Splash Mountain To Close May 31, Disney Shows New Art For New 'Princess And The Frog' Ride

ANAHEIM, CA — A closing date for Disneyland's Splash Mountain was announced by park officials Wednesday, and park-goers will have until Tuesday, May 30 to experience the briar patch one more time before it closes permanently.

The log-flume attraction, based on the animated characters from the 1946 feature film "Song of the South," was criticized "for perpetuating racist stereotypes that has been disowned by Disney," the Orange County Register reported in July 2022.

While the water-log track and structure of the ride isn't going anywhere, the ride will be re-themed and reopened in 2024 as Tiana's Bayou Adventure.

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Disneyland officials announced Wednesday that the new ride, based on Walt Disney Co.’s 2009 animated work “The Princess and the Frog,” will feature over a dozen audio-animatronic figures.

In addition, Jenifer Lewis will return to reprise her role as the "200-year-old bayou fairy godmother" Mama Odie.

Mama Odie's addition to the ride cast was revealed in a new Disney rendering released Wednesday.

The re-themed ride will take off just after the final kiss from the film, as Princess Tiana and her prince prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance. Expect to see other characters from the film, such as Mama Odie and Louis, the jazz-loving alligator.

"Tiana's Bayou Adventure builds on the story of Princess Tiana, a character whose pride and perseverance reminds us of a universal truth: within us lies the potential to make our dreams come true," a Disneyland Parks statement said. "This all-new adventure will bring Disney parks guests into Princess Tiana's world like never before."

In addition to the addition of Tiana's Bayou Adventure, park officials announced in January that the French Market Restaurant in New Orleans Square will be reimagined into Tiana's Palace sometime this year.

The new "The Princess and the Frog" inspired restaurant will feature peach-colored walls and green wrought-iron balconies, with memorabilia reminiscent of Princess Tiana's life and friendships.

"Disney Imagineers are partnering with Disney Animation artists from the original film to bring this story to life at Disneyland park," a Disneyland statement said. "In fact, the film designers took inspiration from the exterior of the original French Market Restaurant in New Orleans Square when designing Tiana’s Palace for the movie, so this is a long-dreamt homecoming."

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The menu at Tiana's Palace will feature many of the current favorites served at New Orleans Square and offer new seasonal dishes, the statement said.