Disney confirms Splash Mountain closing date ahead of ‘Princess and the Frog’ re-imagining

FILE – In this March 21, 2007, file photo, the character Brer Rabbit, from the movie, Song of the South, is depicted at the entrance to the Briar Patch…

FILE – In this March 21, 2007, file photo, the character Brer Rabbit, from the movie, Song of the South, is depicted at the entrance to the Briar Patch gift shop near the Splash Mountain ride in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Racially segregated movie theaters disappeared decades ago after court rulings struck down the legal framework of Jim Crow America, but another element of the era just won’t die: Walt Disney’s 1946 movie “Song of the South.” The company didn’t include the film in its new Disney Plus streaming service. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)

Posted: Dec 2, 2022 / 10:24 AM EST

Updated: Dec 2, 2022 / 12:43 PM EST

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Disney has confirmed that Splash Mountain will close at Disney World in January.

The ride will be closed starting Jan. 23. Splash Mountain will re-debut as “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” in late 2024.

The announcement that the ride would be getting a re-design was made in June 2020. In November, a Disney Parks official said the reimagining would be “expedited” to “ensure that all who visit the company’s parks do feel welcome as well.”

Disney is re-theming Splash Mountain after “The Princess and the Frog.” (Disney)

“In Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, you’ll join Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis during Mardi Gras season as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind celebration for the people of New Orleans,” according to the Disney Parks Blog.

The attraction will pick up where the story of “Princess and the Frog” left off, according to the blog.

The ride will feature zydeco music, a blend of rhythm and blues that was born in Louisiana.

Additional information about Splash Mountain at Disneyland will be shared at a later date.