The debate turns when Disney announces the closing date for Splash Mountain

Disney has announced a closing date for its Splash Mountain ride at its theme parks, escalating debate about the ride’s renovation.

On Friday, Disney announced that Splash Mountain will be available at Disney World in Orlando, Fla., beginning March 23 Princess and the Frog-Themed attraction titled “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure”.

Information about the same ride at Disneyland, California will be announced shortly. Both attractions are scheduled to open in 2024.

Splash Mountain first opened in 1989 and is based on the 1946 film, song of the south. Over the years, the controversial film has been criticized for racist undertones.

In 2020, Disney announced its plans to re-imagine the ride with the 2009 film. The Princess and the Frog. After the change was originally announced, petitions and hashtags swirled around social media, and fans were upset about the move.

With the news of the next step in revamping the ride, many people rejoiced on Twitter.

One user wrote, “Here’s the thing, when I first heard Splash Mountain was on its way out a while ago my first impression was ‘oh I think that’s a bummer’ but then I found out immediately that it was a ‘Song of the South’ themed ride switched to ‘Oh burn it down 33 years ago’, it’s not that hard.”

“There’s a reason many people don’t know it’s a Song of the South ride, even if they’re familiar with the film, and that’s because *nobody likes to talk about it.*,” continued the commentator continued.

“People are going insane because a ‘classic ride’ is being changed. Splash Mountain opened in 1992 during the Eisner era. It will never be a classic. Y’all are embarrassed,” wrote one Twitter user.

“I rode Splash Mountain two months ago,” explained one user, “It’s embarrassingly outdated. Culturally and also technologically – it was on its last legs. It needs a refurbishment and I’m sure it will still be a great record for Flume Ride when it’s done, with a Disney movie you should really see.”

On the other hand, many were disappointed with the change update.

“Bruh, don’t do Splash Mountain like that. What the heck,” argued one Twitter user.

“Great. Kill a classic ride and replace it with a theme from a movie that very few people care about,” argued another.

One said: “Disney is about to ruin another ride. Sad where the company is headed.”

“This is absolutely painfully sad and totally unnecessary,” replied another user.

One user asked, “One step closer to destroying a fundamental and iconic part of Disney World, Walt Disney and the Magic Kingdom?”

news week has reached out to Disney for comment.