News Splash Mountain retheme to Princess and the Frog - Tiana's Bayou Adventure

[Stitch826]

The difference here is that the ride isn't being demolished. Much of those lovely southern vibes are going to remain. All of those outdoor queue areas, the views of the fireworks, the smells of the water, the rustic wood structures: it's all going to be there waiting for us in the next attraction. Yeah, the loss of what is iconic Disney music is a big one, but from an attraction standpoint, I'm optimistic. Disney has way too many reasons they cannot fail with this re-theme. If anything, I think other stuff gets cut/pushed in order to make this one work.

The thing is, Disney must use animatronics like in Splash. If it is cheaply done like FEA in Epcot, then people will rightfully be upset.

 

[Surferboy567]

A mediocre Harry Potter ride at that. Atleast the land is amazing, I guess.

Eh, I definitely enjoy Gringotts.

 

[UNCgolf]

GMR put you in the movies, as MMRR does now. Unfortunately, GMR was simply dated-the movies needed to be updated after 25-30 years so they were more relevant. Getting a new ride that literally put you into the newest Micky Mouse cartoon isn’t significantly different, and more timeless. I personally like the experience more than GMR and Rise.

I think GMR and MMRR are significantly different and don't have the same purpose -- GMR wasn't just about putting you in the movies. That's why losing GMR was such a big hit to the original theme of DHS. MMRR may actually fit the new theme (such that it is) better, but the current version of the park is kind of aimless.

Regardless, my point was that if someone is mad about losing Splash for the reasons stated in the post I quoted, but wasn't equally mad about losing GMR, then it's hard to argue their anger isn't politically motivated.

I'm personally not mad about losing either, because they're theme park attractions. I'm disappointed that something I enjoyed (and was a design highlight) is no longer there, but there are many former attractions I like better than their replacements. I don't understand the outright vitriol. If it gets to a point that I no longer enjoy what's at WDW, I'll just stop going. I've only been twice in the past 10+ years anyways.

 

[UNCgolf]

Not a Disney example but I was seriously bummed Universal got rid Jaws felt weird getting rid of a ride based off the first block buster fir Harry Potter.

Jaws had a lot of technical problems, but it (as well as several other closed Universal attractions) was better than what replaced it, at least in attraction terms. Diagon Alley as a whole is better, but Jaws was definitely more impressive than Gringotts.

 

[Stitch826]

therein lies one of my major problems with this

Especially when the parks needs additional attractions

Disney needs more thrill-type rides to keep up with Universal. Tron at MK is a start, but Disney continues to fall behind. Disney will always attract families with younger kids, but they need to focus more on older kids/teenagers. Maybe eventually build a fifth theme park that primarily focuses on coasters and thrill rides?

 

[Rich T]

GMR put you in the movies, as MMRR does now. Unfortunately, GMR was simply dated-the movies needed to be updated after 25-30 years so they were more relevant. Getting a new ride that literally put you into the newest Micky Mouse cartoon isn’t significantly different, and more timeless. I personally like the experience more than GMR and Rise.

While MMRR is a fun ride, it unfortunately takes up way too much space for the experience it delivers. Since it’s nearly all projections, nothing feels substantial or adventurous. The “waterfall” is nothing, the gigantic factory that’s supposed to be a threat provides zero reaction: Are we really supposed to feel threatened by a projection of a conveyor belt?

The Daisy scene is obnoxious. And Minnie kicks Pluto. I hate this version of the Mickey crew.

It’s a fun, flawed ride that doesn’t deserve the space once occupied by something truly amazing.

 

[SpectreJordan]

Eh, I definitely enjoy Gringotts.

To each their own, I don't like how it can't decide if it wants to be a dark ride or a coaster. It doesn't do either well because of that IMO. The first scene is cool though.

Disney needs more thrill-type rides to keep up with Universal. Tron at MK is a start, but Disney continues to fall behind. Disney will always attract families with younger kids, but they need to focus more on older kids/teenagers. Maybe eventually build a fifth theme park that primarily focuses on coasters and thrill rides?

I think they'd need more of the Marvel rights for a thrill based park tbh. That's an IP that lends itself to thrill rides very easily & it would get the masses excited.

 

[Rich T]

Disney needs more thrill-type rides to keep up with Universal. Tron at MK is a start, but Disney continues to fall behind. Disney will always attract families with younger kids, but they need to focus more on older kids/teenagers. Maybe eventually build a fifth theme park that primarily focuses on coasters and thrill rides?

Disney’s problem is that it takes them so ridiculously long to approve and build anything that other parks can run rings around them in providing new ride experiences.

But they should stick to what they do best; family rides and mild thrills anyone can enjoy. Universal is there for the big thrills.

In my opinion, Disney should not build a fifth WDW theme park until they fix what’s wrong with the four they’ve got.

 

[MagicHappens1971]

To each their own, I don't like how it can't decide if it wants to be a dark ride or a coaster. It doesn't do either well because of that IMO. The first scene is cool though.

I think they'd need more of the Marvel rights for a thrill based park tbh. That's an IP that lends itself to thrill rides very easily & it would get the masses excited.

