Disney's Splash Mountain closing date announced, ride to be reimagined as Tiana's Bayou Adventure
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Dec. 02, 2022
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2 min read
Disney's Splash Mountain closing date announced, ride to be reimagined as Tiana's Bayou Adventure
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Walt Disney World's classic log flume ride, Splash Mountain, first plunged guests down the 52-foot drop on July 14, 1989, and Disney has just announced its final trip through the briar patch will occur in January 2023.
The ride as it exists today features characters heavily inspired by "Song of the South," a 1940s-era Disney film that depicts dated, racist stereotypes, so it was ripe for a reimagining given the company's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Splash Mountain, as we know it, will be closed starting Jan. 23, 2023, to undergo a transformation into the previously announced Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Tiana's Bayou Attraction picks up Tiana's story after the 2009 "The Princess and the Frog" movie concludes. On this ride — the first featuring Princess Tiana — you'll join Tiana and her alligator pal Louis as they get ready to host a celebration for all of New Orleans.
The current Splash Mountain attraction is home to many animatronic critters, and from what Disney has shared, the new ride will have no shortage of "adorable creatures," including an otter, rabbit, raccoon, beaver and turtle, among others.
Disney has also released a new rendering of the moment you first enter the bayou on the attraction and shared that the ride will feature Zydeco music (a Louisiana-born blend of rhythm and blues).
Based on the renderings — and the warmly lit fireflies within them — it seems this attraction will keep that "dark ride" vibe as it builds toward its eventual finale drop.
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Related: Book a Disney vacation with TPG's partner, Mouse Counselors
Disney has not yet announced a closing date for the Splash Mountain attraction at Disneyland.
However, both U.S. Disney parks are transforming their respective Splash Mountain attractions into Tiana's Bayou Adventure with previously announced late 2024 opening dates.
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Featured image by DISNEY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
TPG Editor‘s Rating
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
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Intro Offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
$250Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees