946 film, Song of the South. While blending live-action with stunning animation, Song of the South is seen as problematic, even sparking controversy during its initial release.
In the decades since, Disney has attempted to distance itself from the film, which critics say is demeaning of African Americans. An official physical copy of Song of the South has not been in print for years, and the film has also been barred from Disney’s Disney+ streaming app.
Obviously, the connection between Song of the South and Splash Mountain proved to be a challenge for Disney, and the company eventually decided to retheme the ride entirely as a result.
Disney announced Splash Mountain’s closure back in 2020, revealing Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a new ride based on The Princess and the Frog (2009), would replace it, a decision that is still considered extremely controversial to this day.
While the ride wouldn’t officially close until 2023, hardcore fans immediately felt the loss of Splash Mountain, with some taking matters into their own hands. In the wake of this announcement came debates and discussions online, informal protests at the parks, and even petitions demanding that Disney reverse its decision.
Unsurprisingly, these had no impact on Disney’s decision to close Splash Mountain, with the company proceeding with its plans to breathe new life into the classic attraction.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure officially opened in 2024 at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts, offering guests the opportunity to experience brand-new magic built on a classic foundation.
It’s unclear if Tokyo Disney will follow suit and give its version of Splash Mountain the boot, but for now, the resort seems keen on keeping the attraction as-is for the time being.
Have you ever been to Tokyo Disney? What is your favorite Disney ride?