More Splash Mountain elements close in the Magic Kingdom

As the Splash Mountain retheme draws closer, more attraction elements close in the Magic Kingdom. See the latest here.

Splash Mountain retheme

Back in June of 2020, Disney announced that a major reimagining of Splash Mountain would happen. This attraction, based on the controversial 1946 film “Song Of the South,” has been a fan favorite since it debuted in 1989.

The attraction will begin where the film leaves off; with the final kiss.  We’ll join Princess Tiana and her trumpet playing alligator friend Louis “on a musical adventure.”

Disney recently unveiled a 3D model, giving Disney fans an even more concrete vision of the conceptualization driving the retheme. It depicts the ride’s exterior and ride vehicles. However, you can glimpse into the cavern preceding the ride’s climatic drop.

As you can see, much of the ride’s existing external charm will remain the same. The most noticeable exterior updates will be the water tower sporting a Tiana’s Foods logo and the celebration sign hanging at the entrance to the dark ride portion of the ride.

All we know so far is that Disney plans to open the attraction in 2024, but many speculate the ride will close in early 2023 to begin work. Splash Mountain typically closes each winter for an annual refurbishment.

Gift shop is closed

Today we noticed that the exit gift shop for Splash Mountain is closed. Once you exit the ride, you can view your on-ride PhotoPass image, use the restroom, and purchase gifts and more. The only part that remains now is the part of the shop where you can purchase said PhotoPass photographs and maybe a few merchandise items here and there.

When the parks reopened in July 2020, the Splash Mountain retheme had already been announced. Many Guests flocked to this same exact gift shop upon Magic Kingdom’s reopening to grab what little Splash Mountain merchandise was left.

The exit gift shop for Splash Mountain is now closed. As you can see in the photo, brown scrim closes off portions of the shop.

Since then, the gift shop has sold generic park merchandise like Minnie ears and candy. Other than the attraction itself, the only thing that really remains is the play area. Hopefully that part will remain open with the ride so little ones have something to do.

Are you disappointed to see this gift shop is now closed? When do you think Splash Mountain will close for good? Let us know in the comments below and on Facebook.