What's Next For Splash Mountain? Imagineeers Dig Deep Into New Orleans Culture For Ride

ANAHEIM, CA — Disneyland Resort kicked off World Princess Week by taking an in-depth look at Princess Tiana and her new home at the former Splash Mountain attraction. Imagineers are digging deep into the culture of New Orleans to tell Tiana's ongoing story in a way that’s as authentic to the region. They've taken virtual trips and now visit the restaurant that inspired her character in person to get her story just right.

One year ago, Disneyland Imagineers were tasked with recreating the Splash Mountain attraction to tell Tiana's next chapter. The log-flume attraction, based on the animated characters from the 1946 feature film "Song of the South," was criticized for having a storyline steeped in stereotypical racist tropes. The site is nearby New Orleans Square, where Tiana can be seen waving at fans, and her famous beignets are sold by the bag-full. Other Tiana sightings include the revived Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures, returning to Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Aug. 26.

Imagineers continue to flesh out her story, which will begin right where the "happily ever after" ends in her movie "The Princess and the Frog," along with a colorful cast of characters from the favored film.

Imagineers promise that the new ride will employ "next-level technology" that will bring everything to life.

Inside the attraction, Tiana will hold a "one of a kind" Mardi Gras party where everyone is welcome when the new adventure begins. Music will be inspired by the film and "bring guests into the story," they say. Imagineers met at the world-famous Dooky Chase's Restaurant in New Orleans to discuss the woman who inspired Tiana's character: Lea Chase.

Charita Carter, the senior creative producer for Walt Disney Company, spoke on the new take on the old attraction.

"We pitched a concept to a local artist and pitched it to her because we wanted to see how our ideas resonated with her," Carter said. "We were inspired by her creation."

They're digging deep into the culture of New Orleans to tell an authentic story. The team of Imagineers has taken multiple virtual trips through Zoom, and now they're out in person to "get it right."

Disney has also donated $50,000 to the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, where students receive intensive instruction in culinary arts, dance, media arts, classical instrumental music, jazz instrumental music, classical vocal music, drama, musical theatre, theatre design, visual arts, and creative writing.

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