They could do a thrill ride based on literally anything or even an original idea. A Star Wars speeder rollercoaster through Endor would be so much fun

 

[marni1971]

 

[JMcMahonEsq]

We can split hairs over exactly how many animatronics Splash had.

I will be happy if the new attraction comes anywhere close to number of animatronics Splash had , whatever that really was.

My overall worry from the start is for how long this attraction will be closed, as we see they work so incredibly slow and I think this is by design to string folks along.

Perhaps if folks could rely on timings and opening dates folks would plan their for their WDW vacation for an opening and skip a visit or two , but if you never know, you just keep coming and it will just eventually be opening on your visit.

I don’t think the time of the refurb is going to be an issue. People seems to think just because Disney had no reason to rush the builds of Rat and Tron, that Disney can’t push out a build. Tron wasn’t done sooner bc they didn’t want/need it to be done sooner. Its construction was perfectly paced (once Covid became a factor) to be complete and opened to coincide with the ending of the 50th. From a pacing standpoint it was almost perfectly scheduled.

 

[surfsupdon]

The first time. Sister and I in front row 1993.
Thank you for the many laughs!!

 

[Tha Realest]

They could do a thrill ride based on literally anything or even an original idea. A Star Wars speeder rollercoaster through Endor would be so much fun

They apparently refuse to go back to the original or prequel trilogy well, which is essentially corporate malfeasance.

They are much more likely to greenlight projects tied to the sequel trilogy era, something like Reva Sevander’s Speeder Bike Races or Star Wars: Save What We Love with Rose Tico, where you’re dropped into the Battle on Crait and have to sabotage Finn’s attempted destruction of the canon by almost killing him.

 

[MisterPenguin]

I’ve never seen princess and the frog. Is it worth the watch? I figured I’ll eventually watch it before I ride the new ride.

85% Tomatometer (thumbs up from critics)

Average critic score: 74

Average online user: 73

CinemaScore (opening weekend polling of attending audience): A

Well above average scores for most theatrical films.

 

[SpectreJordan]

They could do a thrill ride based on literally anything or even an original idea. A Star Wars speeder rollercoaster through Endor would be so much fun

Fair enough. I just think Marvel is a good anchor to a thrill based theme park; I wouldn't want it to be the entirety of a park though, that's a recipe for disaster if the IP ever becomes irrelevant.

They apparently refuse to go back to the original or prequel trilogy well, which is essentially corporate malfeasance.

They are much more likely to greenlight projects tied to the sequel trilogy era, something like Reva Sevander’s Speeder Bike Races or Star Wars: Save What We Love with Rose Tico, where you’re dropped into the Battle on Crait and have to sabotage Finn’s attempted destruction of the canon by almost killing him.

Reva... was from a prequel/original trilogy show though. I hated the show but it's very clearly not from the sequels. Also, Disney is moving away from the sequel era; there's no new projects announced for it nor is there any merch anymore. Mandalorian & its spin-offs are the priorities.

 

[Surferboy567]

To each their own, I don't like how it can't decide if it wants to be a dark ride or a coaster. It doesn't do either well because of that IMO. The first scene is cool though.

Fair criticism, as a huge fan of the IP I am going to inherently enjoy the Wizarding World more.

 

[SpectreJordan]

I’ve never seen princess and the frog. Is it worth the watch? I figured I’ll eventually watch it before I ride the new ride.

It's a fun little movie. It's not one of my favorites but I'd say it's a must watch for diehard Disney fans since it's one of their last 2D animated films.

I think it's a good fit for a replacement to Splash. They just have to put effort into it so it's not lackluster.

 

[Trauma]

I think GMR and MMRR are significantly different and don't have the same purpose -- GMR wasn't just about putting you in the movies. That's why losing GMR was such a big hit to the original theme of DHS. MMRR may actually fit the new theme (such that it is) better, but the current version of the park is kind of aimless.

Regardless, my point was that if someone is mad about losing Splash for the reasons stated in the post I quoted, but wasn't equally mad about losing GMR, then it's hard to argue their anger isn't politically motivated.

I'm personally not mad about losing either, because they're theme park attractions. I'm disappointed that something I enjoyed (and was a design highlight) is no longer there, but there are many former attractions I like better than their replacements. I don't understand the outright vitriol. If it gets to a point that I no longer enjoy what's at WDW, I'll just stop going. I've only been twice in the past 10+ years anyways.

I find the fact the you are comparing GMR to Splash Mountain laughable.

It’s like comparing a random All Star to Michael Jordan.

 

[Movielover]

They are much more likely to greenlight projects tied to the sequel trilogy era, something like Reva Sevander’s Speeder Bike Races

Kenobi is set between The Prequels and the Orignal Trilogy. Next time get your facts right before trying to look smart...

 

[J4546]

Jaws was Expensive to run.

A good example now, the most expensive attraction to run is Popeye and Blutos. It costs over $4,000 every time they start the pumps for the ride.

Popeye and blutos are 2 good rides I hope they don't get rid of them